Before buying a winter coat, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to check out the weather in your area—does it get crazy cold or more temperate in the winter? Are you living in a big city or a rural area? How active are you? Once you’ve got a handle on your lifestyle and what you need, you can get into the nitty-gritty of actually shopping for a coat.
Insulation: The key to a warm winter coat? Insulation. But, there are two main types to consider: down and synthetic. Learning a bit about them can guide you in choosing the right coat for your lifestyle.
Down is basically that soft layer of feathers stuffed inside the coat, and it’s usually made from duck or goose feathers. It offers excellent warmth, and the key factor is the “fill power,” which is how densely the coat is packed with down. Higher fill power generally means the jacket will be warmer. Brands usually specify the fill power in their down coats. For example, the Canada Goose jacket boasts 625 fill power, while the Marmot jacket boasts 700 fill power. So, if you’re after something super warm, the Marmot jacket might be a better bet.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is typically made of polyester. This kind of insulation is typically bulkier and heavier (like something you’d see in a puffer jacket), but it’s better at keeping you warm when it’s wet outside because it dries so quickly. Pro tip: Coats that are made with polyester are typically less expensive than those made with down. Two coats on this list that have synthetic insulation are the Arcteryx jacket and the Columbia option (two of the least expensive options on this list!).
The bottom line: If you live in a wet environment and want to spend less money, go with synthetic insulation. If you live in a drier, colder place and are willing to splurge a bit more, opt for a coat that has down insulation.
Length: A rule of thumb for winter coats is that longer jackets are meant for colder temps and shorter jackets are good for days where it’s a bit warmer. But, shorter jackets are also a better option if you plan on being active or moving around a lot, as longer coats can be a bit more constricting. The shortest coat on this list is a hip-length style from The North Face and the longest option is the calf-length coat from Lululemon.
Features: When shopping for a winter coat, make sure to look out for those extra bells and whistles that make your coat suitable for winter. Some options on this list, like the Marmot coat, have extra large, fur-lined pockets so you can fit both your belongings and your hands in them without struggling to find warmth.
The Canada Goose option also has some essential features, like shoulder straps so you don’t have to sling the coat over your arms and an oversized hood to keep your neck and head warm. Other features to look for in a warm winter jacket are multiple closure options, longer sleeve length, interior pockets for extra storage, and an insulated hood.
Weather resistance: You want to make sure your winter jacket is warm enough to last through many seasons. While the most weather-resistant jackets on this list, which protect against rain, wind, and snow, are going to have a heftier price tag, you can rest assured knowing they’ll last you longer, too.
Material is a key factor in weather resistance, especially if you’re in an area with harsh conditions and need extra warmth. In such cases, it’s a good idea to choose materials like polyester, Gore-tex, or nylon, all of which are known for their ability to provide warmth and withstand severe weather.
