The 21 best winter coats for women in 2024, according to experts

Sizes: XXS — 5XL | Material: Polyester | Insulation: Down | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: No

A viral sensation, this Orolay down coat is super cute and cozy — but the reason it's such a hit may be that it features side zippers, which allows you to expand its dimensions and make room for more layers. With six roomy pockets, it can store more than just essentials (translation: you can leave your bag at home). This coat is so good even Oprah is a fan — it made her Favorite Things List in 2019; now there are 13 different styles to choose from. The reviews are spectacular, and across the board, shoppers note that this coat looks way more expensive than it actually is.

Sizes: XXS-XXL | Material: Polyamide/nylon/spandex | Insulation: Down Fill | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: No

Fashion blogger Loshane A. Vasilyeva listed this Canada Goose Parka as one of her top winter coats for its “unbeatable warmth.” While it’s definitely expensive, at almost $1,000, its one of the best women's winter coats for extreme cold, and it is built to last. If you live in a very cold climate, this will be your go-to for many years. As you might expect, it's very well-made, and it's loaded with smart features: power stretch cuffs that seal sleeves from wind, fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets and interior straps that make it easy to take off your coat and carry it like a backpack (hands-free!) if you get too hot.

Sizes: XS — XL | Material: 100% Recycled polyester herringbone | Insulation: 100% Recycled duck down | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: Yes

“This parka checks all of the boxes for me,” says Ashleigh McClary, Backcountry gearhead. “It is very warm, very waterproof, provides a lot of coverage....” McClary also raves about the down liner, which can be removed. Talk about versatility! The outer shell on its own makes a great rain jacket; the liner can be a stand-alone down jacket; combined, they create the ultimate parka, keeping you warm and dry in even the most extreme weather. Sleek and flattering, this 3-in-1 coat is even backed by a lifetime warranty.

Sizes: XS — 3XL, regular, petite, plus | Material: Pertex Quantum nylon shell | Insulation: 850 down | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: Yes

Our gift guide editor Amanda Garrity is a fan of this lightweight down coat from L.L.Bean. “I've worn this coat everywhere — whether it was a bone-chilling day at the top of the Great Wall of China or on the [winter] streets of New York City. It keeps me warm without looking too big and puffy. I love that it has a hood, which helps keep me even warmer on the coldest, snowiest days," she raves. "It even comes in petite sizes.” As much as she loves it, Garrity did note that after wearing the coat for over a year she did notice a few feathers starting to pop out. But she's still a big fan of this water-repellent, wind-resistant beauty. 

Sizes: XS — 3XL | Material: Polyester | Insulation: 550 fill goose down | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: No

Another of Vasilyeva’s picks was the North Face Metropolis Parka for its "trendy design” — cinched at the waist to give some shape — a rare detail in warm winter coats. It’s filled with 550-fill down to keep you super-toasty from head to thigh. This is one of the warmest coats we found. The detachable hood is lush and cozy; when removed, it lightens your load and creates a long, lean line. Nearly 1,000 shoppers are also fans. One says, “I finally gave in and bought this good-quality winter coat and I could not be happier. I LOVE this parka. It keeps me warm with wind chills in the 20s and is super flattering. I plan to use [it] for years to come!”

Sizes: XS — XL | Material: Recycled wool, recycled polyester | Insulation: Kapok | Coverage: Shin length | Waterproof: No

Elisabeth de Gramont, head of impact at Frank And Oak, named this wool coat her favorite option from the brand, and we can see why. “It has an iconic and fashionable oversized look in a beautiful, cruelty-free wool blend,” she said. We love that it’s also water-repellent, wind-resistant and designed to keep you warm at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. But what really sets it apart from other wool coats on the market is the brand’s signature snap system that makes it compatible with all base layers from the line.

Sizes: XS — XL | Material: Recycled polyester | Insulation: 150 / 100g Thermogreen | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: Yes

“For days that are cold but not frigid, the Radalie Insulated Parka is perfect,” says McClary. She notes the length (mid-thigh), the abundance of pockets and the lined collar as standout features. "The coat is made with body-mapped Thermogreen synthetic insulation that regulates your body temperature really well," she says. McClary also mentions that the outer fabric is highly water-resistant and uses "PFC-free DWR treatment to keep you dry without forever chemicals.” Slim-fitting and sleek, the parka has a unique blend of baffle patterns to subtly add character and style.

Sizes: XS — 3XL | Material: 100% Polyester | Insulation: 100% Synthetic down | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: Water resistant

A great (Columbia!) coat at a great price. Vasilyeva — and thousands of Amazon shoppers — recommend this classic lightweight style wholeheartedly. It uses the brand’s patented heat-reflective lining and synthetic down to hold in warmth. With a water-resistant finish, a plush fleece-lined hood and collar, a two-way zipper and multiple pockets, it's both practical and pretty. And by the way, you won't believe how many color options it comes in. 

