Canada Goose is one of the most recognizable winter apparel brands in the world, known for its distinctive coyote fur-trimmed parkas. The company was founded in 1957 in Toronto, Canada and has grown into a global luxury brand worn by celebrities and ordinary people alike.
But with jackets retailing for $500 to over $1,000, many wonder if Canada Goose is worth the investment. Below are some common questions people have about whether the high prices are justified.
Is Canada Goose actually better quality than other winter jackets?
Canada Goose coats are made with premium materials designed to withstand frigid temperatures. The outer shells are constructed from Arctic Tech fabric, which is windproof and water resistant. The jackets are filled with top-of-the-line duck down for maximum warmth and insulation.
Compared to cheaper alternatives, Canada Goose uses thicker, denser down that provides more warmth per ounce. The coyote fur trim on hoods also does an excellent job at trapping heat.
In independent testing by a textile engineering professor, Canada Goose parkas were found to have the best combination of warmth, water resistance, and breathability compared to parkas from other brands like The North Face and Patagonia.
So yes, the construction and materials used in Canada Goose jackets are measurably better than cheaper options. You’re paying for true quality and performance.
Are Canada Goose jackets worth the price for the quality?
Given the premium materials and manufacturing standards, Canada Goose parkas provide exceptional value in terms of cost per wear. While the upfront cost is steep, a Canada Goose coat is built to last for a lifetime.
Like many luxury brands, there’s an undeniable prestige factor that comes with the Canada Goose name. The iconic patch and fur trim carry a certain status symbol appeal. Part of what you’re paying for is that cachet and reputation for quality.
For shoppers living in places with cold, snowy winters, like Chicago, New York, and Toronto, the investment in a Canada Goose parka that’ll last for years is well worth it. But the coats may be overkill for milder climates.
How does Canada Goose quality compare to other luxury brands like Moncler?
Canada Goose and Moncler are two of the most prestigious high-end outerwear brands. Both make status-symbol winter jackets favored by celebrities and fashionistas.
Moncler uses premium duck down and often shiny, glossy shell materials on its puffer jackets. Canada Goose relies on its signature Arctic Tech matte fabric and coats tailored for function in extreme cold.
When it comes to durability, warmth, and performance, Canada Goose tends to rate better than Moncler in expert testing and customer reviews. Moncler coats prioritize form and style over function. Canada Goose puts a premium on building jackets to thrive in harsh winter weather.
So Canada Goose generally provides better quality and construction, although styles and shiny materials from Moncler have fashion cachet. It depends if you value technical performance or stylish looks more in a luxury coat.
Are Canada Goose jackets ethical and humane?
Canada Goose was the subject of some controversies regarding its use of coyote fur and down feathers. In response, the company has taken steps to ensure its materials are ethically sourced:
– Coyote fur is wild sourced, not farmed or trapped. Canada Goose only uses fur from licensed North American trappers adhering to strict quotas and standards.
– Down is a byproduct of the poultry industry. Canada Goose sources from suppliers with certification for humane treatment of animals.
– Recent collections use reclaimed fur and recycled fabrics as part of sustainability efforts.
While animal welfare advocates argue any use of fur and down raises ethical concerns, Canada Goose has policies for minimally-impactful sourcing as a luxury brand. The company is rated well for ethics by independent organizations.
Are Canada Goose jackets worth the cost for casual wear?
For casual wear around town, Canada Goose jackets are likely overkill and not worth the investment. The premium quality comes from materials and construction specifically designed for protection in extreme Arctic temperatures.
Unless you’ll be in a polar climate, you can find much cheaper jackets and parkas appropriate for casual winter wear from brands like Columbia, Marmot, or Eddie Bauer.
If you want the Canada Goose name and look for style only, a lighter shell jacket or accessory like a hat, gloves, or shirt may be a better buy than a full parka. But for practical use in everyday winter conditions, you can find equal performance at a fraction of the Canada Goose price.
Canada Goose Prices
Canada Goose parkas range in price from around $500 USD for more lightweight styles up to $1,695 for their premium Arctic designs. Here’s an overview of their pricing:
Style | Price |
---|---|
Hybridge Lite Jacket | $495 |
Chilliwack Bomber | $595 |
Expedition Parka | $995 |
Resolute Parka | $1,695 |
Key things influencing the price include:
– Construction quality – Premium materials and manufacturing standards result in higher costs.
– Fill power – More expensive down with higher fill power and warmth-to-weight ratio increases price.
– Features – Parkas designed for coldest temps have more insulation, weather protection features.
– Fur trim – Coyote fur hood trim is a signature Canada Goose element that boosts the price.
– Brand cachet – Canada Goose’s luxury reputation lets it command higher prices than less prestigious brands.
Are discounts or sales available on Canada Goose jackets?
