The best winter coats for women

The best winter parka

The is expedition-grade, climate-positive, made out of recycled materials, and totally worth the hype.

Pros: Waterproof, carbon positive brand

Cons: One color option

Sizing options: S-XL

When looking for a great winter parka, we’re looking for pieces that are more practical than pretty. After all, when the temperatures drop below zero you’re going to want a coat that keeps you seriously warm and dry. The does that and even more. 

Askov Finlayson is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city known for its cold climate, so you already know that this jacket is going to be the real deal. To make the coat, Eric Dayton, co-founder of Askov Finlayson, studied the personal outerwear collection of famed Arctic explorer Will Steger. He used these learnings to develop the expedition-grade Winter Parka. 

The is water-resistant and rated as comfortable all the way to 20-degrees below. It’s made from 3M’s proprietary Thinsulate material (a 100% recycled featherless insulation), a 100% recycled polyester shell, and an ultra-soft 100% bluesign certified micro ripstop taffeta lining. It’s got a scuba-fit hood to protect you from the elements, an insulated interior collar, and adjustable exterior cuffs.

There are plenty of pockets, both internal and external, to keep your valuables within arm’s reach. The Afield Pocket is probably one of the most unique additions — it features Present Mode technology, which blocks all cell and WiFi signals to help wearers stay present. One of the best parts is the whole entire jacket is machine-washable.

Insider Reviews senior reporter Mara Leighton has worn the jacket in freezing temperatures in New York and Minnesota and loves that it’s warm and substantial without being bulky. 

All of this, along with Askov Finlayson’s commitment to being carbon positive, will cost you $495. While this is certainly a big expense, it’s about half the price of some of the other popular parkas out there like Canada Goose. 

Since this is a pricier piece, we appreciate that gives shoppers a whole winter to try out the parka. Don’t like it? You can return it with no questions asked. After that, there’s a limited lifetime warranty. 

The best for serious winter weather

Fjällräven’s Singi Down Jacket has every single feature you need to weather a real winter storm and will last you for years — if not decades. 

Pros: Proprietary G-1000 fabric is water-resistant, wind-resistant, and durable; sustainably-sourced down; flattering fit; convenient pockets; two-way zipper; made for longevity 

Cons: None to speak of

Sure, this jacket is expensive — there’s no getting around that fact. But that’s because Fjällräven has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, including using recycled, organic, and sustainably-sourced materials to create pieces that can be worn for years. So while you’re paying a huge chunk now, this jacket is crafted to keep you warm and dry for decades. And because the Singi has every single feature you need for nasty weather in a flattering cut, you really won’t need to buy any other jacket.

The foundation of what makes Fjällräven’s Singi so sturdy is that it’s constructed from the brand’s signature G-1000 — a densely woven polyester/cotton fabric that is finished with Greenland Wax for water-resistance, wind-resistance, and overall durability. Over the shoulders and backside, the jacket is made of extra-tough G-1000 HeavyDuty, so the areas that need to be the most water-resistant and abrasion-resistant will stay that way. The jacket is padded with ethically-produced down, which not only keeps you incredibly warm on seriously cold days, but provides that snug-as-a-bug comfort.

Despite being incredibly toasty, the jacket’s cut is fitted but not restricting. There is even an inner drawstring to create a more accented waist. The detachable faux-fur, down-filled hood looks stylish while keeping blowing snow out of your face and your ears nice toasty.  I’ve owned this jacket for four years, and it has kept me seriously warm and completely dry in every kind of winter weather — from New York sleet to cold, single-digit Colorado mornings. — Rachael Schultz

The best lightweight coat

The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka is small but mighty — it can roll up into a little ball that fits in your pocket while still providing substantial warmth. 

Pros: Packable, affordable, great for travel

Cons: Not the warmest on this list, not waterproof

Sizing options: XXS-XXL

Warm coats don’t always have to be super heavy. The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka is my favorite option for a lightweight coat that also keeps you warm. When you’re not wearing the coat, you can roll it up and put it in the accompanying storage pouch. The fact that it’s so packable makes it pretty much a no-brainer for travel. 

The Ultra Light Down Parka is surprisingly warm for how thin it looks and how airy it feels. Still, I wouldn’t rely on it as my only option for extreme cold. But, because it’s not bulky, you can easily throw it under a heavier coat for an added layer of warmth. You could also size up in order to squeeze a few extra layers under this coat.

