The Best Women’s Winter Jackets of 2024-2025

If you’re in a wintry place, you don’t want to be sidelined for lack of cold-weather protection. Whatever your cold-weather itinerary entails, these winter jackets for women will help regulate your body temperature while shielding you from wind, snow, and drizzle. We focus on testing the warmest, most protective winter jackets and parkas that are geared toward everyday use, not technical jackets that are built for athletic pursuits like backpacking or ice climbing.

This guide been updated five times since it was first published in 2021 with thousands of hours of testing in the frigid Gunnison Valley and the Roaring Fork Valley, in Colorado’s Elk Mountains. Among our picks, you’ll find longer knee-length jackets in the 800-fill range including the Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka, hip-hugging options like the Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket in the 700-fill zone, and quad-length, 750-fill jackets with waterproof exteriors such as the Arc’teryx Patera Parka.

If you’d like to learn more about the nitty-gritty features of women’s winter jackets for everyday warmth, and how to choose the best jacket based on the weather and climate, scroll through our Buyer’s Guide tips or jump to the Price & Value summary. You can also consult the Comparison Chart to help steer your decision process. Otherwise, read our full gear guide and check out our awarded picks.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Winter Jackets for Women buyer’s guide on November 12, 2024, with the field-tested Mountain Warehouse Florence Women’s Long Insulated Jacket.

The Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2024-2025

• Best Overall Winter Jacket for Women: Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka
• Best Budget Winter Jacket for Women: REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka
• Best Hip-Length Winter Jacket for Women: Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket
• Best Convertible 3-in-1 Winter Jacket for Women: Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka
• Best Jacket for Plus, Tall, and Petite Sizes: Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat 
• Best Waterproof Winter Jacket for Women: Arc’teryx Patera Parka
• Best Lightweight Women’s Winter Jacket: KUHL Spyfire Parka

Winter Jackets for Women Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Weight, Fill, Center Back Length, Climate.

Jackets	Price	Weight	Fill	Center back length	Climate
Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka	$315	824 g	700	35.4″	Dry to mildly wet winter conditions
REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka	$229	970 g	650	36.5″	Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions
Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka	$699	1,446 g	700	33″	Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions
Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket	$429	737 g	650	27″	Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions
Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat	$290	1,238 g	600	Mid-calf length	Dry to mildly wet winter conditions
Arc’teryx Patera Parka	$800	905 g	750	37″	Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions
KUHL Spyfire Women’s Parka	$339	510 g	800	34.5”	Winter Dry to somewhat wet winter conditions
Lands’ End Women’s Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat	$230	376 g	800	36″	Dry to mildly wet winter conditions
Fjallraven Nuuk Parka	$500	1732 g	Synthetic (polyester fibers)	Thigh-length	Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions
Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket	$160	819 g	Synthetic down 100% polyester	34″	Dry to mildly wet winter conditions
Mountain Warehouse Florence Women’s Long Insulated Jacket	$100	566 g	100% polyester fill	35”	Dry to mildly wet winter conditions
Marmot Women’s Chelsea Coat	$380	1,257 g	700	38″	Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions
The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka	$350	1,290 g	600	35.75″	Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions
Duluth Trading Women’s Ruffer Puffer Arctic Down Long Coat	$250	1,500 g	650	38″	Dry to mildly wet winter conditions
Columbia Women’s Pike Lake II Long Jacket	$200	NA	100% recycled polyester	45”	Dry to mildly wet winter conditions

How We Tested Winter Jackets for Women

Our GearJunkie team has field tested and reviewed dozens of women’s winter jackets in a range of cold-weather conditions over the past few years and five iterations of this guide.

Our Expert Testers

GearJunkie contributor Meghan LaHatte has lived in the Rockies of Southwest Colorado for more than five years. Such a cold climate has allowed her to explore many winter sports and daily life that requires the warmest jackets possible. From chilly morning commutes to the ski area and blizzardly afternoon dog walks, she tests women’s winter coats to their fullest potential. 

Leading the crew, GearJunkie Senior Editor Morgan Tilton specializes in snowsports content. She’s been an outdoor industry journalist for more than a decade including reporting at nearly 16 outdoor industry trade shows for several publications such as the Snow Show Daily, and serving as Snowboard Editor at Teton Gravity Research.

Based in Colorado, GearJunkie contributor Mary Murphy has also contributed testing for this guide.

