The best winter coats for women in 2023, tested by experts

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The right winter coat can make all the difference when it comes to both surviving and thriving in cold weather. As someone who was raised in Florida but has spent the last 14 years in climates with bone-chilling temperatures, I know all too well how much the wrong winter gear can impact your quality of life. Finding a coat that will keep you warm in snowstorms, windstorms, and even dry but freezing conditions will allow you to navigate your surroundings with greater comfort and safety.

How we chose the best winter coats for women

I spoke with a panel of people from 10 different states across the country, and I also personally tested over 25 coats for this guide by wearing them through the winter in New York. I considered elements like price, technical features, fit, and durability for each pick.

Below, you'll find tried-and-tested recommendations for the best winter coats for women, based on real-life use in cold weather. Within each section, you'll find several picks across the price spectrum, as well as helpful guidance for choosing the right coat for your lifestyle and climate. 

Best winter coats on a budget

Highly technical coats are usually more expensive, but brands like Uniqlo and Quince are able to offer coats with technical materials at lower prices due to their massive scale or direct-to-consumer supply chains (which result in fewer price markups). 

All the winter coats in this section are under $150 and held up to our high standards for warmth and quality.

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Jacket

Sizing options: XS-XL

Nearly identical to Aritzia's Super Puff coat, Quince's down puffer coat is a major steal at this price point. The two biggest differences between this and Aritzia's version is that the thumbhole sleeve insert is slightly less soft, and Quince's version only comes in 4 colors compared to Aritzia's 20+ options. However, if you're happy with the colors from Quince, we firmly believe that there is no reason to spend $300 on a Super Puff. The hood on Quince's coat is adjustable and detachable, the material is relatively water-resistant, and in a side-by-side test, this coat kept us just as warm.

Orolay women's thickened down jacket

Sizing options: XXS-5XL

Our former senior style editor tested this coat on a trip to Maine during a cold snap after years of resisting the popular Amazon coat trend. To her surprise, it kept her impeccably warm. "The sleeves were the perfect length, with the ribbed cuff hitting right at my wrist, and the torso was snug enough to keep the cold out but not so tight that I couldn't layer sweaters under it." She especially liked the tight-fitting cuffs that prevented wind from whipping up through the sleeve, and found that the various pockets on the front came in handy for storing gloves and essentials. 

Read our full review of the famous Amazon Orolay coat.

32 Degrees Heat Women's Mixed Media Jacket

Sizing options: XS-L

The 32 Degrees Mixed Media Jacket is a go-to lightweight coat for one of our writers who lives in chilly Michigan. She wears it daily, citing that it's "not too warm to wear in the car or while shopping, but warm enough for bitter cold days." The no-hood design and thin quilting also makes it easy to layer under oversized wool coats or anoraks.

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Puffer Parka

Sizing options: XS-XXL

Though it's currently low in stock, this extremely lightweight puffer from Uniqlo is a winner all around. Filled with high quality down, the coat is surprisingly warm for how light it is, even though it lacks adjustability in the hood. An Insider Reviews editor wore it for a ski trip and found it to hold up well even in the blistering cold. It features a water repellent finish that holds up against light rain, but keep in mind that these finishes tend to wear over time. Our editor recommends layering it with Uniqlo's popular Heattech products, like the turtleneck.

Best Parkas

Designed specifically for extreme Arctic conditions, parkas are the best option for anyone living in or traveling to locations with lots of snow, wind, and consistently freezing temperatures. A distinct characteristic of the parkas in this section are that they use more technical, non-quilted materials that are more water-resistant and usually coated with a waterproofing layer to allow snow to slide off easily. Our picks for the best parkas are all mid-thigh or knee length for extra coverage, and some have features like adjustable button flaps that make it easier to sit and drive in the coats. 

