The 25 Best Winter Jackets to Buy Right Now, From a Classic Puffer to a Textured Teddy Coat
A coat should be stylish and durable, sure, but what we’re looking for first and foremost during winter’s chill is outerwear that’s all about deep, comforting warmth. Which can be harder to find than you might think. What’s the best material to choose? If I opt for down, am I going to look like I’m wearing a comforter? Can I count on wool to keep me warm when the temps drop below 30? What’s the deal with synthetics? Here’s more intel for you to make your decision—in addition to the 25 best winter coats for your consideration.
RELATED: 25 Not-So-Boring Basics That Will Spice Up Your Winter Wardrobe
What’s the Warmest Material?
Truth: There is no one warmest material. Plus, your desire for the keeping warm should be balanced with the activity you’re using your coat for. (Just imagine wearing that ankle-length puffer to go on a hike, or rocking a Gore-Tex ski parka to a fancy dinner, and you get the picture.) Here’s a few of the most effective materials at keeping out the cold (and, in some cases, wet) and why they’re on our shopping list.
Down: Natural and Synthetic
Ultralight, ultrawarm and ultra-packable, down is nature’s comforter, and synthetic down is the man-made version. Down is a sort of mini-feather that grows on the underside of a goose that traps warm air next to the body of the bird. In the past few decades, the ethical considerations of down harvesting and the complications of ensuring a humane supply chain have inspired many consumers to consider synthetic down, which is allergen-free and less prone to collecting dust and mold. Whether natural or synthetic down, the more ounces of fill, the greater the warmth. One caveat? When it gets wet, down loses its insulating ability and can become a soggy mess.
Gore-Tex
When DuPont chemist William Gore started a company in his Delaware basement in the late 1950s, little did he know he’d change the face of outdoors activity forever when, after a decade of work, his son stretched a polymer to create a super-strong, microporous material that has low water absorption but allows breathability. Gore-Tex started being used in clothing in the mid-‘70s, and the trademark is shorthand for waterproof, windproof and breathable garments that would later go everywhere from the ski slope to outerspace. While technical fabric innovations have advanced in the years since, Gore-Tex is still among the top blue-chip choices for waterproof material.
Wool and Polyester Fleece
According to the International Wool Textile Organization, wool is warm because it creates a “microclimate for the body that can quickly adapt to changing situations,” retaining or releasing heat or moisture. As for wool’s reputation for feeling scratchy? Wool experts say that the material is only irritating when its fibers are spun too wide—superfine Merino wool, for example, is soft and actually beneficial for people who suffer from eczema or dermatitis. Polyester fleece, by contrast, is warm precisely for the opposite reason—it traps body heat because it does not have the capacity to breathe.
And now, onto the coats.
1. Aofur Women’s Hooded Faux Fur Lined Coat
The faux fur along the cuffs and edges of this parka are a touch of glam you’ll want during a snowy day, while the knee-length silhouette will keep out the wind.
$77 at Amazon
Available in sizes Small to 3XL
2. Everlane Cocoon Wool Blend Coat
This simple, chic coat is cut from a wool-nylon blend that is light in both weight and color, perfect to layer over a sweater or two for extra-windy days or to just button on over a tissue turtleneck for the spring thaw. The boxy shape and slouchy shoulders mean this overcoat will provide maximum versatility.
Available in sizes 00 to 16R
3. Orolay Women's Thickened Down Jacket
Famously dubbed “the Amazon coat,” this iteration has six big pockets and a set of side zippers that come in handy when you want to cool down are highlights of this bright down-filled jacket. The fleece-lined hood is a bonus for the snow.
Available in sizes XXS to 5X
4. Topshop Brooke Double Breasted Long Coat
This double-breasted overccoat looks like wool but wears like iron—it’s just the outerwear you’ll want to wear layered over your basic winter neutrals.
Available in sizes 2 to 12
5. Columbia Women's Icy Heights II Mid Length Down Jacket
The 450-ounce fill of down and zip front make this long jacket a keeper for the coldest days. The front and back of the jacket are baffled like a quilt, so the down stays evenly distributed (and you stay dependably warm). Available in nine colors, this Columbia design a great choice if you’re in the mood for a touch of beet red or teal.
Available in sizes X-small to 3X
6. Milly Eldridge Faux Shearling Teddy Coat
Now’s your chance to wear a combination of a bath robe and your childhood teddy bear out into the wide world. Yup, this textured polyester blend outerwear feels just that good.
Available in sizes S to L
7. Kenneth Cole New York Hooded Puffer Coat with Faux Fur Trim
One hundred percent polyester fill provides the warmth in this figure-hugging puffer coat that makes us think of dainty spins on a frozen lake. Of course, it’s going to look just as nice when casually unzipped in the grocery store check-out line.