Our Testing Grounds

Tilton primarily tests winter jackets in Crested Butte, Colorado, pulling on a warm winter coat before and after ski outings, while running errands, biking around town, leaving the gym, shoveling and de-icing the truck, trailer, snowmobile, and walkway — you name it. Living in a frigid ski town, Tilton puts these winter coats to the ultimate test.

LaHatte’s testing has primarily spanned Carbondale’s Roaring Fork Valley and Gunnison Valley: the home of Gunnison and Crested Butte. As a photographer for the X Games in Aspen, she tests jackets for 12-hour shifts throughout the event including climbing up the superpipe, running between venues, and standing for many hours with a camera in hand regardless of the single digits.

Our Testing Process

We examine the big picture of each jacket including insulation, protection from precipitation and wind, comfort, functionality, durability, ergonomics, ease of use, adaptability, and style. We also look at the finer details including the pocket design, collar, hood, cuff, gaiters, and the liners of the jacket and pockets.

In the most recent testing round, LaHatte field tested four new winter jackets and re-tested three models that had noteworthy updates. She paid extra attention to the temperatures she tested them in, while making note of the significant details that outshined — or dampened — the experience.

Beyond field tests, we strongly consider the most popular, highly acclaimed, legacy, sustainable, and size-inclusive winter coats for women across a range of price points and applications.

What we like most about this selection is that each winter jacket can be worn running errands around town but can also be donned for a night out to dinner. We’re confident these women’s winter jackets are among the best on the market.

If you’re interested in learning more about men’s styles, check out our Guide to the Best Winter Jackets.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Jackets for Women

A huge variety of winter jackets are made for women. This lifestyle collection spotlights insulated outerwear that provides the greatest warmth, coverage, and cold-weather protection out there. These are excellent jackets for everyday use whether you’re watching a hockey game, walking the dog, running errands, or taking the daily commute.

Insulated Jackets & Parkas

While we’ve included hip-length models, the majority of our picks are parkas, which are a longer-length version of an insulated winter jacket. All of these designs provide the heavy weight, insulation, and protective accents — like insulated hoods, wrist gaiters, and faux fur — that are needed to keep women from dropping body heat. Even if you’re not moving while wearing the coat, you should feel comfortable. These winter jackets work best in freezing cold, extremely cold, and negative temperatures. They’re built to thrive during snowstorms, and for some of these outerlayers, during rainstorms, too. While some of these winter jackets have underarm vents or breathable textiles, ventilation and breathability are not key elements.

Women’s Down Jackets & Ski Jackets

Another type of function-forward winter jacket that’s not highlighted in this guide is women’s down jackets, also known as a puffy or puffer. While many of our top winter jackets are loaded with down plumes, our down jacket collection includes hip-length pieces that are movement-friendly, stretchy, breathable, lightweight, and compressible. For the most weather protection, you’d layer one of these puppies over your base layer or mid layer and put a shell on top. While many women might pull on one of these down jackets to run errands, these are the ones you’d grab for activities like alpine skiing, backcountry skiing, or snowshoeing. These layers work well in mild, moderate, or cold weather.

Alternatively, athletic winter jackets are made for performance and active use. They’re built with breathable, packable, lightweight materials, like women’s ski jackets. While some designs in that category have insulation, many outer shells do not.

Insulation: Down vs. Synthetic

Our favorite insulated winter jackets are filled with natural down — sourced from geese or duck or recycled — and other designs have synthetic insulation that mimics down. Some designs blend the two insulations with targeted zones of synthetic fill, where the jacket experiences the most precipitation or perspiration like on top of the shoulders or underneath the arms.

Synthetic insulation is made from polyester fibers and designed to imitate down clusters and properties with a few key differences. If you compare two equal-weight jackets, down is warmer than this alternative.

But synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet. It’s also easier to wash and usually comes at a lower price point.

Pros of Down:

• Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
• Fluffy rebound
• Compressibility
• Lighterweight
• High inherent warmth

Cons of Down:

• Inability to insulate when wet
• More difficult to wash than synthetic
• Pricier than synthetic fill

Overall, in super-wet snowfall or rain and when weight isn’t an issue, synthetics can be a better, safer choice. Synthetic insulation can also be a better, more breathable choice in zones where you’d typically sweat like in the underarm and along the sides. Some climates experience lower water content in their snow, meaning the snowflakes are drier and the overall humidity is lower, so waterproofness isn’t always essential.

