Finally, Winter Jackets That Are Warm And Flattering

Once a year I like to make a pilgrimage to New York where the NYLON US head office resides (NYLON stands for “New York” and “London” by the way… ohhhhHHH!!! Revelation!!!). I also like to visit the city when it’s winter, because the cold is a nice change from Singapore’s weather, which is getting ridiculously hot these days. Anyway, I discovered the hard way that winter in New York is also no joke — especially when it’s windy (it feels like it’s below freezing point and the cold cuts through your four layers of clothes). And so for my next trip to NYLON’s capital, I’m going to invest in a puffy jacket… hopefully the kind that does not make me look like the Michelin Man.
I’m clear on one thing: Canada Goose is out. There’s so much controversy with their brand and animal rights groups, that I don’t want to risk getting a bucket of paint thrown at me; and apart from that, I’m constantly having internal arguments in my head about whether to invest in a Moncler. In the meantime, I’m pretty pleased that I came across a more affordable option that has equally classic designs and wonderful functionality.
Snowman New York does outerwear using high quality materials and in flattering silhouettes. Their coats are patterned and designed in New York, and manufactured in Vietnam. The down used is also sourced from Vietnam through animal byproduct; and the brand claims to have the same final quality as jackets from Canada Goose (oooooo).

NOTE: I don’t believe in short puffy jackets. If the weather is cold enough to actually wear a puffy jacket, you’ll want a longer one to cover as much of your legs as possible. Also, I don’t see a need for fur in my hoodies (or any part of my clothes). So while Snowman does have pieces made with fur, I chose ones without.
I picked out three pieces for myself to try:
Here’s the Shield in black (US$448), Dragon in black (US$398), and Show in coral (US$228).

The Show is obviously the only piece I can continue to wear in Singapore, and also only when it’s raining (it’s an excellent raincoat with its water resistant fabric and hood). As for the other two jackets, they are both a beautiful take on the traditional puffy coat, with my favourite being the Shield jacket in black (it also comes in a dual-tone white).

The most striking thing about the Shield coat is its clever use of a puffy upper layer, and a ribbed lower skirt, which doesn’t compromise on its warmth factor at all. The entire jacket is filled with 600 fill power 90/10 premium down and I can imagine how toasty it’ll feel during New York’s wintertime.

Another clever touch is the ribbed extended inner sleeves complete with thumb holes. A feature that’s much appreciated when you’re not in favour of wearing gloves.

There’s a zippered pocket inside the coat as well!

And an all-important hood (ribbed as well)!

The brand is very proud of their quality standards, and believe that their jackets are so effective, you don’t need to bulk up with a million layers underneath (just one layer will do! They say.). Also, if you’re looking for something more colourful and can afford the wait, Snowman’s collaboration with ZAM is taking pre-orders on the website now.