The Best Women’s Winter Coats in 2024, According to a Fashion Stylist

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.

The Best Women’s Winter Coats, at a Glance

• Best Overall: Canada Goose Trillium Parka Heritage, $1,775
• Best Athletic: Nike Sportswear Swoosh Puffer PrimaLoft, $161 (was $300)
• Best Faux Fur: Dennis Basso Faux Mink Coat with Shawl Collar, $154 (was $229)
• Best Waterproof: Aritzia The Super Puff₂O Rainstop, $350
• Best Value: Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket, $135 (was $150)
• Best on Amazon: Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket
  , $105+
• Best Packable Puffer: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, $330
• Best Trench: Alo Oversized Faux Fur Trench, $398
• Best Wool Coat: J.Crew New Lady Day Topcoat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool Blend, $300+
• Best Leather Jacket: Mango Women’s Leather-Effect Trench Coat, 180

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.

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.

Canada Goose Trillium Parka Heritage

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. Just note: 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 for the average winter climate, IMO).

• 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
• Length: Mid-length
• Waterproof: Yes
• Hood: Yes, removable
• Lining: 100% nylon
• Best for: Harsh winds and extreme weather conditions.

Nike Sportswear Swoosh Puffer PrimaLoft

When it comes to athletic looks, Nike is one of the best places to find functional, comfortable, and stylish pieces—including winter coats. If you have your heart set on something a bit more casual for everyday wear (or tossing on over athleisure looks), consider the Nike Sportswear Swoosh Puffer PrimaLoft. This short puffer coat features the brand’s Therma-FIT technology to naturally regulate heat, has a water-repellent outer shell, and lots of chic details like the micro quilted texture around the hood and the toggle drawstrings that make the hood adjustable.

• Sizing available: XS-2XL
• Colors available: 3
• Material: 58% polyester, 42% nylon
• Insulation: 100% polyester
• Waterproof: Water-repellent
• Length: Hip-length
• Hood: Yes
• Lining: 100% polyester
• Best for: Comfortable athleisure looks and everyday wear

Dennis Basso Faux Mink Coat with Shawl Collar

Spice things up with a fun faux fur moment. The Dennis Basso Faux Mink Coat with Shawl Collar from QVC is a gorgeous winter coat that would look great with any dressy look. It comes in two colors—a jet black and a trendy light tan—and is constructed from a polyester mink fur material that is super realistic looking. It’s also currently on sale for over 30% off and from October 1 through October 31 new customers can save an additional $20 off $40+ with promo code WELCOME20, making it all the more budget-friendly.

• Sizing available: 2XS-1X
• Colors available: 2
• Material: 100% polyester
• Insulation: Faux fur material
• Waterproof: No
• Length: Above the knees
• Hood: No
• Lining: 100% polyester
• Best for: Dressy occasions when you want to look stylish and still be super warm

Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket

This jacket 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, so you can feel good about your purchase, too. It’s also relatively budget-friendly (for a good winter coat, that is) and is so warm that you might actually end up sweating on more mild winter days.

• Sizing available: XS – XXL
• Colors available: 10
• 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.

Aritzia The Super Puff₂O Rainstop

I spend a lot of time in Canada—especially during the winter months—so a good winter coat is a must. I bought the Aritzia Super Puff with Rainstop last year and was blown away by the quality. In addition to being well-made, it’s ultra-warm and comfortable (it’s honestly one of the best jackets I have ever tried) and the added Rainstop feature means it’s completely waterproof. I have tested this jacket in everything from rain and snow and can honestly say it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

• Sizing available: 3XS-2XL
• Colors available: 11
• Material: 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane (back coating)
• Insulation: 90% goose down, 10% goose feathers
• Waterproof: Yes
• Length: Hip length (also available in short, long, and mid-length styles)
• Hood: Yes
• Lining: Nylob
• Best for: Staying warm in rainy winter weather

Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket

This viral 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. While it’s definitely a deal (especially as far as winter coats are concerned), it isn’t exactly cheap, so it’s still more of an investment piece. It’s also made for more moderate winter temps, so you’ll likely be shivering if you rock it during a snow storm.

• 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.

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

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). Its simple design also makes it super easy to style with virtually any look, and you can even get away with wearing it with athleisure pieces like leggings and a chunky sneaker. 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.

• 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.

Alo Oversized Faux Fur Trench

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. 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.

• 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.

J.Crew New Lady Day Topcoat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool Blend

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.

• 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.

Avec Les Filles Faux Leather Jacket

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. With that said, it’s definitely on the heavy side of the spectrum so, if you’re looking for something more lightweight, this isn’t the winter coat for you.

• Sizing available: XXS – XL
• Colors available: 2
• Material: 100% Polyester with polyurethane coating
• Insulation: None
• Waterproof: No
• Length: Below hips (30.5″ L)
• Hood: None
• Lining: Polyester
• Best for: A stylish yet cozy layer

Mango Women’s Leather-Effect Trench Coat

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. Aside from a removable belt, there are also adjustable ties featured at the wrist. However, these 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.

• 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.