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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Does it ever feel like winter just creeps up on you out of nowhere? One moment you are enjoying sunny fall weather and then the next it's a full-on blizzard. If you are anything like us, you often forget to buy a new winter coat until, well, you need to put one on right now.
With a wide range of styles, prices, and quick shipping speed, Amazon makes coat shopping easy, even at the last minute. Still, it can be a time-consuming choice as there are many different factors to consider when selecting your next piece of outerwear—like material, length, and color. And above all else, you want a coat that will make you feel comfortable and confident. No one wants to be freezing in a style that’s all trend or too bulky to move.
“Winter coats not only keep you warm but can add that extra wow factor,” says Vivian Lee, Styling Team Manager at Dailylook, an online personal styling service. “Even if you wear a simple long-sleeved tee and jeans, a chic coat can make your outfit.”
We spoke to five other styling experts like Lee and waded through the pages of Amazon to find the best winter coats this season. Whether you are looking for something purely practical, pretty, or a little bit of both, we found the coats that will make you excited for a snow day. Now, who wants to build a snowman?
Ahead—the best winter coats you can find on Amazon.
Best Overall: Orolay Thickened Down Jacket
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Amazon
Who else recommends it? Prevention and PureWow both picked the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket.
What do buyers say? 86% of 22,600+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Back in 2018, the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket sprang into fame as it started popping up in New York City on stylish residents of the Upper East Side. Now three years later, the “Amazon coat” is just as trendy. It offers the perfect balance of functionality and fashion. Six large pockets allow you to carry all your belongings without a purse yet also lend the coat a utilitarian look. With a looser fit and below-hip length, the coat has that cool, oversized vibe without completely swallowing you up whole. And now it comes in a variety of colors and prints, including highlighter yellow and camo. It’s made from down and claims to be machine washable, so cleaning doesn’t have to be a pain. This is the kind of coat you can just throw on over a pair of leggings and boots and you are ready to run all your winter errands.
Material: Shell: 100% polyester with excellent windproof and warm-keeping capability; Filling: 90% duck down, and 10% duck feather | Colors: Beige, Black, Gray, Green, Navy, Red, Yellow, Green Camo, Khaki Camo | Care: Machine wash
Best Budget: Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket
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Amazon
For a lightweight coat that you can easily pack away when traveling, you can’t go wrong with Amazon’s Basics Packable Puffer. The form-fitting design comes in a hooded and unhooded version depending on your personal preference. Small details like zipped pockets and elastic bands make this no-fuss jacket extra functional and warm. This may not survive a tundra, but it’s a great option for when you need a coat but don’t want to deal with all the bulk (and high cost). Simply put it back in its packable bag and tuck it into your suitcase when traveling between warm and cold climates.
Materials: 100% polyester shell, lining, and fill | Colors: Black, Burgundy, Camel, Charcoal Heather, Light Pink, Navy, Neon Pink, Off-White, Olive, Red, Animal Print, Navy/Black Cheetah, Green Camo | Care: Machine wash
Best Splurge: Mackage Thalia Coat
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Shopbop
If there’s one kind of coat worth splurging on, it’s a camel coat. Lauren Lawson, stylist at Bree Jacoby, says a quality camel coat will last you for years to come and will go with any outfit, whether you are getting dressed for the office, a fancy dinner, or weekend brunch. With its beautiful color and elegant wrap silhouette, this coat from Mackage doesn’t disappoint. Crafted from pure brushed wool, this coat won’t stretch or begin to look frumpy with wear. It will look smashing paired with a simple turtleneck or printed dress.
Materials: 100% wool | Colors: Tan | Care: Dry clean only
Best Faux Fur: Apparis Eloise Faux-Fur Coat
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Lyst
Want to look extra fabulous in the winter? A fur coat is your best friend. Today’s faux fur versions are extra spicy by coming in glamorous jewel tones—not to mention that faux fur is easier to take care of and less likely to get dirty than the real thing, says Wishi stylist Yasmin Moinian. You don’t even need to add accessories when wearing a furry number. Rather choose an eye-catching shade like mustard or emerald green from this coat by Apparis. The notched collar will keep your neck warm enough.