Sizes: XS — 3XL | Material: 100% 150D Dull mechanical elastic fabric | Insulation: 240 grams of synthetic fiber | Coverage: Hip length | Waterproof: Yes

Waterproof and windproof, this Wantdo jacket is a great option for cold-weather activities like skiing and snow tubing. It's an easy-to-move-in jacket, super-warm, thanks to a fill of 240 grams of polyester fiber, and very comfy (it's got a soft, fuzzy liner). You can count on this coat in frigid temperatures. It's no wonder more than 11,500 Amazon shoppers give it their seal of approval. One raves: “Perfect ski coat! Bought this for our trip to Colorado. Best decision EVER! It snowed twice and was in the 20s. It kept me warm all week.”

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Material: Recycled nylon | Insulation: 100% Responsible Down Standard down | Coverage: Hip length | Waterproof: No

“The Patagonia Women's Down Sweater is so warm — it truly changed my life in many ways,” says Yahoo commerce director Liz Kiernan, who wears this barely-there piece under all her outerwear. While the product name conjures images of a knit, this item is actually a lightweight jacket that can be worn solo or as a liner. “It’s an unbelievably thin, very light, packable, windproof jacket that seals in warmth with elastic at the sleeves and a drawcord at the hem. It’s filled with some sort of miracle down. You can wear it alone, but I like wearing it as a liner under a wool or fuzzy coat so I don’t have to sacrifice style for warmth. I mean, who wants to walk around looking like the Michelin Man?” Adds Kiernan, “I (almost) enjoy winter now. I’ve saved a ton of money on cab fare because now I can walk everywhere.”

Sizes: XXS — 3XL | Material: Polyester | Insulation: None | Coverage: Shin length | Waterproof: No

Senior commerce writer Kristin Granero sees this teddy bear coat as a tribute to her beloved great-grandmother Gertrude, who happens to have designed teddy bears! “Aside from invoking nostalgia (for me a little extra, but I’d argue there’s a general charm to teddy styles), this Ugg coat is incredibly well made — durable and thick." It comes in white, pink, chestnut and black. Granero went with Chestnut (the shade of classic Uggs) and notes that the coat is very warm. She recommends sizing down "unless you want an oversized look.” While this piece is definitely a splurge, Granero makes the case that it could be considered an investment/heirloom piece, with proper care.

Sizes: XS — XL | Material: 100% recycled polyester | Insulation: 700-fill Allied goose down | Coverage: Hip length | Waterproof: No

Short and chic, “the Stansbury Down Jacket is one of my favorite stylish-yet-functional jackets ever,” raves McClary. What does she love? The super-soft recycled fabric, the responsibly sourced 700-fill down, the hand-warmer pockets, and the sleek triangular baffles. "I absolutely love the cropped length of this jacket," she says. "It looks so great on and leaves room to layer as well.” The hem of the coat is cinchable. That means you can block out wind when you need to. Choose among black, mint green and a cool pink-marble option.

Sizes: Small — XXL | Material: 100% Polyester | Insulation: Synthetic | Coverage: Hip length | Waterproof: Yes

Our executive editor, Nicole Sforza, has had this weatherproof coat (an Amazon No.1 bestseller!) for more than two years and can’t stop singing its praises. “This thing is WARM,” she says. “It's probably the warmest winter jacket I've ever had. With a fluffy lining, it's as comfortable as it is cool. "It's marketed as a ski jacket and I do wear it on the mountain, but I also wear it around town and always get compliments." The windproof, waterproof outer layer means you're set for any kind of weather. "I feel confident when I wear it," says Sforza, "because I'm ready for anything!” One note: While it’s incredibly warm, it can also feel a bit heavy — something to keep in mind when you're layering up. Sforza has the cool black-and-gray camo version, but there are 16 other styles to choose from, including bold red, baby blue and classic black.

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Material: Polyamide, polyester | Insulation: Synthetic Supreme Microloft polyester | Coverage: Thigh length | Waterproof: Yes

“Incredibly warm, waterproof, durable — this is the best-made coat I've ever owned (or even tried).” These are the words of contributing shopping editor Libby Sentz, a superfan of this cozy parka. “I love the drawcord waist, hook-and-loop closures on cuffs, deep pockets, detachable hood and full bum coverage. Plus it's made with recycled materials,” she says. The roomy storm hood is fleece-lined and has detachable faux fur trim — a fashion-forward touch. Stylish, functional coats like this one don't come along every day — and they don’t come cheap. This is an investment. But Sentz, who is “desperately sensitive to the cold,” says this option is well worth the price.

