Winter is coming, so now’s the time to get your cold-weather gear like heated gloves, cozy hats and sturdy winter boots ready to go. Out of all of your gear, a warm winter coat is the real MVP of your seasonal wardrobe, protecting you from chilly, windy or snowy weather — or maybe a combination of the three. And of course, it’s important that your coat is stylish and comfortable, since you’ll be wearing it daily for months.
1
Best Overall
Aritzia The Super Puff Long
Credit: Aritzia
Pros
- 700+ fill-power down for warmth
- Machine washable
- Weather-resistant materials
- Made with responsibly-sourced down
Cons
- Testers said it sometimes felt too puffy
Shell material: Nylon | Insulation: 700+ fill power down | Sizes: XXS–3XL | Colors: 13 options
If you’re facing extremely frigid temperatures, you’ll need a longer style and top-notch insulation to keep you warm. Aritzia’s coat is designed for temperatures down to -40°F and uses responsibly sourced 700+ fill-power down.
The outer fabric is both wind- and water-resistant to protect you against winter’s elements. And because it’s nylon, you can expect it to be durable. Though it’s long, it does have snaps along the sides that you can open for ventilation and mobility. If this seems too extreme for you, it’s also available in a shorter puffer jacket version and a midi length.
TESTING NOTES: We found this style to be just as good as it sounds. One tester who wore the coat for two winter seasons called it “the warmest coat I’ve ever worn” and said it easily repelled wet, wintry weather when she commuted through New York City. She also noted that the hood stayed put in the wind and the soft and smooth inner cuff with thumbholes prevented cold air from seeping in through the sleeves.
The one downside she mentioned was that because it traps in so much air for insulation, it appeared to inflate when she sat down, making her look extra puffy. Other testers agreed and shared that because the coat is so long and trapped heat so well that it almost felt too warm sometimes — but that further proves that it’s a great option for frigid temperatures.
The Aritzia Super Puff has a zippered internal chest pocket for secure storage and soft, fitted cuffs with thumbholes to keep drafty air out and your body heat in.
2
Best Value
Columbia Suttle Mountain Jacket
Credit: Columbia
Pros
- Warm yet lightweight construction
- Unique thermal reflective lining
- Active fit with good range of motion
Cons
- Fitted in the waist, may need to size up
Shell material: Polyester | Insulation: Polyester down alternative with a reflective lining | Sizes: XS–3X | Colors: 11 options
Not only did this coat perform well in our Textiles Lab evaluations, it’s also a bestseller on Amazon with thousands of five-star reviews yet costs under $200. It’s ideal for everyday use and has unique features that make it warm yet lightweight for easy movement. Most notable is its thermal reflective lining which helps retain body heat. It also has a sherpa lining in the hood for an added cozy feel.
On top of the warm inside, this jacket also has a functional outer fabric designed for cold winds and light snow, but it lacks inner cuffs, so it’s not the warmest of the bunch. It also provides good coverage (yet isn’t too long) and has convenient features like lots of pockets and two-way zippers.
TESTING NOTES: Despite its warmth, this jacket was surprisingly light and breathable in our evaluations. One tester noted it felt fluffy and comfortable without being too puffy or weighing her down. She added that it didn’t restrict her movement at all. Another tester said that because the jacket has a more defined waistline, it’s a little snug and recommends sizing up if you plan to wear bulky clothing like a sweatshirt underneath. We thoroughly inspected its materials in our Lab and couldn’t find any flaws or construction concerns.
The Suttle Mountain Jacket has a sherpa-lined hood for comfort with a detachable fur trim, and it’s made with a unique reflective lining to trap heat inside.
