The 13 Best Women’s Winter Coats and Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Our top pick is the Orolay Thickened Down Coat
People / Alli Waataja
Winter jackets are a must-have item in your wardrobe. But, unlike sweaters and sweatshirts, you typically don’t have dozens of them hanging up in your coat closet, so you want to ensure the ones that are hanging up are the crème de la crème of outerwear, or at least ultra-warm and durable enough to last you several seasons. And, of course, style is also key, since it’s typically the most visible item in a winter ensemble.
“Whether dressed up or down, a winter coat can be the perfect fashion finishing piece,” says Christina Petry, a stylist and owner of Red Carpet Ready Personal Styling. “No matter what your lifestyle is, a great winter coat is essential,” she adds, noting that a stylish coat can tie together an entire look. That said, winter coats are also about so much more than style — they need to be ultra-functional, too. With that in mind, we set out to find the best women’s winter coats and tested dozens of styles so that you don’t have to.
Since winter coats require a layer (or two) of functionality, we were ultra-picky about the overall quality of the jackets and coats we tested, and carefully looked at comfort, fit, durability (especially in the zippers and hardware), and how easy they are to layer since many of us wear multiple layers underneath our winter coats. As a result, we curated a list of the 13 best women’s winter jackets and coats, ranging from budget-friendly to investment-worthy, and everything in between.
Best Overall: Orolay Women's Thickened Down Jacket
Pros
The long, thick coat is super warm, with a fleece-lined hood for extra warmth.
It’s one of the least expensive coats on our list.
It has lots of internal and external pockets that can hold our phone, keys, wallet, and more.
It features a great size range of up to 5X.
Cons
This coat hits at around mid-thigh, so if you prefer a shorter cut then you may not like this style.
It runs small, so size up if you plan to layer underneath.
Our top pick for the best women’s winter coat is the Orolay Thickened Down Coat, which has a huge fan base on social media (and is also one of Oprah's favorites). The viral Amazon jacket is most loved for its style, fit, warmth, and price tag — and we couldn’t agree more. The jacket is ultra-comfortable and can withstand cold winters, keeping you just as warm as its luxury counterparts. The jacket is on the longer side, so if you prefer short winter jackets, it might not be the best option for you, but it’s not super long making it a good in-between style. In addition to its extreme warmth, we are obsessed with all of the pockets, which make it a very convenient piece of outerwear, considering it can keep us warm and hold all of our essentials.
While we adore every aspect of this jacket, we do recommend sizing up as it can fit a bit snugly, especially when layered over chunky knit sweaters. For less restriction or a more oversized look, going up a size makes this jacket even better.
Size Range: XXS-5X | Material: Polyester | Colors: Black, beige, gray, green, green with fur trim, navy, navy with fur trim, yellow, red, and more
Related: Our Favorite Combat Boots Are Functional, Fashionable, and Worth the Money
Best Budget: Lands' End Women's Down Winter Coat
Pros
It’s one of the warmest coats we tried, thanks to a fluffy down-filling, yet controls temperatures inside so we didn’t break a sweat.
It’s very reasonably priced for a real down jacket compared to others on the market.
It’s versatile with lots of color options available.
Cons
The thick, long coat is slightly slim in cut, so it’s not as easy to layer over chunky sweaters.
It’s not the most fashion-forward option on our list.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to score an amazing (and ultra-warm) winter coat. The Lands’ End Women’s Down Winter Coat — which is conveniently available on Amazon — costs around $100 and is one of the warmest coats on our list. While it’s not the most fashion-forward jacket, we found that it is the most versatile, and is easy to wear and incredibly functional, thanks to how well it keeps the body warm. During testing, we wore this coat in a frigid, wet climate and were pleasantly surprised by how well it held up and protected us from the cold. But, more than that, we were impressed by its temperature control, keeping us nice and warm outside without making us feel sweaty and overheated once stepping back inside away from the cold.
Since the jacket is on the fitted side of the spectrum, we don’t recommend it as a layering piece when wearing chunky knit sweaters; however, it works well when worn over a turtleneck shirt.
Size Range: XS-3X, petite sizes available | Material: Polyester | Colors: Forest moss, rubellite, royal cobalt, rich red, spotted leopard, deep sea navy, verbena, dark stone heather, black
Best Lightweight Down: Vuori Meysan Down Jacket
Pros
The lightweight down filling makes this jacket shockingly warm without the need for layers.
It has lots of internal and external pockets that can fit all of our belongings.
Cons
It has a slightly oversized, straight fit that’s not as waist-flattering as some of the other coats we’ve tried.
