Shearling can be fake or real. While both are warm, investment-category real shearling, with lamb- or poodle-looking fur, is wind and water-resistant.

Cons of real shearling:

• Can stain and soil easily —  inspect after each wearing
• Must be cleaned each season by a specialist
• Should be stored in a cool, breathable environment

Down is, ounce for ounce, the warmest and lightest material. It is also the most compressible — and one of the most durable.

Cons:

• It’s more expensive than poly-fill
• It’s complicated to clean and very slow to dry
• May trigger allergies: down is not entirely hypoallergenic.

Poly-fill and “puffer” coats are easy to care for, hypoallergenic and offer a wide range of options.

Cons:

• Can be bulky to wear, won’t compact like down
• Heavier than down
• Breaks down over time

Wool and cashmere can be very warm, especially if lined. Both can be treated to be water-resistant — and provide a good barrier to cold and wind — but performance is specific to each coat. Cashmere is typically lighter and offers more mobility than basic wool.

Cons:

• Wool can be heavy and bulky to wear and store
• Can take on an odor when wet
• May be a problem for sensitive or allergic people