Down can be treated with a coating that helps prevent moisture absorption, such as the Nikwax Fluorocarbon-Free Hydrophobic Finish applied to the down fill of the Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka or the water-repellent HyperDry down in the Lands’ End Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat. The exterior construction can be waterproof and protect the fill like the Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket or Arc’teryx Patera Parka.

Given down’s supreme warmth-wave, the majority of our top winter jackets are paired with down. The Duluth Trading Women’s Ruffer Puffer Arctic Down Long Coat is filled with duck down. The Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka is also a down-fill jacket, and 100% of that down is recycled from retired products.

Alternatively, the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka is a synthetic insulated jacket, as are the Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket and Columbia Women’s Pike Lake II Long Jacket.

One natural down alternative is Kapok, which is made from fibers of Kapok tree seeds and combined with recycled materials. This insulation is silky soft and great for folks who want a more eco-friendly option. The Marmot Women’s Chelsea Coat utilizes this down alternative along with synthetic fibers.

Temperature Rating

Temperature ratings for winter jackets refer to the lowest ambient temperature at which the coat can keep the wearer warm. There’s no universal metric or third-party testing for temperature rating, so ratings vary from brand to brand. The final figure can be influenced by the type, quality, and quantity of the insulation, as well as the fabric density, liner, and other details like faux fur around the hood.

Some manufacturers label jacket warmth based on how the jacket performed within the ambient temperature (degrees Fahrenheit). For example, the Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat has a rating of -25 degrees F to 10 degrees F, meaning it’s designed to keep the wearer warm in temperatures as low as -25 degrees F. Above 10 degrees, the jacket might be a bit too warm.

Other brands operate on an internal sliding scale of warmness, providing a relative comparison of their own products side by side for the warmest option. Take The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka, for example. Under The North Face’s sliding temperature scale, the Arctic Parka is considered warmest on a scale of warm, warmer, and warmest.

When choosing the best winter jacket for you, temperature ratings are a guideline and can vary based on individual circulation, activity output, and environmental conditions such as wind.

Fill Power

Fill power measures the loft and quality of down. To calculate fill power, a 1-ounce sample of down is compressed in a cylinder. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the warmer the jacket — though the fill power isn’t the only variable affecting a jacket’s warmth.

But the higher the fill quality, the less down is needed to create the same warmth. This is because it’s able to trap more air and warmth within the jacket. Higher fill power is also more compressible, loftier, more lightweight, and pricier.

Fill power ratings range from 300 to 900 and even higher. Most of the jackets on this list are in the 800-fill range, with a few clocking in above or below. Generally, the quality increases with the fill number:

• 400-500: fair quality
• 600: good quality
• 700: great quality
• 800: excellent quality
• 900 and above: highest quality

If two down jackets weigh the same overall with different fill power (such as two 900 gram jackets with 650 fill and 800 fill), the higher fill jacket will be less bulky and more compressible.

When two 700-fill jackets have different weights, the heavier one is likely warmer — but keep in mind, other factors influence the product’s overall weight like the length, number of pockets, hood size, and zippers.

Also, other factors influence warmth like the jacket length and the baffles — including the shape, size, and placement — and how the down fill is distributed around the jacket. For instance, the lightweight and impressively packable 800-fill down Lands’ End Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat was suitable for 3 to 29 degrees Fahrenheit. Albeit less packable, the 600-fill Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat was overall warmer — offering protection in the -25 to 10-degree range. Other design factors are at play: The Maxi Winter Coat is longer, has a polyester shell, and there are large horizontal baffles. the Wanderweight is made with nylon and narrow, chevron baffles.

It’s tricky to compare jackets with differing fill power. But in general, the lower the fill power, the less loft and warmth is provided.

And while we know the quality of the down, we often don’t know how much down is inside insulated jackets: the fill weight.

Fill Power vs. Fill Weight

A jacket’s fill power is the down’s quality and amount of loft, which is typically shared by brands. You’ll see jackets labeled as 600-fill or 800-fill, for instance.

The fill weight — which is measured in ounces — reflects the density or amount of that down that’s stuffed inside the jacket. Manufacturers rarely report the fill weight, which distinctly changes the amount of warmth a jacket can have.

For instance, a 800-fill jacket with 150 grams of down relatively equates to the warmth of a 400-fill jacket with 300 grams of down. But the 800 fill is more compressible.

