wanted: brick-and-mortar store in Chicago for winter coats
November 22, 2013 4:38 PM Subscribe
First Chicago winter for a California native. Need recommendations for stores that have good-quality but not-too-expensive winter coats.
This is my first winter in Chicago. I hate being cold. I'm looking for a long (at least knee-length) down coat, but have no idea where to start. I'd like to visit some brick-and-mortar stores to try them on. I want something that's decent quality, but not super expensive. Any suggestions for particular stores or coat brands that I should try? (Bonus points for coats that won't make me look like the Michelin Man, but really, I prioritize comfort and warmth over looks.)
This is my first winter in Chicago. I hate being cold. I'm looking for a long (at least knee-length) down coat, but have no idea where to start. I'd like to visit some brick-and-mortar stores to try them on. I want something that's decent quality, but not super expensive. Any suggestions for particular stores or coat brands that I should try? (Bonus points for coats that won't make me look like the Michelin Man, but really, I prioritize comfort and warmth over looks.)
The Macy's on State Street has so many coats. So many. It's like that supermarket scene in Moscow on the Hudson, where you hyperventilate from options.
Plus, there are usually some really decent sales going on, especially near the holidays.
posted by like_a_friend at 4:54 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
Plus, there are usually some really decent sales going on, especially near the holidays.
posted by like_a_friend at 4:54 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
Get some long underwear and middle layers too, if you don't have them...
posted by scose at 5:17 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by scose at 5:17 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
Also a California transplant. I've had good luck with Burlington coat factory. My experience is that long underwear isn't worth it, but this will depend on your commute and how well-heated your office is.
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 5:28 PM on November 22, 2013
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 5:28 PM on November 22, 2013
There's a Land's End Inlet store (i.e., an outlet store) at 7205 Dempster in Morton Grove. You can find some great bargains there on good down coats. My other go-to place for both selection and reasonable prices on winter coats is Nordstrom Rack, with multiple locations in both the city and the burbs.
posted by DrGail at 5:36 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by DrGail at 5:36 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
I bought my first very-warm-but-affordable Chicago winter coat as a college student at Filene's Basement.
posted by willbaude at 5:50 PM on November 22, 2013
posted by willbaude at 5:50 PM on November 22, 2013
A tip from a fellow transplant - the down is nice but it doesn't stop the wind. The wind cuts right through all the down coats I've had, even the one I have now that I otherwise like a lot. I just got a fleece vest to wear under it and it's much more comfy. I got it at Eddie Bauer.
And 2nd-ing the Macy's on State Street for selection. Look for one with a heavy outer fabric for the wind reasons mentioned above.
posted by bleep at 5:54 PM on November 22, 2013
And 2nd-ing the Macy's on State Street for selection. Look for one with a heavy outer fabric for the wind reasons mentioned above.
posted by bleep at 5:54 PM on November 22, 2013
Filene's is gone from Chicago--not sure why it's still listed on the website. I agree that for maximum wind-stoppage, you can't beat wool in a nice, tight weave. High collar and knee length or longer is best. If you can get something with a hood, that goes a long toward to keeping the chill from creeping down your neck. Double-breast or other overlap at the buttons also really helps cut down the chill.
If Nordstrom's half-yearly sale is still going on, I'd check out their coats, in addition to Field's/Macy's which always has lots of coats.
posted by crush-onastick at 6:09 PM on November 22, 2013
If Nordstrom's half-yearly sale is still going on, I'd check out their coats, in addition to Field's/Macy's which always has lots of coats.
posted by crush-onastick at 6:09 PM on November 22, 2013
Kohl's!
They tend to be more in the suburbs but there's one on Elston that's not too far if you're city-bound.
Stuff isn't high-end but it's affordable and usually good quality. Now that Xmas is ramping up there will be all kinds of wacky doorbuster, earlybird, and other sales going on. Get on their mailing list and you'll be bombarded with coupons.
And about that long underwear thing - that's only if you plan to be outside for long periods of time. If you're just going to be out between work/home/train, layer it up instead. Nothing is more miserable than being too hot in a heated office and the windows won't open.
posted by JoeZydeco at 7:23 PM on November 22, 2013
They tend to be more in the suburbs but there's one on Elston that's not too far if you're city-bound.