Available in sizes XS to XL
8. The North Face Hyalite 550 Fill Power Down Jacket
The 550-fill down is going to keep you warm, while the cropped shape and hood will look cool with jeans and leggings alike.
Available in sizes M to XL
9. Cole Haan Bib Insert Down & Feather Fill Coat
An inner zip closure and bib insert combined with a stand collar makes this puffer ideal for protecting you against even the most persistent chill. Not to mention, the ruched side panels narrow the waist a bit to add definition to your shape.
Available in sizes Small to X-Large
10. Bernardo Herringbone Print Belted Puffer Coat
The bananas design of this coat is going to rake in the compliments: It’s got a waist wrap closure (like a wool coat), but it’s just as insulated and quilted as most other puffers.
Buy It ($695)
Available in sizes Small to X-Large
11. CAMEL CROWN Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket 3-in-1
Why just get one super warm outer layer when you can have three? This waterproof ski jacket includes a fleece inner lining you can wear on its own and waterproof windbreaker. But when you wear the two together, you’ll have a hooded coat that will stand up to the show and freezing rain.
Available in sizes Small to 3XL
12. The North Face Women's Shelbe Raschel Fleece-Lined Parka
The secret warming agents to this minimalist chic coat? A water repellent finish, a polyester fleece lining and internal cuffs that keep your body heat from escaping.
Available in sizes XS, S
13. Avec Les Filles Faux Fur Coat
This hot pink faux fur in a roomy sack-style is made to wear with tall black boots. Don’t forget your attitude.
Available in sizes XS to L
14. Marc New York Nimbus Quilted Hooded Puffer Coat
The chevron quilting is what makes this coat look sleeker and more expensive than most other puffers. Further, the felt collar and microfiber pocket lining are going to help keep your neck and hands toasty warm.
Available in sizes XS to L
15. Michael Michael Kors Leopard Hooded Packable Down Puffer Coat
We’ll just be over here chilling in our too-cool-to-be-for-real leopard print jacket during our next trip to the slopes.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL
16. French Connection Irena Faux-Fur Coat
Two textures of faux fur make this easy coat feel a bit more dramatic. The drop shoulders are like a wearable hug, so get ready to feel comforted.
Available in sizes Small and Medium
17. Levi’s Faux-Sherpa-Lined Bomber Puffer Jacket
Want a throwback cheer squad feel with your tight jeans and cowboy boots? Hello, Levi’s! Besides the styling, this jacket delivers serious neck warmth because you can zip the sherpa-lined collar all the way up, then tighten it around your chin.
Available in sizes XS, M, L
18. Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Short Double Breasted Coat
Influencer Blair Eadie collaborated with Halogen on this kicky little crop poly-wool blend pea coat, and we love it for many reasons. But mostly because it has the power to turn even the most casual pic into a fashion moment.
Available in sizes Small to Large
19. UO Faux Shearling Black Longline Coat
This vegan leather coat has got the fuzzy-look lining of shearling; it’s pieced together convincingly enough that it looks like leather.
Available in sizes XS to L
20. Acne Studios Belted Double-Face Wool Coat
Two layers of fine wool meet in this classic coat with updated details like oversized side pockets and a large notched shawl collar.
Available in sizes 0, 2, 8
21. Soia & Kyo Alita Puffer Coat
The shiny black finish to this puffer reads as urban cool, while the angled zipper pockets, large hood with adjustable draw cord and waterproof fabric mean it’s going to keep you cozy.
Available in sizes XS to XL
22. BB Dakota Fur Elise Faux Fur Coat
This thigh-length beige affair is sewn so that it looks like mink pelts were pieced together to make a coat. However, the faux fur design is totally animal-friendly.
Available in sizes XS to L
23. Cupcakes and Cashmere Vera Coat
The poly-wool fabric has a brushed finish that looks like vintage-cool mohair. The plaid is so preppy-cute and will look great with brown leather boots.
Available in sizes XS, S
24. Kendall + Kylie Sherpa Front Zipped Utility Jacket
This cropped number features a patchwork of caramel and rust, accented with pink pockets. Sure, it sounds crazy, but it looks super cute on this fuzzy little drop-shoulder jacket.
Available in sizes S to L
25. Arc'teryx Patera Women’s Parka
The most elegant arctic-ready coat we’ve seen, the inner layers of down insulation are snuggly while the waterproof-yet-breathable Gore-Tex outer layer protects you from outdoor hazards from ice storms to that splash from a curbside bus.
Available in sizes X-Small to X-Large
RELATED: 8 Ways to Match Your Face Match to Your Outfit This Winter
PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.