Water Resistance & Hydrophobic Down

Down does not perform well when wet. And this is one of the places synthetic jackets tend to win out. In the past decade, there has been a growing use of hydrophobic down. The recycled down of the Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka is coated with Nikwax Fluorocarbon-Free Hydrophobic Finish for moisture resistance, for example. Essentially, the down feathers are coated in a water-resistant polymer. It still doesn’t match the water-resistance of synthetics. But for light precipitation, hydrophobic down is an awesome alternative. The face fabric can also be waterproof or treated with a DWR to help block moisture.

Waterproofness

A full-on waterproof jacket is ideal for being outside in wet snow, rain, or drizzly weather. The top-tier standard for waterproofness is GORE-TEX, which is a membrane integrated into various 2-layer and 3-layer designs. The material is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Many brands likewise have a proprietary version of waterproof fabrics.

Waterproofness is measured by the amount of water that can be placed atop a fabric before it leaks. The rate of waterproof jackets varies from 5,000 to 20,000 mm or greater. The latter end of the spectrum generally leads to a less breathable fabric. The more waterproof and breathable a jacket is, the more technical it is to manufacture and pricier it will be.

• 0-5,000 mm: Resistant to light rain, dry snow
• 6,000-10,000 mm: Waterproof for light rain and dry, non-heavy snow
• 11,000-15,000 mm: Waterproof for moderate rain and dry, non-heavy snow
• 16,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof for heavy rain and wet snow
• 20,000 mm and greater: Waterproof for heavy rain and dense, heavy snow

Many down and synthetic winter jackets are not waterproof but offer a degree of water resistance, which works fine in dryer winter climates and where the snow water equivalent (the amount of liquid water in the snow) is lower.

There are four general snow climates: coastal, transitional, intermountain, and continental. Generally, the closer you are to the coast, the more precipitation you’ll experience and the water content will be higher in the snow: It’ll be wetter and heavier. In contrast, the snow in continental climates is dryer, lighter, and accumulates less compared to the coast. That includes most of the Rocky Mountains, such as in Colorado. Intermountain regions show characteristics of both. Transitional areas are similar to the coast but with less rain and snow.

A range of wintry locations are scattered across the four snow climates, according to the Utah Avalanche Center:

• Coastal (wettest): California, Washington, Oregon, coastal Alaska, coastal British Columbia
• Transitional (moderately wet): Areas and targeted locations in Montana, northern Idaho, Oregon
• Intermountain (mildly wet): Utah’s Wasatch Range, most of Idaho, Montana, and portions of Northeast Oregon and Southwest Colorado
• Continental (mostly dry): Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, interior Alaska, interior British Columbia

For wetter environments, the Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka includes a removable exterior waterproof shell, and the Arc’teryx Patera Parka is likewise waterproof. You can wear waterproof winter jackets in drier climates, too. But they generally cost more.

Other factors that can help make a jacket waterproof or water-resistant are the fill or face fabric treatments, which can be eco-friendly formulas or chemicals that are toxic for humans and the environment. Jackets can also have sealed seams to block moisture.

PFCs & DWR Treatments

The exterior face of many winter jackets have received a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment, which increases the water repellency and, for some substances, the stain repellency of a garment. The DWR treatment allows rain and water to bead off the surface. Over time, the application wears off and needs to be reapplied.

Traditional DWR treatments have PFCs, or perfluorinated compounds, which are toxic for the environment and human health, and they never break down. PFCs bond synthetic chemicals and fluorine atoms to carbon chains, making them highly resistant to degradation. And although they work well against moisture, PFCs are highly regulated and banned in some countries for their inability to decompose in water and nature, toxicity to animals, and substantial emissions. Since 2006, the EPA has been trying to phase out PFCs due the evident consequences. 

Traditional DWRs with PFCS can be long-chain or short-chain, and some brands are opting towards the latter. Short-chain DWRs are less effective in terms of longevity but much less toxic to the environment than long-chain DWRs. 

More companies in the outdoor industry are moving towards PFC-free DWR treatments. That includes the fluorocarbon-free DWR, called Pertex Quantum, used on the Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka. All fabrics in the Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka are PFC-free including the membrane and surface coatings. The DWR finish of the Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket is PFCEC-free, meaning the treatment is void of all PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFCEC).

Several of our top jacket choices incorporate a fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic treatment on the down to repel moisture, like the Lands’ End Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat and Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat, which both use HyperDry. The Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka is likewise treated with a Nikwax Fluorocarbon-Free Hydrophobic Finish.

