Jackets: What Material Should I Buy? Exploring the Best Options for Every Style and Season

Choosing the right jacket can be surprisingly technical. From suede and leather to wool, cotton, down and synthetics—jacket materials are more than just a matter of personal taste. They affect how your jacket wears, breathes, insulates, and even how long it lasts.

In this post, we’re breaking down all the major jacket materials, what they’re best for, their pros and cons, and how to find the perfect fit—powered by tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading free sizing tool.

Why Material Matters in a Jacket

Material isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it affects:

• Warmth and insulation

• Weight and comfort

• Breathability

• Water resistance

• Maintenance and durability

You’ll want something different for a tailored blazer than you would for a winter coat or a lightweight summer layer. Let’s break it down by material.

Leather: Timeless and Tough

Best For:

• Biker jackets, bomber styles, fashion-forward silhouettes

• Autumn/winter outerwear

• Statement looks

Pros:

• Incredibly durable

• Moulds to your body over time

• Always in fashion

Cons:

• Can feel heavy

• Requires upkeep (conditioning, waterproofing)

• Not vegan-friendly

There’s nothing quite like the feel of real leather. It adds edge, structure, and timeless appeal to your wardrobe. But sizing is crucial—leather doesn’t stretch much, so your fit must be spot on. That’s where tellar.co.uk comes in. Enter your measurements and discover your best size in Massimo Dutti, AllSaints, Zara and more.

Suede: Soft, Stylish, and Sophisticated

Best For:

• Mid-season jackets, bomber styles, cropped silhouettes

• Fashion-forward outerwear

Pros:

• Lightweight and soft

• Luxurious matte texture

• Works beautifully in neutral tones

Cons:

• Easily stained or damaged by rain

• Requires protective spray and careful storage

• Not ideal for rough use

Suede jackets add texture and elegance, especially in muted earth tones. But getting the right shoulder width and chest fit is essential—looser fits can look sloppy. Let tellar.co.uk help you get your proportions right across 1,500+ brands.

Wool: Warm and Naturally Breathable

Best For:

• Overcoats, pea coats, smart casual blazers

• Cold seasons

Pros:

• Insulates while remaining breathable

• Naturally water-resistant

• Long-lasting with care

Cons:

• Can feel scratchy unless lined

• Heavier than synthetic blends

• Needs dry-cleaning

A wool coat is an autumn/winter classic. But beware: wool sizing across brands varies significantly. Don’t guess—use Tellar.co.uk to find your correct coat size in brands like Reiss, COS and Arket.

Cotton: Casual, Light and All-Purpose

Best For:

• Utility jackets, shackets, parkas, spring/autumn layers

• Everyday wear

Pros:

• Breathable and comfortable

• Easy to wash

• Durable

Cons:

• Not very insulating on its own

• Can wrinkle easily

• May shrink if not washed properly

Cotton jackets are ideal transitional pieces. But cotton fits aren’t always generous—especially in brands that run small. If you’re buying online, tellar.co.uk helps you avoid returns by matching your body to the right size.

Nylon & Synthetics: Waterproof and Performance-Ready

Best For:

• Puffer jackets, raincoats, technical outerwear

• Sportswear and active lifestyles

Pros:

• Water and wind resistant

• Lightweight

• Quick-drying

Cons:

• Less breathable

• Can look “plastic” if poorly made

• Not biodegradable

Puffer jackets and raincoats are usually made from nylon, polyester, or similar synthetics. Fit here is about mobility and insulation. Whether you're browsing Nike, The North Face or Uniqlo, tellar.co.uk ensures you buy the right fit the first time.

Down vs Synthetic Fill: Which to Choose?

Down Jackets

Filled with goose or duck feathers, down provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio.

• Pros: Ultra-warm, compressible, breathable

• Cons: Loses insulation when wet, not vegan

Synthetic Fill Jackets

Made from polyester-based materials that mimic down.

• Pros: Retains warmth even when wet, vegan

• Cons: Bulkier and heavier for the same warmth

Tip: Always check how the jacket is structured—bulkier designs require a fit that accommodates layers underneath. Get it wrong, and your jacket may be too tight or too baggy. That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

Blended Fabrics: The Best of Both Worlds?

Many jackets today are made from fabric blends—cotton-polyester, wool-nylon, etc.—to offer the benefits of each.

• Blends can improve durability, weight, and water-resistance

• Fit may differ significantly from pure materials, especially in cheaper fast fashion brands

Don't let confusing size charts trip you up. Use tellar.co.uk to compare real brand sizing, whether you’re buying from H&M, Mango, or Barbour.

Choosing Material by Season

Layering plays a role too. If you often wear hoodies or jumpers underneath, go one size up only if the brand runs true-to-size. Tellar.co.uk helps you adjust sizing based on what you wear underneath.

What If You’re In Between Sizes?

That’s where Tellar.co.uk really shines. Instead of generic labels, you’ll get personalised size recommendations from our smart sizing engine.

• Create a free account in seconds: Create Profile

• Enter your measurements or size in a brand you already wear

• Instantly get size advice tailored to your body shape across 1,500+ brands

No more second-guessing size charts. No more awkward returns.

CTA: Get Your Jacket Fit Right—The First Time

Whether you’re investing in a designer wool coat or grabbing a casual cotton jacket for the weekend, fit makes all the difference. The best material in the world won’t look right if the size is off.

Stop guessing. Start measuring.

👉 Find your perfect jacket size now – it’s free & easy

Let’s Recap

• Leather & suede = stylish, durable, but require care

• Wool = smart, warm, but sizing varies a lot

• Cotton & synthetics = practical, casual, but unpredictable in fit

• Down vs synthetic = warmth vs practicality

• Blended materials = engineered for balance but often confusing to size

Use tellar.co.uk to get it right, whatever your choice.

Connect With Us

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• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

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• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

Final Thought

Buying a jacket used to be a gamble—especially online. Now, with Tellar.co.uk, it’s a science. Enter your measurements once, and shop confidently across your favourite brands without worrying if you’re a size 10, 12, or M in each one.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.