Come winter, the hunt for a high-quality, warm, and fashionable winter coat seems never-ending. If you’re lucky to find one that checks all three boxes, it can become a wardrobe staple for years to come — a type of armor from the season’s dropping temperatures.
When it comes to the outerwear department, the editors at Refinery29 have tested it all, from winter-ready trench coats to padded parkas. In the process, some jackets have become their go-to pieces season after season.
Ahead the warmest winter coats that are worth the investment, according to the R29 Style team.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Puffer Jacket
“When I moved to New York City from California a few years ago and experienced my first real winter, I knew my shearling jacket wasn’t going to cut it. I had heard that everyone swears by Uniqlo Heattech —which I now do, too! — and so assumed I could trust the brand.
I’ve had this coat for four years, and it’s still my most worn jacket each winter. The shape and style are classic enough that it’s never going to look dated or too trendy. Plus, throwing this funky-colored jacket over my always-neutral outfits makes gray winter days a little less drab.” — Kate Spencer, Affiliate Strategist
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Puffer Jacket, $, available at Uniqlo
Mackage 2-in-1 Trench Coat
“This is not the warmest coat I own but this is the warmest trench coat in my closet, which makes it a winner in a raincoat lover’s closet.
From the front, this Mackage style — which is now sold out in the olive colorway — looks like a traditional raincoat but, thanks to the quilted collar (that can be removed) and padded back, it’s much warmer than any of the traditional trenches in my closet. While it wouldn’t handle a true snowstorm, it’s warm enough to get me through most, 30-degree-plus days of New York City winter.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Mackage Mixed Media Trench Coat, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
Mackage SAGE 2-in-1 mixed media trench coat with bib, $, available at Mackage
Aritzia Super Puff Long
“I bought this jacket in October 2018 and haven’t looked back. I think the retail price tag [$350] is justified for the style since it’s long and features goose-down fill that’s comparable to some higher-end winter wear brands. I chose the glossy navy, which has since sold out, to stand out in a sea of black puffers and usually wear it with my Ganni Recycled Rubber City Boots. It’s designed for -40° weather, is water-repellent and wind-resistant, which makes it my go-to jacket for Toronto winters.” — Nadia Ebrahim, Assistant Editor
Aritzia The Super Puff™ Long Jacket, $, available at Aritzia
Everlane Duvet Puffer
“I am from the Caribbean, so winter is a trying time for me. I recently bought this Everlane jacket that, true to its name, is part puffer, part duvet. It’s warm and cozy without feeling bulky, and super versatile when it comes to styling, thanks to its hood and waist belt.
While I was a bit nervous about spending $250, the investment has been well worth it (I also ended up getting it on sale for $170). So far, I’ve styled it pretty casually, wearing it with a velour tracksuit and Sorel boots for a snow day and a pair of wide-leg pants and platform boots to run errands. I like that, whatever the scenario, I can just throw it on and finally enjoy winter days.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Everlane The Duvet Puffer, $, available at Everlane
Wild Fable Long Puffer
“I purchased this coat from Target at the end of 2019 because I was traveling from Connecticut to New York City and spent the majority of my time outside and waiting on trains. I was on a mission to find a coat that was long, thick, and would keep me warm. Usually, I would go for a neutral-colored coat for winter, but the fact that it was neon pink was what really sold me. I often wear it with colors like white, cream, black, and gray because I want the focus to be on my coat. This coat makes me feel unstoppable during the winter, and while it’s since sold out, there’s a shorter version available.” — Venesa Coger, Style & Culture Specialist, Stories, Unbothered
Wild Fable Women’s Puffer Jacket – Wild Fable™, $, available at Target
Wild Fable Women’s Hooded Puffer Jacket – Wild Fable™, $, available at Target
Aritzia The Super Puff™ Shorty Jacket
“I am constantly cold, but this baby keeps my torso warm in any type of winter weather. Plus, the jacket comes with a hood for extreme days and finger holes, which helps to keep my hands a little warmer and my sleeves secure.
I historically love an oversized fit, especially when it comes to outerwear. I intentionally sized up in this cropped style to get the silhouette I was looking for. The coat has drawstrings on the hem, so I’ve cinched it in pretty tight at the bottom. I wear this with everything: trousers, denim, joggers. I’ve even thrown it on with a slip skirt.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Strategist
Aritzia The Super Puff™ Shorty, $, available at Aritzia
Everlane Duvet Puffer Coat
“I am from the Caribbean, so winter is a trying time for me. Last year, I bought this Everlane jacket that, true to its name, is part puffer, part duvet. It’s warm and cozy without feeling bulky, and super versatile when it comes to styling, thanks to its hood and waist belt.
While I was a bit nervous about spending $250, the investment has been well worth it (I also ended up getting it on sale for $170). I’ve styled it pretty casually, wearing it with a velour tracksuit and Sorel boots for a snow day and a pair of wide-leg pants and loafers for Christmas Day lunch, and haven even dressed it up with heeled boots. I like that, whatever the scenario, I can just throw it on and finally enjoy winter days.
They have since discontinued this model, but, thankfully, launched a new version made with recycled fabric.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Everlane The ReNew Long Puffer, $, available at Everlane
Fuego 800 Fill Power Down Hooded Jacket
“I’m truly blown away at how toasty my Cotopaxi Fuego (name checks out) hooded puffer keeps me during brisk weather, especially considering how lightweight it is. I took it on a recent trip to Park City, and was totally comfortable (read: not cold) when out and about and during walks near my hotel. It’s easily packable, too, and has plenty of pockets that make it easy for me to not carry around a purse. But perhaps most important, it’s made sustainably and ethically with materials that are Responsible Down Standard-certified.
I keep things casual with a chunky cardigan underneath, classic Levi’s Wedgie denim, and my beloved Stuart Weitzman lace-up boots. However, I also love wearing it with a printed base layer set, sunglasses, and chunky beanie to really lean into the ski-bum vibe.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Cotopaxi Fuego 800 Fill Power Down Hooded Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
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