Hey, chasing bargains isn't what is best for the environment. But we get it, not everyone can afford the luxe wool wrap styles editors love. So if you need a cheap winter coat, we'd suggest heading to H&M, New Look, Mango and Zara.
We've assembled a list of 18 stores (and mapped them out) to make it easier than pie for you to score your next winter coat. Some selections are obviously larger, and specialize in the business of warmth such as Burton and State Street's new Burlington Coat Factory. But then there's smaller shops like Penelope's on Division and Clothing Optional which have a bunch of jackets and lighter layering coats to choose from this year. Not to leave out the higher end, there's Ikram where you can find designers like Carven and Sarca who's stocking Coatpeople and Bod & Christensen. And for those who like to feel fancy on a more modest budget, there's always Chicago Fur Outlet.
Looking for the best winter jacket available? After hand-testing over 50 winter coats over the last 8 years, we recently bought 16 of the best jackets for a rigorous side-by-side comparison. Our testing crew hunkered down in below-freezing temperatures for months at a time and braved every form of precipitation imaginable, from freezing rain to dumping snow. Using our carefully selected performance metrics, we've identified which models will keep you the warmest, the driest, and even which coats look the best around town. Whether you're looking for the best model with the fanciest features or a great value option, we have you covered.
Depending on your needs and activities, a heavy winter parka may not be the only type of jacket worth considering. We've also tested the best ski jackets, the best rain jackets, and the best lightweight fleece layers, which all have their place in any well-supplied closet. If you are looking for a women's model, take a look at our best women's winter jacket review tested by women for women.
The Patagonia Frozen Range excels in every way that a winter jacket needs to, beating out the rest of the competition and earning our nod as the best winter coat on the market. It has plenty of warmth thanks to lots of high-quality down insulation, weather resistance from its Gore-Tex shell, a comfortable fit. It can take anything that winter throws at it, and is durable enough to handle harsh winter after winter. When the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, there is no jacket we'd rather be wearing.
We also like the style of this puffy. It feels right at home in various situations, from small towns to big cities and everywhere in between. It doesn't have as many pockets as other jackets, but the pockets it does have are handy and well-placed and will fit large items like binoculars. Two drawstrings on the hem and two drawstrings on the hood, as well as velcro wrist straps, help seal out the elements during brutal winter storms. However, the shell material isn't as waterproof as other jackets on the market, and it is thin enough to snag and tear on any remotely sharp object or rough surface. If you spend a lot of time outside in the winter and need a jacket that can keep up with your active lifestyle, look no further. It comes at a reasonable price as well.
In general, this jacket is overkill for all but the most extreme conditions. We tested this parka on mountaineering trips all over the United States. We found that it's uncomfortably warm above 15 degrees Fahrenheit, even with no other insulating clothing worn underneath the parka. This jacket is designed for the coldest conditions on earth and would be a good winter jacket for those living in arctic climates. The Pertex Shield exterior fabric is not as durable as other options nor as water-resistant and will allow water to penetrate during soaking rain. That said, this jacket is not meant to be worn in temperatures anywhere close to the freezing point. Instead, it's the ideal choice for the coldest conditions and tallest mountains, places where snow and ice rarely melt.
We love the value of the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka, which provides plenty of lofty down insulation, a waterproof membrane, and excellent features. Plus, it is well-constructed and durable for a range of uses. The North Face McMurdo is another great value, especially if you live in the coldest climates, performing nearly as well as the best jackets on the market, at a much lower price. However, if you genuinely need warmth and weather resistance to resist the most brutal winter climates, the more expensive jackets are worth the investment. Refined design characteristics, down insulation, effective waterproofing, and comfortable tailoring require time, effort, and money on the manufacturer's part. This extra effort drives up the sticker price, but in the long run, a well-designed winter jacket made from durable materials will prove its worth, especially in brutal winter climates. In more temperate or tropical areas, users might be able to get away with less. While it can't match the performance of the best jackets, the Tommy Hilfiger Puffer offers decent performance at an incredibly low price for users who need to be judicious with their budget.
Heavier, lower loft down drops the cost and a casual winter parka doesn't need to be as light or compressible as a technical jacket for overnight wilderness trips. Still, some of the best jackets use high fill-power down. The Patagonia Frozen Range kept us warm in most wintry conditions, with its 700 fill-power down, and the 850-fill power down of the Rab Neutrino Pro makes that jacket very warm for its weight. The Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka also uses high-quality down throughout the torso to provide a warm internal environment.
If precipitation falls as rain or wet snow rather than dry powder in your neck of the woods, consider a winter jacket with a waterproof outer shell. Jackets in our review with waterproof and breathable membranes include the best-overall Patagonia Frozen Range, Patagonia Tres 3-in-1, Marmot Fordham, REI Stormhenge, Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka, and The North Face McMurdo Down Parka. The McMurdo does not have sealed or taped seams like some others, though, which can allow water to seep through, thus hurting the jacket's overall rating.
As anyone who lives in a cold climate knows, finding a good winter coat is essential. Unfortunately, coats can be expensive, and finding one that fits well can be difficult. Thankfully, ASOS is here to help.
I personally love shopping on Amazon for fall coats. There are so many lightweight cute pieces that are available with Prime shipping! However, Amazon has recently started including more weather-hearty selections for winter. I recommend reading the reviews to ensure the coat is warm before purchasing.
There are many great online stores where you can buy cheap jackets and coats for women. If you take the time to research, you can find great deals on name-brand clothing. By shopping around and comparing prices, you can find the best deal on the jacket or coat you want.
One my absolute favorite things to buy at the thrift store is winter coats. Growing up, I always hated how I had exactly two choices in winter coats, and I would have to cover up my different outfits with the same thing every day. My parents would buy me a ski jacket for outdoor activities, and a dress coat that I would wear for church and school. While it was a logical and financially responsible decision for a parent to make, I simply hated the lack of variety that winter would bring.
This is an investment and budget option for winter coats and suits. On your next vacation to Asia (I have made good experiences in Shanghai-Fabric Market)- have it custom made! You get to pick the fabric (super soft cashmere), cut, style and it is made to fit you perfectly. I had several cashmere winter coats and suits made. Bring pictures and ideas of what you are looking for.
Each was about $100-150. Depending on how many you need/want the plane ticket may pay for itself.
IMHO, coats are one of those things worth investing in if you can. I had my last winter work coat for over 10 years and plan to have my Burberry trench for 20. I bought my favorite leather jacket in 1992 (and need a place to have the almost identical jacket remade). On the per wear basis, they were pennies.
Danish fashion brand SamsÃe SamsÃe always has a good selection of winter coats that range from trendy to timeless. Their collaboration with technical fabric producer GOR-TEX offers true weather-proof items: these coats are water-repellant, windproof, breathable, and insulated for low temperatures.
Swedish technical-wear brand Peak Performance has a huge selection of puffer coats and parkas that are great for winter; most are waterproof or repellant, as well as windproof and quite lightweight. The look is athletic and not trend-driven, but these coats will keep you warm and dry for many, many winters.
There are two (very good) reasons to purchase products from Patagonia. First, they make top-quality items, including their parkas and winter coats. Second, the company itself is one of the most ethical and sustainable around, from their production and supply chain to the way they treat their employees.
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