The best winter coats for women will see you through a cold spell in style

The best winter coats are an investment, both in terms of style and money. Pick well, and you'll be both snug and stylish for years to come. Choose poorly, and your new buy is likely to have ended up on the charity pile by the time the next big freeze comes around.

So, whether you want to snap up an elegant camel number or keep the elements at bay with a practical parka, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best winter coats. 

Much like your trusty best jeans, there are certain types of coats that you can guarantee will be in fashion year after year: the transitional trench, the best parkas, and the tailored wool coat, to name just a few.

Then, there are the warmest winter coats that we return to coldspell after coldspell: the puffer, the ski jacket, the heavy-duty raincoat. All you need to do is add a pair of the best walking boots and you've got your outdoor look covered.

“It's important to think about lifestyle factors; are you looking for everyday outerwear to keep you wrapped up on dog walks? A smarter style to take you from day to night with ease? Or perhaps a jacket that can see you through all weather?” says Joely Chilcott, former Style Editor at woman&home.

Little tends to change when it comes to the best winter coats trends, but a couple of new ones have emerged lately.

“This season, I have my eye on a quilted coat. A step down from the voluminous padded cover-up that reigned supreme last year, a quilted number provides an ample amount of padding for warmth without drowning my frame and adding bulk,” explains Joely.

If you're looking to invest in a style that lasts, Joely recommends a classic trench or the best leather jackets 

“A neutral trench cinches in the waist with a belt while wide lapels frame a fuller bust so it's a style that suits all shapes and sizes and can be worn for all occasions or years to come. While an edgy biker jacket looks just as fab with jeans as it does toughening up a floral dress," adds Joely.

How to pick the warmest winter coats

There are a few key things to look for if you want to bag the warmest winter coat. Fabric plays a key part, so look for coats with a high wool percentage if you want to keep toasty. A brilliant insulator, the holes between the fibres ensure it’s breathable, too. If you find that wool irritates your skin, look to a lined coat you can wear itch-free.

Cashmere is another fabric to look for when shopping for the warmest winter coat, albeit a pricier one. A cashmere-wool blend would be a more affordable compromise.

Quilted jackets often feature down padding which uses the fuzzy under-feathers of ducks or geese to create impressive insulation. Tiny pockets of warm air are trapped between the fluff, retaining heat.  Alternatively, synthetic down is cheaper and still a warm choice for a vegan-friendly option.

Longer coats are more likely to keep you warm from head-to-toe and despite wanting to show off a killer outfit underneath your cover-up, coats are more likely to keep the cold out if they are buttoned or zipped up.

The overall best winter coats 

On the hunt for your new winter cover-up, then look no further! Our fashion experts have searched the stores and rifled through the cyber shelves to find the best winter coats on offer.

The best teddy coats

Much like the name suggests, a teddy coat feels as soft as your favourite childhood toy and who wouldn’t want that wrapped around you? Usually made of faux fur to resemble a teddy bear’s fluff, they come in an array of styles and fits from cropped jackets to oversized cocoon designs. When it comes to colours, you can snap up a classic brown hue or make a statement in a pop of pink.

Thanks to the wide range of fits and cuts, it’s easy to find a teddy coat to suit your shape too. They tend to be less bulky than a faux fur coat so are generally more flattering. A cocoon style has a relaxed fit so great for skimming over your figure whilst a cropped design won’t overwhelm petite frames. For something more tailored, opt for a trench or peacoat instead.

A bomber style with a teddy bear texture gives this jacket an achingly cool aesthetic. It has a ribbed hemline and cuffs and is fully lined to keep the cold out. The rounded collar adds a sweet, preppy touch to the traditionally sporty style and the relaxed fit allows plenty of room for layering. Its shorter style makes it a great option for petites and in-between season days but may not cut-it when it comes to ice-cold temperatures.

• Browse all Boden coats from $120/£85

For a more classic teddy bear coat, this one ticks all the boxes. It has a relaxed silhouette for a slightly oversized fit and that toasty teddy texture. It’s fully lined for added warmth and the double-breasted design gives it a smart, polished finish. The caramel hue plays well with pretty much anything in your wardrobe so try layering over midi dresses and boots or jeans and a cable knit for a cosy Autumnal look.

• Browse all Hobbs coats from $185/£89

Prepare to make a statement in this pink teddy coat. The cocoon design is super flattering, hanging effortlessly over your figure for a relaxed look. Wear open to show off your outfit, or use the hidden button fastening to keep the cold out. The wide lapels and v-neckline is flattering on the bust too. Layer over a floral frock and slouchy boots for a feminine winter look.

• Browse all Ted Baker coats from $295/£159

The best trench coats

If you’re looking to invest in a classic coat that you’ll wear for years to come, then a trench coat is a wise choice. A key part in any woman’s capsule wardrobe, the timeless trench has been around for 100 years - and has barely changed, proving the design has serious longevity. 

Practical and chic, a trench coat has a built-in belt that cinches you in at the waist to create a flattering hourglass silhouette. They are double-breasted, often with storm flaps, epaulettes and statement buttons. Guaranteed to pull any look together, they are smart enough for the 9-5 but can also be casually thrown over denim for a polished weekend look. They’re not as thick as other coats, so if you’re after the warmest winter coat you’d be better off going for a quilted coat instead.

