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Best winter coats for the sports enthusiast

by Rachelle de Bretagne


Sports enthusiasts need to keep themselves warm in winter, and may appreciate styles which match their sporting image. From ski apparel to spectator gear, the sports coat market has never offered such a wide range of coats for men and women alike to keep out the cold, and to enhance the sporty appearance of the wearer. This article covers the types available for 2009 and the different age ranges and uses for which they are appropriate.


*Ladies

*Men's wear.

*Children.

*Ski apparel and snow wear.

*Hiking apparel.


Ladies.


For the lady sports enthusiast, the range of colors available this year is muted with pale blues, grays and pinks predominant. One of the aspects of the styles brought out this year is the flattering shape, which figure hugs the lady, rather than shapeless sports jackets of the past. The large range available from The North Face range caters for ladies of all sizes and price brackets, including slip-over vests for those days of winter which are not so cool. These are ideal, giving the lady extra movement and figure hugging style, and all of the items available this year can easily be color matched with other items from the lady's wardrobe.


For the lady who doesn't want thick padding, the sleek style of hoodie made from fleece offers a lightweight alternative in either muted browns or sleek metallic finishes, getting away from the traditional fleece look to give modern styling and finish.


Men's wear.


Although predominantly in black/gray and navy, this year's colors for men include softer shades of blue for those who dislike the harshness of dark colors. The North Face range includes tighter styling than in previous years, while remaining comfortable and protective of the body. Fleece jackets are less bulky and cumbersome than in previous years, and finishes vary dependent upon individual choice, from rainproof to resistant to cold temperatures.


Nike and Reebok go head to head in competing for the sports range of coats for men this year, each with individual styling and introduction of color.


Children.


Younger styles of sports jackets for kids include plush maroons, pinks and grays, styled in a very modern and up to date look, though offering the child adequate protection from the cold. Again, the North Face range offers good choice and flexibility of price and includes popular hoodie styles for those kids who resist wearing heavier coats in cold weather.


Ski Apparel and Snow Wear.


The Burton range of winter coats for snowboarders offer fun outfits which are thermally insulated without resorting to bulk. These coats can be bought to match snowboards and one of the properties which makes them a hot purchase is the lightness of the coats which makes movement much easier for the sportsman or woman.


Coats available for the skier follow the same style and color range of other sports coats, being muted pinks, grays and blues. In light, flexible materials, these are becoming more popular since they are a great alternative to standard ski wear which is traditionally heavy and thick in nature.


Hiking apparel.


The best and most fun range of coats for the winter season are those made by Burton. Not only have they included colorful motifs, but they have made their coats from lightweight materials which are easy to wear. The full zipper hoodie, for example, offered in many colors, has cuffs which keep the arms warm and added insulation to ensure warmth and comfort.


Winter coats have never been so much fun, and in 2009 the choice available for all ages caters for people of all sizes, and bears in mind individual desire for choice. Ranging from items which are muted in color and neutral in nature, to those which are outstandingly stylish and noticeable, the sports man, woman or child can be dressed at their best, no matter which sport they participate in, at prices which are affordable.





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