Canada Goose expedition parka

Sizing options: 2XS-3XL

Considering that its coats were originally designed to be used by scientists in polar conditions, Canada Goose is the gold standard for warm winter coats. It's no surprise that the popular Expedition Parka made our list. It's a splurge, but one that our editor who lives in Maine was exceptionally happy she made. It has held up for her for 10 years, explaining that it's so warm she's even able to wear it with just a T-shirt underneath. The hood has a concealed zippered edge that allows you to customize the trim (Canada Goose sells hood trims separately), the pockets are fleece-lined for extra warmth, and the jacket comes with straps that allow you to carry it as a backpack. Other helpful features include an adjustable drawcord that lets you cinch the jacket at the waist, as well as sleeve cuffs that prevent air from entering at the wrists. 

Askov Finlayson 

Sizing options: XS-4XL

Designed with polar explorer Will Steger and rated for -20 degrees Fahrenheit, Askov Finlayson's winter parka is an excellent option if you're after something a bit shorter. Our writer who grew up in Minnesota says this is one of the only coats she feels confident wearing in icy temperatures back home, thanks to its many clever features like recessed elastic cuffs, Velcro adjusters on the cuff exterior, insulated interior collar, and well-fitted hood. 

If you're shopping with sustainability in mind, this is the coat we recommend most. Askov Finlayson is a certified B-Corp and climate positive brand, and the coat itself uses 100% recycled and featherless insulation. There's also a 90-day test period where you can return the coat no questions asked, and a lifetime warranty. 

Triple F.A.T. Goose Gravina Women's Long Down Coat

Sizing options: XS-3XL

With an extremely fitted design, soft interior, and plenty of down insulation, you won't need to layer up when wearing this parka from Triple F.A.T. Goose. The coat features an interior cinch-waist cord that you can adjust for a more feminine shape, and the arms have recessed cuffs that feel like the cuffs you'd expect on a thick sweatshirt. We especially love the adjustable hood with draw cords and the extended visor that offers a little extra protection for your face. The coat runs a little small because it's so fitted, so if you plan to layer heavier pieces underneath, you'll want to size up. If you prefer to keep your layers thin, though, you'll be good with your usual size. 

Arc'teryx Patera Parka

Sizing options: 2XS-2XL

If you're looking for a longer parka that offers a bit of extra coverage, look no further than the popular Patera Parka by Arc'teryx. Don't let the sleek silhouette fool you — this coat is as technical as any other on this list. The Gore-Texl is completely windproof, yet still manages to be breathable from the inside. The down insulation is extremely effective but keeps the parka surprisingly lightweight. It does have a roomier fit than most parkas so you can layer underneath it, though it's not as roomy as the Noma Parka by The Arrivals. I wore this during a cold-snap in New York that brought temperatures down to the single digits and I stayed completely dry and comfy even while walking in a snow flurry.

The Arrivals Noma Parka

Sizing options: XS-XL

An oversized fit and tons of technical features makes the Noma Parka by The Arrivals an excellent option for layering. Parkas are generally so warm that they're not designed with layering in mind, but that's exactly what sets this one apart. I was able to wear it with even my chunkiest knit sweaters, but when I tested it over just a long-sleeve shirt, I didn't find that my warmth was compromised at all. 

The coat has a water-resistant finish and the lining is made with 100% recycled poly. The hood is adjustable both around the rim and from front to back so you can customize its depth, plus you'll find a snap-back hood extender that can be used in particularly rainy or snowy conditions. There are several outer pockets that are well-positioned for your hands, and which can carry an extraordinary amount of stuff (gloves, small scarves, a water bottle, etc.). We especially love this one for outdoor adventures like snowy hikes. It's worth noting that I had to size down for this coat because the arms are a bit long, and the oversized design is truly quite oversized. Even in the size down from my usual, I had plenty of room for chunky sweaters. 

Best short puffer coats

For the purposes of this guide, we defined puffer coats as quilted options that are shorter in length, since the section on long coats includes full-length puffers. Puffer coats that hit just below the waist or mid-thigh are best for anyone who prefers a bit of extra mobility. The baffles (rows of quilting) include either down or synthetic fill as insulation, and the quilting helps to ensure even distribution of that insulation. 