Winter coats don’t need to be bulky to keep you warm and toasty — and the Vuori Meysan Down Jacket is proof. The unisex jacket is lightweight and sleek, padded with responsibly sourced down-fill. The fit of the jacket is oversized enough to fit layers under it, but we actually found it so shockingly warm that we didn’t need to wear anything under it, even while walking the dog in freezing temperatures.
The coat features two hand pockets at the side, one breast pocket, and an interior chest pocket that's great for things like keys and cards. The zipper feels super durable and well-made, and it also has elastic cuffs and a toggle hem if you want to wear it more fitted around the waist/hips or trap out any cold that could seep in from underneath.
This lightweight yet incredibly warm jacket instantly became our go-to coat for walking the dog, hiking, and any other outdoor exercise-oriented activities where we’d need something lightweight and compact.
Size Range: S-XXL | Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane, down-fill | Colors: Ink, charcoal, balsam
Best Everyday: Columbia Women's Joy Peak Mid Insulated Hooded Jacket
Pros
The synthetic down-filled coat is soft and warm without being too bulky, thanks to a heat-reflective lining.
It’s lightweight and smushy enough to pack down small, making this a great option to pack for a trip.
It’s reasonably priced for a high-quality long jacket compared to others on the market.
Cons
We wish this coat had some sort of waist-flattering option, like a belt or adjustable bungee cord around the middle, but that’s not a deal breaker for us.
We’ve tested a lot of down winter coats (upwards of 25), and the Joy Peak jacket from Columbia is one of the very best we’ve tried. The jacket is surprisingly slim-cut, thanks to a heat-reflective lining that kept us warm and toasty without the extra bulk of a traditional puffer. The jacket goes down to mid-thigh, which helps protect more of your body against the winter elements.
The down-filled parka is surprisingly lightweight, which was especially helpful when we took off the coat indoors and found it easy to carry around when we weren’t wearing it. It runs true-to-size and comes in a slew of neutral and bright colors to compliment anyone’s taste. The only thing we’d change about the Joy Peak coat is having a bungee cord around the waist so that we could customize the fit to be tighter on the waistline. Overall, we think this is a great everyday coat for those who live in both cold and mild climates.
Size Range: XS-3X | Material: Nylon, polyester, fleece | Colors: Dark sapphire, aqua, beetroot, black, camel brown, chalk, city grey, dusty pink, marionberry, night wave, stone green, dark nocturnal, malbec, warm copper
Best Size Range: Columbia Women's Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket
Pros
This durable, water-resistant jacket is also machine washable.
The jacket has extra-long sleeves, making it ideal for anyone with longer arms or someone who prefers a longer-sleeved coat.
It features an Omni-Heat thermal lining for extra warmth, and synthetic downfill to keep you toasty.
Cons
The size range is a little more limited than some of the other coats on our list and doesn’t come in plus sizes.
If you’re looking for a winter coat that is functional and comes in a good size range, our top pick is the Columbia Women’s Suttle Mountain Long-Insulated Jacket. While it might not be ideal for everyone (especially those with petite frames), we found that this jacket has longer sleeves, which we require and have a hard time finding in quality winter coats. In addition to size, the fit of this jacket is amazing and is the perfect mix of thick and thin, making it easier to layer. Whether you want to wear just a simple long sleeve underneath or a chunky knit sweater, you can rest assured knowing you’ll stay warm no matter what (and the jacket won’t feel too bulky, as so many often do).
Aside from its fit, the jacket is also impressively warm, thanks to its Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining, which traps in body heat. Because it is constructed with a synthetic down material, it retains its heat even in the rain, which is definitely a plus.
Size Range: XS-3X | Material: Polyester | Colors: Black, city grey, dark nocturnal, dark sapphire, marionberry, marsala red, olive green, peach blossom, red lily, chalk
Best Faux Down: Columbia Women's Carson Pass Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket
Pros
This versatile winter coat is very warm and also doubles as a raincoat thanks to a waterproof outer shell.
It comes with lots of features to ensure extra warmth, like a double zipper, faux-fur hood, and fleece-lined pockets.
Cons
It has a shorter cut than some other winter coats we tested, so it won’t keep your thighs warm.
After testing dozens of winter jacket styles, our top pick for the best faux-down winter coat is the Columbia Carson Pass Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket, which is available on Amazon. This jacket is supremely comfortable with a cozy interior liner and a faux fur trimmed hood that stays up easily, which is definitely not always true for some winter coat styles. When testing this jacket out, we tried layering it with everything from a t-shirt to a sweatshirt and found that it did a great job of keeping us warm, especially when we remembered to utilize the interior zipper, which is included as extra protection from the cold and works well as a first defense for retaining heat. Best of all, this coat isn’t just “water resistant” like most other winter jackets we’ve tried — this one is waterproof, meaning it’ll stay dry through rain or heavy snowfall.
