It’s winter and it’s cold. Investing in the best winter coats on the market is the secret to staying warm outside – whether you’re running errands or enjoying the outdoors. The best winter coat for women should fit the activity you want and fit your body well. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered if you’re driving around town, going for a cross-country ski, out running the trails, or standing around outside in the snow.
I’ve spent decades wearing, testing, adventuring, and working out in temperatures down to -45°C/-49F here in the Canadian winter.
I’ve curated this list as my top recommendation when it comes to the best winter coats for women in cold weather. I recommend any jacket on this list but have broken it down into categories based on the features you need for the activities you might be doing.
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Mid-length winter coats for women are the best of all worlds when it comes to withstanding winter weather. You can still move your legs well without extra material swishing between your knees but the jacket keeps your bum and thighs toasty warm.
My favourite mid-length winter coat is well-insulated without being heavy, breathes well, and is stylish. You can easily head out running errands or take the dog for a walk. Kyodan has nailed it with their long quilted waistcoat. There are side zips to help with movement (especially when sitting or driving), a nice thick collar for wind protection, and a hood that easily fits a toque or beanie under it. The jacket is fitted but flattering. Best of all, yes, you CAN fit a thicker sweater under it without the arms feeling tight.
Winter Tip: These are my favourite reusable warmers to keep in my gloves and boots when skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing. They’re compact and versatile. Plus, they last season after season, making them a perfect accessory for my winter wardrobe. I tuck them into my mitts, boots or even pockets if I want a thicker lining.
Want to feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket while you’re outside in the winter weather? This coat is just that. This winter coat is nearly ankle-length and is a looser fit so it provides excellent insulation. You can wear a baggy hoodie or sweater underneath for optimal coziness.
This is the jacket you want on when standing around watching your kids’ soccer or football game in the snow or when making s’mores around a winter fire. It’s also a great option for a quick stroll around the block with your dog. The jacket is water-repellant in light rain or sleet. It also has a generous interior pocket so you can pop your mitts or toque in there too.
Warm Tip: For additional warmth, I like to use reusable hand, foot, and body warmers made of sheared beaver fur. The fur acts as an insulator, helping to retain the body heat I’m naturally generating. These warmers are a great addition to my mitts, shoes, and pockets (I just slip them in pretty much anywhere – gloves, boots and even the back waistband of my leggings), keeping me comfortable and warm when I’m out in the cold.
Helly Hansen has it dialled in when it comes to their down winter coats for women. The best thing about down is how packable it is. Plus, the weight-to-warmth ratio makes these jackets amazing to pack when you don’t have a lot of space.
A classic staple is Helly Hansen’s Verglas Hooded Down Coat which is so versatile. It’s great for any season and works well as part of a layering system in winter weather. It can be either a mid-layer or a standalone jacket.
The second you slide your arms into the coat, you immediately feel the heat reflected back to you. The down is DWR treated which means it works well in wet or damp conditions. It’s a mix of both recycled material and genuine Allied Feather & Down 700 fill.
Winter Gear Tip: My favourite fitted ear warmer for cross-country skiing or winter running. This face cover has little holes around the nose and mouth which helps reduce fogging on glasses and goggles. It’s also more fitted than a standard neck tube.
Outdoor tip: I like to throw a plaid layer over a down coat when camping or around a campfire. It protects the jacket from any sparks from the fire.
While I appreciate the effort many clothing companies put into tailoring clothing for women, sometimes an oversized men’s coat is just the way to go. As an outdoorsy woman, I highly recommend opting for an oversized men’s-cut-down-jacket for optimal warmth when camping and in the backcountry. The trick to staying warm is having air space between you and your insulating layer (your jacket). The jacket heats this air space and that’s what keeps you warm.
That’s why loose-fitting winter gear often keep you warmest. When breasts or hips push against down material, it compacts it and you lose the ability for it to warm you as effectively.
My partner owns the exact same jacket in two colours. So when we adventure together, we often end up matching in style 🙂
My favourite over-sized down jacket is this budget-friendly down coat from Eddie Bauer. I’m typically a small women’s and opted for a men’s medium. I take this jacket everywhere with me now and even sleep in it when camping. Loose and comfortable always trumps style for me.
If you’re an avid runner in cold weather, I want to shout out Lululemon’s down jackets. This is another piece of gear I own in several colours. The jacket is fitted, comfortable, and has numerous pockets. You can stick your gloves or hat in one of the pockets if you get too warm when out running. I wear these for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well. They also layer well with a shell jacket.
The jacket is made with water-resistant glyde fabric, has a very nice slim-fit cut, and is hip length so you get a bit of coverage over your bum. It’s a mix of zoned primalot and down, targeting specific areas based on where you sweat and where you need warmth.
If you want to add additional warmth to your winter layering system, I recommend a vest that can either go on top or underneath – as you’d like.
I have two vest recommendations – one for being active outdoors and one for a casual look.
Best Casual Women’s Vest for Cold Weather
This quilted hooded vest is cozy yet flattering. It has a high neck, a hood and pockets that easily fit your cellphone. The vest comes in a long version and a short version. The fit and cut are the same, one is simply longer than the other. The long vest has zippers on the side for comfort and convenience when sitting or driving. They both come in four different neutral colours so they’ll match nearly any item in your closet.
Just as lululemon nails it with their Down for it All coat, their equivalent Down for it All vest is an excellent piece of gear for your closet. This vest is perfect to throw on over a long sleeve or under a thicker jacket for added warmth.
While it’s designed for running, it works as well for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and outdoor skating. It’s windproof, water-resistant, and lightweight. It’s filled with 700-fill power goose down. Best of all, it has a flattering cut AND pockets to stash your phone, keys, or mitts.
Gear Tip: If you find the air is too cold air in your lungs when running, here’s an excellent fitted face mask that is breathable and won’t fall down. This has become my favourite face covering when outdoors – I own it in two different colours.
