Bagging yourself one of the best winter coats is a real investment, both in terms of style and money. Pick well, and you'll be both snug and stylish not just for the season ahead but for many winters to come.
As temperatures plummet, the best winter coats are there to help you beat the chill in style. A key player in our winter capsule wardrobe and the first impression on any outfit, aside from considering the aesthetic you’ll need to think about fabrication, functionality and occasion to ensure your winter coat meets your needs. Establish when you will be wearing your coat e.g. the school run, dog walking or heading to the office and this will begin to help you create a specification of what your winter outerwear must achieve.
Naturally warm fabrics such as wool or cashmere are ideal for a high end, but cosy coat with added polish, while for those looking for something more outdoorsy or sporty, should look to specially crafted synthetics, that max out on water and wind repellent features - these can be found at specialist outdoor retailers. There are also many different types of coats to consider, more tailored designs such as the best trench coats are ideal for smarter occasions - such as the office, where as padded, quilted or parka coats offer a more casual spin without compromising on weather-tackling abilities.
Best winter coats for women 2023 as selected by a fashion editor
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"For me, function and style is key," says Paula Moore, fashion director at woman & home. "I want to look good and keep warm. My go to is a tailored coat - as it looks great with dress and boots and equally over hoodie and jeans. I tend to buy my coat a little bit bigger so I can wear it over layers and in classic camel, so I can wear it most days for years to come. Maintenance is also important - make sure to dry clean it every season."
Currently Group Fashion Director at Future Publishing, Paula Moore has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years. Overseeing the fashion pages for Woman and Home, Simply Woman and Home, Woman, Woman’s Own, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines.
Best wool coat
There aren’t many pieces that can make even the most laid-back outfits (think a slogan sweatshirt, the best leggings, and a chunky trainer) feel instantly more polished - but this is where a wool coat excels. A timeless classic with boundless styling potential, it’ll take you seamlessly from work to weekend wear. Straight-cut, single-breasted styles that skim your ankles or calves will add an androgynous feel to your look (especially if you size up) while a belted wrap coat exudes effortless elegance. As a general rule, the best wool coats will have a high wool percentage - think 70% or above. This means they will both warm and breathable.
This iteration from Hobbs has that everlasting appeal that’ll serve you well for years to come. In a classic camel hue, it features a waist-enhancing detachable belt and a flattering midi length. Crafted from 100% wool it’s guaranteed to keep you cosy and comfortable. Wear open for a more relaxed look, or add structure with the belt. An investment piece, you won’t regret.
RRP: £329 / $659 | This has a nice oversized fit that’s handy for layering over chunky knits in the depths of winter. If you want a more streamlined look, make use of the self-tie belt. The rich burgundy hue looks great against pops of pink.
RRP: £465 / $750 | For something a little bolder, that’ll still stand the test of time, opt for a cool check print like this Italian woven-wool houndstooth. The a-line shape gives it a feminine spin and the raglan sleeves keep it feeling modern.
RRP: £1,550 / $2,100 | Dopamine dressing is proven to boost your mood, so why not brighten a grey winter's day with this blue beauty. A double-breasted design with padded shoulders for an '80s twist, it’ll lift your look in an instant.
Best puffer coat
For those days when leaving the warmth of your bed feels almost impossible, snuggling into a puffer coat makes for a fair compromise. A style that was once reserved for casualwear or extreme weather conditions, the best puffer jackets have undergone quite the sartorial reinvention in recent years. Making an appearance on several catwalks this season including Hermes, Miu Miu and Chloe, designers gave it a smarter update with belted designs and sleek neutral hues. One of the warmest winter coats to invest in, once you’ve snuggled into a puffer coat, you’ll never look back.
This maxi design from cold-weather pros Superdry will keep you warm from head to toe. With subtle branding for a more minimal look, the warm brown hue keeps it feeling polished. It features a bungee cord hood and popper fastening hem making it easy to get on and off. There’s some serious sustainable credentials too - each jacket contains between 5 and 48 recycled bottles.
RRP: £69 / $125 | M&S have really nailed the sleek and snug look with this affordable design. Marks & Spencer coats are some of the best. Considered details such as water-repellent technology and fleece-lined pockets for extra warmth make it a no-brainer.
RRP: £179.90 / $179.90 | Masters of fashion and function, this down-packed coat from Uniqlo helps to block wind and rain. Available in four muted colours - black, beige, navy and dark green, this is the long padded coat that won't let you down.
RRP: £348 / $398 | Sporty and chic, this cosy coat has a discreet cinchable waist for added shape. The hood is removable and there’s a two-way zipper to ensure you can adjust the fit. Wear with your favourite leggings and sweater to lean into the sporty feel.
