We updated this guide in January 2023 to ensure our top-tested styles were in stock and showed accurate costs, including pricing from post-holiday winter coat sales.

With the temperatures dropping, now's the time to get your outerwear ready to go. And since coats can be pricey, you want to make sure you're investing in one that will actually keep you cozy and last all season (and beyond!). The best type of winter coat is one that's made with warm materials and solid construction to keep out wind and snow, but it should also be comfortable and stylish so that you'll love wearing it every day.

The fiber scientists and apparel experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test cold-weather gear of all kinds — from warm socks and winter boots to fleece-lined leggings and cozy loungewear — to make sure you stay warm and comfortable all winter. When it comes to winter jackets, our experts recently evaluated over 30 styles both in our Lab and with consumer testers. We used our expertise to evaluate the fabrics, designs and features, then had our testers weigh in on comfort, fit, warmth and other aspects. All said, we reviewed more than 1,000 data points before selecting the best winter coats you can buy.

Our top picks:

You can learn more about how we evaluate winter coats and what to look for when you shop at the end of this article, but first, here's everything you need to know about each of our top-tested winter coats.

Columbia

amazon.com

$215.00

Shop Now

This warm and functional style earns our top spot for its versatility and quality construction, all a reasonable price. It's a two-layer system with an outer parka that has a longer fit, faux fur-lined hood and waterproof finish to keep you dry. The inner layer uses down alternative insulation and a thermal-reflective liner to help keep you warm without adding excess weight. You can wear the two layers individually or zipped together for the coziest combination.

In addition to this multi-use aspect, we like that it has good adjustability, including an adjustable waist for a good fit and adjustable cuffs to keep cold air out of sleeves. It also has thumbhole cuffs, a two-way zipper and plenty of pockets to carry everything you need. And even though it has performance features that are great for skiing and other outdoor sports, our apparel experts note that it's fashionable enough to wear as your everyday winter coat, especially with its matte outer fabric. It comes in a range of colors and sizes (including more options on Columbia's website).

TESTER NOTES: After thorough inspection, our analysts couldn't find any construction concerns. It also earned high ratings in our fit tests, and one wearer commented, "I love everything about this coat. The 3-in-1 design is convenient for transitioning from fall to winter. The tapered shape with banded waist is flattering. The faux fur inside of the hood is so cozy and plush!"

Beinia

amazon.com

$99.99

Shop Now

It's nearly impossible to find a down coat for under $100, but this Amazon best-seller does just that and has thousands of five-star reviews from users who say it has held up to freezing cold weather. It's a blend of 90% down and 10% feather fill and our pros think it 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.

TESTER NOTES: GH textile analysts were impressed by the thoughtful design elements and its inclusive size range, including plus size options. They especially liked the spacious pockets and the fact that it can pass for more expensive than it actually is. It wasn't as high quality as other coats featured here — the down was poking through in our inspection and the outer fabric makes noise when you move — but the value is certainly hard to beat.

Orolay

amazon.com

$149.99

Shop Now

This popular Amazon jacket is a best-seller with over 17,000 five-star reviews from users who say it fits great and helps them stay cozy. It has unique side zippers so you can loosen the fit, which our pros say are most useful when you're sitting in the car or if you just want some ventilation. Other notable design features, according to our textiles pros, 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, with plus sizes going up to 5XL. The brand has created fashionable updates for this style over the years, including one with fuzzy sherpa panels, a longer length, pastel colors and metallic shine. They even offer versions for men and kids.

TESTER NOTES: Our testers agreed with the fans on Amazon, saying it's perfect to wear every day during the winter, especially for commuting. One of our reviewers highlighted the details, saying, "I love the knit cuffs at the wrist inside the sleeve for keeping cold air out," while another said the zipper pulls and front pockets add a stylish element.

Eddie Bauer

amazon.com

$179.40

Shop Now

For a puffer coat that you can live in all winter, this style has a 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 textile pros noted, 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 options for tall, plus and petite so it's easier to find a good fit.

TESTER NOTES: Our fiber scientists were thoroughly impressed by the quality and features when they inspected this coat. One tester noted that while the length may not be suitable for activities that require a lot of movement, "the coat is slimming and tailored; not overly puffy like some coats can be. It's long enough to cover more of your body during super cold weather."

