The 8 Best Women's Winter Coats and Jackets We’ve Tested Include Columbia, Patagonia, and Lands’ End

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People

A person wearing the Columbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket outdoors

People

Winter jackets are a must-have in your wardrobe. But, unlikecozy sweatersand sweatshirts, you may not have dozens of them hanging in your closet, so you’ll want to ensure the styles you own are the crème de la crème of outerwear.The best winter coats areultra-warmand durable enough to last several seasons. Hopefully, your winter coat is stylish, too, since it often becomes the star of your winter ensemble.We tested best-selling styles, examining the quality, comfort, fit, and design of 23 women’s winter coats. These were the best we tested, including coats from Columbia, Patagonia, and Lands’ End.Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEOrolay Thickened Down Jacket at Amazon$150$126Jump to ReviewBest Down:SALELands' End Down Winter Coat at Amazon$240$156Jump to ReviewBest Down Alternative:SALEColumbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket at Amazon$180$120Jump to ReviewBest Water-Resistant:Columbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket at Amazon$112Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Fjallraven Nuuk Insulated Parka at Amazon$399Jump to ReviewBest for Extreme Cold:Triple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down Jacket at Amazon$425Jump to ReviewBest Parka:Patagonia Down With It Parka at Patagonia.comJump to ReviewBest Packable:SALEArc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie at Amazon$300$210Jump to Review

Winter jackets are a must-have in your wardrobe. But, unlikecozy sweatersand sweatshirts, you may not have dozens of them hanging in your closet, so you’ll want to ensure the styles you own are the crème de la crème of outerwear.

The best winter coats areultra-warmand durable enough to last several seasons. Hopefully, your winter coat is stylish, too, since it often becomes the star of your winter ensemble.

We tested best-selling styles, examining the quality, comfort, fit, and design of 23 women’s winter coats. These were the best we tested, including coats from Columbia, Patagonia, and Lands’ End.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEOrolay Thickened Down Jacket at Amazon$150$126Jump to ReviewBest Down:SALELands' End Down Winter Coat at Amazon$240$156Jump to ReviewBest Down Alternative:SALEColumbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket at Amazon$180$120Jump to ReviewBest Water-Resistant:Columbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket at Amazon$112Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Fjallraven Nuuk Insulated Parka at Amazon$399Jump to ReviewBest for Extreme Cold:Triple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down Jacket at Amazon$425Jump to ReviewBest Parka:Patagonia Down With It Parka at Patagonia.comJump to ReviewBest Packable:SALEArc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie at Amazon$300$210Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEOrolay Thickened Down Jacket at Amazon$150$126Jump to ReviewBest Down:SALELands' End Down Winter Coat at Amazon$240$156Jump to ReviewBest Down Alternative:SALEColumbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket at Amazon$180$120Jump to ReviewBest Water-Resistant:Columbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket at Amazon$112Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Fjallraven Nuuk Insulated Parka at Amazon$399Jump to ReviewBest for Extreme Cold:Triple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down Jacket at Amazon$425Jump to ReviewBest Parka:Patagonia Down With It Parka at Patagonia.comJump to ReviewBest Packable:SALEArc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie at Amazon$300$210Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEOrolay Thickened Down Jacket at Amazon$150$126Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEOrolay Thickened Down Jacket at Amazon$150$126

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Down:SALELands' End Down Winter Coat at Amazon$240$156Jump to Review

Best Down:SALELands' End Down Winter Coat at Amazon$240$156

Best Down:

Best Down Alternative:SALEColumbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket at Amazon$180$120Jump to Review

Best Down Alternative:SALEColumbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket at Amazon$180$120

Best Down Alternative:

Best Water-Resistant:Columbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket at Amazon$112Jump to Review

Best Water-Resistant:Columbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket at Amazon$112

Best Water-Resistant:

Best Investment:Fjallraven Nuuk Insulated Parka at Amazon$399Jump to Review

Best Investment:Fjallraven Nuuk Insulated Parka at Amazon$399

Best Investment:

Best for Extreme Cold:Triple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down Jacket at Amazon$425Jump to Review

Best for Extreme Cold:Triple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down Jacket at Amazon$425

