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 @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.
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 @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 @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 @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 @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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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!
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
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.
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
Fitouch
Fitouch’s long down coat has 700 fill power for warmth. The pockets are fleece-lined to keep your hands warm.
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
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
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
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.
where to shop for the best winter coats:
- Triple F.A.T. Goose
- Save the Duck
- Canada Goose
- Bernardo
- Uniqlo
- Barbour
- Columbia
- UGG
- The North Face
- Parajumpers
- Mackage
- Fitouch
- 32 Degrees
- Eddie Bauer
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:
- All The Winter Essentials You Need In Your Closet This Year
- The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
- The Best Thermal Underwear For Women To Wear Under Everything When The Temperature Dips
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Feature image by Susanne @textelle
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