Shorter puffer coats are a particularly good option if you drive a lot or live in the suburbs as they're easier to wear in the car. 

The Arrivals Turbo Puff

Sizing options: XS-XL

The Arrivals really has winter coats figured out — the brand field-tested this coat in -30 degree F weather, while we tested it in the low 20s. From its fashionably oversized fit to its many technical features, the Turbo Puff in particular is one of the best short puffers we've ever tested. The hood, which is removable, features a cord at the back that allows you to customize how far over your face it comes. The arm holes have an inner layer of nylon with elastic to prevent wind from coming in, and the bottom of the coat also has drawstrings so you can customize how tightly you want to seal the jacket against your body. The slightly oversized fit allows for layering, and the funnel-shaped neck isn't constricting but rather sits right under the chin for great protection against wind. 

I found this coat to be true-to-size if you like an oversized fit (as intended by the design), but if you prefer a tighter fit, you'll want to go for a size down.

Universal Standard Rainier Short Hooded Puffer

Sizing options: 4XS-4XL

This puffer hits just below the hips and is a great option for both casual wear and activewear, since the shorter profile allows for maximum maneuverability. Available in sizes 00 to size 40, most folks will find lots of options for sizing up if looking for a roomier fit that will accommodate layering. There's a removable hood for added warmth and the cuffed inner sleeves help keep cold air out. 

Athleta Downtown Jacket

Sizing options: 2XS-3XL

Available in petite, regular, and tall profiles, from size XXS to 3X, it's easy to find a stellar fit in Athleta's Downtown Jacket. It's filled with down and hits just below the hips, providing a good balance of warmth and maneuverability that makes this coat equally at home on the city streets or the ski slope. Our deputy editor at Insider Reviews likes that the strategic quilting provides a more feminine shape you don't find in most puffers.

Triple F.A.T. Goose Montalva Women's Puffer Down Belted Jacket

Sizing options: XS-3XL

Belted coats keep warm air trapped against your body, but they also look more sleek and tailored than your typical puffer. This one from Triple F.A.T. Goose was a favorite among the belted styles we tested, offering several much-appreciate features like a bungee corded hood, an adjustable strap on the back of the hood so it doesn't cover your eyes when on, and sleeves that hit just past the wrist bone for extra warm around the hands. It also has four outer pockets, two of which are zippered and placed perfectly for keeping your hands toasty and two of which have cargo flaps that keep your essentials protected. The fit of the coat is true to size, and the length hits just below the hips for a little extra insulation on your backside. 

The North Face Women's Aconcagua Insulated Jacket

Sizing options: XS-2XL

Lighter than the Triple F.A.T. Goose Montalva jacket but heavier than any of the lightweight/packable coats we recommend, this option from The North Face is a solid midweight coat that has served our editor living in Denver, Colorado well. It's sort of a hybrid jacket and coat, with tightly quilted baffles packed with a combination of recycled down and synthetic fill. The outer has a water resistant finish, and the shape is slightly tailored for a fitted silhouette. Available in 11 colors, you really can't go wrong with this pick, especially if you're looking for a simple and versatile style  that can take you from the city to the backwoods.  

The North Face Forester

Sizing options: XS-2XL

Our editor who lives in Maine recommended this coat, saying that it's her go-to for the winter season on days when she doesn't need her Canada Goose parka. "The hood is comfortable and deep to keep my head warm and dry, and it's slightly cropped, which makes it more stylized than other jackets I rely on," she explained. The material is water-wicking, the fill is 100% responsible down, and the hood is also removable, which gives you some extra styling options. It's a bit more restrictive than the other North Face coat on this list, but that's to be expected since it's a thicker coat. 