Best for Extreme Cold:

Best Parka:Patagonia Down With It Parka at Patagonia.comJump to Review

Best Parka:Patagonia Down With It Parka at Patagonia.com

Best Parka:

Best Packable:SALEArc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie at Amazon$300$210Jump to Review

Best Packable:SALEArc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie at Amazon$300$210

Best Packable:

Best OverallOrolay Thickened Down JacketPHOTO: Amazon$150$126 at AmazonView on Orolay.comStar QualitiesSuper warm thanks to the thick material, long length, and fleece-lined hoodOne of the least expensive coats we’ve triedPlenty of internal and external pocketsLarge size rangeRed FlagsRuns small, so size up if you plan to layer underneathThis trendy winter coat isn’t just anOprah favorite— it’s our favorite, too. Online, reviewers rave about the style, fit, warmth, and price tag — and we were equally impressed when we tested it. It’s ultra-comfortable and kept us as warm as its luxury counterparts, partly thanks to its longer length and fleece-lined hood.It fits a bit snug, so we recommend you size up to leave plenty of room for your winter layers.Size Range:XXS–5X |Material:Polyester |Colors:11

Best OverallOrolay Thickened Down JacketPHOTO: Amazon$150$126 at AmazonView on Orolay.com

Best OverallOrolay Thickened Down Jacket

Best Overall

Orolay Thickened Down Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket

$150$126 at AmazonView on Orolay.com

Star QualitiesSuper warm thanks to the thick material, long length, and fleece-lined hoodOne of the least expensive coats we’ve triedPlenty of internal and external pocketsLarge size rangeRed FlagsRuns small, so size up if you plan to layer underneath

Star QualitiesSuper warm thanks to the thick material, long length, and fleece-lined hoodOne of the least expensive coats we’ve triedPlenty of internal and external pocketsLarge size range

Super warm thanks to the thick material, long length, and fleece-lined hood

One of the least expensive coats we’ve tried

Plenty of internal and external pockets

Large size range

Red FlagsRuns small, so size up if you plan to layer underneath

Runs small, so size up if you plan to layer underneath

This trendy winter coat isn’t just anOprah favorite— it’s our favorite, too. Online, reviewers rave about the style, fit, warmth, and price tag — and we were equally impressed when we tested it. It’s ultra-comfortable and kept us as warm as its luxury counterparts, partly thanks to its longer length and fleece-lined hood.

It fits a bit snug, so we recommend you size up to leave plenty of room for your winter layers.

Size Range:XXS–5X |Material:Polyester |Colors:11

Best DownLands' End Down Winter CoatPHOTO: Amazon$240$156 at Amazon$180 at Landsend.com

Best DownLands' End Down Winter Coat

Best Down

Lands' End Down Winter Coat

Lands' End Women’s Down Winter Coat

$240$156 at Amazon$180 at Landsend.com

Star QualitiesOne of the warmest coats we tried thanks to its fluffy down fillingRegulates temperature, so we didn’t overheatReasonably priced for a down coatRed FlagsSlim fit makes it slightly difficult to layer over chunky sweaters

Star QualitiesOne of the warmest coats we tried thanks to its fluffy down fillingRegulates temperature, so we didn’t overheatReasonably priced for a down coat

One of the warmest coats we tried thanks to its fluffy down filling

Regulates temperature, so we didn’t overheat

Reasonably priced for a down coat

Red FlagsSlim fit makes it slightly difficult to layer over chunky sweaters

Slim fit makes it slightly difficult to layer over chunky sweaters

Since the jacket is pretty fitted, we don’t recommend it as a layering piece when wearing chunky knit sweaters.

