When cold weather hits, you need outerwear and winter gear that will stand up to chilly temperatures. The best winter coats for women keep you warm, look chic over any outfit, 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 19 best winter coats for women, with options well-suited to a variety of temperature levels—whether you’re headed to a snowy mountain lodge, a rainy metropolis, or a windy desert, there’s an option in here for you. We’ve also selected a mix 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:
Everyday winter puffers
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down jacket
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 one of its pockets. 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: Hip length, so your legs aren’t covered
Aritzia The Super Puff
Why we love it: The Super Puff from Aritzia has garnered 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
Canada Goose Junction Parka
Why we love it: We can’t talk about the best winter coats for women without mentioning Canada Goose. The brand is known for its exceptional outerwear that’s designed to withstand the coldest climates and to last for decades—the quality is well worth the price. This sleek all-black jacket keeps you warm in temperatures as low as -4 degrees while still featuring a lightweight construction. There are also plenty of pockets to hold small essentials, including two interior pockets and three exterior pockets (two of which are fleece-lined to keep your hands warm and cozy). This new style shows off the brand’s signature label on the arm sleeve in a monochromic black, giving it a polished look. The Junction Parka also features reflective stripes on the collar that helps you stay visible in the dark, making it a great option for anyone walking their dog at night or commuting home from the office. Plus, Canada Goose offers a lifetime warranty on all its jackets.
Pros: Rib-knit cuffs lock in heat, removable thermal hood, lots of pockets
Cons: Expensive
Lululemon Wunder Puff long jacket
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 filled with an insulating goose down that keeps the entire jacket plush and warm.
Pros: Water-repellent, windproof, hidden interior phone pocket
Cons: Too bulky to pack in most suitcases
Uniqlo ultra-light down coat
Why we love it: This long, lightweight coat from Uniqlo is great for everyday wear, whether you’re running errands, sightseeing, or headed to brunch. We love that it’s well-priced for a long coat and is available in sizes 2XS–2XL. It features a two-way zipper, making it comfortable to wear while driving or doing lots of walking, and has a water-repellent finish in case it rains.
Pros: Comes with a storage pouch, removable hood, and anti-static lining
Cons: Not meant to be worn in heavy rain
Alo Yoga Gold Rush puffer
Why we love it: While longer coats are usually preferred for extra warmth, some outfits call for a cropped jacket, like Alo Yoga’s best-selling Gold Rush Puffer. The activewear brand really nails that sporty yet feminine look with this puffer, making it perfect for running to a pilates class or hot yoga. It’s insulated, made with weather-resistant ripstop fabric, and features a cinchable hem to lock in heat. It also offers a high collar to keep your neck warm, two exterior pockets, and one on the inside.
Pros: Tall collar, packable, true to size fit
Cons: Cropped length means less coverage
Parkas for extreme cold
The North Face Arctic Parka
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. Best of all, it’s waterproof—so it can handle unexpected showers or snowfall.
Pros: Waterproof, machine washable, drawcord waist
Cons: Some reviewers noted the jacket runs slightly big
Canada Goose Shelburne Parka
Why we love it: The Shelburne Parka is one of Canada Goose’s bestsellers, thanks to its supreme warmth and timeless style. This long parka keeps you warm in -4 degrees and offers cuffs on the sleeves to trap in heat. There are multiple pockets, including fleece-lined hand pockets, and an adjustable down-filled hood. Travelers will appreciate the parka’s chin guard that keeps you protected on extra windy days.
Pros: Available in sizes 2XS–3XL, chin guard, lifetime warranty
Cons: Expensive
Patagonia Down With It parka
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
Athleta Downtown Puffer Parka
Why we love it: Athleta’s Downtown Puffer Parka is versatile enough to wear to work, on cabin getaways upstate, or on an early morning hike. We appreciate smart features like its two-way zipper, removable hood, and unique side zipper that gives you extra movement while walking or sitting. The high collar also makes sure your neck stays warm and protected from the cold. More things we love: It’s machine washable, abrasion-resistant, and water-resistant.
Pros: Available in regular, tall, and petite sizes; sizes 2XS–3XL; flattering, slim fit
Cons: Might be bulky to pack
L.L.Bean women’s UltraWarm coat
Why we love it: L.L.Bean’s ultra-warm, long coat has a near perfect rating online and thousands of glowing reviews. It’s mostly loved for just how warm it is, made with 650-fill DownTek water-repellent down—meaning it’s well-insulated for cold temperatures. It features a removable, adjustable hood and a two-way zipper for added comfort. We also love how long it is—keeping you covered and warm wherever you are, whether you’re skiing, camping, or sitting around the firepit.
Pros: Available in regular, petite, and plus sizes; several colorways; water-resistant
Cons: Might be a little too long if you’re on the shorter side; opt for the Petite version if so
Lightweight, packable coats
FP Movement Pippa packable puffer jacket
Why we love it: If you need something warm to layer with this winter that’s still lightweight enough to pack in your carry-on, look no further than this cute packable puffer from FP Movement. This ultra-soft jacket packs into its own pocket, making it perfect for any hiking or camping trip. It features PrimaLoft insulation to keep you warm and dry, and it’s made with water-resistant material. Bonus: It’s available in more than a dozen fun colors.
Pros: Transitions well between seasons, water-resistant, packs into its own pocket
Cons: No hood
Fjällräven Expedition Lätt hoodie
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 cannot be removed
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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 at only 10 ounces. It’s made with a 100 percent recycled ripstop shell and the quilted pattern helps lock in heat.
Pros: Packs into a small pouch, abrasion-resistant, zippered hand-warmer pockets
Cons: No hood
32 Degrees women’s coat
Why we love it: Another one of the best winter coats for women 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 a few different colors, including black, agave green, copper mule, and light taupe.
Pros: Affordable price, packable, spacious side pockets
Cons: Some reviewers noted it can tear easily if caught on something
Long wool coats
Aritzia Wilfred The Only Coat
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
Banana Republic Oversized Wool-Cashmere coat
Why we love it: This camel-colored oversized coat from Banana Republic is a bestseller for the brand—and we see why. It’s fully lined and made with wool and cashmere, making it so warm and so soft. Thanks to its relaxed fit, it’s easy to layer bulkier sweaters or jackets underneath and is quite versatile. It can be dressed up for a polished, business professional look or dressed down with a baseball cap and trousers for a more casual style.
Pros: Three exterior pockets and one on the interior, oversized fit for layering, fully lined
Cons: Expensive
Quince Italian Wool Classic coat
Why we love it: Another Italian wool coat we love is this casual, classic option from Quince. It offers the same chic city style of a much more expensive coat without the hefty price tag. It’s fully lined for extra warmth and transitions well from fall to winter and from day to night. It’s available in several colorways, from heather charcoal and black to caramel and dark chocolate.
Pros: Affordable price, flattering tailored fit, side pockets
Cons: You’ll need to layer sweaters underneath on extra cold days
Mango structured wool coat
Why we love it: We love the structured silhouette of this wool coat from Mango. It’s long, protecting your legs on cold days, and lined on the inside for added warmth. This is ideal for holiday parties and special events this winter when you want something warm, tailored, and stylish.
Pros: Long length, two front pockets, oversized fit for easy layering
Cons: Only available in black
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