Best mid-length puffer coats 

Save the Duck Vivienne Faux Fur-Lined Puffer Hooded Coat

Sizing options: XS-XL

The combination of a shiny patent-style finish with partial faux-shearling lining gives this knee-length coat a cozy-chic look and great wind- and water-resistance. As part of my testing, I wore this coat during an outdoor fondue dinner in January in New York, sitting on metal chairs, with the temperature at about 40 degrees. I remained phenomenally warm and comfy the whole time, a testament to Save the Duck's down-alternative insulation that uses no animal products. 

As far as special features go, the coat has no elastic at the wrists or bottom opening, but it does have a drawstring-adjustable, oversized hood and a funnel-neck design that zips all the way up and over your chin to keep your face warm. The zippered pockets are perfectly located for popping your hands in, and they're pretty deep for storing gloves, your phone, and any other basics. This isn't a particularly technical puffer, but it's a fashionable pick that will keep you warm in most cold climates.

Triple F.A.T Goose Balleny Women's Puffer Down Parka

Sizing options: XS-3XL

With slanted quilting and a fitted design, the down-stuffed Balleny coat from Triple F.A.T. Goose is a sleek, feminine option that will keep you as warm as any parka. I'm just over 5 feet tall, and this jacket sat mid-thigh on my frame, making it a bit shorter than the other mid-length coat on this list but definitely longer than any of the short puffer coats we recommend. 

Best long coats

If you're particularly sensitive to wind, long coats might be exactly what you're looking for. They offer the most amount of coverage, but because of the length, you'll want to consider the depth and frequency of snowfall in your area. Calf- and ankle-length coats can catch on deeper snow, so they are best for wind-heavy climates rather than extremely snowy ones. They are also not the best for driving in, so if you live in a suburban area, you may want to look more closely at the puffers and parkas section.

L.L.Bean Ultrawarm Power Down Coat 

Sizing options: XS-3XL, petite and plus options

Available in regular, petite, and plus sizes, L.L.Bean's longest puffer is a favorite of one of our Wisconsin-based writers. She loves the removable faux-fur hood, which makes it easy to change up the look of the coat or transition to slightly less bone-chilling weather. She also appreciates that it's machine washable, because the water-resistant polyester shell doesn't have a chemical finish that would wear off with washing. Instead, it has a tight weave that allows water and snow to bead off the outside. 

The coat itself is extremely warm thanks to a mid-calf length and 650-fill power down. If you're between sizes, opt for a size down, but otherwise we recommend going true to your usual size. 

Triple F.A.T. Goose Valenti Women's Full Length Winter Coat

Sizing options: XS-3XL

Tested by us during a single-digit cold snap in New York, this full-length puffer from Triple F.A.T. Goose seriously impressed me. When paired with shearling-lined winter boots, I actually had no idea how cold it was outside because my body was so well covered. The adjustable (and removable) hood kept my head completely protected, and the funnel-neck design meant I didn't even need a scarf. I especially appreciated the fleece-lined pockets for keeping my hands warm, and the button-up vents on the side that I could open up when I needed to sit down in my jacket. Though I didn't get to test it in the rain, the coat is covered in a DWR finish (which stands for durable water repellent) so it's designed to handle light moisture. 

Quince Responsible Down Long Puffer

Sizing options: XS-XL

With nearly identical construction to Aritzia's long Super Puff, Quince's responsible down long puffer is a much better deal at about half the price. We love the recessed thumbhole sleeves for keeping your hands warm and wind-free, and we're fans of the adjustable and removable hood. The fit is just a little relaxed so you'll have room for sweaters or heavy layers underneath, and the two-way zippers and snap-closures on the sides allow for extra mobility when you're walking around or sitting in the car. We pitted the short version of this coat against the Super Puff and found that the warmth was identical. Just keep in mind that Quince's version only comes in two colors, while Aritzia offers several more options in case that's a priority for you. 

