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When cold weather hits, you need outerwear that will stand up to chilly temperatures. The best winter coats for women keep you warm, look chic no matter what you're wearing, and are as packable as possible. Deciding on the best option for you depends on where you're headed, what the current climate is, and your personal style.
There are endless options to choose from, so we've narrowed it down to the 21 best winter coats for women that will keep you warm whether you're headed to a snowy mountain lodge, a rainy metropolis, or a windy desert. We've selected a variety of styles for every type of traveler—stylish wool coats, packable puffers, and long parkas for extreme cold included. With coats like these, you'll be prepared for any adventure. Browse them all, or skip straight to the category of your choice.
Find the best winter coats by category:
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg.
Everyday winter puffers
Why we love it: Meet my new favorite winter coat. Not only is it nice to look at, but this puffer is seriously warm—it stands up to temps as low as 18 degrees. I love the super-soft fleece pockets that keep my hands cozy, and the compressive cuffs that lock in extra warmth. Made from recycled materials, it's wind-resistant, water-repellent, and easy to clean—I've already spilled coffee on it and it wiped right off. I ordered it in my usual size, and it's still roomy enough to fit a bulky sweater or sweatshirt underneath. It's the perfect length for everyday wear, but it's available in a long and cropped version, too.
Pros: Hidden interior phone pocket, compressive cuffs, adjustable and removable hood
Cons: Too bulky to pack in a carry-on
Why we love it: Come winter, you'll probably spot dozens of travelers wearing winter coats from The North Face—and for good reason. Each jacket style is thoughtfully designed with useful features, putting functionality and warmth at the forefront. As well-insulated and thick as this jacket is, it still packs down for storage into its right-hand pocket. The hip-length down jacket features the brand's oversized logo from the original 1996 design which offers immaculate retro vibes.
Pros: Packs down into its pocket, removable hood, water-repellent finish
Cons: The jacket is hip length so your legs aren't covered
Why we love it: The Super Puff from Aritzia has earned lots of attention on social media for its sleek, cool-girl style, but it's got more to offer than just good looks. It's made with wind-resistant ripstop fabric to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -22 degrees (yes, you read that right). The puffer is also constructed with waterproof and windproof Japanese Rainstop fabric to protect you on rainy days, too, and gives it a soft, matte finish. This ultra-warm down puffer is a bestseller, but don't sleep on its long or short versions, either.
Pros: Machine washable, storm cuffs with thumb holes, removable hood
Cons: Boxy silhouette
Why we love it: Condé Nast Traveler editors—and our readers—adore Everlane for its sustainably made wardrobe essentials, and this long puffer is no exception. Made from 100 percent recycled fabric and PrimaLoft insulation, this winter must-have gives that wrapped-in-a-blanket feel as soon as you put it on. It's a great one to wear on a day trip—the oversized button-flap pockets let you keep plenty of essentials on you, from your phone to a wallet and lip balm.
Pros: Oversized button-flap pockets, drawstring hood, hidden drawstring waist
Cons: We see it as a pro, but some travelers might find these pockets to be a little too big
Why we love it: Stay extra cozy in cold climates with this roomy, calf-length puffer. The relaxed fit is perfect for layering over sweaters and scarves, but you can also use the interior drawstring to cinch the waist for a more fitted look. The matte fabric is incredibly soft and it's filled with insulating goose down that keeps the entire jacket plush and warm.
Pros: Water-repellent, windproof, hidden interior phone pocket
Cons: Too bulky to pack
Why we love it: On Vuori's Warmth Scale, this puffer offers medium-weight insulation, making it a perfect option for everyday wear and most winter getaways. Its water-repellent coating means you don't have to worry about unexpected rain (or spills). And if we're talking style, this puffer is made to be worn while sipping hot cocoa near a cozy cabin upstate.
Pros: Sustainably made, expandable zip sleeves, interior chest pocket
Cons: No hood
Why we love it: Outdoor Research's Coldfront Down jacket can be worn just about anywhere all winter long. It's packed with 700+ fill-power down to keep you warm in frigid temperatures and its ripstop exterior blocks wind, rain, and snow. If you're looking for an incredibly warm puffer for winter hiking or camping trips and don't want a full-length coat, this one's for you.
Pros: Fully covers your neck, internal mesh pocket, wind-resistant
Cons: No hood
Parkas for extreme cold
Why we love it: This parka's near-perfect rating of 4.7 stars on Nordstrom's site speaks for itself. As with all things from The North Face, it's ultra-warm and made to last for years to come. Travelers will appreciate smart details like the thumbhole cuffs to keep your hands warm, a removable faux-fur trim hood, and the jacket's stretchy, forgiving material.
Pros: Water-repellent fabric, machine washable, drawcord waist
Cons: Some reviewers noted the jacket runs slightly big
Why we love it: Would it be a list of the best winter coats without mentioning the much-talked-about Canada Goose jacket? This mid-length parka is slimming and sleek without sacrificing any warmth. It's built to endure temperatures as low as -13 degrees and comes with a lifetime warranty—so you can feel a little bit better about its hefty price tag. Features like the removable hood, soft chin guard, and an extra interior pocket make it all the more enticing for travelers.
