Velvet Vogue built this jacket for the woman who wants a coat that works harder than it looks. The outer shell is quilted in a diamond grid with a faint sheen to it, so from a distance it passes for something dressier than a technical layer, and up close the stitching is what gives the padding its structure. A full-length zip runs to the top of a padded hood, which means the whole thing closes right up when the wind turns.

Inside, a soft fleece runs through the body and up into the collar, so the part that touches your neck is the warmest part of the jacket. Two zip side pockets keep your hands and your keys where you left them. The cuffs are ribbed to seal the sleeve, and the fit is regular and easy through the body, which is the difference between a coat you can move in and a coat you tolerate.

It stops at the upper thigh, long enough to cover a jumper and short enough to sit down in comfortably. Sizes run S to 2XL, and our model is 5'8" wearing a size S. Take your usual size. When it needs cleaning, a cold machine wash will do, or hand it to a professional dry cleaner.

• Fit: Regular fit, easy through the body, true to size
• Shell: Diamond quilting throughout with a soft sheen to the finish
• Hood and closure: Padded hood with a full-length front zip
• Lining: Soft fleece lining running through the body and collar
• Sleeve and pockets: Regular sleeve with ribbed cuffs and two zip side pockets
• Length: Hits at the upper thigh
• Sizes: S to 2XL, model is 5'8" and wears a size S
• Care: Machine wash cold or professional dry clean