In terms of the construction, the Ultra Light Down Parka has a down fill and a nylon shell. The exterior is water-repellent, but not fully waterproof. While it’s pretty durable for flurries, if you get caught in a serious snowstorm or rain shower you can expect the coat to get wet. I like the hooded option as it feels most practical for cold weather, but Uniqlo offers ones without hoods too. 

Because it can be squished down and becomes so small, I find myself wearing it all the time. Whether it’s layered under a heavier jacket, over a t-shirt and sweater, or just worn on its own, I wear this coat pretty much every season — except summer, of course. 

The best ankle-length coat

The Super Puff Long keeps your legs covered for warmth while also giving you the freedom to move comfortably. 

Pros: Stylish, lots of color options, freedom to move

Cons: Not waterproof

Sizing options: 3XS-XL

On really cold days, the more covered you are the better. That’s when an ankle-length coat, like the Tna Super Puff, comes in. It’s a puffy down jacket that comes in multiple colors and lengths, but we’re partial to the long version. 

The Super Puff Long is made with 100% responsibly-sourced goose down that’s meant to keep you warm to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The nylon exterior is wind-resistant and water-repellent, but not fully waterproof. It boasts a hood and cozy lined pockets that add some extra comfort and style, too. There’s also a small interior pocket made to hold your iPhone securely. And while it will surely keep you warm, the coat itself isn’t too heavy. 

One of the usual pain points with ankle-length coats is that they can make it hard to walk if they’re zipped all the way down. The Super Puff Long solves that problem with a smart design — the zipper only goes to your knees. There are also buttons on the front and side of the coat that can be left open, allowing for more mobility.

Insider Reviews senior editor Sally Kaplan says it’s the warmest winter coat out there that isn’t a true parka. We also love the range of chic colors and finishes. 

The best down-alternative coat

The Everlane ReNew Long Puffer is made from recycled materials, but you can still expect the same warmth as a classic down coat. 

Pros: Sustainably made, good price, very warm

Cons: Limited color options, exterior pockets don’t zip 

Sizing options: XXS-XL

If you’re not a fan of down, opt for Everlane’s ReNew Long Puffer. The entire coat, aside from the zipper and the trim, is made from recycled material — specifically recycled bottles. The only reason the zipper and trim aren’t recycled? They currently can’t be sourced from these materials — although the brand says it’s working on it. 

Don’t think that the plastic makes this coat stiff, though. It’s as puffy, soft, and warm as traditional down. Everlane says the coat is recommended for temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ReNew Long Puffer hits about mid-thigh to the knee, depending on your height, so you get a good amount of leg coverage. And while it isn’t bulky, this coat has enough weight to it to keep you nice and toasty.

I really appreciate the thoughtful design, too. While the jacket went all the way down to just above my knees, the zipper doesn’t zip to the bottom, so you can walk without your legs feeling constrained. The hood has drawstrings so you can keep your head warm on windy, chilly days. There are also two large, convenient pockets lined with cozy fleece that make it easy to store essentials in the jacket — all while keeping your hands nice and warm.

And if you don’t love this silhouette, Everlane has a whole collection of outerwear made from recycled plastic bottles. 

The best coat under $150

The Orolay Thickened Down Jacket lives up to its internet buzz, providing warmth and style at a budget-friendly price.

Pros: Stylish, affordable, warm

Cons: Not waterproof

Sizing options: XXS-5XL. Fits true to size, and the coat is roomy enough for you to wear a sweater under. 

It’s likely that you’ve heard of the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket.  Dubbed “the Amazon coat” at the height of its internet fame, this cozy coat is a hit with its fans and a number of fashion experts. And trust me, it lives up to the buzz.

This puffer coat has a “downtown cool” silhouette, with a high-low hemline and oversized front pockets. It’s well priced for a 90% duck down jacket that will actually keep you pretty warm. It’s not the winter coat you’ll want to wear in extreme cold, but it’s certainly cozy enough for the walk from the train to your front door.

Insider Reviews editor Maria Del Russo took her Orolay Jacket on a weekend trip during a cold snap and was surprised by how toasty warm it kept her. She appreciated the multiple pockets and the ribbed cuffs, which kept the wind from whipping up her arms. 

This coat has been compared to the more expensive options from Canada Goose, which usually are over five times the price of the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket. It’s worth mentioning that it is not waterproof, so you’ll probably want something else for rainstorms or intense snow.

The best wool coat

Made of recycled Italian wool, Everlane’s Italian ReWool Overcoat has a clean finish and a double-face for added warmth with a premium feel.