Size Range:XS–3X, petite and tall sizes available |Material: Polyester |Colors:9

Best Down AlternativeColumbia Joy Peak Hooded JacketPHOTO: Dick’s Sporting Goods$180$120 at Amazon$170 at Dick’sView on Basspro.comStar QualitiesSynthetic down is warm without being bulkyPacks down well, so it’s great for travelingReasonably pricedRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!If you’re looking for a top-notch synthetic down jacket, this is one of the best we’ve tried. The jacket is surprisingly slim-cut, thanks to a heat-reflective lining that kept us warm and toasty without the extra bulk of a traditional puffer. It goes down to the mid-thigh, which provides more coverage against the winter elements.The down-filled parka is surprisingly lightweight and packable, too. It runs true-to-size and comes in a slew of neutral and bright colors to compliment anyone’s taste.Size Range:XS–3X |Material:Nylon, polyester, fleece |Colors: 14PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Best Down AlternativeColumbia Joy Peak Hooded JacketPHOTO: Dick’s Sporting Goods$180$120 at Amazon$170 at Dick’sView on Basspro.com

Best Down AlternativeColumbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket

Best Down Alternative

Columbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket

PHOTO: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Columbia Women’s Joy Peak Omni-Heat Infinity Mid Insulated Hooded Jacket

$180$120 at Amazon$170 at Dick’sView on Basspro.com

Star QualitiesSynthetic down is warm without being bulkyPacks down well, so it’s great for travelingReasonably pricedRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!

Star QualitiesSynthetic down is warm without being bulkyPacks down well, so it’s great for travelingReasonably priced

Synthetic down is warm without being bulky

Packs down well, so it’s great for traveling

Reasonably priced

Red FlagsWe couldn’t find any!

We couldn’t find any!

If you’re looking for a top-notch synthetic down jacket, this is one of the best we’ve tried. The jacket is surprisingly slim-cut, thanks to a heat-reflective lining that kept us warm and toasty without the extra bulk of a traditional puffer. It goes down to the mid-thigh, which provides more coverage against the winter elements.

The down-filled parka is surprisingly lightweight and packable, too. It runs true-to-size and comes in a slew of neutral and bright colors to compliment anyone’s taste.

Size Range:XS–3X |Material:Nylon, polyester, fleece |Colors: 14

PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

A person touches the Columbia Women’s Mid Insulated Hooded Jacket

A person shows the inside of the Columbia Women’s Mid Insulated Hooded Jacket

A person touches the Columbia Women’s Mid Insulated Hooded Jacket

A person shows the inside of the Columbia Women’s Mid Insulated Hooded Jacket

Best Water-ResistantColumbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated JacketPHOTO: Amazon$112 at Amazon$230$72 at Columbia.comView on Shoemall.comStar QualitiesDurable, water-resistant, and machine washableThermal lining and synthetic down filling offer extra warmthRed FlagsNot ideal for petite framesThis coat provides impressive warmth thanks to Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining that traps body heat. It’s also filled with synthetic down material, which helps to retain heat no matter the conditions — so you’ll be toasty even whenheading out in rainor snow.It has longer sleeves, which we appreciated, although they may not be ideal for petite frames. We also liked how easy this jacket was to layer with chunky sweaters and thin layers alike. Best of all, this coat comes in a decent size range, including plus sizes.Size Range:XS–3X |Material:Polyester |Colors:7

Best Water-ResistantColumbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated JacketPHOTO: Amazon$112 at Amazon$230$72 at Columbia.comView on Shoemall.com

Best Water-ResistantColumbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket

Best Water-Resistant

Columbia Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket

Columbia Women’s Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket

$112 at Amazon$230$72 at Columbia.comView on Shoemall.com

Star QualitiesDurable, water-resistant, and machine washableThermal lining and synthetic down filling offer extra warmthRed FlagsNot ideal for petite frames

Star QualitiesDurable, water-resistant, and machine washableThermal lining and synthetic down filling offer extra warmth

Durable, water-resistant, and machine washable

Thermal lining and synthetic down filling offer extra warmth

Red FlagsNot ideal for petite frames

Not ideal for petite frames

This coat provides impressive warmth thanks to Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining that traps body heat. It’s also filled with synthetic down material, which helps to retain heat no matter the conditions — so you’ll be toasty even whenheading out in rainor snow.

It has longer sleeves, which we appreciated, although they may not be ideal for petite frames. We also liked how easy this jacket was to layer with chunky sweaters and thin layers alike. Best of all, this coat comes in a decent size range, including plus sizes.