3
Best on Amazon
Orolay Thickened Down Jacket
Credit: Orolay
Pros
- Fashionable and warm
- Tester said the hood protected from wet weather
- Plenty of spacious pockets
Cons
- Trendy style that’s worn often
- Less suited for those that want a more conventional design
Shell material: Polyester | Insulation: Down and feather blend | Sizes: XXS–5XL | Colors: 13 options
This popular Amazon jacket is a bestseller with over 28,000 reviews and an impressive average 4.5-star rating. Online users say it fits great and helps them stay cozy all winter long. It has side zippers so you can loosen the fit, which we found to be most useful when you’re sitting in the car or if you just want some ventilation because the coat is seriously warm. Other notable design features include zippers with long pulls, plenty of spacious pockets to warm your hands and secure your things and small baffles throughout the bodice to keep the down/feather fill evenly distributed.
It also has one of the widest size ranges compared to other styles we tested, with plus sizes going up to 5XL. The brand has created fashionable updates to this style over the years, including one with fuzzy sherpa panels, a longer length, pastel colors and metallic shine. There are also versions for men and kids.
TESTING NOTES: Our testers agreed with the fans on Amazon, sharing that it’s perfect to wear every day during the winter, especially for commuting. One tester who wore her coat during the wet New York City winter shared that she can even forgo an umbrella in this coat, sharing, “It’s great for the rain… I’ve gone out multiple times in just this coat with the hood up, and it covers me pretty well.”
One of our reviewers highlighted the details, emphasizing, “I love the knit cuffs at the wrist inside the sleeve for keeping cold air out,” while another said the zipper pulls and large front pockets add a stylish element.
4
Best for Everyday
REI Co-op Norseland Insulated Parka
Credit: REI Co-op
Pros
- Side zips at hemline for better mobility
- Insulated hood
- Water-repellent fabric for wet conditions
Cons
- Outer fabric may be a bit noisy when moving
Shell material: Nylon | Insulation: 650 fill-power down | Sizes: XS–3XL | Colors: 5 options
A warm and cozy coat with a simple aesthetic, REI Co-op’s parka uses high-quality materials including 650 fill-power down as insulation and a durable nylon outer fabric, which has a water-repellent coating to protect you in wet weather conditions. Its thigh-length design has zippered vents on each side that you can open when you need more mobility.
Other features that stood out in our evaluation include a hood that’s both insulated and fleece-lined for the ultimate warmth, knit cuffs at the wrist to keep out wind and wet elements and spacious fleece-lined pockets with zippered closures. The brand recently upgraded the coat to include a handy zippered interior pocket, as well.
TESTING NOTES: One of our reviewers described the hood as feeling “extra warm and plush, like a blanket” and loved that the pockets were lined with the same cozy material. Testers in the Midwest and in New York City appreciated the water-repellent fabric, with one city commuter sharing, “I wore this on a rainy day recently and it kept me totally dry.” However, the material is fairly noisy when you’re moving around.
On the upside, the buttons and zippers match the coat color for a more tailored look, which makes it a tester favorite for everyday wear. One tester said, “I wear this to walk around the block, run errands, commute to work, etc. It’s now my go-to on the coldest days of the year.”
REI Co-op’s Norseland Insulated Parka features a cozy sherpa-lined hood with adjustable cords and zippered vents on each side of the hemline.
5
Best Fitted
Eddie Bauer Women’s Sun Valley Down Parka
Credit: Eddie Bauer
Pros
- Slim silhouette doesn’t feel overly puffy
- Responsibly sourced down
- Weather-resistant design features
Cons
- Less mobility for winter activities
Shell material: Nylon | Insulation: 650 fill power down | Sizes: XS–3X with tall and petite options | Colors: 12 options
For a style you can live in all winter, this pick offers the comfort of a traditional puffer coat without feeling too much like a marshmallow. It has warm down fill that’s certified by the Responsible Down Standard, a water-repellent finish that keeps you dry in wet wintry weather and adjustable cuffs that prevent heat from escaping through the sleeves.
