Quest for the Perfect Travel Coat

Like the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail, the hunt for the “Perfect (for me) Travel Coat” has been one of my long-standing quests. Over years of travel and many variations of travel coats, I now recognize a few themes that directly tie into my sense of coat contentment.

1. The number, type & placement of pockets.

2. The overall appearance of the coat.

3. The specific construction of the coat.

Pockets are critical to ease of movement and convenience for the traveler. Too many pockets and I forget where I put things. Too few and I have overloaded, bulging pockets. Quick note here: I am a “hands-free” traveler. What that means is that I prefer to go without a purse. I have winnowed down the items that I carry with me to my iPhone, a small travel wallet, a lipstick, a lip balm and a small comb. (I carry tissues in all pockets.)

The overall appearance of the coat is equally important. I prefer a sleeker, more tailored look – slightly shaped with princess seams and on-seam, discreet pockets. I’m looking for something that works well in the slightly more formally dressed northern European countries.

Note: On-seam pockets are particularly important to me. I’ve tried patch pockets before and have been disappointed with how they look on my 5’4” (162 cm) frame. Once I put a glove in each pocket, (as if I had walked into a shop or a restaurant – and didn’t want to lose my gloves) suddenly, my hip area has visually spread about 5 inches outward on each side.) I’ve deduced that for my style preferences, coats with patch pockets are for those days when I feel like I really need to visually add about 10 lbs to each hip. So, never.

The specific construction of the coat – that’s where the whole idea of a “perfect” coat comes together. Of course, it needs to be well-made, durable, easy care, water-proof, wind-proof, pick-pocket-proof….

Let’s get into the details!

Pockets:
Interior, zipped pocket at chest or slightly above chest height (at least 1)

1).Small enough that items are easily accessible (don’t get lost at the bottom)

2.) Small enough so that the pocket doesn’t make me look like I’ve grown a third breast.

3.) Large enough to hold travel wallet, lipstick, lip balm and comb.

Exterior, zippered pockets (at least 2).

1. On-seam
2. Can hold hands and gloves
3. “Secret” zippered pocket that is a “pass-thru” pocket from exterior, hand pocket to interior pocket. (Holds items not frequently needed like extra cash or passport.)

Construction:

3-in-1 style

Exterior Shell:

1. Water-proof, wind-proof, machine washable.
2. 2-way zippered closure (faster to put it on and close it up).
3. Princess seams – to give it a slightly closer to the body, shaped silhouette.
4. Hood – has an inner elastic face frame (to keep out cold breezes and rain.)
5. Stand-up collar – to block cold wind.

Interior Jacket:

1. Lighter weight (can be worn by itself in milder weather.)
2. Has interior pocket and 2 exterior pockets placed on-seam.
3. Princess seams – to give it a slightly closer to the body, shaped silhouette.
4. Stand-up collar – to block wind.

Nice-to-Haves:
1. Small, zippered pocket on sleeve (perfect for holding small set of keys or hotel key card.)
2. Epaullettes with working closures – (can hook my umbrella case string.)
3. Detachable fur collar and hood collar.

Next post will show what I have “put” together for a winter stay in Paris, France combined with frequent travel to the UK and other northern European countries.

What great travel coats and useful travel coat ideas that have worked well for you?