DODGEVILLE, WI--(Marketwire - October 14, 2010) - The most intense La Niña conditions since the 1950s are brewing near the equator, leading experts1 to predict that winter will be a whopper this year. With above-normal snowfalls and wild temperature swings expected for the northern United States, shoppers from coast to coast will seek refuge from the elements in high-quality outerwear that offers smart, stylish, all-weather protection. The Outerwear Headquarters™ at Lands' End offers savvy families superior value with weather-beating details, such as hand warmer pockets in jacket pockets and gloves, its largest-ever collection of down styles and a redesigned Squall® collection.
"There's a great new combination of functional features, up-to-date style and guaranteed value that's packed into our outerwear collection this year," said Suzanne Bryant, Lands' End vice president of design. "Whether heading to the office or descending steep ski hills, it's high-quality details that make the real difference for keeping people warm and dry during unpredictable winter months."
Winter Around the Country: What to Expect, What to Wear
The Pacific Northwest is expected to bear the brunt of the La Niña wrath this winter. According to meteorologists2, the region will experience a wet, snowy winter with plunging temperatures. The deep freeze is expected to continue across the Northern Rockies, Northern Plains and Midwest. Experts3 anticipate these regions will encounter above-normal amounts of precipitation and below-normal temperatures. The East Coast is predicted to avoid the record snowfall it experienced last year, but should still expect near-normal amounts of precipitation. While excessive snow should not be an issue, the forecast indicates the East Coast will experience wide swings in temperature that could result in dynamic storm systems.
For those living in regions experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures and higher-than-normal snowfalls will need outerwear designed to withstand the intense winter conditions. Bryant recommends looking for protective details such as interior cuffs within sleeves and sealed seams that lock out cold, wind and wetness, as well as lugged soles on boots for greater traction in slippery conditions.
"Ounce for ounce, down is one of nature's best insulators offering superior, lightweight warmth -- that's why it's so popular," said Bryant. "This season, we've gone beyond the basics and introduced a whole new collection of down system jackets, coats and vests."
Lands' End showcases its largest collection in corporate history of down styles this winter, from sophisticated Chevron and Luxe Down for women to the Kids' Expedition collection that's packed with features to take on blustery winter weather. Another great option is the redesigned Squall collection. After more than 25 years of taking on some of the worst weather, Lands' End has updated its legendary style with a fresh look, beefier ThermaCheck-300 fleece lining and hand warmer pockets that hold hand warmer packets to keep hands toasty for up to 7 hours.
Winter's Reprieve: Warmer Weather in the South
While La Niña is expected to transform the northern states into a wintry battle zone, it will be kind to the south. Southern California and the Southwest states can anticipate a warm and extremely dry winter season. Experts are predicting the Gulf Coast and Florida will receive mild winter weather this year with above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation.
Even if winter is predicted to be warmer than usual, Bryant cautions against being caught unprepared. She recommends choosing warm, lightweight outerwear that protects against chilly winter breezes. This season, Lands' End features a stylish collection of wool classics that includes a Wool Bridge Coat and Car Coat for women, as well as the Wool Barracuda Jacket for men. The company also offers new, flattering and flexible fleece styles that are perfect for layering or on their own. The superior softness of wind-resistant ThermaCheck® fleece is now available for women in flattering Pea Coat or Duffle Coat silhouettes. ThermaCheck Flex Jackets offer versatility with a highly breathable soft shell that is wind and water resistant, and all-way stretch for superior comfort and ease of movement.
About Lands' End
Lands' End® is a classic American lifestyle brand with a passion for quality, legendary service, real value and a simple two-word promise to stand behind everything it sells: Guaranteed. Period.® Lands' End delivers timeless style for Men, Women, Kids and the Home at landsend.com, 1-800-800-5800, the Lands' End Shops at Sears and around the world. Lands' End is a proud member of Sears Holdings Corporation (
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1 "Winter Forecast 2010-2011." AccuWeather.com. Sept. 10, 2010. AccuWeather, Inc. http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/34891/winter-2011-heavier-snow-for-c.asp
2 Doughton, Sandi. "Winter could be a whopper, forecasters say." The Seattle Times Oct. 6, 2010. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2013042975&zsection_id=2003904401&slug=forecast01m&date=20100930
3 "Prognostic Discussion for Long-Lead Seasonal Outlooks." Climate Prediction Center - Seasonal Outlook. Sept. 16, 2010. National Weather Service. http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/90day/fxus05.html
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