Seasons are turning, and unless you live in the deep South, it’s time to break out those winter coats.
But here’s the deal:
When buying a winter coat, there are a lot of options. Do you need one strictly for warmth? Or perhaps you need one that is more streamlined and will work well for commuting back-and-forth to work.
No matter your reason, we believe you will find the perfect match in our diverse lineup of winter coats below:
Comparing Winter Jackets
Here is a summary of the best winter jackets reviewed, highlighting their key features and styles:
| Product | Best For | Style | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc’teryx Terme Parka | Warmest Overall | Casual | GORE-TEX waterproof shell, 750 fill power Canadian goose down, lined hood, internal stretch knit cuffs |
| Canada Goose Winter Jacket | Most Stylish / Fashionable | Dressier | 80% down and 20% feather fill, 625-fill power, genuine coyote fur trim |
| Cole Haan Melton Wool Blend Winter Jacket | Best Wool Winter Jacket | Dressy | Versatile, cost-effective, not waterproof |
| Barbour Powel Quilted Winter Jacket | Best Quilted Winter Jacket | Dressier | Quilted design, machine washable, polyester shell |
| Patagonia Water-Resistant Nano Puff Winter Jacket | Best Puffer | Casual | 60g PrimaLoft synthetic fibers, elastic bands on sleeves, machine washable |
| Wantado Men’s Winter Coat | Best Budget Winter Jacket | Casual | Variety of colors, synthetic materials, inexpensive |
| Caterpillar Men’s Heavy Insulated Winter Coat | Best Jacket for Big and Tall Men | Casual | Water-resistant, windproof, variety of features and pockets, polyester and taffeta quilted lining |
| North Face Gotham Jacket II | Most Popular | Casual | DryVent shell, faux fur trim, removable hood, plenty of storage |
The Best Winter Jackets Reviewed
1. Warmest Overall: Arc’teryx Terme Parka
If you’re living near the arctic circle, the windy streets of downtown Chicago, or simply want to be the absolute warmest you can, the Arc’teryx Terme Parka is the jacket you want. Made with a GORE-TEX waterproof shell and filled with 750 fill power Canadian goose down, you will be hard-pressed to find a parka that can tackle the elements any better. Decidedly more casual in nature, this men’s coat is perfect for those who are heading out skiing or winter hiking or commuting to work where casual wear is more acceptable. Features include a lined hood, a variety of pockets, and internal stretch knit cuffs to lock out the cold. A bit higher on the price range, Arc’teryx has been making outstanding winterwear for years – it’s worth the investment if you can swing it.
What customers are saying: They enjoy the warmth and comfort of the winter jackets, as well as their stylish design.
Pros
- Down fill means warmth
- Variety of pockets
- Long-lasting if properly cared for
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Only one-color option
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for warmth and a bit of style, and are willing to make the investment, the Arc’teryx Terma Parka is the best bang for your buck. You won’t be wearing it to formal events, but you’ll be warm and dry just about any other time.
2. Most Stylish / Fashionable: Canada Goose Winter Jacket
Whether you’re a want-to-be arctic explorer or simply want to keep up with the latest fashion, the Emory Slim Fit Coyote Fur Canada Goose Parka is the coat you want. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, this Canada Goose is by far the most stylish jacket on offer right now. Lined with 80% down and 20% feather fill with an outer shell of polyester, this 625-fill power parka will keep you warm and dry. You’ll pay on the higher end of the range for this piece, but it will be worth it, and you’ll look great in the process. A dressier option, but certainly not appropriate to wear with a suit.
Pros
- Stylish and in fashion
- Fleece-lined pockets
- Fill means warmth and comfort
Cons
- Genuine coyote fur could be a problem for some
- Dry clean only
What You Need To Know
The price can turn some off, but the Canada Goose Parka is the epitome of high style right now. This diminishes its utility – it’s warm and will keep you dry too!
3. Best Wool Winter Jacket: Cole Haan Melton Wool Blend Winter Jacket
People have been using wool for countless centuries because it’s versatile and warm. No need to reinvent the wheel. The Cole Haan Melton Wool Blend winter jacket will keep you warm and looking great when you need to dress up a bit. Available in espresso and camel, the buttons add a subtle class to the exterior. You’ll not find a lot of features with this coat – it just works. On the lower end of our price range, this wool coat is highly versatile and can be worn for a variety of occasions.
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Lightly insulated
What You Need To Know
The absolute best option for a dressier coat, the Cole Haan Melton Wool Jacket will keep your nice threads protected while you’re in the cooler elements. Try not to wear it in the rain, however.
4. Best Quilted Winter Jacket: Barbour Powel Quilted Winter Jacket
The quilted exterior jacket has been in style for a while now, and we hope it stays. They’re warm, functional, and provide a great style – this Barbour Powell Quilted Jacket is no different. The quilting provides air pockets of warmth that will keep you toasty, while the polyester shell provides some protection from the wind and cold. Available in sage, you’ll find a few pocket options and will be pleased with the wealth of places you can wear this coat.
Pros
- Stylish and warm
- Machine washable
- Dressier option
Cons
- Quilting may turn some off
- Short collar
What You Need To Know
Stylish and popular, the Barbour Powel Quilted Jacket elevates your business casual style and is perfect for those late fall evenings around the bonfire. Best of all, it’s machine washable.
