Wanted: Wonderfully warm winterwear
Editor’s note: Our Buy section is your trusty instalment of recommendations for useful and delightful things. This community-sourced list—which we publish once a month—is designed to save you from unreliable online reviews and glorified Insta ads. You can count instead on the collective wisdom of our wise and experienced subscribers:) This month’s theme: everything you need to to keep yourself toasty in this unforgiving winter.
Coats, jackets, sweaters et al
Burberry: Ruchika recommends this peacoat as a “light, effective outer layer that looks cute too!” The quilted jacket uses thermoregulation fabric—which is breathable and keeps you insulated. The famous Burberry check is on the inside:) (US $950, Rs 78,800).
Uniqlo: This highly recommended brand offers a number of options. Ruchika swears by their Merino wool sweaters (Rs 2990). They come in a variety of colours and are very soft on the skin. She also recommends two options that are practical and make great travel wear: the Ultra Light Down jacket (Rs 4990) and fleece vest (Rs 1990). Preeti suggests layering the down jacket with the brand’s heat tech thermal collection (Rs 1290 to Rs 1990)—as they are super soft and lightweight.
Marks & Spencer’s: Inderpreet recommend jackets from their Recycled Thermowarmth Lightweight collection: the full-sleeved (Rs 2990) and sleeveless (Rs 1090) options. They both come in a range of colours. Inderpreet says: “Good size, big comfortable fit, warm and soft fabric, not synthetic like most other jackets. Neck and cuff fabric keeps me extra cosy. I have 2 of these.”
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Raymond: Sourabh additionally recommends Raymond’s custom tailoring for coats (price on request). He appreciates “the comfortable middle age fit for the middle :) :)”
Let’s boot up already!
Birkenstock: Sourabh really likes his Milton suede leather Birkenstock boots (Rs 7990). He warns that they take a little time to mould themselves to your feet—but soon they become “the most comfortable thing ever.” Inderpreet recommends the same for being “cosy, comfortable for big, broad feet.”
Decathlon: Shilpashree thinks these Decathlon winter boots (prices ranging from Rs 2499 to Rs 5999) are the closest option to the Columbia boots she could find in India. These are comfortable and keep the feet warm.
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Preeti says once you start to use these Uniqlo:heat tech socks, you can wear any footwear! (Rs 490.) Ruchika also recommends the wellies from Hunter (starting from £110 or Rs 11,600) and the Chelsea boots from Dune London ranging from Rs 8650 to 18,500.
Accessories, accessories, accessories!
Andamen: Sourabh appreciates the joggers (Rs 4590) from this luxury men’s brand—which come in a range of colours—are “perfect to lounge around in and keep warm when snoozing.” This luxe Indian brand creates iconic shirts of exceptional quality.
H&M: Preeti recommends a knitted headband (Rs 599) for super cold weather—and ideal for bad-hair days as well! This comes in a sweet beige colour as well, with simple yet classic twisted bow detail.
Uniqlo: Shilashree loves these heat tech gloves (Rs 1490) as they retain body heat to keep her warm. Don’t worry, this fabric is conductive and will allow you to use touchscreens!
Need more options?
Ruchika swears by Marks & Spencers for their socks (Rs 690 for two pairs), Primark for their cheap and chic gloves ($2 or Rs 165) and Uniqlo for their beanies (Rs 790)!
Do not forget about skincare…
Forest Essentials: Preeti loves this luxurious facial cleansing paste as it “smells so desi and delicious, non drying yet so calming and so good no matter what your skin type.” It contains pistachio, honey and almond. (Rs 1975)
Dermafique: This brand has a non-oily moisturiser called body serum (Rs 549) that Sourabh recommends. PS: They have a buy 1 get 1 offer on right now.
Burt’s Bees: Ruchika’s favourite chapstick comes in fun flavours, unscented (best for everyday use). Their tinted options are excellent as a base or top layer for lipstick. These are available on Amazon—either as a single (Rs 497) or a pack of 4 (Rs 1499.)
Nat Habit: Rashi loves these skincare products are they are “so simple and so effective.” Prices range from Rs 199 to Rs 600.
Kiehl’s: This creme de corps moisturiser (Rs 5200) offers deep hydration, is non-greasy and lightweight. Ruchika swears by this one.
Nivea: Mohit loves this holy grain option: “Nivea chapstick & moisturiser all the way! I have dry skin, Nivea products are cheap and also of good quality.” The lip balm is priced at Rs 165 and the moisturiser is Rs 449 for 200 ml.
Lotus: The lip balm (Rs 179) retains moisture for about 24 hours—and Shilpashree highly recommends it.
The Bodyshop: Inderpreet swears by this skin defence protective lip balm with SPF 50+++ as it “does what it says, and is best for chronically chapped lips.” (Rs 995).