I’ve never been someone who is willing to risk being cold. I admittedly carry an emergency sweater around during the summer, and even in my early 20s, I wore full winter gear to the club. Having lived in New York my whole life, I’d like to think I’ve become an expert at staying warm — and that includes finding the warmest winter coats for women. But it’s not just my location that makes me a pro on this topic. I’ve also worked in fashion for over 10 years, and have written and styled multiple stories involving quality outerwear. I’ve touched and tried on a million options, and know a good coat when it see one.
The Best Women’s Winter Coats, at a Glance
Best Overall: Canada Goose Trillium Parka Heritage, $1,775
Best Athletic: Nike Sportswear Swoosh Puffer PrimaLoft, $161 (was $300)
Best Faux Fur: Dennis Basso Faux Mink Coat with Shawl Collar, $154 (was $229)
Best Waterproof: Aritzia The Super Puff₂O Rainstop, $350
Best Value: Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket, $135 (was $150)
Best on Amazon: Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket
, $105+
Best Packable Puffer: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, $330
Best Trench: Alo Oversized Faux Fur Trench, $398
Best Wool Coat: J.Crew New Lady Day Topcoat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool Blend, $300+
Best Leather Jacket: Mango Women’s Leather-Effect Trench Coat, 180
My own winter coat collection is constantly growing. Each year, I add around three different styles to my closet, having been tempted by sales and gift cards or gifted arctic-approved options from my parents (my dad is also obsessed with finding the warmest winter coats). It’s admittedly become my thing, and while I tell myself I don’t need another insulated puffer or faux fur trench, I can’t help but hand over my credit card.
Throughout the years, I’ve put plenty of those so-called best winter coats through literal tests. I’ve reviewed different designs for stories — both affordable options and luxury picks — and once styled a coat story featuring women who work outside. It’s allowed me to really weigh the pros and cons on what’s worth buying, and also compile an extensive list of my favorites. Check out the best winter coats for women — according to a lifelong New Yorker and a stylist — ahead.
What to look for in a winter coat
When it comes to what to look for in a winter coat, you should probably consider your location before shopping. Do you live in a place that gets so cold, a bulky, down-filled design is pretty much a necessity? Or can you get away with something lighter that’s lined with fleece? If snow is a concern, you might want to opt for a hood. Also, it doesn’t hurt to consider what you’ll wear it with — a sleek peacoat might pair better with dresses or office attire (although no one’s judging you put warmth above fashion and layer with a puffer).
What is the best brand of winter coat?
The best brand of winter coat really depends on personal preference. Some classics include Lands’ End, Canada Goose, and The North Face, but in recent years, Aritzia and even Amazon have become go-tos for shopping warm winter coats for women.
Canada Goose Trillium Parka Heritage
If your local temperature tends to go below 0° F, you’ll be happy to have this coat on hand. It even has fleece-lined pockets, which are perfect for keeping you hands warm. And, you can forget looking like a lumpy marshmallow this season; simply cinch and adjust the waist via an interior drawcord to create a more customized fit. Just note: Even though Canada Goose promises to protect wearers from Arctic-like weather conditions, this one isn’t its warmest option and can only endure up to -13° F (although that’s still impressive for the average winter climate, IMO).
Sizing available: 2XS – 2XL
Colors available: 6
Material: 83% Polyester, 17% Cotton, and a removable fur ruff
Insulation: 625 fill power responsibly sourced duck down
Length: Mid-length
Waterproof: Yes
Hood: Yes, removable
Lining: 100% nylon
Best for: Harsh winds and extreme weather conditions.
Pros
Protects against harsh winds
Removable fur ruff
Not quilted (but has the same perks as a puffer)
Cons
Not the warmest Canada Goose option
Nike Sportswear Swoosh Puffer PrimaLoft
When it comes to athletic looks, Nike is one of the best places to find functional, comfortable, and stylish pieces—including winter coats. If you have your heart set on something a bit more casual for everyday wear (or tossing on over athleisure looks), consider the Nike Sportswear Swoosh Puffer PrimaLoft. This short puffer coat features the brand’s Therma-FIT technology to naturally regulate heat, has a water-repellent outer shell, and lots of chic details like the micro quilted texture around the hood and the toggle drawstrings that make the hood adjustable.