On top of that, there are some interesting design details that stood out to us during our evaluations, including a unique dying process that gives the fabric a subtle sheen, a two-way zipper so you can open it from either end and a snap-off hood with removable faux fur trim. Plus, there’s a super soft fleece lining inside the back of the jacket and in the pockets for an extra cozy and warm feel. It’s also not too expensive compared to other true down jackets and comes in a variety of colors and sizes, including tall, plus and petite so it’s easier to find a good fit.
TESTING NOTES: We were thoroughly impressed by the quality and features when we inspected this coat in the Lab. One tester described it as “the best coat I’ve had in years!” Another tester who wore the coat in chilly Northeast winter weather noted that the length may not be suitable for activities that require a lot of movement. “The coat is slimming and tailored; not overly puffy like some coats can be.” She added, “It’s long enough to cover more of your body during super cold weather.”
6
Best Sustainable
Patagonia Women’s Jackson Glacier Parka
Credit: Patagonia
Pros
- Both down and outer fabric are recycled
- 700 fill power offers excellent insulation
- Ideal for those who prefer a simple yet flattering style
Cons
- Testers struggled with the zippers
- Limited size range; no plus sizes available
Shell material: Recycled polyester | Insulation: 700 fill-power recycled down | Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 4 options
Not only was this one of the top-performing styles in our tests, but it also impressed us with a responsible design that reduces its environmental impact. For starters, it’s filled with 100% recycled down from reclaimed down products. It also has a 100% recycled polyester outer shell and is Fair Trade Certified, which focuses on ethical issues in the supply chain like wages and working conditions.
Beyond that, the down has a 700 fill power (which offers top-notch insulation capabilities), the seams are bonded instead of stitched so it keeps the fill more evenly distributed and the outer fabric has a water-repellent finish. You can also buy a jacket pre-owned from Patagonia’s Worn Wear platform, all of which have been inspected to ensure they still perform well.
TESTING NOTES: Testers loved the streamlined fit, with one wearer sharing that it has a “slight curve at the waist, making it more flattering than some other long parkas I’ve worn.” Another tester added, “I love that the coat design is sleek and simple!”
Our analysts highlighted the brim on the hood, which can help protect users from snow, wind and other elements, and testers were blown away by how well the coat protected them from wet weather. The one callout was that some testers said the zippers (on the pockets and front of the coat) were finicky and noted that the long length of the coat made it even more difficult to zip up. One tester emphasized, “The zipper is a battle every time to put on this jacket,” but she appreciated the two-way zipper pull and that it’s waterproof.
Patagonia’s Jackson Glacier Parka has a fitted hood with structured brim and adjustable drawcords. Inside the coat sleeves are fitted cuffs to keep cold air out.
7
Best Short
Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket
Credit: Lululemon
Pros
- Close fit at cuffs and hem to prevent heat from escaping
- Super fluffy, stylish look
- RDS-certified down
Cons
- Short coverage isn’t ideal for extreme cold
Shell material: Recycled polyester | Insulation: 600 fill-power down and feather blend | Sizes: 0–14 | Colors: 3 options
If you prefer a shorter jacket for mobility but still want the warmth of a puffy down coat, this cropped style is filled with a down/feather blend that’s both cozy and responsibly sourced. It may not be quite as warm as longer puffer coats, but it’s roomy so you can layer it (which our pros note is sometimes a hindrance with more fitted styles) and has a cinchable hemline and close-fitting wrist cuffs to keep cold air out.
The brand says this jacket is designed for users to wear on the move, and we can see why: There’s a removable hood so you can choose how to wear it, zippered pockets (including a hidden phone sleeve) and an outer fabric that’s water-resistant, wind-resistant and sweat-wicking.
TESTER NOTES: One analyst described it by saying “it feels like a cloud,” and a tester shared, “The material is soft, it is super puffy and it literally feels like I am wrapped up in my down comforter!” Our tester added that the inside of the sleeves were “the most comfortable material,” just like the fan-favorite Lululemon leggings.
