Buzz
Photo Credit: MytourChoosing the right winter coat is easy once you know what style suits you best. If you're facing extremely cold winters, parkas and puffers are the way to go. On the other hand, wool and fleece coats are ideal for those who enjoy layering and don’t deal with freezing temperatures often. There’s a wide variety within each category, so we’ve narrowed it down for you.
After conducting thorough research and consulting with experts on what to consider when shopping for winter coats, we've curated a list of top recommendations. These include diverse styles and price ranges, ensuring you’ll find exactly what fits your needs.
Down Parkas
Down parkas offer excellent warmth without the bulk of heavier coats. Some models, such as the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Parka, are even compactable, making them perfect for travel. While down parkas are generally pricier than down alternatives, there are still more affordable choices available—like the Uniqlo Seamless Down Long Coat, which is priced under $200.
Down Alternative Parkas
Down alternative parkas are cruelty-free, made without any animal products, and generally more affordable than their down counterparts. Columbia is a top brand for high-quality, ultra-warm down alternatives, with our favorite being the Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket. Eddie Bauer and Lands’ End also offer great options (we particularly love the Lands’ End Insulated Cozy Fleece Lined Winter Coat for its variety of colors), and Amazon features some budget-friendly choices like the Wantdo Winter Coat.
Down Puffers
Down Alternative Puffers
There are many options for down alternative puffers as well. If you’re after a cropped puffer that combines both style and warmth, the Lululemon Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket or Ugg Ronney Cropped Puffer Jacket are excellent choices. For colder climates, consider a longer down alternative puffer, such as the Halfdays Wheeler Parka or the Helly Hansen Adore Puffy Parka.
Fleece
For those residing in regions with milder winters, a fleece coat (paired with fleece-lined leggings) could be the perfect solution to keep warm. These coats are fantastic for layering and boast a soft, cozy look. The L.L.Bean Mountain Pile Fleece Coat and the Columbia Panorama Long Jacket are perfect for everything from hiking to errands or a casual dinner, while the Ugg Gertrude Long Teddy Coat offers a sophisticated shape and a plush, warm fabric. If you're committed to ultimate coziness, try the Patagonia Lonesome Mesa Long Coat, which feels like you're wrapped in a blanket.
Wool
Wool coats have become a timeless staple, offering a perfect combination of warmth, lightness, and style. Pieces like the Pendleton Nob Hill Wool Wrap Coat and the Aritzia Wilfred The Only Coat are crafted with heirloom-quality materials and boast traditional silhouettes that never go out of fashion. For a different approach, consider the Lands’ End Insulated Double Breasted Wool Coat, featuring extra insulation for additional warmth, or the Garnet Hill Asymmetrical Boiled-Wool Coat, which brings a contemporary twist to a timeless design.
Master the Art of Shopping for Winter Coats Like a Pro
Type
- Parkas are known for their thick warmth and utilitarian design. Though they may not be the most fashionable option, they are far from dull. Stylist Lindsey Bernay suggests opting for a hue like hunter or dark green instead of the traditional black, adding a touch of color while still maintaining versatility for the grey winter months.
- Puffer coats are trendy and cozy, especially when chosen in vibrant colors like the Aritzia Super Puff₂o Down Puffer Jacket. According to stylist Lindsey Bernay, these cropped coats are ideal for those always on the move during winter. However, their shorter cut can leave your lower body exposed to the chill. There are also performance puffers that are lighter, yet still warm, easy to pack, and perfect for layering, says stylist Sharon Warten.
- Wool coats are timeless wardrobe essentials that will never lose their appeal. Wool offers natural insulation, so even lighter wool coats can keep you cozy, though not as much as a puffer or parka. Stylist Lindsey Bernay recommends luxe cream, deep chocolate brown, or classic navy and black shades for pairing with athleisure or dressing up a winter outfit with boots and dresses. We adore the Aritzia Wilfred The Only Coat, available in several stylish shades.
- Fleece coats (including teddy coats) give you the comfort of wrapping up in a cozy blanket. They come in various styles, often combined with other materials for a unique twist.
- Quilted coats are currently very popular and are great for layering on chillier days due to their light weight. They are versatile, perfect for wearing in fall or spring, and are a fashionable option for many seasons.
Material
When choosing a coat, it's important to consider both the outer fabric and the inner lining. Parkas and puffers typically feature polyester or nylon shells, which offer durability, easy maintenance, and water resistance. Wool and fleece coats, though softer and more stylish, are usually not built for extreme cold weather.
Both parkas and puffers are commonly filled with either down or down alternatives. Down is a natural insulator that helps keep you warm without causing overheating, contributing to the coat's loft, or puffiness. The loft of a down-filled coat is measured by fill power, with higher fill power indicating greater loft and insulation, but not necessarily more warmth. Ideally, look for fill power between 600 and 800. The affordable Uniqlo Seamless Down Long Coat has a fill power of 750, while the lightweight Cotopaxi Fuego Down Parka boasts a fill power of 800.
Down alternative fill mimics the softness of down but is crafted from synthetic materials. While it provides warmth, it’s not as breathable as natural down. The silver lining? It’s much more affordable. Unlike down, there isn’t a standard measurement system for down alternatives, so you won’t encounter a fill power rating when shopping for these coats.
Water Resistance
Most puffers and parkas feature a nylon or polyester shell that offers a certain level of water resistance, such as the Ugg Ronney Cropped Puffer Jacket. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys activities like skiing or hiking, you might want to consider waterproof coats. Wool coats, though not the first choice for wet weather, do possess some water resistance and will keep you warm even when wet due to wool’s natural insulating properties. However, they're not ideal for heavy rain or snow. Fleece, on the other hand, is completely water-absorbent and should be avoided in rainy or snowy conditions, as it won't keep you comfortable when damp.
Questions You Might Ask
How much should you expect to spend on a winter coat?
Winter coats are a long-term investment, with prices ranging from $75 to over $300 depending on the materials and type. Down coats, made from high-quality natural material, are generally pricier than their down alternative counterparts. Parkas with premium insulation features are also on the higher end of the spectrum. The down coats in our selection range from $180 to $399, while down alternatives fall between $80 and $395. Wool coats, known for their high cost, typically start above $200, with our list showcasing wool coats priced from $259 to $350.
According to Bernay, splurging on a winter coat is definitely worthwhile. High-quality coats offer the best value per wear. Not only do they last for many years and endure multiple seasons, but they also combine style with functionality, making them an excellent investment.
What is the warmest type of winter coat?
Bernay suggests that parkas are ideal for the coldest days of winter. These longer, heavier coats are designed to keep you warm in extremely low temperatures and are often equipped with additional warmth-enhancing features like down insulation and a hood. However, if you’re after a coat that isn't bulky, wool is your best bet. Warten advises looking for wool content of at least 80% for a coat that’s truly suited for winter.
Take Our Word for It
This article was authored by Nicole Lund, a seasoned writer and editor with a background as the shopping editorial director at Mytour and Southern Living. With over six years of experience in researching and testing top-notch products, including fashion and outerwear, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work.
In preparing this article, Nicole dedicated countless hours to researching winter coats and top brands, evaluating factors like materials, water resistance, and warmth. She also sought insights from two fashion stylists: Lindsey Bernay, the author of You Can't Leave the House Naked, and personal stylist Sharon Warten. Nicole’s personal pick for her favorite winter coat is the L.L.Bean Ultrawarm Coat, which has seen her through three tough Northeast winters.