Sizing available: XS-2XL
Colors available: 3
Material: 58% polyester, 42% nylon
Insulation: 100% polyester
Waterproof: Water-repellent
Length: Hip-length
Hood: Yes
Lining: 100% polyester
Best for: Comfortable athleisure looks and everyday wear
Pros
Designed with Nike Therma-FIT technology to naturally regulate heat
Water-repellent outer shell
Comfortable and functional
Cons
The shorter fit might not be warm enough for some climates
Not waterproof
Dennis Basso Faux Mink Coat with Shawl Collar
Spice things up with a fun faux fur moment. The Dennis Basso Faux Mink Coat with Shawl Collar from QVC is a gorgeous winter coat that would look great with any dressy look. It comes in two colors—a jet black and a trendy light tan—and is constructed from a polyester mink fur material that is super realistic looking. It’s also currently on sale for over 30% off and from October 1 through October 31 new customers can save an additional $20 off $40+ with promo code WELCOME20, making it all the more budget-friendly.
Sizing available: 2XS-1X
Colors available: 2
Material: 100% polyester
Insulation: Faux fur material
Waterproof: No
Length: Above the knees
Hood: No
Lining: 100% polyester
Best for: Dressy occasions when you want to look stylish and still be super warm
Pros
Available in some plus sizes
Faux fur material feels luxe and high-quality
Cons
Too dressy for everyday wear
Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket
This jacket fights off the cold well below 40 degrees, is waterproof, and can be thrown in the washing machine. Plus, the recycled-polyester insulation is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified and bluesign approved, so you can feel good about your purchase, too. It’s also relatively budget-friendly (for a good winter coat, that is) and is so warm that you might actually end up sweating on more mild winter days.
Sizing available: XS – XXL
Colors available: 10
Material: 100% polyester
Insulation: It’s filled with EcoPlume™, a recycled-polyester insulation made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
Waterproof: Yes
Length: Mid-thigh
Hood: Yes
Lining: Yes, polyester
Best for: Adding some color to your winter wardrobe — and feeling good about it, too.
Pros
Made with recycled materials
Super warm
Mid-thigh length
Cons
It’s too warm for mild winter climates
Aritzia The Super Puff₂O Rainstop
I spend a lot of time in Canada—especially during the winter months—so a good winter coat is a must. I bought the Aritzia Super Puff with Rainstop last year and was blown away by the quality. In addition to being well-made, it’s ultra-warm and comfortable (it’s honestly one of the best jackets I have ever tried) and the added Rainstop feature means it’s completely waterproof. I have tested this jacket in everything from rain and snow and can honestly say it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
Sizing available: 3XS-2XL
Colors available: 11
Material: 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane (back coating)
Insulation: 90% goose down, 10% goose feathers
Waterproof: Yes
Length: Hip length (also available in short, long, and mid-length styles)
Hood: Yes
Lining: Nylob
Best for: Staying warm in rainy winter weather
Pros
Super warm
Waterproof material
Lots of colors
Cons
Pricey
Not a great size range
Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket
This viral pick was once labeled “The Amazon Coat
,” since it’s conveniently shoppable through the site. When I first tried it on for a photo shoot, I was super impressed by how warm it felt, thanks to the fleece lining, and love the cool zipper details. While it’s definitely a deal (especially as far as winter coats are concerned), it isn’t exactly cheap, so it’s still more of an investment piece. It’s also made for more moderate winter temps, so you’ll likely be shivering if you rock it during a snow storm.
Sizing available: XX-Small – 5X-Large
Colors available: 9
Material: 100% polyester,
Insulation: 90% duck down, 10% duck feather
Waterproof: Yes
Length: Mid-length
Hood: Yes
Lining: Fleece-lined hood
Best for: Finding the perfect size — and having it delivered it record time.