Size Range:XS–3X |Material:Polyester |Colors:7

Best InvestmentFjallraven Nuuk Insulated ParkaPHOTO: REI$399 at Amazon$399 at ZapposView on Fjallraven.comStar QualitiesQuality details like thoughtful pocket placement and a fleece-lined collarKept us super warm, especially the zipper closure up to the neckRed FlagsPricier than others on our list, but worth itA high-quality coat can last you for years, and we think this parka is worth the investment: It kept us comfortable in all conditions.We were able to layer all kinds of sweaters and sweatshirts underneath this parka, and it never felt stiff or bulky. We were especially impressed with the little details of the coat, like the hand pocket placement, which felt so comfortable. We also loved that the collar is fleece-lined and the zipper closes up to the neck, so our face was just as toasty as our torso in cold conditions.While this coat is certainly pricy, it’s stylish and functional. If you live somewhere where temperatures are frigid and a cheaper jacket just won’t cut it, we recommend this one.Size Range:XXS–XXL |Material:Recycled polyamide |Colors:6PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Best InvestmentFjallraven Nuuk Insulated ParkaPHOTO: REI$399 at Amazon$399 at ZapposView on Fjallraven.com

Best InvestmentFjallraven Nuuk Insulated Parka

Best Investment

Fjallraven Nuuk Insulated Parka

PHOTO: REI

Fjallraven Women’s Nuuk Insulated Parka

$399 at Amazon$399 at ZapposView on Fjallraven.com

Star QualitiesQuality details like thoughtful pocket placement and a fleece-lined collarKept us super warm, especially the zipper closure up to the neckRed FlagsPricier than others on our list, but worth it

Star QualitiesQuality details like thoughtful pocket placement and a fleece-lined collarKept us super warm, especially the zipper closure up to the neck

Quality details like thoughtful pocket placement and a fleece-lined collar

Kept us super warm, especially the zipper closure up to the neck

Red FlagsPricier than others on our list, but worth it

Pricier than others on our list, but worth it

A high-quality coat can last you for years, and we think this parka is worth the investment: It kept us comfortable in all conditions.

We were able to layer all kinds of sweaters and sweatshirts underneath this parka, and it never felt stiff or bulky. We were especially impressed with the little details of the coat, like the hand pocket placement, which felt so comfortable. We also loved that the collar is fleece-lined and the zipper closes up to the neck, so our face was just as toasty as our torso in cold conditions.

While this coat is certainly pricy, it’s stylish and functional. If you live somewhere where temperatures are frigid and a cheaper jacket just won’t cut it, we recommend this one.

Size Range:XXS–XXL |Material:Recycled polyamide |Colors:6

Fjallraven Women’s Nuuk Insulated Parka with tag folded on a wood surface

Person walking on city street wearing Fjallraven Women’s Nuuk Insulated Parka

Fjallraven Women’s Nuuk Insulated Parka with tag folded on a wood surface

Person walking on city street wearing Fjallraven Women’s Nuuk Insulated Parka

Best for Extreme ColdTriple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down JacketPHOTO: Triple F.A.T. Goose$425 at AmazonView on Triplefatgoose.comStar QualitiesStylish and functional, with lots of zippered pockets750-fill power down maintains warmth in frigid temperaturesHas a sleeker look than others we testedRed FlagsMay be too warm for some climatesPricier than some others we testedThis puffer coat isn’t just stylish — it’s functional, too. The down design, comfortable fit, and cute silhouette make it a must-have for frigid temperatures. This coat is designed with cold temperatures in mind, so it may be too warm for some climates. We liken wearing this jacket to wrapping yourself up in a sleeping bag, since it’s equally cozy and warm. Several design features set it apart from the competition, like its matte finish, several zippered pockets, high collar, and great length.Size Range:XS–3XL |Material:Nylon fabric and750 Fill Power 11 oz. white duck down (90% down, 10% feather) |Colors:4

Best for Extreme ColdTriple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down JacketPHOTO: Triple F.A.T. Goose$425 at AmazonView on Triplefatgoose.com

Best for Extreme ColdTriple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down Jacket

