And the winner is...

There was a time when it was all about layers. Mad assortments to keep yourself warm. With a good eye for style, this could be pulled off to great effect. Mad accessories on top. Another plus to layers is you generally rock what you’ve already got, just on top of each other, so no need to buy new clothes.

Just a thought: No one ever compliments someone for wearing layers, but when you’ve got a nice coat, people pay attention.

In the past few years, it seems, or in my eyes anyway, the top brands have stepped their game up for winter gear. Last year in particular, Penfield definitely stepped it up and to put it bluntly, smashed it! Their Stapleton jackets were not only super warm, but looked just as stylish as some of the stuff Barbour were doing. Maybe not the best comparison, but in terms of super brands manufacturing winter wear, Penfield knocked all completion out of the water. Where Timberland and The North Face are probably seen as great functionality brands for winter wear, Penfield somehow pulled that off and with style to great effect in 2011.

The Jamieson’s collaboration oozed unique style, was contemporary and the down insulation took care of any winter wars. The Rockford and Rockwool down insulated jackets were also winners. I even read on a forum, someone complain that their Penfield was too warm. Gimme a “too warm” winter jacket any day. Who wants to freeze their bits of in the winter? Speaking from personal experience, I’ve not even had to layer up when wearing my Penfield. It’s a winter jacket that works – Eureka! The pricing wasn’t too offensive in comparison to some of their rivals. And if you catch any of it in the sale, you’re laughing. The Penfield Autumn/Winter collection for women also hit the spot; fitted and shapely jackets with the obligatory insulation for winter.

No need for layers anymore!

On a side note, Dunderdon make jackets worth checking. Cheaper in price than some of the aforementioned, but just as close for warmth.