Windproofness

If you live in a gusty climate, it’s crucial to pick a winter jacket that helps protect you from bone-chilling breezes. Many jackets are designed to be windproof, which is the textile and construction’s ability to prevent cold air from penetrating the layers. 

The windproofness of a jacket is measured in terms of wind resistance or a windproof rating, which is typically expressed in units of cubic feet per minute (CFM).

A jacket with a high CFM rating is less windproof than a jacket with a low CFM rating. For example, fabrics with a CFM rating of 60 tend to have no wind protection, while those with a 0 CFM rating are completely windproof. 

While many brands do not report the CFM, they’ll label a jacket as windproof if it meets the mark. Among our favorites, the Duluth Trading Women’s Ruffer Puffer Arctic Down Long Coat, The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka, Arc’teryx Patera Parka, and Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket are all solid choices for shielding the most frigid gusts. While it isn’t labeled windproof, the Marmot Women’s Chelsea Coat had excellent wind resistance against fierce gusts.

Collar & Hood

An ergonomic collar and hood add protection for your face, head, ears, neck, and hair against sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, or rain. Pulling up a hood can help the body retain heat in chilly conditions. Jacket collars vary in height and ideally have an interior chin guard that feels snuggly against the face, a key component on a windy day.

Many of the hoods on our select winter jackets insulated but in general, hoods can be non-insulated. Certain designs have an elastic cinch in the back to snug up the overall fit or one along the hood’s hem to help narrow the opening around your face. Some hoods are fixed, and others are removable via a zipper. Hoods can have removable faux fur that zips or snaps onto the periphery of the hood, which offers an additional safeguard from wind and snow flurries while adding style. We particularly appreciated the customizable and removable hoods on the Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat and The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka.

Jackets that are made for wetter environments might also have hoods with an integrated rain brim, which is slightly rigid and blocks moisture from dripping down onto the face, such as the Arc’teryx Patera Parka and Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka.

Sleeve Cuffs

On some women’s warm winter jackets, the sleeve cuffs have a Velcro strap, so you can tighten down the opening once you pull the jacket on. A handful of cuff designs have a zipper along the side that can widen and narrow the circumference. Other cuffs simply stretch when you slide your hands through. The shape of a jacket cuff can be tapered or straight across your wrist area, and certain designs are lengthier, offering extended shelter for the dorsal side of your hands. No matter the design, it’s easier to pull the jacket on before you put on your winter gloves.

A handful of higher-end designs feature an integrated wrist gaiter, also known as a storm cuff. Located inside the sleeve, a storm cuff can be made out of knit ribbing or a stretchy synthetic blend, which blocks moisture and wind from penetrating the sleeve. While the densities and lengths can vary, this cuff-within-a-cuff provides warmth. The wrist gaiters of the KUHL Spyfire Parka are among the softest we’ve ever tested.

Some designs are leaner, stretchier, and have thumbholes, so you can pull the internal cuff over the dorsal side of the hands. While storm cuffs and thumbholes can be a great addition for warmth, you’ll need to consider how the jacket pairs with your winter gloves and midlayer, since the interior sleeve will be tighter against skin.

Pockets

Most women’s winter jackets include two exterior hand pockets with zip closures. Traditional hand pockets have an angled, side entry while alternative designs offer a top entry for hand pockets. We most appreciate hand pockets that are lined with a soft micro fleece, like the Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat. Some hand pockets only have a snappable flap, which is less secure than a zipper.

Often, there is at least one interior chest pocket with a zip closure, which can be great for chambering a credit card, ID, or key. Other designs include an exterior zippered chest pocket. Another type of pocket is called a dump pocket, which is a long pocket inside the jacket torso that’s open topped, so you can easily slide in a pair of glove liners or beanie.

Though fairly rare for women’s winter parkas, the highest number of pockets among our top picks is in the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, which features 11 pouches: There are two fleece-lined exterior pockets, two chest pockets, two top-loading pockets, a media pocket on the sleeve, two large interior stretch mesh storage pockets, and another interior media pocket plus an interior chest pocket.

Fit & Size

Women’s winter jackets are generally either trimmer with a more streamlined fit, or they can be roomier and boxier with a more relaxed yet articulated silhouette.