Best for Extreme Cold

Triple F.A.T. Goose Puffer Down Jacket

PHOTO: Triple F.A.T. Goose

Triple F.A.T. Goose Women’s Fara Puffer Down Jacket

$425 at AmazonView on Triplefatgoose.com

Star QualitiesStylish and functional, with lots of zippered pockets750-fill power down maintains warmth in frigid temperaturesHas a sleeker look than others we testedRed FlagsMay be too warm for some climatesPricier than some others we tested

Star QualitiesStylish and functional, with lots of zippered pockets750-fill power down maintains warmth in frigid temperaturesHas a sleeker look than others we tested

Stylish and functional, with lots of zippered pockets

750-fill power down maintains warmth in frigid temperatures

Has a sleeker look than others we tested

Red FlagsMay be too warm for some climatesPricier than some others we tested

May be too warm for some climates

Pricier than some others we tested

This puffer coat isn’t just stylish — it’s functional, too. The down design, comfortable fit, and cute silhouette make it a must-have for frigid temperatures. This coat is designed with cold temperatures in mind, so it may be too warm for some climates. We liken wearing this jacket to wrapping yourself up in a sleeping bag, since it’s equally cozy and warm. Several design features set it apart from the competition, like its matte finish, several zippered pockets, high collar, and great length.

Size Range:XS–3XL |Material:Nylon fabric and750 Fill Power 11 oz. white duck down (90% down, 10% feather) |Colors:4

Best ParkaPatagonia Down With It ParkaPHOTO: PatagoniaView on Patagonia.com$244 at REI$349 at BackcountryStar QualitiesKept us warm in below-freezing temperatures thanks to the down fillingPadded hood provides extra warmthZippered pockets offer added securityRed FlagsTighter on the chest, which might not be ideal for larger bustsNot available in plus sizesIf you plan on braving below-freezing temperatures, consider this Patagonia parka. It’s comfortable and warm, so we were impressed with its performance in colder conditions. The chest section is a bit tight, so this parka wouldn’t be ideal for large busts. We wish it came in a larger size range, too.We were impressed with all the little details on this jacket. The hardware was high-quality, even when compared to other luxury coats. This coat is absolutely worth the investment, and we think it will last you for years to come.Size Range:XXS–XXL |Material:Recycled polyester, recycled down |Colors:7

Best ParkaPatagonia Down With It ParkaPHOTO: PatagoniaView on Patagonia.com$244 at REI$349 at Backcountry

Best ParkaPatagonia Down With It Parka

Best Parka

Patagonia Down With It Parka

PHOTO: Patagonia

Patagonia Women’s Down With It Parka

View on Patagonia.com$244 at REI$349 at Backcountry

Star QualitiesKept us warm in below-freezing temperatures thanks to the down fillingPadded hood provides extra warmthZippered pockets offer added securityRed FlagsTighter on the chest, which might not be ideal for larger bustsNot available in plus sizes

Star QualitiesKept us warm in below-freezing temperatures thanks to the down fillingPadded hood provides extra warmthZippered pockets offer added security

Kept us warm in below-freezing temperatures thanks to the down filling

Padded hood provides extra warmth

Zippered pockets offer added security

Red FlagsTighter on the chest, which might not be ideal for larger bustsNot available in plus sizes

Tighter on the chest, which might not be ideal for larger busts

Not available in plus sizes

If you plan on braving below-freezing temperatures, consider this Patagonia parka. It’s comfortable and warm, so we were impressed with its performance in colder conditions. The chest section is a bit tight, so this parka wouldn’t be ideal for large busts. We wish it came in a larger size range, too.

We were impressed with all the little details on this jacket. The hardware was high-quality, even when compared to other luxury coats. This coat is absolutely worth the investment, and we think it will last you for years to come.

