Coats with polyester linings?

[njeremy]

I keep coming across winter coats with polyester linings. Some of them are from quite respectable labels and are otherwise well-constructed. What should I think of these? Will they be breathable? The standard answer is "polyesters have come a long way since the 70's but still aren't as good as natural fibers." I don't own any polyester-lined clothes, so that doesn't really help me. So a few questions:

1) Does anyone have one of these coats? How well does it breathe?

2) Should I get one if I otherwise like the coat?

3) How easily can the lining be replaced if I choose to do so?

 

[Sazerac]

I just checked my coats. One of them has a poly lining. It's not bad at all in the winter. In a winter coat, breathability is really only a concern if you're going to be wearing it for a long time at a single stretch or using it for performance related activities. I have never seen a guy in an overcoat on the ski slopes, and I've seen a lot.

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

Are you confusing Polyester with Cupro or Rayon? They are two very different things. Do a search on cupro linings and you will find out more.

 

[Sazerac]

Yeah, rayon is much different than poly. I have a rayon lining in a Zegna overcoat and it works well. Are you looking at more formal coats or jackets for the slopes?

 

[njeremy]

I'm talking about formal coats. I've seen some with rayon, but some are polyester. Is it at all breathable? Is it easy to switch out the lining for something else? How much might a tailor charge to do this?

 

[Sazerac]

Honestly, I really wouldn't bother switching it out. As I said, breathability isn't really that much of an issue if you're not wearing them for hours and hours at a time and not doing anything really strenuous in them.

I had the lining in an old overcoat replaced years ago and I remember it being fairly major surgery -- both on the coat and on my wallet.

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

Only a cheaper coat would have a poly lining. Therefore switching the lining doesn't seem worth it. You are probably looking at around a $100 to reline a jacket.

 

[bleachboy]

Solution: If it's going to bother you, don't buy a coat with a polyester lining.

 

[entrero]

Yeah, I only buy coats that are silk lined. I don't care if it's 100% nylon, polyester or cotton, as long the lining is made of silk

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by entrero

Yeah, I only buy coats that are silk lined. I don't care if it's 100% nylon, polyester or cotton, as long the lining is made of silk

Not many jackets are lined with silk anymore; rayon is more breathable, harder wearing and cheaper.