Both options can be comfortable. A roomier jacket is better if you need a greater range of movement — like picking up kids or shuffling loads between vehicles or shoveling — or if you plan to wear midlayers. You can still add layers beneath a fitted style, but you might want to consider sizing up, because often the arm, shoulder, or chest areas can get snug with a midlayer or two beneath.

Size-wise, each manufacturer has its own size charts. Be sure to take your personal measurements and match them up with the size charts for a specific product.

Some companies provide more size inclusivity with broader offerings. That includes The North Face, which has a size run of XS to XXL. Rab offers XXS to XXL. Lands’ End has XS to XXXL including petite and tall options. The North Face, Lands’ End, Columbia, and REI Co-op also offer plus or extended sizes in 1X-3X.

Everyone’s body is unique, so check the exchange and return policy before you buy.

Winter Jacket Length

Women’s winter jackets come in a variety of lengths ranging from the hips to your ankles. While length could be fashion-oriented, it greatly influences a jacket’s warmth and protection from the elements, as well as your available range of motion. A longer jacket can help protect the backside when you sit on a cold, frosty, or wet bench or bike seat. Often, the back of the jacket hem is articulated with extra length, like a tail, for additional warmth.

Here are the general lengths of our favorite winter jackets: 

• Short: Hip to upper thigh length (20-30 inches) 
• Mid-length: Lower thigh to below the knee (30-40 inches)
• Long: Mid-calf to above the foot (40-50+ inches)

Short Winter Jackets

Shorter winter jackets that come to your hip area can be harder to find, since they often teeter the line between a traditional parka and a more performance-oriented down jacket. The Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket is in this shorter category with a center back length of 28” that rests at just below the glutes. Keep in mind that shorter winter jackets will provide you with more mobility but less coverage for your lower extremities. 

Mid-length Winter Jacket

The most common winter jacket length fall into the 30-40” range. These silhouettes reach your mid-thigh, knee, or just below the knee. Mid-length options are great for providing room for stepping up into your vehicle, throwing a leg over a bicycle, or walking around town. This length usually still covers the hips and upper thighs and hamstrings, providing plenty of warmth and insulation. 

The mid-length options we tested for this guide and their center back lengths are:

• Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka: 33”
• Fjallraven Nuuk Parka: 34”
• Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket: 34”
• KUHL Spyfire Parka: 34.5”
• Arc’teryx Patera Parka: 35”-39”
• Mountain Warehouse Florence Women’s Long Insulated Jacket: 35”
• The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka: 35.25”
• Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka: 35.4”
• Lands’ End Women’s Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat: 36.5″
• REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka: 36.5”
• Duluth Trading Women’s Ruffer Puffer Arctic Down Long Coat: 38”
• Marmot Women’s Chelsea Coat: 38” 

Long Winter Jackets

If you live in a very windy, extremely cold place, or want to spend your winter days in what feels like a mobile sleeping bag, invest in a longer winter jacket, which delivers more insulation and protection than mid-length options. These full-coverage jackets can fall all the way to the feet, providing head-to-toe warmth. Our picks for longer winter parkas are the Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat (47 3/8″ – 49 7/8″), and the Columbia Women’s Pike Lake II Long Jacket (45”). 

Longer winter jackets will limit you most in terms of leg movement and stride, but many designs come with side zippers or snaps that can be opened to expand the circumference of the jacket, helping you cruise around town or step onto a bus more easily. 

Keep in mind that depending on your own height, shape, torso, and leg length, a winter jacket’s overall and center back length may fit you a bit differently than the published measurements. We recommend trying a few different jacket lengths on, so that you can better gauge the length you are most comfortable with. 

Adjustable Details

Winter jackets can include adjustable waists, hoods, and side openings. These tools for personalization can alter and improve the overall fit of the coat, as well as the warmth, insulation, ability to block out the elements, and range of motion based on the moment’s needs. One of our favorite customizable details on a coat is the shock cord waist adjuster in The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka, which is located in the pocket, as well as the removable hood with an optional fur trim. Fine-tuning the detailed elements of a winter coat can transform the garment, adding versatility to your closet and the conditions you can comfortably wear your winter coat in.

Weight & Compressibility

A winter jacket’s weight and compressibility can be an important variable for cargo space and airline travel, as well as storage and closet space. Otherwise, a jacket that’s used for everyday errands and social events will generally weigh more than a lightweight technical down jacket that’s made for athletic pursuits. Having a lightweight design for an everyday jacket is typically less of a priority, because the comfort, ergonomics, and high warmth factors are most important.