Size Range:XXS–XXL |Material:Recycled polyester, recycled down |Colors:7

Best PackableArc’teryx Atom Insulated HoodiePHOTO: REI$300$210 at Amazon$300 at REIView on Arcteryx.comStar QualitiesSleek, non-bulky jacket packs down wellGreat for moderate weather conditions, including outdoor exerciseRed FlagsNot the thickest or warmest coat we’ve triedThis jacket has a packable silhouette that’s rare for coats and jackets. It’s lightweight, so it folds up nicely and doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase. It’s warm enough for moderate winter temperatures (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit), so it’s the perfect layer to bring with you on mild winter travel.When we tested this jacket, we found that it was effective for outdoor exercise, particularly long runs in the winter. It isn’t bulky so it permits a good range of motion, and we found it warm enough for athletic activities. Plus, this jacket will wear into the springtime, since it makes a great transitional layer.Size Range:XXS–XXL |Material:Nylon, recycled polyester, elastane |Colors:11

Best PackableArc’teryx Atom Insulated HoodiePHOTO: REI$300$210 at Amazon$300 at REIView on Arcteryx.com

Best PackableArc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie

Best Packable

Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie

Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie

$300$210 at Amazon$300 at REIView on Arcteryx.com

Star QualitiesSleek, non-bulky jacket packs down wellGreat for moderate weather conditions, including outdoor exerciseRed FlagsNot the thickest or warmest coat we’ve tried

Star QualitiesSleek, non-bulky jacket packs down wellGreat for moderate weather conditions, including outdoor exercise

Sleek, non-bulky jacket packs down well

Great for moderate weather conditions, including outdoor exercise

Red FlagsNot the thickest or warmest coat we’ve tried

Not the thickest or warmest coat we’ve tried

This jacket has a packable silhouette that’s rare for coats and jackets. It’s lightweight, so it folds up nicely and doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase. It’s warm enough for moderate winter temperatures (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit), so it’s the perfect layer to bring with you on mild winter travel.

When we tested this jacket, we found that it was effective for outdoor exercise, particularly long runs in the winter. It isn’t bulky so it permits a good range of motion, and we found it warm enough for athletic activities. Plus, this jacket will wear into the springtime, since it makes a great transitional layer.

Size Range:XXS–XXL |Material:Nylon, recycled polyester, elastane |Colors:11

What to Know About Women’s Winter Coats and Jackets

Style Versatility

When shopping for a winter coat, stylistChristina Petrysays style versatility is super important. “Having a coat that goes with multiple outfits, whether dressy or everyday casual, is not only functional but realistic for people who want options in their personal wardrobe,” she explains. With this in mind, look for coats that are available in neutral colors or a hue that pairs well with lots of items in your wardrobe (even if that color isn’t neutral).

Fit

Whether it’s a rain jacket, a down coat, or some other kind of outerwear, the fit is an essential aspect of jacket shopping. And, if you plan to layer underneath your coat, you will definitely want to consider that, since sizing up might better accommodate chunky knits or multiple layers.

When shopping,Soneca Guadara, a style consultant and personal fashion stylist, says to first ask yourself if you want a coat to be fitted or loose. If considering a more fitted silhouette, she recommends “something that will create definition at your waist,” such as a belted coat or something that cinches in a little more at the midsection.

Fit also defines comfort, which is why Guadara says trying it on with items you’ll actually wear — such as a sweater or sweatshirt — with it is a must.

Function

“You need winter coats that will keep you ready for varying weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and really cold temperatures,” saysKriena Nederveen, a stylist with over 30 years of experience. While you might be able to meet some of these criteria with just one jacket, you should consider investing in a couple of different options, especially if you live in a rainy city where more moisture protection is required.

A person adjusts the hood on the Columbia Women’s Mid Insulated Hooded Jacket

At PEOPLE, we know how important a good winter coat is (especially for those of us who live on the East Coast). We wore 23 coats for a minimum of six hours each. Then, we evaluated each coat on the following criteria.

Jessie Quinnis a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE.com who writes about beauty, fashion, home, pets, DIY, and more. Her work has been published in Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON Magazine, StyleCaster, Brit+Co, Forbes, Bustle, Sunday Riley’s The Sunday Edit, Dermstore, and Girlboss.com. For this article, she relied on the input of our team of product testers and interviewed stylistsChristina PetryandKriena Nederveen.

Our Expert PanelChristina Petryis a professional stylist and owner of Red Carpet Ready Personal Styling.Kriena Nederveenis a professional stylist based in LA with over 30 years of experience.

Our Expert Panel

Christina Petryis a professional stylist and owner of Red Carpet Ready Personal Styling.Kriena Nederveenis a professional stylist based in LA with over 30 years of experience.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com