Materials: Shell and faux fur: acrylic/polyester; Lining: polyester | Colors: Ivory, Mustard, Emerald Green, Chestnut, Mauve, Navy Blue | Care: Dry clean only
Best Puffer: Orolay Ultra Short Puffer Down Jacket
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Amazon
If you want the look of a Moncler puffer without the steep price tag, check out Orolay’s similar design. The glossy finish and cropped cut give this number a fierce look. Yet it’s also functional with its water-resistant nylon shell and down fill. An elastic bound hem and tall collar keep you looking cool while keeping the cold air out. As someone who personally recently moved from the East to West Coast, I swapped my long parka for this short puffer to wear on those chilly nights. Since I’m petite, I love the cropped bomber-style fit that doesn’t make me look any shorter.
Materials: Shell: 100% nylon; Lining: 100% polyester; Filling: 90% duck down, 10% feathers | Colors: Black, Lavender, Red, Beige, Leopard, White | Care: Machine wash
Best Long: Steve Madden Long Chevron Maxi Puffer Coat
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Amazon
If the only way you are leaving the house on a cold winter day is by swaddling yourself in head-to-toe pillow warmth, then this Steven Madden coat is for you. Nearly reaching the ankles, this long coat has you covered from head to toe, especially with its removable hood. Reviewers also like the fleece cuffs that keep your hands and arms extra toasty. With a fleece lining and a pillow collar, you might find yourself tempted to take a nap in this coat that is comparable to sleeping bag coziness.
Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: Black, Camel, Champagne, Merlot, Titanium, Navy | Care: Machine wash
Best Parka: Orolay Down Jacket with Faux Fur Trim
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Walmart
This parka from Orolay will keep you warm without all the bulk. Within the form-fitted design, there is duck down and four layers of fabric meant to protect you from the wind and snow. The faux fur hood will protect your face from wind gusts just as the rib cuffs won’t let the chill come up your sleeves. The large pockets make it easy to stow away your phone, keys, and wallet when you just want to throw this on and go run some errands. Like most parkas, the coat hits below the booty, so it will keep your tush toasty.
Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: Navy, Beige, Black, Green, Red
Best Packable: Tumi Clairmont Packable Puffer Jacket
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TUMI
A lot of coats claim to be packable, but what stands out about this design from Tumi is that it packs up into something useful; a travel pillow. Yup, you can roll this sucker up into a neck pillow thanks to a hidden pouch in the collar. For anyone that has faced the conundrum of what to do with your winter coat once you are sitting on the plane, this is the answer. Though the design is lightweight and fitted, its down insulation will keep you warm. Another perk? It’s machine washable and reviewers confirm that drying it with a few tennis balls will leave it as good as new. For all those frequent flyers out there, this puffer is a dream come true.
Materials: Water-resistant nylon and filled with down insulation | Colors: Black, Merlot, Mink, Gray, Navy | Care: Machine wash
Best Wool: Calvin Klein Classic Cashmere Wool Blend Coat
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Amazon
A solid color wool coat is a staple in everyone’s closet. It ties your brunch outfit together nicely on warmer winter days as well as tops off dresses and skirts for fancy events. With three simple buttons, sewn-in pockets, and a slight A-line silhouette, this Calvin Klein coat gives you the room to layer bulky sweaters while still looking chic. Reviewers on both ends of the height spectrum say it’s a lovely coat with a sleek fit. Most of all, reviewers love the luxurious feel of the fabric and quality details.
Materials: 60% wool, 33% polyester, 5% cashmere, 2% other fibers | Colors: Camel, Gray, Black, Chianti, Pastel Blue, Scarlet | Care: Dry clean only
Best Plus Size: Agnes Orinda Plus Size Single Breasted Belted Winter Coat
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Amazon
To stay chic while bundling up, Lee recommends A-line coats that sit comfortably along the midsection and thighs as well as belted styles that accentuate the waist. This classic style of coat checks both points off the list with its slight A-line silhouette and adjustable belt. The knee length easily goes with both pants and skirts, and if you get bored choosing between brown or black, this coat comes in equally sophisticated burgundy and navy.
Materials: 100% polyester shell and lining | Colors: Black, Burgundy, Dark Blue, Khaki | Care: Dry clean only
Best Trench: Orolay Double Breasted Trench Coat with Belt
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Amazon
Slip-on a trench coat and you’ll instantly feel as chic as Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany’s." The timeless style can make the most basic outfit of jeans and a top look put together. With Orolay’s number, you don’t have to shell out a fortune on a style you can wear for years to come. It has all the details of a classic trench: the button-down collar, detachable belt, decorative wristband, and split back, as well as pockets to store all your essentials. The polyester material is wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t have to spend time ironing to get that crisp look. The trench is the coat you need to transition between seasons.
Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: Sand, Black, Caviar, Khaki, Army Green, Navy
Best for Running: Columbia Powder Lite Hooded Jacket
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Dick's Sporting Goods
For those that never miss their daily run, rain, or shine, you understand the importance of a well-designed coat in the winter. It needs to be lightweight and breathable enough to let you move comfortably while still keeping you warm. This Columbia coat was made with runners in mind. The Omni-Heat Reflective lining uses a metallic dot pattern to retain heat, while the breathable fabric dissipates moisture. In other words, you won’t end your workout soaking wet and shivering in your own sweat. The outside is water-resistant and the coat has polyester insulation. Handy features like zippered pockets and a hood with a chin guard go the extra mile. Whether you are jogging, hiking, or ice skating in the winter, this coat will help you power through.
Material: 100% polyester | Colors: Black, Black Camo, Orange, Marigold, Blue Fluorescent Print, Chalk, Chalk Botanical Print, Malbec, Pink, Olive Green, Olive Green Camo, Plum | Care: Machine wash
Best Belted: Tahari Wool Wrap Coat with Belt
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Amazon
Stylists rave about wrap coats because they are versatile among body types; the belt highlights your waist and accentuates your curves. From the designer Tahari, this wrap coat gains extra points with its wide wing collar that adds the illusion of sharp shoulders. The hip-hitting length is befitting for all heights and can be both dressed up and down. You can even take off the belt for a trendy butterfly coat look.
Material: 52% wool, 48% polyester | Colors: Black, Charcoal, Teal, Pale Blue, Powder Pink, Almond, Camel | Care: Dry clean only
Best Peacoat: Calvin Klein Double Breasted Peacoat
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Amazon
Double-breasted and hitting a little below the waist, a peacoat has the elegance of a wool coat while being a bit more casual with its shorter length. Lee says it’s a great style for petite individuals as the length won’t overwhelm your frame. Whether you lean towards elegant neutrals to bold colors, you can’t go wrong with Calvin Klein’s take on the classic shape. The style also comes in petite and plus-sizing, so you can find the ideal fit. Despite its lightweight design, reviewers say this coat is quite warm.
Materials: 65% angora goat, 35% wool | Colors: Black, Camel, Cobalt, Baby Blue, Sunset, Indigo, Oatmeal, Crimson, Red, Black, White | Care: Dry clean only
Best Vegan: Alpine North Vegan Down Parka
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Amazon
If you want the warmth of down without the animal cruelty, check out this vegan parka from Alpine North. Designed in Montreal, this coat has a temperature rating of -22 Fahrenheit even though it’s made from a polyester-down alternative; the hood is also faux fur. The design also has plenty of pockets (four front welt pockets, one patch pocket, one invisible zip pocket on the cuff, and interior lining pockets) which makes it ideal for outdoor adventures where you don’t want to carry a separate bag to hold your essentials. Reviewers also say the pockets make this coat great for traveling and sightseeing in frigid destinations. This jacket also comes in plus sizes.
Materials: 82% polyester, 18% cotton | Colors: Black, Cobalt, Grape, Navy | Care: Machine wash
Best Vest: Orolay Down Vest with Stand Collar
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Amazon
While a puffer vest may not be the first on your coat list, Lawson said it certainly should be part of your coat capsule. Not only is it stylish, but it is a great transition piece between seasons and fluctuating temperatures. Orolay does it again with this knee-length down puffer vest. The oversized pockets, slanted zippers, and metallic shades give it a cool city-slicker vibe. It has an adjustable drawstring waist, so you can customize it to your body and outfit. Think of this vest as the perfect finish to an oversized sweater and leggings outfit that needs a little extra warmth.
