What fall jacket is best suited to what weather?

If we had a choice, most of us would opt for sunshine all year round and only order rain at night. But in real life, things are very different. Weather can be very changeable, particularly in the fall, which is why we recommend keeping a variety of fall jackets in your wardrobe. Fall jackets not only need to match your style, but also provide reliable protection against cold and rain.

• Fall jackets for dry freezing temperatures:

Think yourself lucky – it may be cold, but at least it’s dry! The fall jacket should be lined, but doesn’t need to be all that thick. To avoid perspiration, heavy cotton or other natural fabrics are the most suitable. Preferably, the jacket should have a zipper for convenience when fastening and unfastening. As far as the cut and detailing are concerned, there’s no end to the possibilities: you can opt for a parker or blouson, a safari-style model with patch pockets, or a simple design featuring clean lines.

• Fall jackets for relatively warm rainy weather:

This is where it starts to get complicated, because now the fabric of the fall jacket has to tackle moisture. Water-repellent fabrics are usually synthetic or made of cotton coated with a waterproof layer of wax. The classic Barbour raincoat may not be to everyone’s taste, but there are some fabulous alternatives around that replicate the principle. A fall jacket should have a hood and a high collar to prevent water from running down the back of the neck unchecked. Oilskins are also a good option. In this case, it’s advisable to wear a thick sweater or cardigan underneath, as the thin jacket offers little protection against the cold.

• Fall jackets for pleasant sunny days:

A walk in the woods is all the more enjoyable during an Indian summer. Neither wet nor cold? Great…that means you can focus solely on your styling. Blouson jackets, edgy long jackets, trench coats, leather jackets, long waistcoats, padded jackets, lined denim jackets – the list goes on and on! However, it’s a good idea to go for versatile jackets and fall jackets with hidden little extras: a hood tucked away in the collar, removable inner jackets and linings, elastic drawcords in the waistband, double-layered waistbands, reinforced button plackets, water-repellent material and welded zippers. After all, you can never tell when the weather’s going to change…

• Fall jackets for the worst possible weather:

Rain, wind, fog: things can’t get much worse in the fall. Weather like this puts fall jackets to the ultimate test. If at all possible, it’s best to stay at home or to reach for a functional jacket. Fortunately, there are some that also offer the style factor. And they deliver on their promises, whatever the temperature or the humidity.

It’s cool to be an animal lover! This also applies in the case of down jackets for the fall. Instead of real down, it’s possible to use synthetic filling materials, which are far lighter, but no less snug. And they even retain their shape in the wash. Those who insist on the genuine article should check the label to make sure the feathers have only been collected from nests.