Patagonia

backcountry.com

$429.00

Shop Now

Not only is this one of our top-performing styles, it also impressed our experts 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 our pros appreciate for its 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 so you know it's been inspected and still performs well.

TESTER NOTES: A wearer noted it has a "slight curve at the waist, making it more flattering than some other long parkas I've worn." She also liked how it was more simple and basic than other coats. Our analysts appreciated the brim on the hood, which can help protect users from snow, wind and other elements.

REI Co-op

rei.com

$199.00

Shop Now

A warm and cozy coat with a simple aesthetic, REI's parka uses high-quality materials including an RDS-certified down fill and a durable nylon outer fabric, which has a water-repellent coating to protect you in wet weather. Our pros note that its thigh-length design has zippers on the side that you can open when you need more mobility or are sitting.

Other features that stood out to our experts 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 doesn't have all the bells and whistles like some other styles — e.g., no extra pockets or adjustable features.

TESTER NOTES: One of our reviewers described the hood as feeling "extra warm and plush, like a blanket." She also liked the cozy pockets, but did note the lack of extra pockets that are often found in other coats. Beyond that, one interesting callout was that the buttons and zippers match the coat color for a more tailored look.

Lands' End

landsend.com

$79.98

Shop Now

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. We like that it has both synthetic insulation and a fleece lining to add extra warmth, and is 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 our Textile Lab pros note is essential for protection against wind and moisture. There are also plenty of zippered pockets to keep belongings safe. Beyond that, there's adjustability throughout, including the hood, interior waist and wrist cuffs, which our analysts also appreciate as another layer of defense against harsh weather. And if you have trouble finding a coat that fits properly, this one's available in regular, tall, petite and plus sizes, which is more inclusive than many other styles.

TESTER NOTES: Both our pros and testers were impressed by the adjustable design features that prevent cold air and moisture from seeping through. Our fit tester also gave it high scores for comfort, style and quality. She raved about the amount of pockets and described it as "a great coat for days with a wintry mix."

Noize

noize.com

$137.50

Shop Now

It's perfectly fine to prioritize fashion for a winter coat you plan to wear every day, but you don't want to sacrifice quality or warmth. This puffer gives you the best of both worlds: It's substantial and long to keep you cozy and has a flattering belt and matte (i.e. not shiny!) outer fabric that looks more upscale and elevated.

Other notable specifications include a down alternative fill that's sourced from recycled plastic, a two-way zipper that can be opened from either end and two fleece-lined front pockets with button closures. Our analysts note these won't keep belongings as secure as a zippered closures, but say the lining is ideal for hand warming.

TESTER NOTES: Our reviewers highlighted both the style and the smart design features. For starters, one said "I love the belt detail that adds a cinched waist to an otherwise unflattering silhouette." She also noted, "The hood is nice and deep, and the zipper goes all the way up to the neck to help keep the hood in place." It also earned great feedback on the length, which was called toasty without feeling restrictive.

Canada Goose

nordstrom.com

$1295.00

Shop Now

There's a reason Canada Goose is so popular despite being so expensive: its 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. Plus, our experts appreciate 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 variation with a classic fit and no fur. For an added cost, you can opt for the Heritage version (that has a slightly-cinched waist) or the Fusion fit (that's more narrow), both of which can come with or without fur.

TESTER NOTES: Experts raved about the coat's construction, calling it "heavy duty, high quality and impressive." They also appreciated its interior drawstring at the waist for a close yet adjustable fit, close-fitting cuffs and a removable drawstring hood with a brim for more coverage. One textiles analyst noted that she splurged on a Canada Goose coat and it kept her warm for many years in cold and wet climates, all while looking flattering.

Canada Goose

nordstrom.com

$1175.00

Shop Now

This style is a new this year and stands out for its combination of high quality materials, technical design and trendy fit. Its high fill power means it offers an extra fluffy warmth and its outer materials are water- and wind-resistant so it can stand up to winter weather. Plus, the belt is adjustable so you can find the most flattering fit.

