Hooded padded jacket with zipped pockets in red

For most winter days, yes. Polyester padding fills the body, sleeves and hood, and the smooth lining lets a hoodie slide on underneath for the frosty ones.

Sizes follow height: 104 fits about 3–4 years and 172 about 14–15 years. Take his usual size, as the cut leaves room for a hoodie, and go one up only if it has to last two winters. At hip length it stays out of the way when he sits down or climbs.

The stitching runs in angled channels across the front, which keeps the padding evenly spread so it doesn't slip down to the hem. It also gives the jacket its sporty look.

Yes, at 30 °C on a gentle cycle, with the zip closed and the jacket inside out. Skip the fabric softener and the tumble dryer; dry it on a hanger and shake it now and then so the padding spreads evenly.

As a sporty, hip-length jacket for school and weekends: zipped to the chin on windy days, open over a hoodie on milder ones. The zipped pockets keep small things safe while he plays.