Sizes: XS — XL | Material: 100% recycled nylon | Insulation: 800-fill Allied goose down | Coverage: Hip length | Waterproof: No

Need an easy-to-pack winter coat that's warm without being bulky? McClary recommends this jacket from Backcountry. Slim-fitting, super-warm and windproof, this jacket has a compressible design that allows it to pack inside its own pocket! “It is a phenomenal layering piece under a ski shell," says McClary. "It has unique baffles that add style, and it’s jam-packed with 800-fill responsibly sourced down, which holds a ton of heat in a featherweight jacket.” The adjustable hood is spacious enough to fit a ski helmet underneath. You can choose between black and olive. Just note, the brand says the coat does run a bit small and suggests going up a size.

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Material: 100% Nylon | Insulation: Down | Coverage: Hip length | Waterproof: No

Senior beauty editor Jennifer Romolini loves this short Uniqlo puffer because it’s a great layering piece. “I'd never really understood the fashion concept of a ‘layering’ coat until I started traveling with this lightweight down jacket," she says. "It's perfect for any kind of cold-weather trip (you stuff it into its own built-in pouch and it takes up about as much space as a pair of thick socks), for in-between weather challenges like camping when it might be warm in the day and cold at night and also (especially) for layering under stylish (but often thin) wool coats.” With a water-repellent finish, this boxy jacket also has an anti-static lining, so it won’t cling. Bonus: it comes in eight chic shades, so you can easily find one that blends beautifully with the rest of your winter wardrobe.

Sizes: XXS — XXL |Material: 100% Nylon | Insulation: Down | Coverage: Knee length | Waterproof: No

If you like the look of the above Uniqlo jacket but want full coverage (plus a hood), here's the answer. Our deals writer, Britt Ross, has owned the longer version of the Uniqlo coat for more than five years, and she's still in love with it. “It's impossibly lightweight but keeps me super-warm during Northeastern winters. And it's very affordable, given how durable it is,” she says. The hood is removable, but Ross wishes it was also adjustable, as she said sometimes wind can get in. Other than that she has only good things to say: “Extremely warm — it's very long, so I feel quite bundled up when I wear it.” 

Sizes: XS — XXL | Material: Acrylic, polyester | Insulation: 700-fill power down | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: No

I’ve had this coat for five years and am amazed that it still looks as good as new. I’ve worn it everywhere — the office, nice dinners, even while participating in winter activities — and love how warm and cozy it is. It hits me mid-thigh, so it traps heat in nicely. The hood is removable, as is the fur trim, so it’s easy to switch up the look. I also love how water-resistant it is. I’ve been stuck in both rain and snowstorms wearing it, and this coat has kept me completely dry. It’s definitely an investment piece, but seeing how well it has lasted — and how much more life it still has in it — I consider it well worth the price.

Sizes: 2 — 16 | Material: Wool, polyester, rayon | Insulation: None | Coverage: Thigh length | Waterproof: No

For a touch of class, there's nothing like a camel-color peacoat. This version from Lauren by Ralph Lauren is slimming and chic. Made of a wool/polyester/rayon blend, it will keep you warm and cozy on the inside, and, of course, polished and pulled together on the outside. The notched lapels and back vent give this piece an even more elevated feel. Shoppers rave. Says one, “It's soft, luxuriant and well-tailored while keeping the traditions of the timeless peacoat.” We agree!

Sizes: 00 — 24, classic, petite, tall | Material: 100% Wool | Insulation: None | Coverage: Mid-thigh length | Waterproof: No

Granero also listed this dress coat from J.Crew as one of her favorite winter coats. “I purchased this wool coat several years ago and have been raking in compliments ever since. It’s classic but modern. Cozy but not stuffy. Relaxed but still refined. It looks chic buttoned or open (I love it with straight jeans and a white button-up or cashmere sweater) and the perfect length for both pants and skirts.” The front pockets are spacious enough to hold your phone, keys and gloves. And Granero said it’s the perfect balance between a car coat and cocoon coat — making it “a great option for someone who wants to feel effortlessly chic on the go!” While it’s definitely one of the more stylish options on the list, just be aware that it’s not as warm as others (but there's room underneath for the Patagonia "sweater" or another light layer).

Sizes: XS — XL | Material: 100% Polyester | Insulation: None | Coverage: Knee length | Waterproof: No

There's nothing quite as glamorous as a long (faux) fur coat. Every minute you spend inside one feels luxe and special. Amberly Reese, Stitch Fix stylist, says this Vero Moda version is perfect for day-to-night wear. The dark brown topper hits below the knee and has an oversized collar that can be popped up for extra warmth (and drama). Reese raves about the warmth of this piece: “For the coldest evenings, I love this elegant coat.” Fully lined and under $100, it’s way more affordable than it looks. Dry clean only.