Canada Goose Marlow Parka

Sizing options: 2XS-3XL

It's hard to make a long puffer feel stylish, but Canada Goose nailed it with this one. After testing the shorter version of this coat, we felt that the full-length iteration was a better value because it's only slightly more expensive, but delivers much more warmth for the cost. With a shawl-style collar and a removable belt, you'll get some sartorial versatility from this coat, which comes in five neutral colors and fits true to size. The shorter length version has a removable hood while this one doesn't, but both feature recessed cuffs at the sleeve and backpack straps inside the jacket that make it easy to carry around inside. 

We recommend opting for your usual size in Canada Goose coats.

Best lightweight and packable coats 

Lightweight coats may not pack the same level of warmth as a long parka, but they can be incredibly effective when layered over long sleeves and sweaters. Our picks for the best lightweight jackets are thinner than puffers and easy to fold up, making them great options for travel, commuting, hiking, and layering.

The Arrivals Haelo Hoodie

Sizing options: XS-XL

You'll find a number of jackets from The Arrivals on this list for a reason — the brand is one of the best in the world at the intersection of fashion and technical coat design. The Haelo hoodie has a stylish oversized fit with features like side-zip vents, elastic cuffs, a hood with multi-directional adjustability, and several pockets for storage. The warmth-to-weight ratio is incredibly impressive (I was able to wear it over a sweatshirt in below-freezing temps), and the jacket stows away in an internal pocket that can be worn like a cross-body bag.

REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie

Sizing options: XS-3XL

An editor on the Insider Reviews team who lives in Denver, Colorado says that this is one of the jackets she relies on most in the winter. "It looks like a fall coat, but I can go out in 0-degree weather with nothing but a long-sleeve shirt, scarf, hat, and my REI puffer and I'm good to go," she explained. The jacket is extremely lightweight, about the same as a cell phone, and it packs down to fit into a purse or backpack with ease. Our editor says that the one downside is the hood, which lacks adjustable cords to keep it secure against her head. However, the incredible warmth-to-weight ratio makes up for the issues with the hood (nothing a good hat can't fix!). 

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse

Sizing options: XS-3XL

A favorite of our men's style editor, The North Face's iconic '96 Nuptse Jacket is a slightly less puffy version than the original, making it easier to pack away. The coat is incredibly lightweight and includes a stowable hood that zips into the collar, plus it packs into its own pocket. Its ripstop fabric is wind resistant, while its down fill and oversized baffles offer extra warmth and insulation. The sleeves feature inset elastic cuffs and there's also an adjustable cord at the waist for added protection against the wind. We recommend going true to size in any coat from The North Face.

Patagonia nano-puff jacket

Sizing options: 2XS-2XL

No list of lightweight coats would be complete without the Patagonia Nano-Puff jacket. It's incredibly warm for how thin and packable it is, easily taking the place of a thick puffer even in near-freezing temperatures. The jacket has a little bit of room for layering underneath, but it's pretty fitted, so you're better off wearing this with thinner layers and supplementing with a scarf and/or hat on days that reach below freezing. One feature we love in this jacket is the adjustable cord at the waist, which helps to keep warm air in and cold air out. It also packs down into the size of a small clutch, thanks to an easily compressible PrimaLoft Gold fill. The fill and shell are both made from recycled materials, making this another great option for sustainability-minded shoppers. 

Canada Goose Cypress Puffer

Sizing options: 2XS-3XL

The Cypress Puffer by Canada Goose is definitely a luxury pick, but it's one you'll reach for all the time. It feels impossibly lightweight, but the thick baffles are stuffed with high-loft down that traps heat and remains extremely warm. It's hard to imagine that this coat is actually packable, but it folds down to roughly the size of a travel pillow. Our men's style editor tested the masculine version of this jacket for our guide to the best winter coats for men, and he said it's one of the best he's ever found in terms of a warmth-to-weight ratio. The women's style of the coat features side vents that zip open to allow for more airflow on less chilly days, but when it's brutally cold out, you'll want to keep them zipped up. There are also internal straps that allow you to wear the jacket like a backpack when you're inside, and recessed cuffs that lock in warmth and prevent cold leakage on windy days. 

Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody

Sizing options: 2XS-2XL

With a recently updated fit, the down-stuffed Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody now has more room in the hips for layering, and offers great insulation on cold days when a thick puffer isn't necessary. I found this jacket to run a little bit small, so if you're in between sizes, you'll want to size up. But my usual size gave me just enough room for a thin base layer, and I stayed warm in high-30s weather with nothing but a long sleeve underneath. I find myself opting for this jacket when hiking in the winter because it's extraordinarily lightweight and easy to stuff into a small backpack if I overheat.  

Best wool coats

A wool or cashmere coat simply won't keep you as warm as a parka or thick puffer, so we don't recommend them for the winter. But, there's one coat we've tested that did hold up well when paired with a hat and scarf. The trick is to look for coats that have a lining because it adds an extra layer of protection against wind, something wool coats aren't the best at doing.

Everlane Italian ReWool Long Peacoat

Sizing options: 2XS-XL

Several folks on the Insider Reviews team have tested this wool coat from Everlane, and it's become one of our elevated go-tos for mild winter and chilly fall days. The coat is fully lined with button closures, so no, it's not the warmest thing in the world, but it's great for moderately cold temps, especially when paired with a scarf, hat, and gloves. The silhouette is crisp and elegant for work or date night, and it comes in a few neutral colors. The coat runs true to size, but the arms can be a bit tight if you have bigger biceps. 

Read our full review of Everlane's Italian ReWool Coat.

Best winter vests

Vests are especially great when the temperature varies widely throughout the day, or when it's just not cold enough for a full-on coat. Longer vests can even work well on freezing days if you've layered your sweaters properly, and thin vests like the Patagonia one on this list can be especially great layering pieces with larger puffers on negative degree days. 

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Vest 

Sizing options: XS-XL

This vest from Quince feels almost identical to the Aritzia Super Puff vest, but for $100 less. Densely packed with what the brand labels "responsibly sourced down" (which generally means it's either recycled or a byproduct of the food industry), the vest is extremely warm and thick enough to hold up in cold weather. One of the best features of the vest is that the hood is detachable, but it's also adjustable for wind resistance. It only comes in three colors, but you can't go wrong with classic black. 

Save the Duck Iria Long Hooded Puffer Vest

Sizing options: XS-XL

Long puffer vests are the key to being able to wear chunky sweaters in the winter. I always find that the most uncomfortable element of layering is what happens at the shoulder when you've got too many layers impacting your mobility. That's why I've been heavily leaning on this down-alternative vest, because it offers similar warmth to longer coats without the bunching or discomfort. I've worn it on 30-degree evenings with a thick sweater underneath, and on warmer mornings with just a sweatshirt. While my arms are obviously less protected, the length of the vest keeps more of my core warm. 

These vests run true to size, but if you size up, you'll get a fun slouchy fit that gives it more of a street-style vibe. 

Patagonia Down Sweater Vest

Sizing options: 2XS-2XL

Warmer than Patagonia's Nano Puff vest is its down sweater vest, which I've been wearing religiously for over a year. It's the perfect vest for hiking and outdoor activities, but it's also thin enough to layer underneath heavier coats or oversized shirt jackets. This vest is much more fitted than any of the others on this list, so it's not as easy to layer over thick sweaters. But the fitted silhouette is also part of what makes it look really sleek. We recommend going true to size for most shoppers, but note that Patagonia's products tend to run slightly small so if you're in between sizes you'll want to size up. 

Best fashion coats (that are still warm)

If you're on a sartorial mission to stand out amidst a sea of black puffers and parkas, but you're also unwilling to sacrifice the warmth they offer, look no further. There are a ton of fashion-forward coats out there that provide the same warmth as many of the technical picks in this guide, but these are the ones our team has personally tested. 

