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When temperatures drop close to or below freezing, you don’t want to be caught without a warm winter coat.
What makes a good winter coat depends on two things: what you need it for and how you want to look in it. Whether that means you’re interested in a retro-inspired puffer coat, an iconic mountain expedition parka, or a sleeker fashion-forward option, you’ll find it here. 
Below, we’ve rounded up all of the best winter coats we’ve personally tested, taking into consideration factors like warmth, water resistance, comfort, day-to-day usability, and style.
Sizing options: XXS-3XL
The North Face Nuptse Jacket was originally released in 1992 as a top-of-the-line jacket for cold-weather mountain climbers. Named after a mountain in the Central Himalayas, it was designed to be super warm, relatively lightweight, and durable enough to handle harsh cold-weather climates.
The 1996 version became a fan favorite and could be spotted anywhere from mountain peaks to city streets. Its distinct boxy cut and large insulated baffles give it that classic puffer coat look with real functionality.
The design also includes useful weather-blocking additions like a bungee cinched hem, Velcro wrist cuffs, and a packable hood in the collar. The most impressive feature is that the entire jacket packs into its own pocket for compact storage — something most winter jackets can’t do.
Overall, The North Face Nuptse has been one of the most timeless winter jackets over the last three decades. It’s stood the test of time and looks just as good today. You’ll find it in a variety of colorways, so you can pick your favorite color or collect multiples for different outfits.
Sizing options: XXS-3XL
Inspired by the original Himalayan Down Parka design for true cold-weather expeditions, the HMLYN Down Parka is a toned-down version adapted for street use. Despite being a new style, it captures the retro look and feel of classic The North Face outerwear with large down-filled baffles and color-blocking. And in true-to-the-brand fashion, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of colors.
The jacket features 550-fill power down, durable water-resistant coating, adjustable cords on the hem and hood, and plenty of interior and exterior storage pockets.
Compared to The North Face Nuptse Jacket, which has a higher fill power of 700, the HMLYN Down Parka still delivers exceptional warmth because of its longer fit, higher collar, and better-insulated hood.
Overall, the HMLYN Down Parka is a great choice for people who love the look of burly parkas like the original Himalayan Down Parka, but have no intentions of scaling any mountains.
Sizing options: S-XL
From a technical and performance standpoint, Triple F.A.T. Goose is one of our favorite winter coat brands. Its truly built for cold weather, hence the acronym “For Arctic Temperatures” in its name. But before its modern-day resurgence, the brand was also coveted for its style.
The Birkshire coat, inspired by the brand’s designs from the late ’80s, features a soft lambskin leather shell. In the two years I’ve owned mine, the leather has gotten softer with time. It’s an extremely high-quality piece that will likely last for decades with proper care.
As stylish as it is, this jacket is also very warm. It has a 700-fill power, fleece-lined pockets, a bungee cinched hem for blocking cold wind at the waist, and a packable hood. I’ve worn it on the coldest days of winter and was kept comfortably warm.
If you’re looking for a real leather jacket — not those plastic garbage bag-looking high-gloss puffers — that you can wear well after fall, this is it.
Sizing options: XS-XL
Originally released in 1974, the Expedition Down Jacket is one of Fjallraven’s most iconic designs. It was initially created for cold weather explorers that needed serious protection from sub-freezing temperatures, and its current version serves the same purpose.
If your primary objective is to find a jacket that will keep you warm under any circumstance, the Fjallraven Expedition Down Jacket is exactly what you’re looking for.
The jacket has a 700-fill power, a below-the-hip length to block out the cold, an adjustable alpine hood, an adjustable hem, two-way zippers, a durable water-resistant outer lining, and adjustable sleeves. And the most surprising feature of all is that it’s packable — something unheard-of for jackets this big. In terms of function, I can’t think of a single feature I wish it had.
I love wearing this jacket on the coldest days of the year, but for mildly cold days, it’s a bit much. The jacket runs big, so if you’re in between sizes definitely go with the smaller size.