It also has some of the same standout features from the Canada Goose parka — including responsibly-sourced down and built-in straps for easy carrying. And while Nordstrom currently carries it in white, the Canada Goose site has it four additional colors.

TESTER NOTES: Users loved how this coat looks high-end thanks to the quilting, statement collar and chic belt. Even better, analysts noted how soft and cozy it feels to wear. Beyond that, our experts appreciate that it's machine washable for easy cleaning — especially for a versatile style like this that will get lots of wear over the winter months.

Lululemon

lululemon.com

$278.00

Shop Now

If you prefer a shorter jacket for mobility but still want the warmth of a puffy down coat, this cropped style is filled with a down/feather blend that's both cozy and responsibly sourced. It's roomy so you can layer it (which our pros note is sometimes a hindrance with more fitted styles), but it still has a cinchable hem and close-fitting wrist cuffs to keep cold air out.

The brand says this jacket is designed for on the move, and we can see why: There's a removable hood so you can choose how to wear it, zippered pockets (including a hidden phone sleeve) and an outer fabric that's water-resistant, wind-resistant and sweat-wicking.

TESTER NOTES: One analyst described it by saying "it feels like a cloud," while a fit tester said, "It’s a short puffer coat, which is in style, but it’s not too short." She also raved that the inside of the sleeves were "the most comfortable material," just like the fan-favorite Lululemon leggings.

Gap

gap.com

$228.00

Shop Now

Stylish, perfect for layering over sweaters and cozy like a wearable blanket, this oversized puffy coat is both warm and versatile. You get more coverage with the knee-length fit and funnel neck. Plus, the detachable hood has a drawstring for adjustability and the sleeve cuffs have thumb holes — which both our testers and analysts love for stay-in-place capabilities.

Its down alternative fill is a recycled polyester and the outer shell is water resistant. Beyond that, the front pockets are zippered and lined in microfleece to keep hands cozy. And like most Gap garments, you can opt for tall or petite sizes to ensure you're wearing the right length.

TESTER NOTES: It earned high marks for comfort, with testers specifically liking the soft feel of the fabric. Though it didn't earn good scores for being flattering, that's not surprising with the oversized trend — and unlike other coats, there's no adjustability around the waist. Still, our reviewers loved wearing it and couldn't think of any complaints to call out.

Outdoor Research

outdoorresearch.com

$219.00

Shop Now

Perfect for layering and versatile to take on the go, this 10-ounce packable activewear jacket is both durable and super lightweight. It wowed our product experts with its down alternative fill that is designed to mimic the strands of real down clusters, and the brand says it's equivalent to a 700-800 fill power (which is among the fluffiest fill you can find). The outer fabric is an abrasion-resistant nylon that our textile pros note is better suited to hold up to outdoor adventures.

Also unique is the diagonal quilting pattern to help reduce stitching and provide a more seamless coverage of warmth. This style includes an attached hood, but if you prefer a collared-version then you can opt for the hoodless variation of the jacket.

TESTER NOTES: Users highlighted the unique and quality construction in our review, noting in particular that the stitching seems secure. They even said the fit was slightly tapered for a flattering look. Plus, the attention to detail was well-loved, including the pulls on the zippers that made it easy to open and close and the surprisingly deep pockets.

Marmot

marmot.com

$350.00

Shop Now

A fitness jacket that helps you brave winter's chill, this innovative style impressed our analysts with its construction designed to help keep you at a comfortable temperature. In fact, it works based on activity level so you don't need to layer. The brand boasts its WarmCube technology that circulates heat while you move, but traps in heat when you stop to keep you warm.

It has a down fill with a 700 fill power (i.e. it's soft and fluffy without the extra weight) and the outer material is a ripstop nylon, which our fiber scientists recommend for increased durability. There's an elastic fit around the wrists and waist, an attached hood and a gusset under the arm, a design feature we appreciate to prevent the jacket from restricting your movement.

TESTER NOTES: Upon inspection, our textile pros note how the sleeves are thinner with more insulation at the torso, where you need it most. And though a hood may seem like a burden during workouts, this one is fairly thin so it doesn't get in the way. Our experts also said the plethora of pockets were deep and could hold more than expected.