It wouldn’t be a trench coat roundup without the OG from designer Burberry. Invented by Thomas Burberry for the military during the First World War, it’s still as practical as ever and pretty stylish too. Burberry has since created a plethora of different designs but we highly rate the Waterloo Heritage trench for a classic and contemporary pick. Crafted from cotton, it has all the traditional features including a storm flap, double-breasted fastening, a classic collar and the iconic checked lining. Oh-so-elegant, it’s a life-long investment worth making.

• Browse all Burberry coats from $990/£950

If you’re not ready to splurge on a designer trench then this Mango dupe will do the job for a fraction of the price. It has all the must-have details including a built-in belt, lapel collar, buttoned cuffs and a double-breasted design. As part of Mango’s Committed collection, it has been produced using sustainable fibers or processes. It feels a lot more expensive than it is and you’re guaranteed to get plenty of wear out of this one.

• Browse all Mango coats from $79.99/£49.99

For those looking to step away from the traditional trench coat style, let us introduce this sage trench coat. Instead of the built-in-belt it has drawstring detailing to pull you in at the waist. It also has an asymmetric button fastening, instead of a double-breasted style and notch lapels. We love the sage hue for a fresh update but it also comes in beige if you want to keep it classic. It comes up slightly oversized, so you may want to downsize for a slimmer fit.

• Browse all H&M Coats from $19.99/£9.99

The best pea coats

Another classic that has stood the test of time is the pea coat. The most distinguishing feature of the pea coat is that it is double-breasted. Originally worn by sailors, it now comes in an array of styles, from trend-led checks to colour-popping hues. 

It’s traditionally quite short in length, which makes it a good choice for petite frames. Its tailored style also means it can instantly smarten up any winter look. 

Look for details such as gold-embossed buttons for a luxe finish. Check the wool percentage if you want to stay warm but if you’re looking for a longer coat, look to the teddy or padded styles instead.

The vibrant green hue gives this classic peacoat a modern update. Featuring a distinctive double breasted fastening, the embossed buttons add a luxe touch too. The slight a-line shape gives it more of a feminine silhouette, ideal for teaming with a mini skirt or dress for an elegant evening look. The rich shade might not go with everything but it would make a bold statement on an evening out.

• Browse all Zara coats from $49.90/£29.99

British brand M&S has a vast selection of stylish well-made outerwear and this pea coat is no exception. Cut to a classic pea coat shape it has a traditional double-breasted style with gold-tone crested buttons and cuffs, tapping into that military aesthetic. It has a touch of wool of extra warmth and a very handy internal pocket. We love the dark khaki hue for a nod to utility but it’s also available in an easy-to-wear black too.

• Browse all M&S coats from $50/£19.50

If you fancy splashing out on a designer number, we love this modern take on the pea coat design. Featuring an oversized fit for a slouchy vibe, it’s ideal for layering over chunky sweats. Crafted from 100% virgin wool it’s guaranteed to keep you toasty during a cold spell too. It has a double-breasted finish with wide lapels and finishes just at the thighs. Petite frames should downsize to avoid the oversized shape overwhelming the figure. Team with other neutral hues for a chic tonal look.

• Browse all Raey coats at Matches Fashion from $809/£595

The best quilted coats

The closest thing to stepping out in your duvet, a quilted coat has reached new sartorial heights, especially during the past year when comfort has been key. 

Ranging from the lightly quilted to the puffed-out padded, these coats are like a giant hug. They have a more casual aesthetic that can be thrown over any outfit for instant warmth. Petites should stick to finer quilting and cropped styles to avoid the outerwear swamping the frame. 

Although some designs (e.g. belted) are slightly smarter, they tend to have more of a sporty vibe which might not suit the 9-5. In that case, opt for a tailored pea coat or polished trench.

Thanks to its smart belted design, this quilted coat from Mango will work just as well in the city as it does in the countryside. The built-in belt helps to cinch in the puffed-out oversized style for a more streamlined, feminine silhouette. Its unfussy style makes it easy to throw over any look and the press stud fastening ensures a snug fit. The filling is made from 100% recycled polyester to tick off that sustainable box too.

• Browse all Mango coats from $79.99/£49.99

This practical yet fashionable number really packs a punch. Filled with eco-friendly insulation, it’s a warm-as-down alternative made of 100 percent recycled content. It has a regular fit that makes it easy for layering (although it’s so toasty you really don’t need much underneath) and it boasts a hood for any unexpected downpours. Not only that, it all packs into a handy neck pillow so you can easily take it away on your winter escape.

• Browse all Madewell coats from $39.99/£40

Barbour has a loyal following including the Duchess of Cambridge who has been spotted in their designs on a few occasions. When it comes to the warmest winter coats, the British brand is a go-to and their quilted jackets are both snug and stylish. The Ashore Quilted Jacket features two way zip fastening, a toggle-adjustable hood and is padded with Barbour Fibre Down for extra snugness. The chic navy hue is a good alternative to black and is the perfect choice for brisk walks in the countryside.

• Browse all Barbour coats at House of Fraser from $78/£52