Sizing options: XS Short (34) – XXL Short (50-52); XS (34) – 5XL (62-64); Medium Long (38-40) – 3XL Long (54-56)
If you’re interested in a style that’s more unique than the typical parkas and puffers, a sheepskin coat is a great alternative, and Overland’s Classic Sheepskin B-3 Bomber is one of my favorite choices.
While you can definitely find faux sheepskin bombers for much less, the warmth, fit, and overall quality are simply unmatched. 
The Classic Sheepskin B-3 Bomber is handmade in Turkey with a Napa leather exterior and genuine sheepskin lining the entire interior. Key features include a detachable hood, aged brass hardware, and adjustable buckles on the sides.
Although the jacket is significantly heavier than most down jackets, the timeless design makes it a worthwhile addition to any cold-weather wardrobe.
Sizing options: 2XS-2XL
For the past few seasons, the Aritzia Super Puff has been one of our favorite women’s winter coats for its fashion-forward style and dependable warmth — and now the brand has expanded the Super Puff Collection to include Men’s jackets. 
Just like the original Super Puffs for women, the Men’s Super Puff features a lofty 700-fill power and uses 100% responsibly sourced down. The outer layer of the puffer is made from a water- and wind-resistant material that makes it ideal for light rain and snow.
The combination of materials allows the jacket to be considerably lightweight while still being warm enough for below-freezing temperatures.
With large baffles, a below-the-hip length, and a removable hood, the Men’s Super Puff is one of the easiest jackets to style. The available finishes — CliMATTE, Hi-Gloss, and Liquid Shine — and a large selection of colors give customers even more choices to match their personal style.
Sizing options: XS-2XL
You might think of Canada Goose as an outerwear brand that’s simply overpriced and trendy, but it’s much more than that — and the new Crofton Puffer is a testament to its innovation in warmth technology for city goers.
The Crofton Puffer is made from the brand’s Recycled Feather-Light Ripstop Fabric and features an impressive 750-fill power using duck down. All Canada Goose jackets get a Thermal Experience Index rating ranging from TE1 through TE5. The Crofton Puffer has a TE4 rating, meaning it’s capable of enduring temperatures as low as -13°F and is warmer than some of the brand’s most classic styles.
Aside from its ability to keep you warm, the Crofton has many features city folk will appreciate. The interior has shoulder straps, so you can take briefly take the jacket off to prevent overheating. If you’ve ever worn a winter coat while on the subway in New York City, you’ll understand how useful this can be. The snorkel hood extends past your face to block out wind and snow. Additionally, you can pack the jacket into its left pocket and use the same straps to carry it like a shoulder bag. 
Sizing options: 36-48
Founded in 1999, Mackage is a contemporary outerwear brand that makes high-end pieces built for cold weather.
The Mackage Kent modernizes the classic puffer style with large baffles, a removable hood, silver hardware, and the brand’s signature logo on the sleeve. Despite being fashion-forward, the Kent Puffer is designed to be winter-ready with warm duck-down filling and a water-resistant nylon outer shell.
I found that the jacket runs a bit small. I originally ordered a size 38 (medium), but the brand sent me a size 42 (XL) and it surprisingly fit well with a sweater or sweatshirt underneath. If you’re not a fan of heavy layering under your puffer, go closer to your true size.
Sizing options: XS-XXL
Frank And Oak might be lesser-known than some of the other brands on this list, but it’s one of the best winter coats I’ve worn — and the brand is steadily pushing to be more sustainable.
When I first tested the Capital Parka, it was made with 60% recycled polyester, but the latest version available is now made with 100% recycled polyester. It features feather-less warmth with Primaloft insulation, a waterproof outer layer with sealed seams, and two-way stretch.
While some jackets on this list are tried and true expedition jackets, or derived from expedition jackets, I like that the Capital Parka was designed for city use from its inception. 