Stuff isn't high-end but it's affordable and usually good quality. Now that Xmas is ramping up there will be all kinds of wacky doorbuster, earlybird, and other sales going on. Get on their mailing list and you'll be bombarded with coupons.
And about that long underwear thing - that's only if you plan to be outside for long periods of time. If you're just going to be out between work/home/train, layer it up instead. Nothing is more miserable than being too hot in a heated office and the windows won't open.
posted by JoeZydeco at 7:23 PM on November 22, 2013
(Oh and just to add, your "comfort and warmth over looks" is a great Chicago attitude to have. Welcome!)
posted by JoeZydeco at 7:26 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by JoeZydeco at 7:26 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
If you can travel out to the hinterlands of greater Chicagoland, there are L. L. Bean stores in South Barrington and Skokie. I'm a Michigander and used to be a Lands End devotee, but became disappointed in their quality of late. My L. L. Bean parka (down-filled but not Michelin-puffy), bought online, got me through last winter with flying colors, and came in a fun magenta with fur-trimmed hood.
My other suggestion is to check out army surplus stores. You may be concerned that I'm telling you to throw fashion to the metaphorical winds, but let me tell you, the literal winds of Chicago will ensure that you fit right in wearing something more on the practical (not to say utilitarian) side.
posted by Smells of Detroit at 7:27 PM on November 22, 2013
My other suggestion is to check out army surplus stores. You may be concerned that I'm telling you to throw fashion to the metaphorical winds, but let me tell you, the literal winds of Chicago will ensure that you fit right in wearing something more on the practical (not to say utilitarian) side.
posted by Smells of Detroit at 7:27 PM on November 22, 2013
Nordstrom Rack on State Street. Moosejaw (brick and mortar location in Lincoln Park) always seems to be having online coat sales. You could visit their location then order online, or ask them to price match. They are delightful, FWIW.
posted by Lieber Frau at 8:28 PM on November 22, 2013
posted by Lieber Frau at 8:28 PM on November 22, 2013
Pendleton wool, eBay, tailor.
posted by oceanjesse at 10:45 PM on November 22, 2013
posted by oceanjesse at 10:45 PM on November 22, 2013
REI.
posted by professor plum with a rope at 1:35 AM on November 23, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by professor plum with a rope at 1:35 AM on November 23, 2013 [3 favorites]
I know you said affordable, so this is something to consider as a future investment/upgrade: waterproof North Face down knee length - fitted (although still a bit bulky, speaking as a lady who likes to wear figure-flattering stuff).
I got one last year (the women's arctic parka) because my commute (in Boston) involved waiting outside for a bus at a stop without shelter, then waiting 20 minutes (sometimes more) on an outdoor train platform. My coats which had been fine for car commutes were not fine for this (also, I get cold easily and am really miserable about it.)
I would also recommend good waterproof leather boots that are cute enough for the office - again, investment rather than inexpensive, but warm dry feet make a big difference. I have Merrells in a style they don't make any more, but I bought them 5 years ago and they still look great. A similar style is the Merrell captiva strap, waterproof. (None of this is really relevant if you have a car commute, but I thought I'd throw it out there.)
I think the coat was $400 and the boots were $200, but I'm figuring on 5-10 years wearing each, so it's an investment that's worth it for me.
Do your shopping on cyber Monday!
posted by data hound at 5:33 AM on November 23, 2013
I got one last year (the women's arctic parka) because my commute (in Boston) involved waiting outside for a bus at a stop without shelter, then waiting 20 minutes (sometimes more) on an outdoor train platform. My coats which had been fine for car commutes were not fine for this (also, I get cold easily and am really miserable about it.)
I would also recommend good waterproof leather boots that are cute enough for the office - again, investment rather than inexpensive, but warm dry feet make a big difference. I have Merrells in a style they don't make any more, but I bought them 5 years ago and they still look great. A similar style is the Merrell captiva strap, waterproof. (None of this is really relevant if you have a car commute, but I thought I'd throw it out there.)
I think the coat was $400 and the boots were $200, but I'm figuring on 5-10 years wearing each, so it's an investment that's worth it for me.
