As cold weather gear begins to trickle into stores, outdoor retailers are hoping a new kind of high-tech jacket will heat up winter sales. Called soft shells, the jackets block wind and repel water, ...

Lighten up, weekend snow bunnies. The puffy parka is passe, replaced by light-as-a-marshmallow fabrics, or denim-inspired skiwear that hugs your body almost as well as your favorite jeans. Fleece?

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Soft shell jackets such as the Patagonia Mixmaster ($299; www.patagonia.com) have a lot going for them. They re nearly impervious to wind, shed light rain and snow, breathe well, and offer a much ...

Cold mornings creep in as budgets bite. A £12 layer that shrugs off wind could spare you cranking the heating. Shoppers want kit that bridges sunshine and showers without weighing them down or ...

As nights draw in and bills bite, families reach for clever layers that cut windchill without weighing them down. Shoppers are hunting practical pieces that bridge the gap between summer hoodies and ...