Testers liked the length of the coat because a cropped jacket is “stylish,” but they appreciated that it wasn’t too short. And they were impressed by just how warm the coat felt despite its length. A tester shared, “I prefer this coat over the ones I have for frigid temperatures. It keeps you WARM!”
The Wunder Puff has a high collar to keep your neck and chin warm and is equipped with a large removable hood. There are plenty of secured zippered pockets, including a hidden chest pocket (shown here).
8
Best Luxury
Canada Goose Shelburne Parka
Credit: Canada Goose
Pros
- Temperature rated to -4℉
- Standout craftsmanship
- Unique interior straps so you can hold onto your coat hands-free
Cons
- Costs over $1,500
- Dry clean only
Shell material: Polyester and cotton blend | Insulation: 625 fill-power down | Sizes: 2XS–3XL | Colors: 6 options
There’s a reason Canada Goose is so popular despite being so expensive: The RDS-certified down fill is designed to keep you warm even in below-freezing temperatures, and the high-end materials are built to last so you don’t need to replace your coat season after season. It’s also made in Canada where the cost to produce is higher than overseas, and the brand offers a lifetime warranty with free repairs for manufacturing defects.
The outer fabric is water-resistant so you can wear it in wet weather. We also love its unique backpack-like straps that are built internally into the jacket, so you can unzip the coat without fully taking it off if you get too hot. There are also snap vents in the back of the coat for temperature regulation and mobility. Just note that while some down jackets can be machine washed, this coat is dry clean only.
TESTING NOTES: When we reviewed a similar style from Canada Goose in the Textiles Lab, we were blown away by the coat’s construction, describing it as “heavy duty, high quality and impressive” in our evaluations.
One Textiles Lab analyst swears by Canada Goose’s coats and says they’re worth the investment because they hold up to years of regular use in snowy upstate New York winters. She personally owns this parka and shared, “I really liked the fit of the Shelburne coat, and the length is also nice. The parka feels high-quality, luxurious, and most importantly, warm.”
The Shelburne Parka is equipped with internal “backpack” straps, so you’re able to carry it hands-free, and it features two snapped vents in the back for added mobility and temperature regulation.
9
Best Traditional
Fjallraven Nuuk Parka
Credit: Fjallraven
Pros
- Inner membrane for breathability
- Hood has a wired brim for protection from the elements
- Plenty of pockets for your belongings
Cons
- Bulkier design
Shell material: Polyamide | Insulation: Polyester Supreme Microloft | Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: 6 options
A traditional parka is ideal for protection against the elements, including heavy snow, frigid temperatures and wet wintry mixes. This thigh-length option from Fjallraven has a recycled polyamide shell to help you stay you dry, synthetic fill that mimics down to trap air for warmth and an inner membrane for breathability and comfort.
It’s equipped with a fuzzy fleece-lined hood that features a wired brim to keep winter weather out of sight, and it has a removable faux fur trim for an extra cozy look and feel. Along with the hood, other standout design elements include a two-way zipper for added mobility and temperature regulation, adjustable features at the waistline and cuffs and a whopping eight pockets to warm your hands and stash your belongings.
TESTING NOTES: When we evaluated the lighter weight version of this jacket in the Textiles Lab, we were impressed by the aforementioned design details, especially the structured hood, and highlighted the quality of the coat’s construction. One tester who tried the Nuuk parka noted that the fur trim around the hood is a little excessive, sharing that it gets in the way of her vision. She was blown away by the design overall, sharing that she prefers this coat over any other coat she has worn in the past. “It’s really comfortable and keeps me so warm,” she said.
Our tester appreciated the drawstring at the waistline, which she was able to adjust for a better fit and to help achieve a less bulky appearance. Even with a cinched waistline, she said there was still “plenty of room to layer a sweatshirt or sweater underneath.” She also said the zipper was easy to use, thanks to the long leather pull, as were the snaps.
Fjallraven’s Nuuk Parka has a fleece-lined hood with detachable fur trim, and there’s a two-way zipper, so you can unzip the bottom while keeping your chest warm.