Do your shopping on cyber Monday!
posted by data hound at 5:33 AM on November 23, 2013
If you're going to be in Chicago for at least a few years, I'd contemplate springing for LL Bean. (The one at Old Orchard in Skokie is CTA accessible, but depending on where you start from, it'll be a pain. On weekends you need the 97 from Howard. On weekdays you have a few more options, but I assume you need weekends.) The store's selection isn't quite as extensive as the catalog, so maybe phone first. Old Orchard should have an Eddie Bauer, too (and I would assume a North Face store, but there's one on Michigan Avenue and that's pushing 'not expensive' rather a lot).
LL Bean ought to be more affordable than REI (which is at roughly North and Clybourn--there used to be an Erehwon and an EMS around there, too, but I think they're both gone).
Realistically, though, you don't need a knee-length coat. If you have a decent job, then by all means, go for it--you're not going to regret it. But if you're a student, you'll do okay taking yourself to TJ Maxx or Nordstrom rack and finding a decent winter coat and wearing additional layers and long underwear as necessary. (You can always pop into a bathroom and take off your long underwear when you arrive--depending on your tolerance and your commute, you might want long underwear for waiting for the bus/train.)
posted by hoyland at 6:17 AM on November 23, 2013
LL Bean ought to be more affordable than REI (which is at roughly North and Clybourn--there used to be an Erehwon and an EMS around there, too, but I think they're both gone).
Realistically, though, you don't need a knee-length coat. If you have a decent job, then by all means, go for it--you're not going to regret it. But if you're a student, you'll do okay taking yourself to TJ Maxx or Nordstrom rack and finding a decent winter coat and wearing additional layers and long underwear as necessary. (You can always pop into a bathroom and take off your long underwear when you arrive--depending on your tolerance and your commute, you might want long underwear for waiting for the bus/train.)
posted by hoyland at 6:17 AM on November 23, 2013
If you're not dead set on down and knee-length, you should consider wool and hip-length instead.
Wool is heavier, but it's more windproof, it doesn't lose its insulating power when wet, and the standard cut for a (woman's) wool coat has more of the hourglass waist/A-line skirt silhouette. Plus, if you're on a budget you can pick them up really cheaply at secondhand shops in the richer suburbs (e.g., Lake Forest).
The additional material between hip and knee doesn't add warmth. Anything below your waist is going to get kicked around as you walk, so those long skirts aren't actually going to trap any warm air around your legs. You'd be much better off with a hip-length coat and some long underwear. I like polypropylene or silk, but I've actually heard women rave about wearing wool tights underneath their pants.
hoyland: Realistically, though, you don't need a knee-length coat.
Yep, I got through five Chicago winters with a windbreaker, a wool base layer, and a sweater or two.
posted by d. z. wang at 1:36 PM on November 23, 2013
Wool is heavier, but it's more windproof, it doesn't lose its insulating power when wet, and the standard cut for a (woman's) wool coat has more of the hourglass waist/A-line skirt silhouette. Plus, if you're on a budget you can pick them up really cheaply at secondhand shops in the richer suburbs (e.g., Lake Forest).
The additional material between hip and knee doesn't add warmth. Anything below your waist is going to get kicked around as you walk, so those long skirts aren't actually going to trap any warm air around your legs. You'd be much better off with a hip-length coat and some long underwear. I like polypropylene or silk, but I've actually heard women rave about wearing wool tights underneath their pants.
hoyland: Realistically, though, you don't need a knee-length coat.
Yep, I got through five Chicago winters with a windbreaker, a wool base layer, and a sweater or two.
posted by d. z. wang at 1:36 PM on November 23, 2013
My other suggestion is to check out army surplus stores. You may be concerned that I'm telling you to throw fashion to the metaphorical winds, but let me tell you, the literal winds of Chicago will ensure that you fit right in wearing something more on the practical (not to say utilitarian) side.
my wife complained about how ugly the navy surplus pea coat was when i bought it for her a couple of weeks ago. it's also what she wore today despite having lots of thinner and more fashionable wear. particularly warm and useful if you have t ride a lot of public transit.
posted by lester's sock puppet at 8:05 PM on November 24, 2013
my wife complained about how ugly the navy surplus pea coat was when i bought it for her a couple of weeks ago. it's also what she wore today despite having lots of thinner and more fashionable wear. particularly warm and useful if you have t ride a lot of public transit.
posted by lester's sock puppet at 8:05 PM on November 24, 2013
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