Before testing, our analysts perform extensive market research and work closely with outerwear brands to ensure we're testing the most relevant and up-to-date styles for the current season. We review the materials and design specifications to see whether they can truly perform — including the fabric, type of insulation and construction around the seams.

Next, we extensively inspect coats firsthand to review the quality and features. Analysts take notes on the outer fabric, inner lining, various closures, pockets, hood and collar, sleeves and cuffs, drawstrings and more. We also note how secure the seams are and whether any filling pokes through.

Lastly, we have consumer testers try them out for real-world feedback. Reviewers score the coats on aspects like warmth, fit, comfort, appearance, ease of use, adjustability, pocket space and more. They also answer open-ended questions about the jackets so we can get more thorough insights into the pros, cons and best uses for each style. We continue to collect feedback as it comes in throughout the winter season to make our findings are comprehensive and accurate.

To make sure your jacket can keep you warm in cold weather, here's what to look for when you shop:

✔️ Insulation type: Your two main choices are down and down alternative (i.e. polyester):

Down offers the best insulation because its clusters trap in heat. Keep in mind that down is not the same thing as feathers. Down comes from the undercoat of ducks or geese, while feathers are a protective covering on their outer layer. Sometimes a coat's insulation is a blend of down and feathers, which helps keep the cost lower, but feathers aren't as lofty. Many brands have worked to improve the traceability of their supply chains and ensure the birds are not force-fed or live-plucked. Look for certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) to ensure the down complies with these practices.Down alternative is better if you're on a budget or prefer an animal-free option. Synthetic fibers like polyester are created to mimic down clusters. While they're often less expensive and may be easier to clean, down alternative fills may not be as lofty as real down. For less of an environmental impact, you can often find down alternative fills that are made from recycled plastic.

✔️ Fill power: This term specifically applies to down insulation (though some down alternative products list their fill power equivalent). In technical terms, it tells you the volume of the down in cubic inches per ounce. In real-life terms, it lets you know how warm and cozy the coat will feel. A higher number means the down takes up more space and traps more air for better insulation.

Fill powers can range from 300 to 900, but anything over 550 is considered warm. Just keep in mind that this isn't the same thing as fill weight, which tells you how much down is actually used. You can find a lightweight winter jacket with a high fill power that has good insulating properties, but can't keep you warm in extreme cold because of its lighter weight.

✔️ Temperature rating: You won't see this on all jackets when you shop, but performance outerwear brands sometimes include a rating to let you know how warm the coat will be. It could be as simple as warm, warmer and warmest; other times you may find a specific temperature range.

✔️ Lining: Most winter coats for everyday use have a smooth interior fabric. For extra warmth in extreme cold, you can find styles with a fleece lining or advanced technical features, like ones that reflect your body heat back to you.

✔️ Coverage: Avoid shorter jackets if you're looking for the best possible warmth. Coats that have coverage around your neck and longer lengths that go to your knees are ideal for blocking out cold air.

From skiing and other winter sports to everyday wear in cold-weather climates, it's essential to pick out a coat that's designed for your specific needs. These are the main aspects you should consider when you shop:

✔️ Material: For performance outerwear and casual everyday coats, nylon is water-resistant and the most durable material for the outer shell. Polyester is also common in outerwear and if you don't need extra durability for adventure-quality gear, it's likely going to be your best bet.

✔️ Weatherproof design: For ultimate protection against winter's elements, your coat should have flat, sealed seams to keep snow, sleet and rain out. You should also consider design details that block cold air, such as drawstrings that cinch around the hood and hem, cuffs around the wrist and a flap over the zipper.

✔️ Comfort features: Look for styles that are lightweight, breathable and not too long if you plan to be moving around a lot. Some jackets have versatile features, like sections that you can unzip if you're moving around a lot. While it may be tempting to find the warmest possible coat when you shop, avoid going too warm if you don't need it. A jacket that's designed for mountain conditions may be too heavy for an everyday commuting coat.

✔️ Style: While function and technical features are super important, fashion plays a big role in outerwear. After all, you're likely going to be wearing your jacket every day for several months. If you prefer a more flattering fit, look for coats with a tapered shape or an adjustable waist. Also consider aspects like whether you want the brand logo visible or not, if you prefer a shiny or matte outer fabric and the color options.