The double zipper isn’t the only feature that impressed us. We also love the fleece-lined pockets, which do a phenomenal job of keeping our hands warm in frigid temperatures. The hood is also noteworthy as it not only stays in place but is also lined with extra cozy fleece fabric that adds a nice additional layer of warmth.
Size Range: XS-3XL | Material: Polyester and nylon | Colors: Beach, chalk, elk, flint grey, malbec, marionberry, mineral pink, olive green, red lily, velvet cove, beet, black cherry, camel brown
People / Maria Rowella
Related: The 10 Best Women's Rain Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Investment: Fjallraven Women's Nuuk Insulated Parka
Pros
This jacket is superbly made with attention to detail, including thoughtful pocket placement and a fleece-lined collar.
It kept us super warm and comfortable with a longer zipper that zips up to the neck.
Cons
It’s on the shorter side, which might not be ideal for everyone and every climate.
It’s one of the most expensive winter coats on our list.
If made well and from high-quality materials, winter coats can make for a great wardrobe investment. Our top pick for this category is the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, which truly blew us away. The parka is super comfortable and fantastic for layering all different types of winter materials underneath, including thick sweaters and sweatshirts. While testing, we found that one of the best features of this jacket is the placement of the hand pockets, which are in a comfortable and convenient place that doesn’t feel too low or too high. And, while it might not be a favorite for all, we loved the zipper, which zips all the way up the neck to keep the face warm. The collar is also fleece-lined so it feels comfortable even when fully zipped and touching the face.
While $500 is steep for a winter coat, this jacket is stylish and functional enough to make that price worth it — especially for those who live where temperatures are frigid and a cheaper jacket just isn’t going to cut it.
Size Range: XXS-2XL | Material: Recycled polyamide | Colors: Deep forest, black
Best Water-Repellent: Uniqlo Seamless Down Short Coat
Pros
It’s water-repellent and wind-resistant to keep you dry and warm in a multitude of weather conditions.
It’s a great value for a puffer coat compared to others on the market.
It’s lightweight despite being super warm.
Cons
The puffer design and shorter length might not be ideal for all climates and styles.
With their beloved Heattech gear, Uniqlo knows a thing or two about keeping warm in winter weather. The Seamless Down Short Coat is our top pick for the best water-repellent jacket, because not only is it designed like a puffer coat with a cozy down filling to keep you warm, but it also features water-repellent and wind-resistant technology. After testing this jacket out, we were surprised at how lightweight the jacket felt despite the level of warmth it provides. The shorter length is also great for those who commute by foot, as it’s a little easier to move around while keeping the upper body warm.
This jacket is essentially two-in-one, making it a fantastic choice for those who live in cold and rainy climates. We love it because, in addition to its function, it’s also super sleek-looking and stylish, which isn’t always true for a winter puffer. The jacket is most ideal for anyone looking for a jacket that is warm yet lightweight and can keep you dry in soggy weather.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Material: Polyester and down | Colors: Black, light gray, blue
Related: Nicole Kidman's Trench Coat Has One Design Detail That's So Flattering — Get the Look from $30
Best Puffer: Triple F.A.T. Goose Women's Fara Puffer Down Jacket
Pros
It features a stylish and functional design with lots of zippered pockets, including breast pockets.
The incredibly warm parka is filled with 750-fill power-down insulation to keep you warm even in super-cold temperatures.
It has a sleeker look compared to some of the others we tested.
Cons
It might be too warm for some climates and activities.
It’s one of the more expensive coats on our list.
If style and function are held equally in your winter coat search, the Triple F.A.T. Goose Fara Women's Puffer Down Jacket is a must-have for frigid temperatures. Although it is super cute for a winter jacket, it’s actually highly functional with a down design, comfortable fit, and stylish silhouette. Designed specifically for cold spells, this jacket might actually be a little too warm if you’re running errands or between outdoors and indoors regularly (which we would argue isn’t necessarily the worst thing). The winter coat features a matte finish in stunning earth tones and features several pockets to keep the hands warm and belongings safe, including some breast pockets. Wearing this jacket felt a lot like wearing a cozy hooded sleeping bag, which we especially love for those horribly chilly days.
In addition to its comfort and warmth, the jacket also has some essential design features that impressed us and certainly contributed to its overall function: a high collar that is even warmer with the hood on, a great length that is not too long but not too short, and the jacket’s more elevated style that could easily be dressed up or down.
