The 9 Best Women’s Winter Coats for Extreme Cold, According to a Stylist Who Lives in Upstate New York
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
If you’ve ever excitedly ordered yourself a voluminous puffer jacket, only to take it for a spin and realize it’s really not that warm, well, same. Although I grew up in New York City and spent most of my life there working as an editor and stylist, I’ve since moved upstate and ultimately discovered what cold really feels like. Single- and double-digit temperatures are the norm each winter, so I’ve had to find the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold in order to keep from freezing. After examining materials, scanning reviews, and adding a handful of styles to my closet, I’ve found a slew of outerwear options that I think are worth buying.
Best Women’s Winter Coats for Extreme Cold, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Nike Sportswear Metro Puffer, $200
- Best for Snow: Canada Goose Expedition Parka, $1,675
- Best Color Options: Canada Goose Rhoda Parka, $1,825
- Best Value: The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka, $350
- Best Celebrity-Approved Coat: Canada Goose Mystique Parka Performance Satin, $1,650
- Best Amazon Coat: Orolay Thickened Down Jacket
, $126 (was $150) - Best Heated Coat: ORORO Women’s Slim Fit Heated Jacket with Battery Pack,
$160 (was $200) - Best Faux Leather Option: Apparis Tilly Reversible Faux Shearling & Faux Leather Long Coat, $506 (Originally $675)
- Best For Outdoor Activities: Eddie Bauer Women’s Glacier Peak Seamless Stretch Down Duffle Coat, $175 (Originally $349)
What to Look for in a Coat for Extreme Cold
There are a few factors to consider when shopping for puffers, parkas, and topcoats. Insulation is important, whether that means it’s filled with down, feathers, or a down alternative. You’ll also want a coat that’s wind-resistant, and, preferably, water-resistant, protecting you from blizzard conditions (or just really, really cold, wet days). Hoods and standing collars are features that can block the wind from getting in, while heated technology will ensure you’re feeling extra toasty. Plus, it’s always helpful when brands provide you with a range of temperatures a coat can withstand—if it says below-zero or arctic conditions, that usually means it’s pretty warm!
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Nike is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
-
Canada Goose Expedition Parka
Image Credit: Courtesy of Canada Goose Canada Goose Expedition ParkaCanada Goose has a reputation for making warm winter coats, but not every design is created equal. Some options are warmer than others, and its Expedition Parka—which was originally developed for scientists working in Antarctica—is one of the warmest. It’s guaranteed to keep you feeling nice and toasty at -22°F and below, which might make the steep price tag feel a little more worth it.Material: Shell is 83% polyester and 17% cotton, the lining is 100% nylon, and it also contains 625 Fill Power Responsibly Sourced Duck Down
Features: Water-repellant, adjustable down-filled hood, interior and exterior pockets, Velcro® closures over 2-way zipper
Colorways: 4
Sizes Available: 2XS – XXL
Pros: Made for arctic temperatures (literally)
Cons: The high price makes this one a true investment -
Canada Goose Rhoda Parka
Image Credit: Canada Goose. Canada Goose Rhoda ParkaWinter jackets for extreme cold aren’t always known to come in the cutest styles, but the Rhoda Parka is as chic as it gets. The Limestone and Smokey Sage versions can add a subtle pop of color to your winter OOTDs, but are still soft enough to match with almost anything. Plus, they both have a super-soft sheen finish that make this parka look even more luxe. The 100% recycled nylon material doesn’t just look good, it also feels good, too—”butter-like hand feel,” as Canada Goose puts it.Material: 100% recycled nylon, and it also contains 750 Fill Power Responsibly Sourced Down (90% down, 10% feathers)
Features: Water-repellant, wind-resistant, downproof, fixed wrap hood, two exterior pockets, removeable backpack straps
Colorways: 3
Sizes Available: XS – XL
Pros: Made for temperatures -22°F and below, made of sustainable materials, and has a minimal and streamlined silhouette
Cons: Great for everyday outings in the extreme cold, but doesn’t have as many warmth features like some of Canada Goose’s other offerings -
Canada Goose Mystique Parka Performance Satin
Image Credit: Courtesy of Canada Goose Canada Goose Mystique Parka Performance SatinWhy is Canada Goose on the list twice? Well, the coats live up to the hype and I’ve been wearing mine for years. While this particular pick comes with all the bells and whistles, made the withstand extreme weather and below-zero temperatures, it also feels a bit more fashion-forward thanks to that shiny material. It’s no wonder celebrities love it—the description itself says it’s a go-to for “protecting cast and crew members on film sets.”Material: Shell is 100% nylon and it’s insulated with 625 Fill Power Responsibly Sourced Down, 80% Down, and 20% Feathers
Features: While it’s still made to combat the elements, it’s not as heavy as other coats and is described as midweight. Plus, this specific colorway has a subtle sheen, so you can feel fancy whenever you slip it on.
Colorways: 3
Sizes Available: 2XS – 2XL
Pros: It’s not your average puffer coat and it’s long enough to cover your legs—a major plus!
Cons: Once again, it’s quite the splurge. -
Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket
Image Credit: Courtesy of Amazon Orolay Thickened Down JacketOn Sale 16% offThe “jacket” part of the product name is a bit deceiving—Orolay’s viral winter coat
is actually warmer than most puffers. Perhaps it’s the combination of the fleece-lined hood, windproof shell, and a down fill that has earned it a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Customers say it feels like wearing a blanket, with one reviewer pointing out that it’s “SO warm! I find myself having to unzip a little while walking my dog in 20° weather! Seriously so warm.”Material: 100% polyester shell and lining, fleece-lined hood, and a fill made of 90% duck down and 10% duck feather.