You’ll find useful features like jersey sleeves with thumb holes, an adjustable drawcord at the waist, interior pockets with media holes (if you’re still rocking wired headphones), and a quick-access pocket on the sleeve that’s perfect for a metro card or office ID.
Read our full review on Frank And Oak’s outerwear collection here.
Sizing options: XS-XXL
At a glance, the Patagonia Men’s Topley Jacket looks like a casual and rather simple jacket. Its design would not have looked out of place in any decade since the 1940s and will likely remain fashionable many decades into the future. Although this jacket may be unassuming in appearance, it’s actually quite capable in terms of performance.
The outer shell of this two-layer coat is made from 100% recycled polyester and is waterproof yet breathable. The inner layer is quilted and features 600-fill power recycled down that provides excellent insulation. Thanks to a zipper secured with a buttoned storm flap, even a harsh, cutting wind will be kept at bay.
What sets this jacket apart from the pack are the details. Its exterior pockets are lined with a brushed jersey material to keep your fingers warm and cozy. Its removable hood is well insulated, adjustable, and features a laminated visor to keep precipitation off your face (and out of your eyes, most notably). The left chest pocket has a waterproof zipper and a port for headphones. The waist can be cinched shut with an adjustable drawcord that keeps out that biting wind.
Sizing options: S-XXL
If puffers coats and expedition-style parkas are too bulky for your liking, the Moose Knuckle Waterton Parka is a wonderful slim-fitting choice.
To complement the sleek silhouette, the Waterton Parka has a mid-thigh length, and an 800-fill power down insulation, so you won’t have to sacrifice warmth for style. Its exterior is made from a lightweight, yet durable and water-resistant blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester. 
While the high collar, storm flap, and detachable hood make a statement visually, they also come together to make the Parka capable of withstanding snow, wind, and rain.
Because of its slim fit, it’s best paired with lighter and thinner under layers like thermal tops or flannels as opposed to chunky sweaters or hoodies. For a roomier fit, it’s recommended to size up.
Sizing options: S-3XL
Packed full with 700-fill-power down, Triple F.A.T. Goose‘s line is an Insider Reviews favorite, and several of our writers have deemed it their go-to brand for winter parkas.
While the market may be moving away from natural down (and fur, which the brand also offers), Triple F.A.T. Goose is on the relatively responsible side of things when it comes to sourcing down (and arguably fur, too). The brand’s down is never live-plucked or force-fed, and is inspected, tested, and certified by the International Down and Feather Testing Laboratory (IDFL). You can read about the company’s fur and down policy here.
If you’re in a somewhat milder climate like the maritime, the Wyndmeir is not fully waterproof but treated with TFG’s Atmoshell+, and it’s sealed at key seams for better water repellency without compromising breathability. It’s also filled with less down, leaving some room for layering when it gets really cold.
Each of the parkas we’ve tested from Triple F.A.T. has been generously endowed with down and is warm as can be.
Which type of coat is best for winter?
Defining which type of winter coat is best for you is dependent upon your personal style and what type of activities you’ll use it for. While variations of puffer coats and parkas are the most traditional styles for winter, heavyweight bombers are also suitable.
How often should I buy a new winter coat?
If you pick a coat that’s durable, warm, and constructed with a high level of quality, it should last you many winters to come. Many winter coats are priced high because they’ve invested in quality materials. You won’t need to buy a new coat often.
What are winter coats made of?
The most traditional material found in winter coats is duck or goose down, but other types of warm insulation include recycled polyester, Primaloft, and sheepskin. Most outerlayers are designed to be waster-resistant and are usually made from polyester, nylon, or cotton.
What is fill-power?
Fill power is a number that measures the amount of space one ounce of down will fill in cubic inches. Higher fill power is an indication of higher quality down being used and a warmer garment for the wearer. The higher the fill power, the better the down can trap your body heat and keep you warm.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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