Size Range: XS-3XL | Material: Nylon fabric and 750 Fill Power 11 oz. white duck down (90% down, 10% feather) | Colors: Black, charcoal, navy, olive
Best Parka: Patagonia Women's Down With It Parka
Pros
Zippered pockets keep your things safe, including an inside pocket for extra security.
It features lots of smartly designed details, including a padded hood for extra warmth and high-quality zippers and hardware.
The soft and fluffy jacket kept us super warm in below-freezing temperatures, thanks to the 100 percent recycled down filling.
Cons
It fits smaller in the chest area, which might not be ideal for those with large busts.
It’s not available in plus sizes.
The Patagonia Down With It Parka is super comfortable and very warm, making it a top pick for below-freezing temperatures, especially for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or commuting in the winter. After testing the jacket out, we noticed that the chest is a bit on the smaller size, so it wouldn’t be ideal for those with large busts, especially if the cup size is above average for body size. However, we found that the jacket fits really well in all other areas. We just wish it was offered in a wider size range.
Aside from fit, we were really impressed with all the little details on this jacket, including the hardware, which we found had substantially better quality compared to a similar luxury parka we tested. As an added bonus, the parka is made with more recycled polyester and recycled down, too. Considering the price tag, we found that this jacket has excellent value, rivals its high-end counterparts, and is absolutely worth the investment.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Material: Recycled polyester, recycled down | Colors: Black, new navy
Related: Our Favorite Combat Boots Are Functional, Fashionable, and Worth the Money
Best Packable: Arc'teryx Women's Atom Insulated Hoodie
Pros
This lightweight winter jacket has a sleek, non-bulky fit that packs down well.
It’s great for moderate weather conditions, including running or training outdoors in the winter and spring.
Cons
It’s not the thickest or warmest coat we’ve tried, so it may not be ideal for super frigid weather.
Typically, winter jackets aren’t very packable. Sure, they can pack down, but because of their thickness, they don’t always squish down as much as we’d like — that is, until we tried the Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie. This cozy winter jacket is the opposite of bulky while remaining warm. While it’s not the coziest jacket on our list (it’s not constructed from the plush material that a lot of winter coats feature), the jacket is one of the more functional options. Perfect for moderate winter temperatures — we’re talking 40 degrees — the jacket is super easy to pack down and barely takes up any space in a suitcase, making it great for someone needing a lighter winter jacket while traveling.
When testing this jacket, we found that it was amazing for outdoor exercise, specifically long runs in the winter, since it isn’t bulky but can still keep you warm while you’re moving your body. The jacket is also a fantastic transitional coat for spring, when it’s not quite frigid winter anymore but definitely not hot, either.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Material: Nylon, recycled polyester, elastane | Colors: Black, black sapphire, expanse, fika, solace, moonlit, velvet sand
Best Packable, Less Expensive: The North Face Women's Aconcagua Jacket II
Pros
This lightweight jacket packs down small, making it a great choice for travel.
It’s warm enough for mild winter weather.
This coat is great for outdoor exercise without overheating.
Cons
It’s not as warm as other coats we tested, making it less ideal for more frigid temperatures.
If you’re searching for a packable jacket that isn’t as expensive as the Arc’teryx one, we highly recommend this option from The North Face. This jacket is super comfy and features just the right amount of puff to keep you warm without feeling too bulky. Since it’s not made from soft winter fabrics, it’s not the coziest in our closet (though the nylon material is soft to the touch), however, the jacket makes up for that in its warmth and how easily it packs down.
Ideal for mildly cold temperatures or outdoor workouts, this is perfect for traveling during the spring and fall, as well as for winters out west in warmer climates like Los Angeles. Additionally, it is water-repellent, so it’s a great jacket to have on hand during late winter and early spring showers.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Nylon and recycled polyester | Colors: Ashen purple, cloud blue, shiny deep garnet red, shiny deep blue, shiny fig, shiny grey
Best Wool: & Other Stories Long Fuzzy Wool Coat
Pros
This stylish wool winter coat looks elegant enough to wear to dressier occasions or the office.
It’s made from 100 percent recycled wool that provides a thick layer of warmth for more mild winter weather.
Cons
It’s not warm enough for frigid North Eastern and Midwestern winters.