Pros: Chin guard, rib-knit cuffs, spacious side pockets with flaps
Cons: Expensive
Why we love it: This knee-length, protective parka will keep you warm on snowy winter days. It features a detachable, insulated hood and hand-warmer pockets that will be a lifesaver when you're walking around in freezing temperatures. It's ultra-durable and will be one of those jackets you have in your closet for years to come.
Pros: Water-repellent coating protects against light rain and snow, hand-warmer pockets, insulated hood
Cons: Not the most packable jacket
Why we love it: This mid-length down parka is a staple you can pull out winter after winter, whether you're at home or on the road. We love this parka's silhouette–it slightly cinches at the waist for a more flattering and slimming fit than traditional boxy winter coats. It's equally great for chilly morning hikes and afternoon sightseeing.
Pros: Stand-up collar, hidden pockets, removable hood, water-repellent coating
Cons: May be a little snug for layering
Lightweight, packable coats
Why we love it: If you need something that's easy to pack in your suitcase, this Girlfriend Collective puffer has you covered. It can be packed up into a built-in bag on the inner pocket, making it essential for shorter trips when you're only bringing a carry-on. It's lighter than other puffers on this list, but works well for chilly weather that isn't freezing (think temperatures in the 40s and 50s) and can be layered over sweaters thanks to its relaxed fit.
Pros: Made from recycled plastic bottles, wind-resistant, water-repellent
Cons: A little too light for extreme cold
Why we love it: We love this coat from The North Face for its versatility. It is equally perfect to wear on a New England getaway in the fall or to a ski lodge in the winter. It's a top seller for the brand and it's easy to see why: it's warm without being bulky and can be worn for almost any occasion, be it an outdoorsy adventure or just walking your dog.
Pros: Elastic cuffs, hand warmer pockets, water-repellent
Cons: Runs slightly small
Why we love it: Packing for a cold-weather hike? This winter jacket from Fjällräven’s Expedition Series is your best bet. It's padded with plenty of insulation that offers down-like puffiness and softness without the bulk. It packs into itself, making it a great choice to throw in your hiking backpack or small duffel bag.
Pros: Three pockets, packs into itself, made with recycled materials
Cons: Hood can not be removed
Why we love it: Snow sports and trail runs are a lot more comfortable in this winter jacket with PrimaLoft insulation. It's incredibly warm while still being surprisingly lightweight (it's only 10 ounces). It's made with a 100 percent recycled ripstop shell and its quilted pattern helps lock in heat.
Pros: Packs into a small pouch, abrasion-resistant, zippered hand-warmer pockets
Cons: No hood
Why we love it: Another one of the best winter coats for women (and one of our readers' most-purchased products last year) is this sleek insulated jacket that folds up into a small pouch for easy packing or carrying. It's durable, compressive, water-repellent, and available in several colors, including black, chateau gray, stormy night, and darkest spruce (pictured).
Pros: Affordable price, packable, spacious side pockets
Cons: Some reviewers noted it can tear easily if caught on something
Long wool coats
Why we love it: Looking for a chic coat you'll have in your closet for years to come? Cuyana's Wool Draped Collar Coat is made from recycled Italian wool for a luxurious, ultra-soft texture. It feels like you're wearing a blanket, but you'll look polished enough for city dates or special occasions. Because there's no stiff zipper and it ties with a belted wrap closure, it's easy to layer with other pieces come winter.
Pros: Side pockets, side slits allow for more movement, blanket stitching detail
Cons: Expensive
Why we love it: The best way to elevate any fall or winter outfit is with the perfect coat—or in this case, The Only Coat. This gorgeous, oversized Aritzia favorite is made with Italian wool cashmere and completes every type of outfit, whether you're dressing up for a holiday soiree or are simply throwing it over your favorite sweat set for that effortlessly cool airport style. And don't let its stylish look fool you: it delivers warmth in temperatures as low as -4 degrees.
Pros: Fully lined, oversized fit for layering, long length for added coverage
Cons: Chest is exposed when closed so you'll need to layer a sweater or scarf underneath
Why we love it: This timeless peacoat is great for city sightseeing; wear it with a pair of comfortable boots and your favorite jeans. It's cozy, oversized, and will never go out of style. The best part: Not only is the ReWool recycled, the coat's buttons and lining are, too.
Pros: Sustainably made, dropped shoulders, lightweight
Cons: Similarly to the Aritzia coat, the chest is exposed when closed
Why we love it: This long, wool coat keeps you warm during city walking tours or commutes to the office without ruining your outfit. We love that the collar can be folded together, protecting your chest and neck from the wind. The coat can be secured with its front buttons or the adjustable belt. Choose from neutral beige and black, or spring for a bold green.
Pros: Back slit, funnel neck, two side pockets
Cons: May be bulky to pack
Why we love it: Another Italian wool coat we love is this casual, classic option from Quince. Its comfortable fit makes it easy to layer with, and it looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is. It's fully lined for extra warmth and transitions well from fall to winter and from day to night.
Pros: Affordable price, back vent, three pockets
Cons: Runs a little big