Features: Wind-resistant, attached hood, side zipper, six large pockets
Colorways: 13
Sizes Available: XXS – 5XL
Pros: Lightweight and easy to pack yet still super warm. Plus, you can easily order it from Amazon!
Cons: While people claim they’ve worn it in snowy conditions, it’s technically not waterproof -
Nike Sportswear Metro Puffer
Image Credit: Nike Nike Sportswear Metro PufferWhen it comes to winter coats, everyone needs that one style they can wear everyday—and the Nike Sportswear Metro Puffer is exactly that. This jacket is constructed from polyester with at least 75% recycled materials, making it a more sustainable choice (and a fantastic down coat alternative, too). It’s available in sizes XS-2XL and comes in four colors, including classic black, and it has Nike Therma-FIT technology to keep you ultra-warm and cozy in frigid winter weather.Material: 100% polyester
Features: Nike Therma-FIT technology
Colorways: 4
Sizes Available: XS-XXL
Pros: This jacket is made from recycled materials and is a fantastic down parka alternative. It’s also constructed with Nike Therma-FIT technolgy to keep you extra cozy.
Cons: It might be a little too short for ultra-cold climates. -
The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka
Image Credit: Courtesy of The North Face The North Face Women’s Arctic ParkaOne thing to look out for when shopping for extreme weather coats? Reviews that include location. While this coat from The North Face has close to a five-star rating and includes “Arctic” in the name, it’s the fact that customers claim it kept them warm while outside in upstate New York, Minnesota, and throughout the Midwest that has me sold. Plus, there’s no need to worry about a bulky fit—there’s an internal shock cord at the waistband that allows you to adjust the fit.Material: Shell and lining are 100% recycled polyester, while the faux fur hood is 70% acrylic, 17% polyester, and 13% modacrylic. It’s insulated with 100% recycled waterfowl down.
Features: Waterproof, wind resistant, adjustable hood with zip-off faux fur trim, adjustable waistband
Colorways: 7
Sizes Available: XS – XXL
Pros: At less than $400, it’s slightly more affordable than comparable options
Cons: Some say the sleeves are too long and that it fits weirdly if you’re short -
Eddie Bauer Women’s Glacier Peak Seamless Stretch Down Duffle Coat
Image Credit: Courtesy of Eddie Bauer Eddie Bauer Women’s Glacier Peak Seamless Stretch Down Duffle CoatOn Sale 50% offThe main reason I end up outside in freezing temperatures? To walk the dog. So naturally, what drew me to this Eddie Bauer duffle coat is the fact that many people are rocking it for the same reason.“I purchased this coat to be comfortable on blustery dog walks,” reads one review. “I wish I had this coat years ago when I first started standing on cold sidelines watching youth sports. I wore it today in high winds and a mix of snow and rain, and I was cozy as could be. I can’t believe how terrific this coat is. Winter is suddenly so much more enjoyable.”
Material: 100% recycled polyester shell, 650-fill premium down insulation
Features: Adjustable hood with drawstrings, waterproof, and bluesign®-APPROVED
Colorways: 3
Sizes Available: XS – XXL, including petite and tall
Pros: This coat can withstand zero-degree days. Plus, the fact that it’s waterproof rather than water-resistant is a real gamechanger when you find yourself in the middle of a storm.
Cons: While there are plenty of size options, they’re selling out quickly, so if you want a particular color, you’ll have to act fast. -
ORORO Women’s Slim Fit Heated Jacket with Battery Pack
Image Credit: Courtesy of Amazon ORORO Women’s Slim Fit Heated Jacket with Battery PackOn Sale 20% offYou may have stocked up on hand warmers and heated gloves, but the smartest way to fight off that winter chill is with a heated coat. ORORO’s option
is a fan favorite and it’s neither too heavy nor too light, making it the perfect pick for on-the-go, everyday wear. It takes mere minutes for the heat to turn on and reach its full capacity, although like with most electric clothing, the battery only lasts a few hours depending on which setting you choose.Material: 93.5% Polyester and 6.5% Spandex shell, 100% Polyester lining and fill
Features: Water and wind-resistant, detachable hood, heats across your chest and upper back area, has three different heat settings, and the battery can last up to 10 hours
Colorways: 3
Sizes Available: XS – XXL
Pros: It’s warm but not bulky, and while you might be worried about how to wash it, it’s able to go right in the machine (as long as you keep it on cold)
Cons: The battery can die within a few hours if you keep it on the highest setting -
Apparis Tilly Reversible Faux Shearling & Faux Leather Long Coat
Image Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom Apparis Tilly Reversible Faux Shearling & Faux Leather Long CoatOn Sale 25% offApparis’ Tilly coat is reversible, so you’re basically getting two pieces for the price of one. Depending on the weather and how you’re feeling, you can snuggle up with the shearling on the inside, letting the leather show, or switch it up. Either way, you’ll be shocked at how warm it feels—and how cool you look.Material: The vegan leather is made up of 52% Viscose and 48% Polyurethane, while the faux shearling is 70% recycled polyester and 30% polyester
Features: Hidden snap closure, stand collar
Colorways: 2
Sizes Available: XXS – XXL
Pros: This is a classic, elevated design that you’ll continue to reach for every winter
Cons: It doesn’t seem to be water-resistant, so probably not the best option if snow is in the forecast
0 Comment