There’s a well-known saying that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. However, when the weather really is frightful outside, it can be hard to muster enthusiasm for going out. That’s why you’ll find the warmest winter coats for women below to keep you cozy even in extreme cold.

This article has some of the very best women’s coats for extremely cold temperatures, as well as what to look for when choosing a coat for very chilly weather.

Things to think about when finding a coat for extreme temperatures – Which coats are the warmest in winter?

Before you choose a coat for very cold weather, you need to know what to look for.

Choosing the warmest winter coats for women

Depending on where you live and how cold it is, your priorities can vary when choosing a winter coat. It may be that the style of the coat is the most important factor to you. In that case, we’d definitely recommend taking at look at the best winter coats for women.

You’ll tend to find that down or insulated parkas are the warmest options for you. The good news is that not only are these coats warm, but they’re actually very on-trend right now.

When you’re facing really cold weather, your coat definitely has to be practical as well as stylish. Below are some key considerations.

technical features

Look for technical features such as a waterproof shell, windproof fabric, and inner vests to keep out the chill.

Josephine in puffer coat, jeans, sneakers and gloves | 40plusstyle.com

Josephine @chicatanyage above chooses a long puffer jacket to stay warm and cozy.

Get her outfit with this similar long puffer (another option here), jeans, sneakers, bag, gloves and scarf.

Which brand of winter coat is warmest?

Is there a particular brand you should choose? Some of the best brands we’ve found for warm coats in cold weather include The North Face, Patagonia, Ugg, Parajumpers, Columbia, Barbour, Bernado, 32 Degrees, and Orolay. Read on for our picks from these brands.

What material is warmest for winter coats? 

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Wool will keep you warmer than many synthetic materials, but won’t necessarily keep you dry. It’s about finding the material that works for your weather and activities.

Warmest winter coats for women: The best women's coats for extreme cold | 40plusstyle.com

Susanne @textelle above wears a gillet over her coat for extra warmth.

Steal her look with this similar turtleneck top, puffer jacket, vest, jeans, sneakers and belt.

Abi's winter look | 40plusstyle.com

Abi @stealmystyle40 above layers with cashmere, fleece and a heavy duty vest.

Check out this similar top, shearling pullover, long vest (another option here), sneakers, crossbody bag and cap.

The filling

Down is often the warmest filling to choose because it creates little air pockets.

What is fill power?

So, how much filling do you need? If you look at the fill power of your coat, if you’re choosing down, this essentially measures the quality of the down. Look for a fill power upwards of 550.

Yvonne in long puffer coat, cable knit sweater, pants and high boots | 40plusstyle.com

Yvonne @funkyforty above wears her puffer coat over her sweater.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, coat (another option here), pants and boots.

Long or short?

Shorter could give you greater freedom of movement, but longer will keep you warmer.

Susan in puffer jacket, bootcut pants and booties | 40plusstyle.com

Susan @susan_unefemme above chooses a shorter jacket and adds a scarf for extra warmth.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, puffer jacket, jeans, booties, crossbody bag and scarf.

Warm coats for women: Making them flattering

Some of the warmest jackets to choose are not always the most flattering, because they tend to be quilted or puffer styles. This can make you look bigger than you actually are.

However, by keeping the rest of your outfit in balance you can make sure you still create a pleasing silhouette. If you’re worried about adding unwanted bulk, you could also look for styles that nip in at the waist or which have a belt.

Suzie in black quilted coat, wide jeans and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Suzie @suzie.richetti above chooses a quilted style that doesn’t add too much extra bulk.

Get her look with this similar coat, wide jeans, sneakers and scarf (another option here).

Warmest winter coats for women

Now that you’re thinking about what might work for you, let’s take a look at some of the most recommended and some of the warmest winter coats for women in stores. You’ll find the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold below.

Triple F.A.T. Goose

The belt on the coat (below) adds shape to your silhouette while the down filling will keep you warm. It is made with recycled down with a 750-fill power and is water resistant.