If you prefer a peacoat-style winter jacket, consider this & Other Stories Long Fuzzy Wool Coat. This jacket features a straight cut that is ultra-stylish and boasts enough space for layering without feeling too oversized. It’s constructed from 100 percent recycled wool, too, giving it not only an eco-friendly edge but also making it more temperature-controlling, since wool is naturally warming as well as moisture-wicking. The jacket is surprisingly warm and, although we wouldn’t wear it in frigid temperatures, it does an amazing job of keeping us warm on more mild winter days, especially earlier and later in the season when the weather feels a bit more transitional.
Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Recycled wool | Colors: Beige
Related: The 23 Best Puffer Jackets of 2024 to Elevate Your Winter Style
How to Pick the Right Women’s Winter Coats and Jackets
Style Versatility
When shopping for a winter coat, Petry says style versatility is super important. “Having a coat that goes with multiple outfits, whether dressy or everyday casual, is not only functional but realistic for people who want options in their personal wardrobe,” she explains. With this in mind, look for coats that are available in neutral colors or a hue that pairs well with lots of items in your wardrobe (even if that color isn’t a neutral).
Fit
The fit is also an essential aspect of jacket shopping. And, if you plan to layer underneath your coat, you will definitely want to consider that, since sizing up might better accommodate chunky knits or multiple layers. When shopping, Soneca Guadara, a style consultant and personal fashion stylist says to first ask yourself if you want a coat to be fitted or loose. If considering a more fitted silhouette, she recommends “something that will create definition at your waist,” such as a belted coat or something that cinches in a little more at the midsection.
Fit also defines comfort, which is why Guadara says trying it on with items you’ll actually wear — such as a sweater or sweatshirt — with it is a must.
Function
“You need winter coats that will keep you ready for varying weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and really cold temperatures,” says Kriena Nederveen, a stylist with over 30 years of experience. While you might be able to meet some of these criteria with just one jacket — such as the Uniqlo Seamless Down Short Coat — this might require investing in a couple of different options, especially if you live in a particularly rainy city where more moisture protection is required.
People / Skye Senterfeit
How We Tested
At PEOPLE, we know how important a good winter coat is (especially for those of us who live on the East Coast). So, when we set out to find the best winter jackets and coats, we paid close attention to the jackets’ weight, fit, and comfort. We were also extra particular about how well each jacket layers and made note of what would make a jacket a better layering piece — such as sizing up — since most of us aren’t wearing T-shirts under our winter gear.
Since winter coats are meant to last (and withstand one of the harshest seasons), we also carefully considered all of the features, especially the zippers, pockets, hoods, and hardware to determine their quality, how well they function, and their convenience. And, if the jackets had adjustable features, we tested those out too to make sure they were easy to use.
After our initial inspection, we took the jackets and coats out for a test in the real world — a.k.a., real winter — and wore them for at least one hour and a minimum of six times to ensure they lived up to their first impressions, kept us warm without overheating, were easy to move around in, and functioned well with everyday activities, including commuting, running errands, and even exercising outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warmest winter coat?
If you’re looking for the warmest winter coat, you’ll find it in several options on our list, including the Lands' End Women's Down Winter Coat, Triple F.A.T. Goose Fara Women's Puffer Down Jacket, Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, as well as our top pick for the best women’s winter jacket, the Orolay Thickened Down Coat from Amazon. These jackets all feature super warm materials and are designed to shield the body from the cold through extra insulation and durable zipper features.
Which coats are best for winter?
The best coats for winter are ones that will provide lots of warmth while also allowing you to move comfortably. With this in mind, many people opt for puffer coats such as the Triple F.A.T. Goose Fara Women's Puffer Down Jacket or Uniqlo Seamless Down Short Coat, which are made with down feathers for added insulation. However, other styles such as a classic wool overcoat can also keep you warm and be an excellent option when looking for something that feels a bit dressier compared to your everyday outwear.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE.com who writes about beauty, fashion, home, pets, DIY, and more. Her work has been published in Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON Magazine, StyleCaster, Brit+Co, Forbes, Bustle, Sunday Riley’s The Sunday Edit, Dermstore, and Girlboss.com. For this article, she relied on the input of our team of product testers and interviewed Christina Petry, a stylist and owner of Red Carpet Ready Personal Styling, and Kriena Nederveen, a stylist with over 30 years of experience. This story was recently updated by shopping writer Cai Cramer with new product picks and fresh insights.
Meet Our Experts
Christina Petry is a professional stylist and owner of Red Carpet Ready Personal Styling.
Kriena Nederveen is a professional stylist based in LA with over 30 years of experience.
Erika Reals is a senior shopping editor at PEOPLE with 5 years of experience writing and editing. Erika lives in New York City, where she tested coats while walking her dog in below-freezing temperatures.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Up Next: The 8 Best Men’s Winter Coats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
