I’m a Stylist Who Lives in New York & These Are the Warmest Winter Coats, Hands Down
I’ve never been someone who is willing to risk being cold. I admittedly carry an emergency sweater around during the summer, and even in my early 20s, I wore full winter gear to the club. Having lived in New York my whole life, I’d like to think I’ve become an expert at staying warm — and that includes finding the warmest winter coats for women. But it’s not just my location that makes me a pro on this topic. I’ve also worked in fashion for over 10 years, and have written and styled multiple stories involving quality outerwear. I’ve touched and tried on a million options, and know a good coat when it see one.
My own winter coat collection is constantly growing. Each year, I add around three different styles to my closet, having been tempted by sales and gift cards or gifted arctic-approved options from my parents (my dad is also obsessed with finding the warmest winter coats). It’s admittedly become my thing, and while I tell myself I don’t need another insulated puffer or faux fur trench, I can’t help but hand over my credit card.
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Throughout the years, I’ve put plenty of those so-called best winter coats through literal tests. I’ve reviewed different designs for stories — both affordable options and luxury picks — and once styled a coat story featuring women who work outside. It’s allowed me to really weigh the pros and cons on what’s worth buying, and also compile an extensive list of my favorites. Check out the best winter coats for women — according to a lifelong New Yorker and a stylist — ahead.
What to look for in a winter coat
When it comes to what to look for in a winter coat, you should probably consider your location before shopping. Do you live in a place that gets so cold, a bulky, down-filled design is pretty much a necessity? Or can you get away with something lighter that’s lined with fleece? If snow is a concern, you might want to opt for a hood. Also, it doesn’t hurt to consider what you’ll wear it with — a sleek peacoat might pair better with dresses or office attire (although no one’s judging you put warmth above fashion and layer with a puffer).
What is the best brand of winter coat?
The best brand of winter coat really depends on personal preference. Some classics include Lands’ End, Canada Goose, and The North Face, but in recent years, Aritzia and even Amazon have become go-tos for shopping warm winter coats for women.
The Best Women’s Winter Coats, at a Glance
Lands’ End Women’s Down Winter Coat, $179.96
Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket, $151.99
J.Crew New Lady Day Topcoat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool Blend, $299.50
Garage Perfect Puff, $99.95
1. Lands’ End Women’s Down Winter Coat
Sizing available: Small – 3X, including petite and tall sizing options
Colors available: 9
Material: 100% nylon exterior shell with a faux fur hood
Insulation: 600 Down HYPERDry fill
Waterproof: Yes
Length: Mid-length
Hood: Yes, detachable and adjustable
Lining: Lined
Best for: Someone who is looking for a simple everyday coat
Pros: Lands’ End is a classic coat brand for a reason — the designs are timeless, made with quality materials, and when you’re buying a puffer, it’s pretty much guaranteed you’re getting something that will keep you warm in freezing temperatures. This one also comes complete with snap storm flap that will help to block “wind and wet,” so you’ll have some extra protection should you encounter a snow storm. Plus, you can get it from Walmart!
Cons: If you’re looking for something with flair, this isn’t it. Aside from some bright color options, this winter coat is super simple and puts practicality over anything else. And, while it’ll protect you from 0° temperatures, anything below that might have you feeling the cold.
Lands’ End Women’s Down Winter Coat
$179.96239.9525% Off
2. Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket
Sizing available: XS – XXL
Colors available: 11
Material: 100% polyester
Insulation: It’s filled with EcoPlume?, a recycled-polyester insulation made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
Waterproof: Yes
Length: Mid-thigh
Hood: Yes
Lining: Yes, polyester
Best for: Adding some color to your winter wardrobe — and feeling good about it, too.
Pros: It fights off the cold well below 40 degrees, is waterproof, and can be thrown in the washing machine. Plus, the recycled-polyester insulation is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified and bluesign? approved.
Cons: This thing is warm — almost too warm to wear on more mild winter days (you’ll be sweating).
Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket
$99.9918044% Off
3. Canada Goose Trillium Parka Heritage
Sizing available: 2XS – 2XL
Colors available: 6
Material: 83% Polyester, 17% Cotton, and a removable fur ruff
Insulation: 625 fill power responsibly sourced duck down
Waterproof: Yes
Length: Mid-length
Hood: Yes, removable
Lining: 100% nylon
Best for: Harsh winds and extreme weather conditions.
Pros: If your local temperature tends to go below 0° F, you’ll be happy to have this coat on hand. It even has fleece-lined pockets, which are perfect for keeping you hands warm. And, you can forget looking like a lumpy marshmallow this season; simply cinch and adjust the waist via an interior drawcord to create a more customized fit.
Cons: Even though Canada Goose promises to protect wearers from Arctic-like weather conditions, this one isn’t its warmest option and can only endure up to -13° F (although that’s still impressive, IMO).
Canada Goose Trillium Parka Heritage
$1650
4. Stand Studio Camille Long Faux Fur Cocoon Coat
Sizing available: 0 – 10
Colors available: 2
Material: 60% polyester, 20% wool, 20% acrylic faux fur
Insulation: None
Waterproof: No
Length: Mid-length
Hood: No
Lining: Lined
Best for: Feeling fancy while keeping warm.
Pros: Forget adventure-ready parkas and other bulky coats — this fluffy cocoon option is just as warm, but at the same time, feels dressy enough for date nights and holiday gatherings. It’s definitely a statement-making, celeb-worthy layer (I’ve gotten tons of compliments while wearing it!), but still pairs perfectly with casual jeans.