Best parka coat
A type of coat most associated with practicality, the humble parka is a hardworking wardrobe essential and one of the best winter coats to invest in. A quality parka will earn its keep in your wardrobe in a number of different ways, from providing a protective outer layer to bringing a utility feel to smart casual outfit ideas. Wear yours with distressed denim or over a dress and boots to lean into its cool, indie connotations. A constant when it comes to what to wear to a festival, if the parka is good enough for Kate Moss, then it's good enough for us.
Wondering about trench coats vs parka coats, the parka has a far sportier feel, where as a trench coat definitely crosses the border into office-ready style, in a way that the parka may struggle in more formal settings.
The North Face’s Suzanne Parka, is one of the best North Face jackets and ticks all the boxes with its cool utility-inspired khaki hue and weather-proof technology. A waterproof jacket that is also windproof and down insulated, it’ll protect you from all the elements. It’s super adaptable too with a two-in-one design so you can wear the inner jacket on cold, dry days or the outer jacket on wet and warm days. In the depths of winter, you can wear them both at once.
RRP: £390 / $635 | The Kooples aesthetic is all about that rock’n’roll edge and this leopard print parka epitomises that. It’s a unisex design with a practical waterproof finish and drawstring hood. Wear with black jeans and buckle boots.
RRP: £198 / $260 | British clothing brand Boden has crafted this beautiful parka with a showerproof fabric and a snug borg lining to prepare you for whatever the weather throws at you this season. This taupe hue is ideal for kicking off an autumn capsule wardrobe.
RRP: £149.95 / $184.95 | Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or simply exploring a new city, this has you covered. It’s all in the details from the sherpa lined hood to the concealed zipper to the hand warmer pockets, it's made from recycled materials too.
Best camel coat
No piece is quite as classic as the camel coat. Long been considered a neutral like white, black, and grey, camel is versatile enough to wear with all hues on the colour wheel, making it one of the best winter coats, if you want something that will go with pretty much everything. Whether you want to splash out on a high end designer number or keep it budget-friendly, a camel coat always looks expensive and we guarantee every stylist, editor and celebrity has one in their wardrobe. Perfect for leaning into that Quiet Luxury trend, expect to see camel coats in an array of silhouettes from tailored, double-breasted designs to modern shearling finishes.
Italian clothing brand Max Mara’s iconic camel coats are some of the most coveted. This gorgeous double-breasted design is crafted from 100% wool for guaranteed snugness. It features a coordinating belt to pull you in at the waist, creating a stunning hourglass silhouette. Expertly made, this smart, tailored coat will be loved for years to come. Throw over any outfit for the instant wow factor.
RRP: £338 / $560 | Reiss coats are top class, made with great tailoring and luxe fabrications. Elevate the everyday with this slick iteration. A minimalist design with a single button fastening for a more directional finish, the wool-blend fabric is super soft and fully lined.
RRP: £49.99 / $74.99 | Because camel coats always look expensive, even high street designs have that luxe appeal so this budget-friendly version is an absolute steal. The slightly slouchy silhouette lends itself to some handy winter layering.
RRP: £159 / $285 | With a fuzzy texture for extra interest, this winter coat is delightfully cosy. The relaxed collar gives it a robe-like aesthetic whilst the contrasting black belt ensures it still looks smart. Great for slipping over more tailored outfits.
Best rain coat
A forecast of rain might dampen your day, but with the right rainy day outfits you'll be splashing in puddles in no time. Banish any thoughts of dated pack-a-macs or anoraks from your mind, the next generation of waterproof jackets and coats are powered by high-tech fabrics and have very much taken appearance into account. They’re not just for festivals either and have been dripping their way into our everyday wardrobes thanks to their sleeker-than-sleek designs. Practicality that doesn’t skimp on style either, these next-gen raincoats are ones you’ll actually want to wear. Even when it’s not raining.
Made from a durable waterproof fabric with a matte textured finish, this achingly cool coat from Stutterheim will add a splash of sunshine to your look. The minimalist silhouette ensures it’ll stand the test of time and it features double-welded seams for reliable protection from the rain. It has a drawstring hood and under arm eyelets for comfort and easy movement.
RRP: £150 / $227 | A raincoat that doesn’t even look like a raincoat, this makes a stylish everyday choice. Details give it the added edge - with quilted lining and a snazzy stripe on the back.
RRP: £120 / $149 | Warm and waterproof, this will protect you from the elements. Breathable, so there’s no stickiness, the faux fur lining is a stylish finish that makes it feel luxe to wear. Snap it up in one of 15 colours.
RRP: £79 / $110 | Fuss-free detail for that Scandinavian feel, a Rains jacket is a must-have for minimalist capsule wardrobes. A unisex design, it’s cut from the brand's signature waterproof PU fabric and incredibly lightweight too.