The Arrivals Moya V 

Sizing options: XS-XL

The Arrivals Moya is an oversized designer moto jacket with a Napa leather exterior and a cozy shearling interior, making it the perfect mix of style and warmth. "I've truly never been cold in it, even when I'm back in my native Minnesota in sub-zero temperatures," says our former style reporter. The coat is somewhat stiff and cumbersome, though, which is the only disadvantage she and I have experienced with it. It has softened a bit with time, and in the darkest colors, the wrinkles and lines that naturally form in the leather as you wear it are barely visible. 

As far as sizing goes, there are a few things you need to know. I am just over five feet tall, but with a large chest and muscular build, I usually opt for a size large in coats. The size large in the Moya coat was way too big in terms of shoulder width and arm length, and the sleeves were too long, so I ended up finding my perfect fit in a size medium. The coat feels like it's designed for taller bodies (as most coats are), so definitely keep that in mind when choosing your size. Because it's got an oversized build, those with shorter arms or stature may want to size down. 

Save the Duck Women's Bridget Faux Fur Reversible Hooded Coat

Sizing options: XS-2XL

Faux-fur coats get a bad rap as far as actually keeping you warm since they usually lack any sort of wind-resistance layer, but not this one. Save the Duck's reversible faux-fur coat uses a technical puffer material on one side and animal-free fur on the other, offering lots of versatility. We tested the sage green color of the coat and love how it pops against a sea of black, but we're sure the black version of the jacket would be even more elegant. The coat fits true to size, and it kept me plenty warm in freezing New York temps. 

Hill House Home Reversible Edie Puffer Jacket

Sizing options: XS-2XL

Famed for its adorable nap dresses, Hill House now makes extremely cute puffer coats in the same vibrant patterns as the rest of its clothing. The Edie coat is a particular favorite because it's reversible, water-resistant, and filled with a cruelty-free down alternative. After testing it, we can firmly say that it'll do you well on cold days, but you're going to have to sacrifice a few technical features. While it does have bungee cords at the waist, the sleeves lack an elastic band or tight-fitting insert at the wrist. You'll also find drawstrings lining the rim of the hood rather than a bungee-style cord, which makes it slightly harder to get the hood fitted properly. However, the pockets are well-placed and the heft of the insulation was enough to stay warm in below-freezing temperatures. This wouldn't be our go-to for blizzard-like conditions, but it will hold up extremely well to average winter weather.

You'll find one more cute option that features a fun ruffle at the shoulder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the warmest women's winter coat?

Warmth is subjective to everyone, but there are plenty of factors to consider when searching for a coat that's warm for your needs. While an expedition-style parka will absolutely be warmer than a packable jacket, if you're looking for a lightweight design with a high warmth-for-weight ratio, a packable jacket would be more suitable.

Long coats provide more coverage than hip-length jackets, but a lower fill-power rating would mean it's less insulated. 

What is fill-power?

Fill power is a number that measures the amount of space one ounce of down will fill in cubic inches. Higher fill power is an indication of higher quality down being used and a warmer garment for the wearer. The higher the fill power, the better the down can trap your body heat and keep you warm.

How should a winter coat fit a woman? 

Winter coats, regardless of gender, should fit your personal style preferences. It's worth noting that if you like to layer other heavy pieces of clothing under your winter coat — like sweaters, or mid-weight fleece jackets — you should consider sizing up for extra room.

What are the different types of winter coats?

When it comes to winter coats, there are many options to fit your lifestyle and your personal style. Puffer jackets are one of the most popular styles for both warmth and fashion. They feature insulated baffles, giving them the classic puffy look.  

Designed for extreme weather conditions, parkas are usually heavier in weight and feature hoods.

Other variations of winter coats include hip-length or bomber-style jackets, vests, belted coats, peacoats, and lighter-weight packable jackets.

What material should a winter coat be?

The most traditional material found in winter coats is duck or goose down, but other types of warm insulation include recycled polyester, Primaloft, sheepskin, and wool. Most outer layers are designed to be waster-resistant and are usually made from polyester, nylon, or cotton.