With this, there's no doubt about the mild winter!? A strategy for outerwear in the closet based on destination

Struggling with outerwear choices this winter due to the mild winter influence. We considered realistic warmth based on destinations and how to spend time, using the clothes in our closet.

Why is it difficult to choose outerwear in a mild winter?

This winter is said to be warmer than usual, but in reality, the comfort level varies greatly from day to day. Furthermore, while light clothing may be fine during the day, mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, and depending on the destination, you may feel colder than expected.

Choosing outerwear can be quite troublesome in such a winter. Should you go for a thick down jacket or should you throw on a light jacket? If you head out without thinking too much, there are times when you might feel a bit insecure.

Therefore, I organized the outerwear in my closet into three patterns based on their warmth from the construction of the jackets. We'll consider what is just right for winter time, along with the imagery of the destination.

Pattern 1: A versatile coach jacket suitable for leisurely walks along the coast or in the city.

This winter, the jacket that gets the most use is one without padding or down. Rather than focusing on warmth, it might be easier to think of it as a layer that prevents wind and doesn't let too much body heat escape.

The DESCENTE DAYS coach jacket features a mesh lining that focuses on breathability and lightness.

The outer fabric has a cotton-like feel, offering a moderate wrinkled texture and a resilient material. It's not overly sporty, so it blends well in the city. With high basic performance in water resistance and wind protection, it’s comfortable while walking; it’s easy to adjust by opening the front if it's hot or layering up if it's cold, making it quite useful.

Whether for a stroll along the coast or a long day moving through the city, this lightness feels just right. Because it's empty inside, it offers a wide range of adaptability depending on the inner layers, making it a reliable presence this winter.

Product Name: DAYS Coach Jacket
Material: Outer Fabric: 57% Polyester, 43% Composite Fiber (Polyester), Lining: Polyester, Tag: Synthetic Leather (Polyurethane Coated)
Color: Khaki
Worn Size: XO
⚫︎DESCENTE Japan

Pattern ② If it's a chilly day and you're spending a lot of time in the car, the cruise jacket

While a jacket without anything inside may feel a bit cold, it’s not quite the time for a full-down jacket. This down switch cruise jacket is just right for those moderately chilly days.

This Munsingwear jacket uses down primarily around the body while using polyester material for the sleeves, etc.

The insulation is based on down, with a distribution designed for lightness and ease of handling, making it hard to feel the weight the moment you wear it. Because of its shell structure, it also blocks wind, helping to keep your core warm and less susceptible to cold than it appears.

Famous for golf wear, Munsingwear is designed with ease of movement in mind, making it feel less stressful on your body even in active situations. It's just right for days when you feel the chill in the morning and evening or when you're having a meal while traveling by car. This jacket is frequently worn as it strikes a balance between lightness and warmth.

Product Name: ARTECH SHELL Down Panel Crew Jacket
Material: Main fabric and lining: 100% polyester, insulation: 76% down, 16% polyester, 8% feathers, under-sleeve and side panel fabric and lining: 100% polyester, sleeve cuffs and hem: 85% polyester, 10% nylon, 5% polyurethane
Color: ML00 (Multi)
Worn Size: LL
●MUNSINGWEAR

Pattern ③ A down jacket that assures safety even at the summit

On days when it’s clear that it’s cold, down is indeed a reliable choice. Especially on days when you plan to be outdoors for a long time or when you’ll be standing still for an extended period, a down jacket that prioritizes warmth is the only option.

This jacket, "Anchor," continues to be a long-selling model of Descente's "Mizusawa Down," which uses high-quality Japanese-made down. While it may look basic, a closer look at the details reveals that it is quite high-spec.

The front is equipped with a double-layered zipper, making it easy to balance warmth and ventilation depending on how you adjust it. It is designed to be suitable for scenarios where you move around while wearing it or where you remain stationary for long periods, which is a significant feature.

The hood can be fixed with snap buttons and is designed to wrap around the neck. It reduces flapping in windy situations and enhances cold resistance without compromising visibility or comfort, making it suitable for even the coldest days.

These various details result in down that not only provides warmth but also allows you to "calmly spend time in the cold." It is a piece you will want to choose without hesitation for outings where cold weather is expected, such as waiting for the first sunrise at the mountain summit, New Year's shrine visits, or winter outdoor events.

Product Name / Mizusawa Down Jacket Anchor
Material / Outer Fabric: Composite Fiber (Polyester) 100%, Inner Collar: Acrylic 70% Wool 30%, Lining: Polyester, Insulation: Main Body Down 90% Feather 10%, Side Body & Under Sleeves: Polyester 100%
Color / Black
Worn Size / XO
⚫︎ Descente Japan

In a warm winter, I'd prefer "just right" over "the warmest."

This winter, there's no one correct choice for outerwear. That's why it's important to consider "where to go and how to spend the time."

Some days, it's enough to block the wind, while on other days, just a little insulation can greatly enhance comfort. And in definitely cold situations, it's a wise choice to rely on genuine down without hesitation.

By organizing the outerwear in your closet by function, you can naturally choose based on your destination for the day. Just doing that should make this winter much more comfortable.

Reporting and text by SYURI

Search Mizusawa Down on Amazon