These Winter Clothing Brands Are Actually Worth the Money

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Buying winter clothing can be a major investment, and it’s important to choose clothing that fits well, performs well according to the temperatures and weather you’ll face and offers great value. Matching that last point to the first two takes some work; The top winter clothing brands can be pricey, so I researched and identified the best winter clothing brands that are actually worth the money at various price points.

Whether you’re spending a lot or a little, the finalists deliver. From impressive warranties to quality materials to sustainability perks, these clothing brands justify the cost of their products in many ways.

Ororo

Rather than relying on thick layers to keep you warm, Ororo specializes in heated winter clothing without the bulk. In addition to essentials like heated jackets and vests, Ororo sells accessories like heated scarves, gloves socks, and even a heated dog vest.

Founded in 2015, the brand uses Underwriters Laboratories-certified batteries for safety and backs its heating elements with a three-year warranty. Ororo runs many Black Friday and holiday sales, so you can get an even better deal when you stock up on winter gear for men, women and kids, if you live somewhere that doesn’t freeze before December.

I was gifted the Ororo Women’s Lightweight Heated Vest four years ago, and it’s become my go-to for working in my horse barn on days when temperatures can drop to single digits or into the negatives. The vest is lightweight and thin enough to wear under a sweatshirt and jacket, and I find the heated collar to be particularly soothing on cold days. The vest produces a strong heat and has performed reliably, and most reviews of Ororo products reflect the same experience.

Patagonia

Known for its top-quality clothing and its dedication to protecting the environment, Patagonia is a top brand when it comes to winter wear. The company supports grassroots nonprofits working to protect, preserve and regenerate lands and waters, so you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your purchases are funding positive change, too.

There are many financial reasons to shop at Patagonia, too. The company’s Ironclad Guarantee vouches for customer satisfaction with all items the brand makes with replacement or reasonably priced repair, and it’s not constrained by a time limit. Patagonia provides DIY repair and care guides to help you get the most out of your winter gear, or you can send items to the manufacturer for repairs. You can also trade in gently used Patagonia clothing for a credit to buy new items from the company.

32 Degrees

32 Degrees offers winter clothing at an economical price point, perfect when you need to stock up for your whole family. The brand sells outerwear, base layers, socks, footwear and more for men and women. Winter wear options include a sherpa and soft velour collection, both of which combine warmth with comfort.

I’ve shopped from 32 Degrees several times and have been pleased with the products’ value. I have numerous base layer tops and leggings, all of which are soft and have held up well to repetitive wear. I also have a fleece jacket that is no longer sold, but which is surprisingly warm.

32 Degrees frequently offers sales, especially around holidays like Black Friday, and you’ll find some of the best deals then. Even if the products you want aren’t on sale, the company’s prices are still excellent, with many items costing less than $10. Check the site frequently, though, and chances are you’ll find an irresistible deal.

PAKA

PAKA specializes in sustainable clothing crafted from alpaca fiber. According to the PAKA website, alpacas are highly sustainable, since they roam freely in their natural environment in the Andes and have paws that leave no sharp footprints behind. Alpacas efficiently produce fleece, and shearing it produces more fiber than shearing goats does. Plus, alpaca fiber is thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, lighter than sheep’s wool, soft and durable.

At PAKA, you’ll find a wide range of winter clothing options, including thermal socks, sweaters, hoodies, base layers and outerwear for men and women. Products like PAKA’s jackets are crafted with insulation that’s ethically sourced from free-roaming alpaca. Woven garments are handmade in Peru, and some even include tags that you can use to identify exactly where the fiber was sourced. PAKA products are mainly sold directly through their website, and you won’t find them at major retailers like Amazon. However, that’s part of the appeal, and if you’re looking for truly top-quality winter clothing that prioritizes sustainability, PAKA delivers.

Smartwool

Smartwool specializes in Merino wool apparel, including a winter line of base layers, tops, sweaters, slippers, jackets and more for men, women and kids. Since Merino wool naturally regulates temperatures, resists odors, wicks moisture and is soft, it’s an ideal material for multiple conditions, including winter wear. Smartwool stands behind its products with a two-year product guarantee, and may not even require you to return your product to get a reimbursement.

The company has developed an extensive selection of socks and other products. If you’re not sure where to start, the Sock Finder can guide you to the perfect pair based on factors like the activity you’ll be performing, your preferred sock cut, the amount of cushion you need and more. The socks have a higher price point than many, but Smartwool products consistently receive overwhelmingly positive reviews on retail platforms like Amazon.

When your garments reach the end of their lifespan, you can recycle them with Smartwool’s Second Cut program. Smartwool will recycle those old garments into new products, minimizing waste.

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