A lot of online listings call a coat "woolen" or "wool-style" when it is mostly polyester. That isn't always bad, since polyester coats can be warm, light and easy to care for. But you should know what you are buying. Here is how polyester and wool coats compare, and how to tell which one you are looking at.
Polyester vs wool coats at a glance
| Wool / wool-blend | Polyester | |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Very warm for its thickness and stays warm when damp | Depends on the thickness, brushing and lining. Thin polyester mainly blocks wind |
| Breathability | Good | Lower, so it can feel clammy |
| Rain and drying | Absorbs moisture and dries slowly | Resists water and dries fast |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Care | Usually dry clean or gentle hand wash | Often machine washable |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
How to tell if a coat is really wool
- Read the fibre content, not the title. US law requires textiles to list fibre content by percentage. A "wool coat" may say 70% polyester and 30% wool, or 100% polyester.
- Watch for marketplace wording. Phrases like "woolen goods", "woolen-style", "wool-like" or "double-faced woolen" often describe the look of the fabric, not what it is made of.
- Check the care label when it arrives. "Machine wash warm" on a heavy coat usually means synthetic.
- Look at the price. A long coat with high wool content rarely sells for very little.
- Ask us. If a listing on our store does not state the fibre content, contact us before ordering and we will check with the supplier.
Which should you buy?
Choose wool or a high-wool blend for dry, very cold winters and if breathability matters to you. Choose polyester for wet, windy weather, a lower price and easy care. Either way, size for layering (see our Asian to US size guide).
FAQ
Is a polyester coat warm enough for winter?
It can be if it is thick, brushed or lined. A thin polyester shell needs layers underneath.
Are KissGlow Mart coats wool?
Not by default. Check the material on each listing. Where it isn't stated, we do not claim wool.
Browse women's coats and jackets.