The longer a jacket is, the more it will weigh and the more space it will take up. Generally, the heavier a jacket is, the more fill power and fill weight it’ll have and the warmer it will be. If you don’t need a warm winter jacket that’s built for arctic conditions and need one for milder winter temperatures that hover above or around freezing, then the jacket will most likely weigh less.

The lightest women’s winter jackets in our top picks are the 800-fill Lands’ End Women’s Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat, which is 376 grams. The heaviest options are the Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka at 1,446 grams, the Duluth Trading Women’s Ruffer Puffer Arctic Down Long Coat at 1,500 grams, and the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, which is 1,732 grams. Those heavy-setters offer the most protection against precipitation, cold, wind, and also are built-out with various customizable features and ample pockets. Weight isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially for a lifestyle piece.

Zippers

The overall functionality and ease of using a winter jacket can be greatly influenced by its front zipper, as well as pocket and hood zippers. Most winter jackets utilize YKK zippers, which are an industry standard for their self-lubricating properties and durability. The Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka has YKK zippers, and that parka is easy to throw on and off, given the pulls do not snag or get jammed.

Width and size of a zipper and the zipper’s pull tab can vary. We typically prefer a larger pull tab over a smaller one, because they’re easier to grab, especially with gloves on.

A handful of silhouettes integrate double two-way zippers in the front, so you can open the bottom for more mobility and breathability. The Arc’teryx Patera Parka has this feature, which was great for when we’re walking up steeper slopes or hopping in and out of a truck bed.

One of the smartest zipper designs we’ve seen is on the Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket, which has two-way side zippers between the armpit and the hem. Beneath the zipper, the uppermost section has a 5.5-inch wide mesh panel for ventilation beneath the armpits. The remaining lower length of the panel is solid fabric to guard against the elements.

A storm flap often covers the center zipper to protect it from precipitation and to block wind. The zipper can be free or attachable to the jacket via magnets — like on the Duluth Trading Women’s Ruffer Puffer Arctic Down Long Coat — or snaps.

Sustainability 

In terms of sustainability, we were particularly impressed by the following winter jackets for the design’s overall environmental and ethical standards: 

• Arc’teryx Patera Parka: RDS-certified down fill, GORE-TEX shell meets Bluesign criteria, recycled nylon shell, 80% recycled down
• Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka: 100% recycled polyester shell that supports First Mile, an initiative that focuses on providing low-income folks financial help in exchange for plastic bottle collection. Furthermore, the natural insulation is also 100% recycled through reclaiming goose and duck feathers from previous down products.
• Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka: 100% recycled material, PFC-free recycled down, fluorocarbon-free DWR

Other winter jackets with sustainable elements include:

• REI Co-op Norseland Parka
• Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket
• Fjallraven Nuuk Parka
• The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka
• Lands’ End Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat
• Columbia Women’s Pike Lake II Long Jacket
• KUHL Spyfire Parka
• Marmot Women’s Chelsea Coat

Responsibly Sourced Down

Brands at the forefront of sustainable change are swapping out new down for recycled down. The Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka and Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka are both filled with 100% recycled down. Outdoor industry brands have also made an effort to source new down ethically without animal cruelty and create transparency in the global supply chain.

Various certifications exist such as The Global Traceable Down Standard (Global TDS) and Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which are offered via the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). ALLIED Feather & Down launched the TrackMyDown program, which won a 2019 ISPO Gold Award, allowing everyday users to research where and how their winter jacket’s down feathers were sourced. It’s quite simple to use — just type in the lot number found on your jacket’s hang tag. The TrackMyDown database provides information regarding the farms where the birds were raised, as well as how to properly care for and increase the longevity of your insulation.

Without establishing transparency and down standards, animal abuse can persist within the supply chain. A synthetic winter jacket can be a more comforting choice if you want to avoid animal byproducts, like the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka.

A wide variety of our choice winter jackets have RDS-certified down including:

• Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket
• Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat
• Arc’teryx Patera Parka
• The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka
• Lands’ End Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat

Recycled Materials

Some winter jacket designs are made with recycled materials like recycled down and recycled polyester for the shell and liner. A few spots where we see jackets lag with recycled materials are the wrist cuffs or zipper pulls. Among our top picks, the recycled polyester liner in the REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka is also Bluesign-approved. We’re also impressed by the 100% recycled down fill and 100% recycled 50-denier fabric of the Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka.

The Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka checks the box for sustainability on a stack of levels: 100% recycled polyester shell, 100% recycled shell lining, 100% recycled polyester zip-out shell and lining, 100% recycled down fill, and Bluesign-approved fabrics treated with PFC-free DWR. Plus, it’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

Fair Trade Certified

Fair Trade Certified products ensure that the garment manufacturers are rightfully compensated and ethically treated in their working environment. This requires meeting certain safety and environmental standards, providing benefits along with appropriate wages, respecting social and cultural values, and promoting fair labor practices. 

The Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, which helps to alleviate poverty in the supply chain. By purchasing this jacket or any other Fair Trade Certified products, consumers are contributing positive social and environmental impacts. 

Bluesign Certified

This textile label is given to products that meet strict manufacturing guidelines. Bluesign-approved products adhere to strict safety and environmental standards. The process involves analyzing and improving resource use, reassessing safety hazards within work environments, meeting stringent requirements for water and air pollution, and ensuring that the end products are safe to use for consumers.

A portion of a design can meet Bluesign standards or an entire product can. Within our choice winter jackets, the polyester lining of the REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka is Bluesign-approved. The Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket uses Bluesign-approved HyperDRY Water Repellent Down, while the Arc’teryx Patera Parka’s GORE-TEX has this label.

How to Layer

Layering effectively under a winter jacket is essential to staying warm and comfortable on chilly days.

Base Layer

Start with a moisture-wicking women’s base layer to keep your skin dry and warm. Choose a fabric like merino wool, synthetic materials, or a blend that fits snugly to your body. This layer should be close-fitting but not so tight that it restricts any movement.

Midlayer

For extra warmth, you can add a midlayer over your base layer. Materials such as down, fleece, or synthetic insulation work well if you’re looking for insulation. A sweater, vest, or jacket all work, depending on the weather conditions and what fits best with your outer layer. If your women’s winter jacket already includes an insulating midlayer, such as the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, you can probably omit adding the extra garment — but also, multiple midlayers can be fine. 

Remember, the key to layering is to find a balance between warmth and mobility. Too many layers can restrict your movement and make you feel cumbersome — like how we imagine the Michelin Man feels — while too few layers can leave you feeling cold. By layering to your needs, you can stay warm and comfortable no matter what the winter weather brings.

Price & Value

Budget

Winter jackets hovering around $200 are a great deal. You’ll get warmth and style, and these cuts are usually articulated with removable hoods, pockets, and a DWR treatment for water resistance. At this level, the durability of the fabric will be lower, you likely won’t have a windproof or full waterproof fabric. You might not have a nicely lined interior collar or hand pockets. You will be hard-pressed to find recycled materials, Bluesign-approved materials, PFC-free construction, or down treated for moisture resistance. Also, the down fill power and fill weight will be lower, and you’re more likely to find a synthetic fill instead of down fill.

Our picks in this lineup include the REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka ($229), Columbia Women’s Pike Lake II Long Jacket ($200), Lands’ End Women’s Down Maxi Winter Coat ($203), and Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket ($160) followed closely in price by another top choice, the Lands’ End Women’s Wanderweight Ultralight Packable Down Coat ($230).

Mid-Tier 

As the down fill power and fill weight increase, the warmth increases, and you’ll see the price go up to $300-$500. That’s one reason why super lightweight, technical down jackets are pricy. Waterproofness and windproofness creep in. You’ll see more sustainable construction at this rung. On this list of lifestyle winter jackets for women, the longer parkas also inherently cost more because they require more resources and materials to develop. A huge variety of warm winter jackets exist at this mid-tier including the Rab Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka ($315), Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Down Maxi Winter Coat ($290), and The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka ($350), KUHL Spyfire Parka ($329), Marmot Women’s Chelsea Coat ($380), Fjallraven Nuuk Parka ($500), and Stio Women’s Colter WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket ($429).

Premium

At full price, the most expensive jacket on our list is among the warmest and offers the most coverage against the elements: the Arc’teryx Patera Parka ($800). Jackets that are more expensive feature more technical design features, materials that are more robust against a range of weather conditions and materials, as well as high-end sustainable materials. You’ll find more adaptable designs, like the Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka ($699), which is essentially three jackets in a single package.

Frequently Asked Questions

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