Question from Lisa

Dear Debra,

I need a good winter coat for when I travel half the year to a cold and snowy climate.

I have looked everywhere, but major brands seem to have water proofing, rain proofing, etc coating, and almost exclusively use nylon and acrylics, or dry clean only wool.

What do you think of these coats, hats, scarves, mittens, etc? I have searched high and low for washable wool, or for cotton winter wear, but have found virtually nothing.

Do you have something your recommend or that you use yourself?

Also, if I buy a nylon coat with the durable water repellent and flame retardant treatments, is it safe to wash in my washing machine or should I take it to the launromat?

Debra’s Answer

Winter wear can be difficult.

I live in Florida, where the temperature rarely gets below 50 degrees, but I do travel to cold climates and so do need to keep warm.

Here’s what I do.

I don’t have a winter coat.

Another thing I’ve been considering is making a big wool poncho. But I really don’t have a need for it.

I have several big cardigan sweaters I can put over other clothes, and these are mostly what I use instead of a coat. I have a couple of cotton sweaters and a 100% wool sweater that I bought last year at Macy’s. Not everything is mothproofed.

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