Pros: Good price for the quality, versatile fit, warm

Cons: Oversized, you may need to size down

Sizing options: 00-16

A great wool coat elevates any outfit and keeps you cozy while doing so, but a well-made one can be pricy. Everlane’s Italian ReWool Overcoat has a subtle elegance and a weighty wool construction at a more budget-friendly price point.

Like the rest of the ReNew line, the Italian ReWool Overcoat is made with recycled materials — 62% recycled wool and 38% recycled nylon, according to the company. It has a simple, oversized fit with thoughtful details like a notched collar and double-breasted front. Its rounded silhouette that looks great buttoned up over a dress or unbuttoned with jeans and a tee.

For fall days, it’s warm enough worn on its own. When it gets chillier, there’s room to layer heavier tops underneath. The inside is also lined, so you don’t have to worry about any itching if you’re sensitive to wool. 

Insider Reviews senior reporter Mara Leighton wears this coat frequently and recommends sizing down unless you have particularly long arms — she noted the sleeves were a bit short.

Other coats we considered

• Everlane The Re:Down Military Parka ($198): Warm and with lots of pockets, Everlane’s The Re:Down Military Parka is a fantastic option for super cold weather. The pockets are fleece-lined for extra warmth, the sleeves have cuffs to keep the wind from whipping up your arms, and the fill is made from recycled down. The shell is also totally weatherproof — perfect for rain and snow. But as far as heavy-duty parkas go, the Askov Finlayson just wins out, as it’s better suited as performance wear. That said, Everlane’s parka is better suited for city wear than for serious outdoor activities, so if you’re not planning on snowshoeing or ice fishing, this will likely work fine for you. 
• Daily Ritual Women’s Relaxed-Fit Mock-Neck Short Puffer Jacket ($64): If you’re in need of an easy, toss-on-and-go short puffer jacket, this option is a great buy for the price. For $64, this jacket is puffy, warm, and boasts a super cute, oversized collar for extra warmth. The Daily Ritual coat is also machine washable, which not many winter coats can claim. The one drawback we couldn’t get over, though, was the pockets. There are only two and they’re entirely too shallow, which makes it a frustrating piece to wear for errands. 
• Goodthreads Women’s Relaxed Fit Sherpa Long Sleeve Snap Front Coat ($67.50): While it’s not great as a winter coat on its own, this adorable sherpa coat is a great transitional jacket and can be worn as a layer when it gets chilly. Its longline silhouette and snap-button closure make for a chic piece of outerwear, and the sherpa ensures you’ll stay warm — whether this is a lightweight coat in the fall or as a shell piece under something warmer. Since it’s not heavy enough to be a winter coat on its own, we couldn’t give it a spot in this guide. But it’s amazing for layering and for transitional weather, so it’s worth picking up. 

Things to keep in mind while shopping for women’s winter coats

Types of insulation:

Down: Still the most popular fill for winter coats, down is the name for the fluffy layer of under-feathers harvested from ducks and geese. That fluffiness serves a purpose: down has thousands of tiny air pockets that trap and retain heat, keeping the wearer warm. It’s also ultra-compressible, lightweight, and breathable.

However, down loses its insulating powers when it becomes wet, and it can take a while to dry out. Plus, lower-quality down can harbor dust and debris, triggering allergies in those who are sensitive to such things.

Down can be harvested using different methods, and some are more ethical than others. Some brands even repurpose old, recycled down in an effort to be sustainable. We have chosen to keep down recommendations in this guide, but have offered great down-free alternatives if that is how you prefer to shop. 

Water-resistant down: No down filling is completely water-resistant, but polymer-treated down is definitely better at wicking away moisture. It also tends to be very expensive and still doesn’t handle dampness as effectively as synthetic insulation. 

Synthetic insulation: Made from a combination of water-resistant compressed fibers, synthetic insulation mimics down in its ability to trap warm air via tiny holes. Synthetics are often heavier than down, and they’re not quite as compressible. But on the upside, they dry faster and are often significantly less expensive. Some common synthetic fills include Thinsulate, Polarguard, Thermolite, Dryloft, and Hollofil. 

Down/synthetic insulation: These coats mix both materials throughout or are designed so that some areas are down-filled (like the core) and others (the arms, for example) contain synthetic insulation.

A word on fill power:

Down is rated according to fill power, which is represented by the number of cubic inches one ounce of down occupies. To test it, the down is compressed by a weight in a glass cylinder and then allowed to bounce back. The better the quality of down, the higher the fill power, with numbers typically ranging from 300 to 900. Down outerwear typically falls between 600 and 800, with anything higher considered premium.

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