The purpose of a winter coat is to keep you warm during the colder months. Coats come in various styles and fabrics and are made from both natural and synthetic materials. The best materials for winter coats are those that protect you from the cold, prevent you from overheating within the coat, and still look stylish.

Wool

Wool is a natural fabric and is considered one of the best fabrics for winter clothing and coats. It keeps the body warm while still allowing for 'breathability' – that is, the warm air generated by your body isn't trapped within the coat. A wool coat may not be as effective if you get caught in the rain, however. When wet, wool tends to retain moisture, resulting in your body being ensconced in a cold, wet mass of fabric.

Cashmere

Cashmere is also a woolen fabric, but it comes from the Kashmir goat, and the resulting fiber is soft and luxuriant to the touch. Cashmere, however, requires higher maintenance than wool and is more costly. Like wool, it loses its effectiveness when wet.

Gabardine

This tightly woven fabric is a twill fabric, usually derived from cotton or wool, though can also be made from polyester. A polyester gabardine coat doesn't have the soft feel or stylish appeal of a wool or cashmere coat, but it can be washed in the washing machine. Woolen gabardine coats have a history of being worn by explorers at the South Pole and by mountain climbers scaling Mount Everest. For cold, northern climates, woolen gabardine works well.

Nylon

Nylon is commonly used as the outer layer of down jackets. Nylon is a synthetic fabric, made from petroleum products. Due to the dense structure of this material, nylon acts as a windbreaker against the cold winter air. When paired with down, either natural goose feathers or a synthetic down, nylon becomes an effective barrier against the cold. It also stands up well to rain, but if the downy fill gets wet, the down jacket isn't as warm.

Leather

Leather, like nylon, is a tightly structured fabric, though it is natural rather than synthetic. Leather jackets and coats are always stylish, resist wrinkling, and for the most part, resist staining. If you live in a climate with extreme cold, though, select a leather coat with a fur lining; while wind resistant, leather does not aid your body in retaining heat.

Faux leather is also used to make winter coats and is an appropriate choice for those who prefer fabrics from non-animal sources.