Top 10 Best Winter Coats 2023
1. BEST OVERALL WOMEN’S WINTER COAT
Columbia Suttle Mountain Jacket
PROS
- Warm yet lightweight construction
- Thermal reflective lining
- Offers good range of motion
CONS
- Not fully waterproof; less suitable for heavy snow
This style earns our top spot because 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. It provides good coverage (yet isn’t too long) and has convenient features like lots of pockets and two-way zippers. Not to mention, it’s a bestseller on Amazon with thousands of five-star reviews yet costs under $200.
2. BEST VALUE WOMEN’S WINTER COAT
Beinia Valuker Down Coat
PROS
- Affordable for a down coat
- Flattering fit
- Wide range of sizes
CONS
- Not 100% down
- Construction isn’t as good as high-end styles
It’s nearly impossible to find a down coat for under $100, but this Amazon bestseller is just that and has nearly 5,000 five-star reviews from users who say it has held up to freezing cold weather. The fill is a blend of 90% down and 10% feathers, and the style has great attention to detail with its removable faux fur trim on the hood, deep pockets, two-way zippers and stretchy wrist cuffs to help keep cold air out.
3. BEST EVERYDAY WOMEN’S WINTER COAT
Eddie Bauer Sun Valley Down Parka
PROS
- Weather-resistant design features
- Responsibly sourced down
- Reasonable price for its quality
CONS
- Less mobility for winter activities
For a style you can live in all winter, this pick gives you the comfort of a puffer coatwithout making you look like a marshmallow. It has warm down fill (that’s certified by the Responsible Down Standard), a water-repellent finish 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, 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 removable hood with faux fur trim. It’s also not too expensive compared to other down jackets, and it comes in a variety of colors and sizes, including tall, plus and petite so it’s easier to find a good fit.
4. BEST WOMEN’S WINTER COAT ON AMAZON
Orolay Thickened Down Jacket
PROS
- Fashionable and warm
- Side zippers for flexibility on the go
- Under $200
CONS
- Trendy style that’s worn a lot
- Less suited for those that want a more conventional design
This popular Amazon jacket is a bestseller with over 27,000 reviews and an average 4.5-star rating. Users say it fits great and helps them stay cozy. It has unique side zippers so you can loosen the fit, which we found to be most useful when you’re sitting in the caror if you just want some ventilation. Other notable design features include zippers with long pulls, plenty of pockets and small baffles throughout to keep the down/feather fill evenly distributed.
It also has the widest size range 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.
5. BEST SUSTAINABLE WOMEN’S WINTER COAT
Patagonia Women’s Jackson Glacier Parka
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 zipper pockets
- Limited size range; no plus sizes available
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.
6. BEST WOMEN’S WINTER COAT FOR EXTREME COLD
Aritzia The Super One-Puff Long
PROS
- Double insulation for warmth without bulk
- Weather-resistant materials
- Made with responsibly-sourced down
- Machine washable
CONS
- Testers said it sometimes felt too puffy
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 double insulation, including responsibly sourced 700+ fill power down and PrimaLoft down alternative.
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. And if this seems too extreme for you, it’s also available in a shorter puffer jacket version.
7. BEST LUXURY WOMEN’S WINTER COAT
Canada Goose Trillium Down Jacket
PROS
- Temperature rated to -13℉
- Standout craftsmanship
- Unique straps so you can hold onto your coat hands-free
CONS
- Costs over $1,000
- Dry clean only
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.
The outer fabric is water-resistant so you can wear it in wet weather. We also love its unique built-in backpack-like straps so you can unzip the coat without fully taking it off if you get too hot. Just note that while some down jackets can be machine washed, this coat is dry clean only.
This style is a more basic version with a classic fit and no fur. For an added cost, you can opt for the Heritage parka (that has a slightly cinched waist) or the Fusion fit (that’s more narrow), both of which can come with or without fur.
8. BEST BASIC WOMEN’S WINTER COAT
REI Co-op Norseland Insulated Parka 2.0
PROS
- Good price for a quality down coat
- Insulated hood
- Water-repellent fabric for wet conditions
CONS
- Users would’ve liked more pockets
- Outer fabric may be a bit noisy when moving
A warm and cozy coat with a simple aesthetic, REI Co-op’s parka uses high-quality materialsincluding an RDS-certified down fill and a durable nylon outer fabric, which has a water-repellent coating to protect you in wet weather. Its thigh-length design has zippers on the 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. It is, however, missing some of the bells and whistles of some other styles — e.g., no extra pockets or adjustable features.
9. BEST THREE-IN-ONE WOMEN’S WINTER COAT
The North Face Carto Triclimate Jacket
PROS
- Suitable for wet and windy weather
- Versatile for multiple seasons
- Durable construction
CONS
- Not intended for extreme cold
Three-in-one jackets consist of two layers that are designed to be worn together for the most warmth or separately in milder weather. This style from The North Face uses a windproof shell with a durable water-repellent finish so you can wear it even in harsh winter conditions. The insulated liner is like a thin puffy jacket that you can wear on its own during transitional seasons.
10. BEST WOMEN’S WINTER COAT FOR WET WEATHER
Lands’ End Squall Parka
PROS
- Waterproof and windproof material
- Insulated and fleece-lined construction
- Adjustable features throughout
CONS
- Waterproof outer fabric may not feel as smooth compared to other styles
With its impressive details to protect you against winter’s elements, this nylon parka is windproof and waterproof to keep out rain, snow, ice and sleet. It has both synthetic insulation and a fleece lining to add extra warmth, plus it’s designed to be lightweight in certain areas (like the lower body and hood) so that it doesn’t feel too heavy as you move.
It uses a two-way zipper that’s covered by a storm flap, which is helpful for protection against wind and moisture. There are also plenty of zippered pockets to keep belongings safe. Beyond that, it’s adjustable throughout, including the hood, interior waist and wrist cuffs, adding another layer of defense against harsh weather. We also love that style is available in regular, tall, petite and plus sizes, which is more inclusive than many other styles.