Discounting rarely occurs for the latest Canada Goose collections at official retailers or the brand’s own stores. Limited quantities of prior season colors may go on sale, but often at a maximum of 25% off.
Your best chance for deals on Canada Goose jackets are at authorized resellers like Backcountry.com and Nordstrom Rack. At the end of winter, you may see prices discounted 30% to 50% on older styles and colors.
Secondhand retailers like eBay, Poshmark, and The RealReal are other options for finding used Canada Goose parkas at steep discounts. But make sure to authenticate before purchasing, as counterfeits are common.
Canada Goose Resale Value
Unlike fast fashion brands, Canada Goose parkas hold their value exceptionally well. They have strong resale appeal due to the quality construction and enduring popularity of the iconic silhouettes.
If well maintained, a Canada Goose jacket will fetch 50-70% of its original price when resold through channels like Facebook Marketplace, consignment stores, and online resellers.
Here are some typical resale amounts based on original Canada Goose MSRP:
Style | MSRP | Typical Resale Price |
---|---|---|
Chilliwack Bomber | $595 | $300-$400 |
Expedition Parka | $995 | $500-$700 |
Resolute Parka | $1,695 | $900-$1,200 |
Factors impacting the resale value include:
– Age and wear – Older, well-worn coats have lower value than gently used recent styles.
– Color and style – Rare or distinctive colors and designs may increase value for collectors.
– Original price – Resale price is proportional to the initial MSRP. Higher original cost = higher resale.
– Demand – Popular staple styles like the Expedition retain great used value. Trendy limited editions may not.
– Fur – Trimmed fur hoods boosts value over non-fur versions of the same parka.
Canada Goose Counterfeits
The popularity of Canada Goose has resulted in a flood of cheap counterfeit knockoffs trying to capitalize on the brand’s reputation. These fake Canada Goose jackets are often sold online through sketchy websites, auction sites, and fake shopping sites.
Counterfeits try to mimic the distinctive Canada Goose look with a circular red, white, and blue logo patch. But the fakes use inferior materials like cheap polyester instead of premium down and Arctic Tech fabrics.
Here are ways to spot a fake Canada Goose coat:
Area | Real vs. Fake Differences |
---|---|
Fur | Fake fur looks uneven, unnatural colors, plastic-like texture |
Logo Patch | Counterfeit logos have imperfections, colors are off |
Tags | Misspellings and typos on fake interior tags |
Zipper | Cheap plastic zipper instead of durable YKK vislon |
Materials | Thin, cheap feeling shell and liner materials |
Down Fill | Fake down is less full, lacks loft and warmth |
Avoiding counterfeit sites and only buying from authorized Canada Goose retailers ensures you get an authentic parka. Examining stitching, materials and tags closely can also help identify fakes.
Alternatives to Canada Goose
While Canada Goose dominates the luxury winter apparel market, there are some other brands that offer similar quality and style for potentially lower prices:
Moose Knuckles
Moose Knuckles is a Canadian competitor to Canada Goose with premium down parkas. Their jackets rate close to Canada Goose for warmth and durability. Styles are sleeker and more fashion-oriented.
Nobis
Nobis is another Canadian brand making functional, high-end outerwear for arctic environments. The jackets feature similar coyote fur trim and modern silhouettes. Prices can be 20-30% less than comparable Canada Goose coats.
Mackage
Mackage is known for leather jackets but also makes quality down jackets with wool shells. The style is more fashionable and less technical than Canada Goose.
Arc’teryx
While not as recognition, Arc’teryx offers comparable performance and quality for outdoor and winter apparel. The Thorium AR parka is an excellent alternative to Canada Goose.
Fjallraven
Sweden-based Fjallraven has parkas nearly as warm as Canada Goose but with a more casual, understated look. The popular Expedition Down Parka provides four-figure warmth at a lower price point.
Patagonia
Patagonia’s Tri-Insulated Torrentshell parka delivers excellent cold weather protection with a sleek hardshell design. The brand also has a strong reputation for sustainability and ethical manufacturing.
The North Face
While not as premium in materials or construction, North Face parkas like the McMurdo are solid options at an affordable price point of around $300-$400. The casual styling also makes them very versatile.
Conclusion
Canada Goose’s reputation for quality and performance in extreme winter conditions is well earned. The premium down fill and burly outer shells undeniably provide exceptional warmth. Style-wise, nothing is as iconic as that fur-trimmed, circle logo patch.
For shoppers who live in the coldest winter climates and need proven protection from the elements, Canada Goose is likely worth the substantial investment. The coats will last for years and provide outstanding utility.
More casual buyers may want to consider more affordable options from brands like Marmot or Patagonia. The Canada Goose prestige comes at a steep price – you have to decide if that name brand cachet is worth it for your needs. But for those who want “the best” in winter outerwear, Canada Goose sits atop the market.