Cons: The size range is disappointing and what is available is already selling out.
Stand Studio Camille Long Faux Fur Cocoon Coat
$475
5. Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket
Sizing available: XX-Small – 5X-Large
Colors available: 9
Material: 100% polyester,
Insulation: 90% duck down, 10% duck feather
Waterproof: Yes
Length: Mid-length
Hood: Yes
Lining: Fleece-lined hood
Best for: Finding the perfect size — and having it delivered it record time.
Pros: This pick was once labeled “The Amazon Coat,” since it’s conveniently shoppable through the site. When I first tried it on for a photo shoot, I was super impressed by how warm it felt, thanks to the fleece lining, and love the cool zipper details.
Cons: While it’s definitely a deal, it isn’t exactly cheap, and you’ll likely be shivering if you rock it during a snow storm.
Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket
$151.99
6. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Sizing available: X-Small – XX-Large
Colors available: 8
Material: 100% recycled nylon or 100% polyester
Insulation: 700-fill-power down
Waterproof: No
Length: Short
Hood: Hidden zip-out hood
Lining: 100% nylon insulation
Best for: Those who are nostalgic and/or enjoy ’90s style.
Pros: Despite being a simple black puffer, it still feels unique and cool — probably because this style was the “It” item from a few decades ago (I’m a millennial and had one in high school). Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Emily Ratajkowski both enjoy this pick from The North Face, so you’ll be able to nail the Hollywood look for under $500.
Cons: The main complaint is that this coat is too puffy and gives off Michelin Man vibes.
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
$330
7. Alo Oversized Faux Fur Trench
Sizing available: XXS – L
Colors available: 5
Material: 100% Polyester
Insulation: None
Waterproof: No
Length: Full length, mid-calf
Hood: None
Lining: “Satiny” interior lining
Best for: Someone who enjoys the look of a luxe fur coat, but doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars.
Pros: Reviewers claim this winter coat makes them feel like a billionaire, and the fact that it’s faux fur will save you from feeling guilty whenever you slip it on. It’s also super plush and cozy, and I’ve definitely felt tempted to wear it around the house with my pajamas.
Cons: This coat runs large, so size down if you want something that looks more form-fitting — and even then, it may still be oversized. You also won’t be able to find any zippers, buttons, or belts included. It’s meant to be worn open, which is kind of annoying when you’re feeling cold.
Alo Oversized Faux Fur Trench
$398
8. J.Crew New Lady Day Topcoat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool Blend
Sizing available: 00 – 24, with petite and tall options as well
Colors available: 6
Material: 75% wool, 25% polyamide
Insulation: Thinsulate, AKA animal-free, synthetic fibers
Waterproof: No
Length: Above the knee
Hood: None
Lining: Thinsulate lining
Best for: Staying warm while looking sleek.
Pros: Aside from offering a ton of size options, the big draw with J.Crew’s Lady Day coat is that it’s an elevated, simple design combined with Thinsulate. Now, you can have a form-fitting, (mostly) wool top coat that actually blocks out the biting winter wind and save you from shivering in below-zero weather.
Cons: If you look at the comments, people seem to prefer previous versions, which were 100% and, apparently, better quality.
J.Crew New Lady Day Topcoat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool Blend
$299.5039825% Off
9. Avec Les Filles Faux Leather Jacket
Sizing available: XXS – XL
Colors available: 1
Material: 100% Polyester with polyurethane coating
Insulation: None
Waterproof: No
Length: Below hips (30.5″ L)
Hood: None
Lining: Polyester
Best for: Those who love the look of a leather coat, but want something that will keep them nice and toasty throughout the season.
Pros: Similar styles may cost you upwards of $1,000, but this faux, polyester alternative is just as chic while ringing it at less than $300. I love the buckle and big collar. It’s rugged yet polished, all at the same time.
Cons: Some have complained that this coat weighs too much and feels heavy once they put it on. Others say it’s the big belt that annoys them, although that detail is easily removable.
Avec Les Filles Faux Leather Jacket
$229
10. Mango Women’s Leather-Effect Trench Coat
Sizing available: XXS – 1XL
Colors available: 2
Material: 100% Viscose with polyurethane coating
Insulation: None
Waterproof: No
Length: Mid-length
Hood: None
Lining: 100% Polyester
Best for: Not-too-cold, in-between Winter days.
Pros: Not every winter day calls for fully-lined outerwear. This faux leather trench is just warm enough to keep your teeth from chattering on 50° F days, and is similar to styles beloved by the Jenners and Hailey Bieber — for a fraction of the price.
Cons: Aside from a removable belt, there are also adjustable ties featured at the wrist, which can quickly become loose without you even realizing. I ended up losing one on a particularly hectic day running around the city, but the coat looks just as cute without it.
Mango Women’s Leather-Effect Trench Coat
$179.99
11. Garage Perfect Puff
Sizing available: XXS – XL
Colors available: 3
Material: 100% nylon
Insulation: Polyester filling
Waterproof: Yes
Length: Short
Hood: Yes, detachable
Lining: Lined
Best for: Those who want a cute, quality puffer for a shockingly low price.
Pros: If you love the look of a cropped, colorful puffer coat but can’t see yourself spending more than $100, this pick from Garage is extremely underrated. It’s warm enough for cold winter days and looks just like designer alternatives. Plus, you can pick it up from your local mall.
Cons: It’s filled with polyester instead of quality down, and while other options can easily be thrown in the wash, this coat is dry clean only.
Garage Perfect Puff
$99.95
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