Warmest winter coats for women: Triple F.A.T. Goose Althea Down Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Triple F.A.T. Goose Althea Down Jacket

Orolay

The Orolay thickened jacket is so popular, it even has it’s own fan-based social media accounts. We can see why. It does look like a designer jacket, but at a fraction of the price. Reviewers say they bought it because they wanted something a little different to the norm. One said she was now looking forward to winter as she’d never had a coat that kept her this warm. There’s a choice of 13 colors.

Orolay Thickened Down Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Orolay Thickened Down Jacket

Parajumpers

The Parajumpers coat (below) is a good option for cold weather as it comes just below your knees (depending on how tall you are, of course), and features a down fill as well as ripstop nylon to keep the water and wind out. It comes in a choice of four neutral shades.

Warmest winter coats for women: Parajumpers Panda Hooded 700 Fill Power Down Puffer Parka | 40plusstyle.com

Parajumpers Panda Hooded 700 Fill Power Down Puffer Parka

The North Face

The North Face is another well-known cold weather brand to consider. If you’re choosing a down jacket, one thing to consider is the down fill number which usually ranges from around 500 to 900. The higher the down fill, the warmer the coat should be.

The North Face jacket (below) has a 550 fill, making it a warm choice without adding too much extra bulk.

The North Face Gotham 550 Fill Power Down Hooded Parka | 40plusstyle.com

The North Face Gotham 550 Fill Power Down Hooded Parka

UGG

Well known for cozy shearling-lined boots. But they also make warm coats. The UGG coat (below) is lined with faux shearling and a cozy high collar.

Warmest winter coats for women: UGG Ronney Faux Leather Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

UGG Ronney Faux Leather Puffer Coat

Columbia

A down-fill isn’t the only choice when looking for extra warmth. The Columbia puffer coat (below) is 100% polyester. But, it still manages to pack a punch when it comes to keeping you cozy as a result of its heat reflective lining.

Reviewers say it is warm, yet lightweight. You may want to size up though as some reviews say it runs small.

Columbia White Out Mid Omni Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Columbia White Out Mid Omni Puffer Coat

barbour

Well known for its country wear, Barbour is a great choice for warm coats for winter walks. The quilted coat (below) has a drawstring so you can define your waist, and there’s a high collar for extra warmth.

Barbour Alexandria Quilted Long Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Barbour Alexandria Quilted Long Coat

Canada Goose

If you want to make an investment in your winter wear, then the hooded down jacket (below) from Canada Goose is one of the warmest choices you can make. It will ensure you are winter ready for years to come.

Warmest winter coats for women: Canada Goose Merritt Water Resistant Recycled Nylon Hooded Down Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Canada Goose Merritt Water Resistant Recycled Nylon Hooded Down Jacket

save the duck

If you prefer an alternative to down, then Save the Duck is a good brand to look out for. It’s long to keep you cozy, and it has a water-repellent finish.

Save The Duck Joanne Hooded Longline Puffer Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Save The Duck Joanne Hooded Longline Puffer Jacket

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is a great choice for cold weather basics. Choose Uniqlo’s Heattech tops and bottoms, and add a quilted coat and you’re ready for whatever the weather has in store for you.

Warmest winter coats for women: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Long Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Long Coat

Rains

If you need both windproof and waterproof, then the Rains coat (below) is your answer. It has an iridescent sheen so will add some casual glamour to your cold weather outfits.

Rains Alta Windproof & Waterproof Insulated Long Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Rains Alta Windproof & Waterproof Insulated Long Puffer Coat

Mackage

The way that the quilting is designed on the Mackage coat (below) adds a flattering shape. It has a warm down filling, is water repellent and there’s a detachable hood so you can adapt it to the weather.

Warmest winter coats for women: Mackage Camea Down Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Mackage Camea Down Puffer Coat

Dawn Levy

If you’re choosing a shorter style, add extra warmth by choosing a furry collar.

Dawn Levy Vera Down Shearling Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Dawn Levy Vera Down Shearling Jacket

Bernardo

Bernardo is a good option for quilted coats as well as moto jackets and wool styles. If it’s not super cold where you are, you might want to think about wearing a sweater with a long vest over the top.

Warmest winter coats for women: Bernardo EcoPlume™ Box Quilt Long Hooded Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Bernardo EcoPlume Box Quilt Long Hooded Vest

Sam Edelman coat

The Sam Edelman puffer coat (below) would look great with your jeans, sweater and boots for casual days. It features a hidden bib front for added insulation.