Best faux fur coat
Faux fur is synonymous with luxury so if you want to indulge in some sartorial extravagance, a faux fur coat is the way to go. No longer just about classic hues of browns and beiges, for the autumn/winter fashion trends 2023 designers such as Bally and Stella McCartney sent models down the runway in bold animal prints and vibrant hues for a more statement-making look. One of the easiest winter coats to style, a faux fur coat is a head-turning outfit in itself so it really doesn’t matter what you wear underneath.
A combination of cosiness and glamour, this ivory design from Ted Baker is top of our wish list this season. If you’re worried about the extra bulk a faux fux coat, the belted waist design helps to add structure to your shape. The oversized collar adds an extra dose of drama. Wear over the best cocktail dresses to really make your entrance at every party.
RRP: £120 / $188 | In a rich purple hue, this coat is just made for party season and beyond. It has a statement collar that can be buttoned up to the top for extra warmth. Team with your jeans and a sparkly top combo.
RRP: £225 / $280 | Turn it up a notch with this loud cobalt blue shade. Minimal styling needed, the self tie belt adds definition to the relaxed silhouette. It’s made from recycled materials too for extra sustainable credentials.
RRP: £95 / $118 | A coat you can really cocoon yourself in, this fluffy design exudes opulence. The charcoal hue offers excellent wearability, pairing well with most colours. Try layering over some leather trousers for a rock’n’roll look.
Best trench coat
Few coats have such all-year-round appeal as the trench. Wear yours as a lightweight layer as part of your spring capsule wardrobe, before transferring it to your autumn wardrobe later in the year. The traditional trench is straight-cut, a mid-calf length, and features both a collar and a belt, but this sartorial blueprint continues to be tweaked and reimagined season after season. Alongside classic shades of biscuity beige are prints, patterns, and bold hues. This season, while the classic structured cotton fabric remains the key option, for a more fashion-forward feel, swap it out for a more modern denim, or real leather iteration.
If the budget doesn’t quite stretch to a Burberry trench coat, this Mango design is the next best thing. Featuring defining characteristics of the traditional trench from the double-breasted silhouette to the adjustable belt, it’s made from a water-repellent fabric so will protect you during a short shower too.
Best of the rest…
RRP: £165 / $239 | In a more contemporary silhouette with a single button-up design and raglan sleeves, this is just as versatile. The khaki hue gives it a utility feel, wear loose for a more laidback look.
RRP: £368 / $368 | Lean into the denim trends 2023 and give the trench the jean treatment for a cool spin. Perfect for nailing that double denim look, wear with some flares and heeled boots and channel that '70s vibe.
RRP: £389 / $535 | The leather fabric gives the traditional trench a rebellious look whilst still oozing sophistication. We love the warm chocolate hue too - a softer take on black and less like you’ve stepped out of The Matrix.
Best shearling coat
Blending textures is a failsafe way to add luxe to your look - the more tactile the better. Shaggy and soft, shearling is satisfyingly cosy, and a premium way to stay warm when temperatures drop. It’s important to note that shearling is an animal product akin to fur, and faux options are widely available if required. The most popular style of shearling coat is undoubtedly the aviator, recognisable by its oversized shape, broad lapels, and crossbody fastening (usually a zip). The style was originally worn by pilots, before becoming a popular fashion piece. But other shearling designs are available and deliver a chic Rich Mom feel to any outfit.
Go all-out with Joseph’s textured Cali coat. Single-breasted with hidden buttons, it has a waist-defining belt and smooth leather on the inside. It has an oversized fit so you may want to size down to avoid feeling too overwhelmed by the fabric. A true investment piece that’s bound to bring in the compliments.
Best of the rest…
RRP: £899 / $1,499 | All Saints leather jackets are perhaps the best well known of the brand's outerwear offering, and this aviator iteration with shearling lining is worth the hype. It has a slouchy fit and two handy pockets.
RRP: £600 / $700 | Much like cuddling up with your favourite teddy bear, this all-over shearling coat is the perfect blend of chic and cosy. The cream colour makes it a dream to style with everything - just be careful with your coffee!
RRP: £899 / $1,400 | The statement lobster clasp fastenings gives this one extra style kudos. Made from sheepskin leather, the cropped silhouette makes it a good in-between number and perfect for petites too.
What is the best winter coat for warmth?
Winter coats can normally be divided into two categories: the ones that prioritise style, and the ones that prioritise warmth. But that doesn’t mean there’s not a crossover in the middle. In fact, this central section of this sartorial ven diagram is much bigger than you might think.
The first consideration when understanding how to pick a warm winter coat is fabric. Wool is a brilliant insulator, and as the fibers have gaps between them, is also nice and breathable. Keep in mind that “wool mix” doesn’t always mean substantial wool content, so check the label. Ideally, you’re looking for at least 80% to keep you toasty. Cashmere is also great at keeping the chill at bay, but this luxe fabric does come at a premium.
