21 best winter coats for women to keep warm this season

Why we love it: Meet my new favourite winter coat. Not only is it nice to look at, but this puffer is seriously warm – it stands up to temps as low as 18 degrees. I love the super-soft fleece-lined pockets that keep my hands cosy, and the compressive cuffs that lock in extra warmth. Made from recycled materials, it’s wind-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean – I’ve already spilled coffee on it and it wiped right off. I ordered it in my usual size, and it’s still roomy enough to fit a bulky sweater or sweatshirt underneath.

Pros: Hidden interior phone pocket, compressive cuffs, adjustable and removable hood

Cons: Too bulky to pack in a carry-on

Why we love it: Come winter, you’ll probably spot dozens of travellers 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 its right-hand pocket. 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: The jacket is hip length so your legs aren’t covered

Why we love it: Condé Nast Traveller editors adore Everlane for its sustainably made high-quality wardrobe essentials, and this longline puffer is no exception. Made from 100 per cent recycled fabric and PrimaLoft insulation, this winter must-have gives that wrapped-in-a-blanket feel as soon as you put it on. It’s a great one to wear on a day trip – the oversized button-flap pockets let you keep plenty of essentials on you, from your phone to a wallet and lip balm.

Pros: Oversized button-flap pockets, drawstring hood, hidden drawstring waist

Cons: We see it as a pro, but some travellers might find these pockets to be a little too big

Why we love it: Stay extra toasty on chilly days 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 it’s filled with insulating goose down that keeps the entire jacket plush and warm.

Pros: Water-repellent, windproof, hidden interior phone pocket

Cons: Too bulky to pack

Why we love it: On Vuori’s Warmth Scale, this is a medium-weight insulated jacket, making it a perfect option for everyday wear and most winter getaways. Its water-repellent coating means you don’t have to worry about unexpected rain (or spills). And if we’re talking style, this puffer is made to be worn while sipping hot cocoa near a cosy cabin upstate.

Pros: Sustainably made, expandable zip sleeves, interior chest pocket

Cons: No hood

Why we love it: Outdoor Research’s Coldfront Down jacket can be worn just about anywhere all winter long. It’s packed with 700+ fill-power down to keep you warm in frigid temperatures and its ripstop exterior blocks wind, rain, and snow. If you’re looking for an incredibly warm puffer for winter hiking or camping trips and don’t want a full-length coat, this one’s for you.

Pros: Fully covers your neck, internal mesh pocket, down insulation, wind-resistant

Cons: No hood

Why we love it: This jacket has so many plus points. The trendy cropped shape, the cool selection of colours, the fact it is so warm. It’s our digital editor Sarah Allard’s top winter coat pick for 2024. But most impressive thing? The down inside is made from an eco-friendly, cruelty-free material made from wildflowers. Very cool.

Pros: Warm, stylish, sustainable, comes in various lengths

Cons: Smaller sizes often out of stock, quite bulky

Why we love it: This parka’s near-perfect rating of 4.8 stars on Cotswold Outdoor’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. Travellers 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.

Pros: Water-repellent fabric, machine washable, drawcord waist

Cons: Some reviewers noted the jacket runs slightly big

Why we love it: Would it be a list of the best winter coats without mentioning the much-talked-about Canada Goose jacket? This mid-length parka is slimming and sleek without sacrificing any warmth. It’s built to endure temperatures as low as -13 degrees and comes with a lifetime warranty – so you can feel a little bit better about its hefty price tag. Features like the removable hood, soft chin guard, and an extra interior pocket make it all the more enticing for travellers.

Pros: Chin guard, rib-knit cuffs, spacious side pockets with flaps

Cons: Expensive

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

Why we love it: This mid-length down parka is a staple you can pull out winter after winter, whether you’re at home or on the road. We love this parka’s silhouette–it slightly cinches at the waist for a more flattering and slimming fit than traditional boxy winter coats. It’s equally great for chilly morning hikes and afternoon sightseeing.

Pros: Stand-up collar, hidden pockets, removable hood, water-repellent coating

Cons: May be a little snug for layering

Why we love it: We love this coat from The North Face for its versatility. It is equally perfect to wear on a New England getaway in the autumn or to a ski lodge in the winter. It’s a top seller for the brand and it’s easy to see why: it’s warm without being bulky and can be worn for almost any occasion, be it an outdoorsy adventure or just walking your dog.

Pros: Elastic cuffs, hand warmer pockets, water-repellent

Cons: Runs slightly small

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 can not be removed

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 (it’s only 10 ounces). It’s made with a 100 per cent recycled ripstop shell and its quilted pattern helps lock in heat.

Pros: Packs into a small pouch, abrasion-resistant, zippered hand-warmer pockets

Cons: No hood

Why we love it: Moncler’s instantly-recognisable designs have been given a soft, sumptuous update for the 2024 ski season. A chenille outer layer evokes LA 90s cool, as does the fuchsia pink hue – but it’s also available in more sedate cream and black. It’s filled with down and finished with the brand’s signature Longue saison lining.

Pros: Detachable hood, pockets with snap button closure, elastic cuffs and hem

Cons: Expensive

Why we love it: For a jacket that will see you from the slopes through to the bar in the evening, look to this stylish offering from Perfect Moment. An internal chest pocket holds your ski pocket to hand, and a goose down inner ensures you’ll remain snug in sub-zero temperatures. This coat is designed with an oversized fit, but there’s a belt that can be used to cinch in the waist if desired.

Pros: Internal chest pocket, high-neck collar, removable self-belt

Cons: No hood

Why we love it: This timeless peacoat is great for city sightseeing; wear it with a pair of comfortable boots and your favourite jeans. It’s cosy, oversized, and will never go out of style. The best part: Not only is the ReWool recycled, the coat’s buttons and lining are, too.

Pros: Sustainably made, dropped shoulders, lightweight

Cons: The chest is exposed when closed

Why we love it: This long wool coat keeps you warm during city walking tours or commutes to the office without ruining your outfit. We love that the collar can be folded together, protecting your chest and neck from the wind. The coat can be secured with its front buttons or the adjustable belt. Choose from neutral beige and black, or spring for a bold green.

Pros: Back slit, funnel neck, two side pockets

Cons: May be bulky to pack

Why we love it: This calf-length wool blend coat has all the key components of a classic – double-breasted silhouette, peak lapels, high back slit – made a little cooler with a nonchalant oversized fit and some shoulder pads. The fuzzy, textural finish adds some extra interest, too.

Gant Wool Blend Overcoat

Pros: A timeless classic style, large pockets, maxi length

Cons: Some may be deterred by the shoulder pads

Why we love it: The best thing about this & Other Stories coat? The number of colours on offer. This is a big coat, perfect for bundling up in for chilly commutes. There’s a button closure, and you can cinch in the waist with a belt for a bit of extra flair. Finish with the brand’s scarf, which comes in a tonal neutral brown that will go with all of the shades offered.

Pros: Cheaper than most 100% wool coats we’ve found, good colour selection, classic design

Cons: None that we can see

Why we love it: We love a breezy cotton trench coat for a summer evening or to throw on for an autumnal walk. But they’re not the warmest coats for winter. This one, however, keeps that classic trench style while upping the cosy qualities thanks to its wool blend outer. It’s also made from 45% recycled materials, making it both stylish and sustainable. Double-breasted buttons fasten right up to the neck, helping stave off the chill further.

Pros: Stylish, responsibly sourced wool, recycled polyester

Cons: Still not the warmest option in our round-up, so keep it in your wardrobe on the coldest days