Pros
Excellent value
Lots of colors to choose from
Great for mild winter weather
Cons
Not ideal for frigid temperatures
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Despite being a simple black puffer, it still feels unique and cool—probably because this style was the “It” item from a few decades ago (I’m a millennial and had one in high school). Its simple design also makes it super easy to style with virtually any look, and you can even get away with wearing it with athleisure pieces like leggings and a chunky sneaker. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Emily Ratajkowski both enjoy this pick from The North Face, so you’ll be able to nail the Hollywood look for under $500.
Sizing available: X-Small – XX-Large
Colors available: 8
Material: 100% recycled nylon or 100% polyester
Insulation: 700-fill-power down
Waterproof: No
Length: Short
Hood: Hidden zip-out hood
Lining: 100% nylon insulation
Best for: Those who are nostalgic and/or enjoy ’90s style.
Pros
A simple black puffer with lots of styling potential
A celebrity favorite
Cons
Might be too puffy for some preferences
Alo Oversized Faux Fur Trench
Reviewers claim this winter coat makes them feel like a billionaire, and the fact that it’s faux fur will save you from feeling guilty whenever you slip it on. It’s also super plush and cozy, and I’ve definitely felt tempted to wear it around the house with my pajamas. This coat runs large, so size down if you want something that looks more form-fitting — and even then, it may still be oversized. You also won’t be able to find any zippers, buttons, or belts included. It’s meant to be worn open.
Sizing available: XXS – L
Colors available: 5
Material: 100% Polyester
Insulation: None
Waterproof: No
Length: Full length, mid-calf
Hood: None
Lining: “Satiny” interior lining
Best for: Someone who enjoys the look of a luxe fur coat, but doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars.
Pros
Cozy faux fur material
Looks luxe for half the cost
Cons
Doesn’t have buttons or zippers
Runs big
J.Crew New Lady Day Topcoat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool Blend
Aside from offering a ton of size options, the big draw with J.Crew’s Lady Day coat is that it’s an elevated, simple design combined with Thinsulate. Now, you can have a form-fitting, (mostly) wool top coat that actually blocks out the biting winter wind and save you from shivering in below-zero weather.
Sizing available: 00 – 24, with petite and tall options as well
Colors available: 6
Material: 75% wool, 25% polyamide
Insulation: Thinsulate, AKA animal-free, synthetic fibers
Waterproof: No
Length: Above the knee
Hood: None
Lining: Thinsulate lining
Best for: Staying warm while looking sleek.
Pros
Made with Thinsulate lining
Excellent size range
Cons
Not waterproof
Not 100% wool
Avec Les Filles Faux Leather Jacket
Similar styles may cost you upwards of $1,000, but this faux, polyester alternative is just as chic while ringing it at less than $300. I love the buckle and big collar. It’s rugged yet polished, all at the same time. With that said, it’s definitely on the heavy side of the spectrum so, if you’re looking for something more lightweight, this isn’t the winter coat for you.
Sizing available: XXS – XL
Colors available: 2
Material: 100% Polyester with polyurethane coating
Insulation: None
Waterproof: No
Length: Below hips (30.5″ L)
Hood: None
Lining: Polyester
Best for: A stylish yet cozy layer
Pros
Stylish yet super cozy and functional
A more budget-friendly Acne coat dupe
Adjustable belt details
Mango Women’s Leather-Effect Trench Coat
Not every winter day calls for fully-lined outerwear. This faux leather trench is just warm enough to keep your teeth from chattering on 50° F days, and is similar to styles beloved by the Jenners and Hailey Bieber — for a fraction of the price. Aside from a removable belt, there are also adjustable ties featured at the wrist. However, these can quickly become loose without you even realizing. I ended up losing one on a particularly hectic day running around the city, but the coat looks just as cute without it.
Sizing available: XXS – 1XL
Colors available: 2
Material: 100% Viscose with polyurethane coating
Insulation: None
Waterproof: No
Length: Mid-length
Hood: None
Lining: 100% Polyester
Best for: Not-too-cold, in-between Winter days.
Pros
Super warm
Faux leather is water-resistant
Cons
Not ideal for frigid temps
Adjustable ties at the wrist are easy to lose