Materials: 100% nylon shell; Filling: 90% white duck down, 10% feather filler | Colors: Red, Black, Gray | Care: Machine wash
Best Sherpa/Teddy: Orolay Fuzzy Fleece Lapel Down Coat
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Walmart
Who doesn’t want to feel like they are getting a bear hug from their favorite stuffed animal? All the stylists agree that the fuzzy fleece teddy bear coat trend is here to stay, and we are here for it! Choose between mid-length or knee-length with Orolay’s simple design in black or camel. The looser fit and oversized collar give it that funky look. While fashion coats can sometimes skimp on the warmth, this design is filled with 90 percent duck down.
Materials: Outer: 100% faux lamb wool; Filling: 90% duck down | Colors: Black, Khaki | Care: Machine wash separately with cold water on gentle cycle; tumble dry low
Best Leather: The Drop x @lisadnyc Faux Leather Long Trench Coat
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Amazon
From Adele to Cardi B to Demi Lovato, celebrities have been rocking leather trench coats all season long. Edgier than the classic trench and a little more formal than a leather moto jacket, it’s no wonder this trend is a celebrity favorite. To do your take on the trend, add this faux leather trench coat to your cart. As part of Amazon’s The Drop, this style was selected by fashion blogger Lisa DiCicco Cahue. Cahue writes that the style is meant to be oversized with wide sleeves and the faux leather is buttery soft. Take a cue from her blog and style it with anything from leggings and sneakers to trousers and ankle boots.
Materials: 55% polyurethane, 40% polyester, 5% spandex | Colors: Black, Gray
What to Look for in A Winter Coat
Materials
The most important factor to consider when coat shopping is what it is made from. If you need a coat that you can don on the coldest, wettest days, make sure it’s made from waterproof material and has insulation to keep you warm. Down or goose feathers are the go-to material for warmth, though many brands are creating effective down alternatives for cruelty-free options.
Many down coats have a fill power rating, which tells you the quality of the down. Down with a high fill power can be packed tightly, and then fluff back up for maximum warmth. However, a high fill power usually means a higher price tag. Some coats also come with a temperature rating to give you a better idea of what temperatures they can withstand.
For dressier options, wool, leather, and fur coats are timeless choices. Besides being more affordable, faux fur and leather tend to require less maintenance than their regular counterparts, says Moinian.
Fit
The key to finding a coat that fits well is to try it on in person with a real sweater you would wear in the winter, so you can see what it will feel like when you are all bundled up. You want to be able to move your arms around comfortably while not being too large either.
“Make sure to wear an average winter outfit underneath, say a medium weight sweater and leather trousers, so the size and the fit of the coat you should get will be the most accurate,” says Wendy Wei, lead fashion stylist at Wishi.
For those that are petite or under 5-foot-4, Lawson says cropped puffers and leather jackets are the way to go. If you want something a little longer, she recommends the coat still hits above the knee. Taller individuals can play around with longer silhouettes. A-Line coats skim the lower half of your body while belted, and wrap styles are universally complementary across body all types.
Color
For a versatile coat you can wear with any outfit, you can’t go wrong with neutral shades like black, gray, or camel. They are easy to dress up or down and you can add accessories like scarves and gloves in bright hues to add a pop of color.
“This season I am seeing a lot of neutral coats in classic cuts. Earthy tones are definitely it this season,” says Zuajeily Romero, the vice president of styling at Wishi. “The looks feel grounded and polished after our long pandemic.”
If you want a coat that makes a bold statement on its own, you can grab a printed coat or one in a bold solid color to stand out.
“Plaid print coats have become a classic and will still be in high demand this coming season," says Lee. "Slightly oversized coats for layering will also be super 'in,' especially in soft colors like light pink, baby blue, and light gray. Patterned faux fur is also going to be huge for the daring fashionistas out there.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Cieslak is a Byrdie contributor and has written about fashion for other publications like The Knot, Real Simple, and Red Carpet Fashion Awards. Having lived in both New York City and the Pacific Northwest, she knows firsthand the importance of finding a warm, stylish, and versatile coat. For this article, she interviewed stylists from Dailylook, Wishi, and Bree Jacoby about how to select and style winter coats.
Meet the Expert
Vivian Lee is the styling team manager of Dailylook, an online personal styling service.
Lauren Lawson is a stylist at Bree Jacoby, a private client personal styling service that offers membership experiences both in-home and virtually.
Yasmin Moinian and Adriana Gonzalez-Ramirez are stylists at Wishi.
Wendy Wei is the lead fashion stylist at Wishi.
Zuajeily Romero is the VP of Styling at Wishi.