Sam Edelman Hooded Bib Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Sam Edelman Hooded Bib Puffer Coat

Sam.

The belt on the puffer coat (below) adds a stylish element. As well as the down filling and being wind and water repellent, it has storm cuffs to stop the chill from going up your sleeves.

Sam. Noho Belted Down Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Sam. Noho Belted Down Puffer Coat

Quince

With responsibly sourced down, the Quince puffer jacket (below) is a good everyday choice. It comes in a choice of eight colors.

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Jacket

Everlane long puffer

For casual basics, Everlane is one of our favorite brands to try. The long puffer below has drawstrings at the hem and hood to help adjust the fit.

Warmest winter coats for women: Everlane The Long Re:Down® Puffer | 40plusstyle.com

Everlane The Long Re:Down® Puffer (RenRew Long Liner)

Wantdo

If you’ll be taking part in winter sports this year, or you know that the wind chill factor is usually an issue for you, then the Wantdo jacket (below) could be a good choice. It has a fleecy lining and a waterproof snow skirt to stop rain or snow from getting into your pants!

Warmest winter coats for women - Wantdo Hooded Waterproof Parka Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Wantdo Hooded Waterproof Parka Jacket

marmot puffer

Another option with a zip-off hood is the Marmot Montreal puffer (below) which has a 700 down fill so it should keep you warm when the temperatures fall. Reviewers say it kept them warm even in temperatures which dipped down to -15c. Most said it runs small though so it may be best to size up.

Marmot Montreal Mid-Thigh Length Down Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Marmot Montreal Mid-Thigh Length Down Puffer Coat

Lands’ End

Another of our favorite brands for basics, the Lands’ End puffer coat (below) is fleece lined, and the way the quilted pattern is shapes adds a flattering effect.

Warmest winter coats for women: Lands' End Insulated Cozy Fleece Lined Winter Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Lands’ End Insulated Cozy Fleece Lined Winter Coat (plus size here)

Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer’s long quilted coat (below) has plenty of good reviews, including one that says it is like wearing a hug.

Eddie Bauer Lodge Down Duffle Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Eddie Bauer Lodge Down Duffle Coat

Fitouch

Fitouch’s long down coat has 700 fill power for warmth. The pockets are fleece-lined to keep your hands warm.

Warmest winter coats for women: Fitouch Waukee Long Down Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Fitouch Waukee Long Down Coat

32 Degrees

If you want warmth without heaviness, the 32 Degrees coat (below) is a great choice. It comes in a choice of 13 colors, has a 650 fill power and reviewers say despite being very lightweight, it is super warm.

32 Degrees 3/4 Ultra-Light Down Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

32 Degrees 3/4 Ultra-Light Down Jacket

WenVen

Adding a faux fur hood is a great idea to stay warm. Just pull your hood up to keep out the chill. The WenVen coat (below) comes in a great choice of 16 colors.

WenVen Winter Thicken Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

WenVen Winter Thicken Puffer Coat

ELORA

Stuffed with 100% polyester, the Elora quilted coat (below) is a good option is you want warmth but not a down filling. It’s a good long length, and reviewers say it is high quality.

ELORA Quilted Long Fleece Trim Puffer Coat | 40plusstyle.com

ELORA Quilted Long Fleece Trim Puffer Coat

SUOKENI

If you want to keep out the elements, then opting for a ski jacket is a good idea. The Suokeni jacket (below) has thousands of good reviewers and comes in lots of colors. Wearers say it’s an awesome coat that is warm but not too thick, has lots of handy pockets, and it is truly waterproof.

SUOKENI Waterproof Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

SUOKENI Waterproof Jacket

where to shop for the best winter coats:

shop the warmest winter coats here:

What are your own recommendations for the warmest winter coats for women? Do you have a favorite brand?

Continue reading:

  1. All The Winter Essentials You Need In Your Closet This Year
  2. The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
  3. The Best Thermal Underwear For Women To Wear Under Everything When The Temperature Dips

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Warmest winter coats for women: The best women's coats for extreme cold | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Susanne @textelle

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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