Now, when most of us think of a warm winter coat, it’s normally a puffer that springs to mind. Created from down, feathers, or a vegan-friendly synthetic alternative, tiny pockets of warm air are trapped between the gaps in the padding, which works to retain heat.
Fabric and filling aside, it’s the little details that make the biggest difference. It doesn’t take an expert to understand that the longer coat, and the longer the sleeves, the warmer it will be. Taped seams that won’t let in a whisper of breeze or rain are great, as are cuffed cuffs. If you’re really facing the elements, consider investing in a coat with a hood, additional lining, and waterproof outer.
What is the best winter coat for dog walking?
The best winter coat for dog walking needs to protect you from all the elements, as there is no option but to get outside and take your pup for their exercise - whatever the weather.
The best winter coats for dog walking will need to not just keep you warm but actively help to regulate your body temperature as you are likely to naturally get warmer on your walk, or through playing with your furry friend during an exercise session. This means that your first port of call should be high performance outerwear pieces crafted specifically for activity. Patagonia and brands like Patagonia, such as Columbia, Fjallraven, Helly Hansen, Jack Wolfskin and The North Face are a particularly strong choice as they all use specialist technology to create outerwear that can withstand wind, rain and shine. When reading through product specifications look for wind resistant ratings, breathability and water repellent abilities.
The length of the best winter coat for dog walking is a personal choice. A longer line design will offer extra coverage and keep bottoms and thighs warmer in the depths of winter, however if your dog walk is fairly active and involves more than a stroll round the block, you may find a shorter activewear jacket gives you a better range of movement.
Which brands have the best winter coats?
When looking for the best winter coats, it's wise to think not just of aesthetics but fabrication and functionality too. While lots of fashion-forward brands will produce gorgeous winter coats that are on trend and will keep you cosy, for maximum winter protection, you want to look to specialist brands, that have a wealth of knowledge in high-spec fabrics. This includes brands like The North Face, as its coats are designed for performance not just looks. This means they will have special coatings to protect you from the weather.
If you're looking for more of a trend-led style, opt for brands that use down, or imitation down (for a vegan version). Brands such as Uniqlo and Canada Goose are excellent for this style.
Should your winter coat be a size bigger?
"Winter coats are cut specifically with the idea that you'll be wearing other items of clothing underneath them", says fashion editor, Rivkie Baum. "Meaning they should already be a little roomier than a t-shirt in the same size. To that end, you do not need to size up when buying a winter coat. If buying a tailored design, you may find it a little too fitted to wear bulky sweaters underneath. If you are tempted to size up, make sure to look at the shoulders of the coat as a size guide when trying on. The shoulder seams should still sit on your shoulders, when it comes to getting a smart but well fitting coat."
What to look for when buying a winter coat?
When looking for the best winter coats there are several things to consider.
1. Fabric - This is possibly the most important as it is the deciding factor as to how warm your coat will be. Natural fabrics, such as wool, will be naturally warm but also breathable, so you won't find yourself hot and sweaty. There are a number of technical fabrics now available on the market and these are an excellent choice for high-performance, cold weather coats. Look for treated fabrics that will help keep you dry, protect against wind and keep you warm. Tactile fabrics such as faux fur and shearling will also contribute to a feeling of protection and cosiness.
2. Design - Of course, you want your coat to look good too, and paying attention to the latest coat trends will help you nail this season's looks. If you want more of an investment style that you can wear for several seasons, opt for a more classic design in a neutral colourway that won't go out of fashion.
3. Care instructions - While this shouldn't be a final deciding factor, it is wise to make yourself aware of the care label instructions before purchase. Coats that require dry cleaning are obviously harder to care for and may be better suited to special occasion, or workwear styles. Machine washable coats might be more desirable for everyday, sporty or coats worn to the park or on a dog walk so you can keep them refreshed more easily.
4. What's it for - There will be a number of different winter coats you may want in your winter wardrobe. This will include something smart and perhaps more tailored for the office, or evening wear, something a little sportier like a parka for weekends, and something a little more glamourous - like a faux fur coat, as we head into the festive season.
With over fifteen years' experience, Rivkie is an accomplished fashion editor, writer and stylist. Covering international fashion weeks, and styling photoshoots all over the world, Rivkie loves translating the trends in an accessible way to make fashion available for all budgets.
The best winter coats come in all sizes and silhouettes, ensuring there is plenty of choice for personal taste. When looking for a winter coat specifically, while style and the latest coat trends 2023 will help you express yourself, don't forget to really engage with the product specification - if you're shopping online this should be clearly detailed on the product page. Make sure your coat will live up to your expectations and needs before purchasing.