SHACKETS, JACKETS & COATS: WARMTH SCALE AND FABRIC WEIGHTS FOR WINTER
When the temps dip and you need outerwear that’s cute and not ridiculously bulky, it helps to understand exactly what you’re wearing.
At Krush Kandy Boutique, we’ve made it simple! In this guide, we explain what a shacket vs. a jacket or coat is, how heavy the fabric is, and when to pick your outerwear based on how and why you wear it.
Here’s everything you need to know about dressing warmly without going overboard, and caring for your layers so they last.
FABRIC WEIGHT GUIDE
The weight of a fabric plays a starring role in how warm and durable your outerwear is. Fabric weight is measured in grams per square metre (GSM), and the heavier it is, the greater the coat warmth.
Here’s a quick fabric weight guide breakdown:
Lightweight (≈ < 150 GSM): Barely there, great for shirt-jackets or shackets with minimal insulation.
Midweight (≈ 150–350 GSM): Thicker and more structured, this is the typical fabric for jackets, unlined coats, and casual blazers.
Heavyweight (≈ > 350 GSM): Dense, solid fabrics for serious warmth and structure. Think wool overcoats, puffer coats, and heavy outerwear.
Ultra‑heavy (≈ > 400 GSM): Extremely thick and robust fabrics, used for rugged winter coats or heavy wool.
KRUSH KANDY COAT WARMTH SCALE
Coats come in all shapes and warmth levels, but our Krush Kandy warmth scale can help you choose what suits your chill factor:
Level 1 (Light Coat or Shacket): 150-350 GSM, minimal insulation, unlined or lightly lined. Great for mild winters or layering.
Level 2 (Mid‑Weight Coat): 350–400 GSM wool or insulated shell; lined; good for regular use in colder weather.
Level 3 (Heavy Coat): > 400+ GSM or heavily insulated fabrics (down, heavy wool); maximum wind resistance and warmth.
A SHACKET VS JACKET
A shacket sounds exactly like its name. It’s part shirt, part jacket. Typically made in light to midweight fabrics, it has more structure than a shirt, but it’s less bulky than a coat. Shackets usually lack heavy insulation or thick lining, which makes them great for layering or transitional weather. Because they’re lighter, they have only a moderate wind resistance, so they are great for a breezy day but not suitable for storms.
Best For: Errands, casual commuting, layering on quick trips. Because it's so versatile, it's a style favorite when it's chilly but not freezing.
LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS
A lightweight jacket is typically made from midweight fabric. These jackets might have a thin polyester or mesh lining, but no heavy insulation. Blazers often fall into this category if they are lightweight and have a soft weave, but so do more sporty options. These jackets also offer mild wind resistance, and you may find them in water-resistant finishes too.
Best For: Daily commutes, work or post-gym, weekend errands, travel in mild winter.
HEAVIER JACKETS & LIGHTWEIGHT COATS
When you want something warmer than a jacket, but not quite a big wool overcoat, go for heavier jackets and coats. These garments are made from thicker wool, velvets, heavyweight cotton blends, or synthetic insulated shells. They’re also usually medium to fully lined, possibly with synthetic fill or quilted interior, and have good wind resistance as they’re made from denser fabric and have linings that help block the wind.
Best For: Getting maximum coat warmth when commuting, traveling, running brisk errands, or creating cute layers.
HOW TO CARE FOR & STORE YOUR SHACKETS, JACKETS & COATS
Throughout the year, you’ll switch between shackets, jackets, and coats, so you need to know how to care for and store them properly.
Fortunately, when making them last, a little care goes a long way!
Start by cleaning your outerwear before storing it for the season. Dirt, salt, and grime can damage fabric over time, and wool or delicate outerwear should always go to a specialist cleaner.
Then, when you’re ready to hang your coats, choose wide, padded hangers so the shoulders keep their shape. A proper coat hanger is a great investment, or, if you don’t have hanging space, roll your coats up rather than folding them, as this will prevent them from getting sharp, hard-to-remove creases.
If you were thinking about popping your jackets in plastic garment bags, rather store them in breathable fabric covers instead. Plastic traps moisture and can weaken fibers, reducing longevity.
You must also always make sure your outerwear is completely dry before you put it away; damp fabric invites mildew and can go moldy. You can use a cupboard dehumidifier to add extra protection or add a little natural defense, like cedar blocks or lavender sachets, to keep moths from settling into your wool pieces.
During the off-season, it’s also a great idea to check on your coats from time to time. Air them out, fluff them up, and keep them in perfect condition until it’s time to pop them back into rotation.
UP THE WARMTH FACTOR
The fabric weight, lining, wind resistance, and structure all shape how warm your outerwear will feel and where it performs best.
Use our fabric weight guide to figure out which jacket (or shacket!) you need, and then enjoy shopping at Krush Kandy!
We’ve got the cutest ways to stay warm waiting for you.