5. Best Puffer: Patagonia Water-Resistant Nano Puff Winter Jacket
Puffers take advantage of the multitude of air pockets that trap air inside the coat – Patagonia’s Nano Puff does this exact thing and does it exceptionally well at that. The company has been making men’s performance outerwear for years, and this puffer takes it to the next level. Lined and filled with 60g PrimaLoft synthetic fibers, you’ll stay warm even when the elements strike. Machine washable and dryable, the Patagonia Nano Puff features elastic bands on the sleeves that keep the cold and rain from traveling up your arms. Available in seven colors and at the lower end of our price spectrum, this puffer is a great addition to your casual wear.
Pros
- Available in many colors
- Warm and lightweight
- In style
Cons
- Puffer may not be for everyone
- Limited pocket options
- Casual wear only
What You Need To Know
The puff is in and the Patagonia Nano Puff delivers a waterproof, warm option for any more casual uses. Available in a variety of colors, the puffer may not be for everyone, but is a great option for those looking for the style.
6. Best Budget Winter Jacket: Wantado Men’s Winter Coat
Sometimes you just need a jacket to get the job done for as little investment as possible. That’s what you’ll get with the Wantado Men’s winter coat. At the very bottom end of our range (under $100), this coat is packed with features that make it contend with coats that cost four times as much. Available in a ton of colors, the Watando men’s coat features a variety of pockets and is lined and filled with fully synthetic materials. Many reviewers note that the stitching isn’t the best, but if you need a coat to keep out the cold on the cheap, this is the one for you.
What customers are saying: This winter jacket is praised for its warmth, comfort, and good fit. However, some customers reported issues with sleeve ripping and the quality of the zippers. Overall, it is considered a great value for its price.
Pros
- Available in a variety of colors
- Variety of features
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Construction may be lacking
- Likely will not last many seasons
What You Need To Know
It can be difficult to find a coat if you’re budget conscious – look no further than the Wantando Men’s Winter coat. It has a variety of features and is available in a rainbow of colors. Prep, however, to replace it after a few seasons.
7. Best Jacket for Big and Tall Men: Caterpillar Men’s Heavy Insulated Winter Coat
If you’re a gentleman of larger stature, it can be nearly impossible to find a jacket that looks great and still works. The Caterpillar Men’s Heavy Insulated Parka does the job and keeps you looking great. Water-resistant and windproof, this jacket comes with a variety of features and pockets and pair it with polyester and taffeta quilted lining. At the bottom end of our pricing range, this Caterpillar Insulated coat is perfect for working outdoors or commuting.
What customers are saying: This winter jacket is praised for its warmth, wind protection, and numerous pockets. However, some customers mention issues with the zipper.
Pros
- Big and tall
- Inexpensive and feature-rich
- Available in six colors
Cons
- For casual occasions only
- Not terribly stylish
What You Need To Know
Big and tall gentlemen need coats too and this is especially true if you are on the job site. Inexpensive and feature-rich, the Caterpillar Heavy Insulated coat will keep you warm wherever you are.
8. Most Popular: North Face Gotham Jacket II
A long-standing popular favorite, the North Face Gotham II offers superior warmth and breathability for a middle-of-the-road price. Available in lots of colors and trimmed with faux fur, this jacket is made for that inner-city, blustery cold that makes winters famous. Plenty of patch and inner pockets keep your valuables securely stowed while you adventure, and the DryVent shell keeps you dry. The removable hood allows you to customize your look a bit. The Gotham is perfect for heading out and about in the evening.
What customers are saying: The winter jacket has received positive feedback for its color, warmth, comfort, and quality. However, some drawbacks include the pockets only being soft-lined on the front half, small pocket sizes, and issues with sizing.
Pros
- Stylish and made for the city
- Plenty of storage
- Faux fur adds a touch of flare
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Fashion more than function
What You Need To Know
The brand to get, the North Face Gotham Jacket features DryVent technology to keep you dry while providing key warmth. Perfectly stylish for city wear.
Winter Jacket FAQs
What is the best filling for extreme cold?
Down is often recommended for warmth and is found in the most rugged offerings from companies like The North Face, Arc-Teryx, and Mammut. A fill power of around 750 is what you’re looking for to fight the extreme cold. Synthetic down is beneficial as it won’t allow feathers to poke through the shell.
Are puffer jackets good for winter?
Puffers can provide great warmth but do require some layering because they are a bit thin. Note, too, that they often will leave your head and neck exposed, so you’ll need a scarf and hat.
Is a quilted jacket good for winter?
While stylish, a lightweight quilted jacket is best for moderate winter climates or as a layering piece underneath a winter jacket. They’re far thinner when compared to their heavy-duty parka counterparts. They’re also generally cut much slimmer, so don’t provide a lot of extra space for layering.
Should men wear fur on their winter jacket?
An ongoing argument, many will say that fur is too feminine for men. As gender roles in society evolve, fur on men’s coats is beginning to become vogue. Overall, it’s a personal choice, and companies know this – most fur-lined hoods on coats for men are removable.