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Unless you’re an avid outdoors enthusiast, the best winter coats aren’t just high-performing; they also fit your personal style. A great coat has the power to pull together an entire outfit, no matter what’s underneath—sweatpants, black leggings, or a New Year’s Eve dress and tights.
What winter coat should you buy?
Depends on what your needs are and where you live. Winter coats with a down fill are the warmest and are best for people who plan to spend a ton of time outdoors. If, on the other hand, you’re in full hibernation mode and plan on venturing outside only for absolute musts, an oversized bomber jacket, a classic peacoat, or a roomy teddy coat that can be layered might be more your speed.
How often should I wash my winter coat?
Most experts agree that unless your outerwear takes a regular beating, washing or dry cleaning once a season is enough, and twice if it’s your everyday coat. Several nylon down styles are machine-washable, while wool and fur should be dry-cleaned or steamed.
Puffer Coats
Whether filled with down or some type of down alternative, the warmest winter coats for keeping you extra warm are, undeniably, puffy styles with plenty of room underneath to layer. (Think ski jackets gone cute.) Knee and ankle-length down parkas, especially, are the sartorial equivalents of wrapping up in a big, comfy sleeping bag.
For starters, look for puffer jackets with water-repellant outer shells like nylon or ripstop to protect against snow, sleet, and rain. And check out the fill number on the inside. Goose-down jackets with a high fill of 700 (think The North Face Nutpse Jacket or Aritizia’s Super Puff) will be warmer and thicker than a jacket of 500 fill, which will still be warm but less puffy and more packable. Styles with an elastic drawstring hem are also good for minimizing heat loss, and anything with a higher collar or removable hood provides welcome extra warmth. Best part? You can find bestsellers at a variety of price points.
Wool Coats
Among the best winter coats out there are classic full-length wool coats that effortlessly pull together outfits, no matter what’s underneath. Whether you cinch it with a belt or opt for a buttoned style, the season’s available styles suit everyone. The only drawback? They’re not as warm as an insulated jacket—nor are they usually weatherproof—so check the temp before you head out.
Faux Fur Coats
Bring extra elegance and warmth to your winter days with stylish faux fur winter coats. These supersoft, extra-toasty picks are cold-weather must-haves. Relaxed fits and knee-length styles are having a moment right now, but elegant cropped picks and cinched styles are also on point.
Teddy and Sherpa Jackets
Teddy coats and sherpa pullovers are among the coziest winter coats for women—they’re especially great for slow weekends and gym trips. Pro tip: Go oversized so you can layer hoodies and chunky sweaters underneath. (A sleeveless sherpa vest is an alternative for later in the winter when temps become even more mercurial and you need a layer that won’t make you overheat.)
Faux Leather and Suede Jackets
Though they lack the frostbite-resistant warmth of a heavyweight coat or of down insulation, faux leather and suede jackets can always take on winter weather if paired with sherpa or a fleece lining—or trimmed with faux fur. (West Coasters can stick with ultralight versions—lucky you.) Whether you opt for a belted trench coat, a roomy bomber jacket, or am oversized aviator fit, the heavy fabric will help keep the chill out in style.
