The 12 Best Winter Jackets for Extreme Cold, So You Won’t Be Left Shivering

"As a Californian, I am a born-and-bred weather wimp. Last year I was terrified into buying (secondhand on Poshmark!) a Canada Goose Mystique parka," says PureWow lifestyle editor Marissa Wu. "Surely, if this legendary coat kept Arctic explorers alive, it would also protect me from what was reported to be one of the most brutal New York winters ever. I went to school in Boston, where a Mystique and a pair of Bean boots were the college student starter pack, though I initially turned up my nose. Surely a $1,600+ parka wasn’t that good. Well, last year I ate my words. I’m freezing all the time; this is the warmest coat I’ve ever had. I can wear a cute outfit underneath without layering up on the thermals and extra sweaters. I have range of motion in my arms because I’m not bulked up with layers. And I can walk around when it’s nearly 0 degrees Fahrenheit feeling like a toasty little slug. For better range of motion, I sized up for the option to layer on especially cold days, but it is true to size, and you’ll be fine well into the teens and 20s. Pro tip: On windy days, the chin guard is a lifesaver."

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: -22F
• Insulation Materials: 625 fill power; 80 percent duck down, 20 percent feathers
• Size Range: 2XS to XL
• Care/Cleaning: dry clean only
• Waterproof: water repellent

After blowing up on the internet, the Aritzia Superpuff has earned a well-deserved reputation for being uber-warm without carrying an exorbitant price tag. PureWow Senior Content Creator Kate Kesselman has the cropped version of the parka.

“I have had so many friends purchase this jacket, and I never understood the hype. Now, I do. I LOVE this jacket. It keeps me warm during the cold NYC months while looking cute at the same time,” she says. “My Super Puff has a glossy finish, which is great for snow and rain because I don’t get too wet. I also find that the coat still gives me shape, even though it is puffy.”

Kesselman also shares that this coat has garnered tons of compliments—more than any other coat she owns. But the most important thing is that it’s made for extreme cold.

“I have worn this coat with just a T-shirt underneath in the depths of NYC winter,” she reports. “The only time I have switched coats is when there is deep snow and/or I want something longer.” Kesselman has had her coat for almost two years and says that it’s still in great condition. However, she notes that for the glossy fabric in particular, stains can be tough to clean.

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: -4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulation Materials: 800 fill power; 100 percent down
• Size Range: XXXS to XL
• Care/Cleaning: machine washable
• Waterproof: water repellant

Patagonia is well known for its rugged outdoor wear that is also environmentally conscious. PureWow tester Hope Curran tried the Silent Down Parka as the temperatures have dropped in her remote French village. She lives in a building with central heating that doesn’t turn on until late in the season, meaning the apartment—in a former convent with old parquet and flimsy insulation—gets extremely chilly starting at the beginning of October.

“This jacket feels like wearing a human sleeping bag as it is so cozy, soft, lightweight and easy to pack up,” she reports, adding that she loved thoughtful features like the front chest pockets and general lightweight design.

“Thsi is is a staple item in my closet for winter now. I am delighted to see that 75 percent of the material is recycled down, and 25 percent is recycled waterfowl feathers. Patagonia also encourages the philosophy of repair, reuse and recycle, which is a great model for long-term wear.”

If you want to layer up, Curran notes that bulky knits may be a tight squeeze, but thinner layers are more than sufficient. Also note that the coat is not waterproof, and so best for cold, sunny conditions as opposed to rain.

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: 20 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulation Materials: 700 fill power; recycled goose and duck down
• Size Range: XS to XL
• Care/Cleaning: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
• Waterproof: no 

PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay recently added the Mackage Carmina jacket to her winter closet, her praise could not have been higher.

"This coat is technically flawless. It's engineered to perform in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to its double-layered design, including a removable bib that sits snug to the body and is filled with a combination of down and feathers,” she reports. “Both layers feature a thick storm neck visor to help block wind and chill. Plus, the shell is nylon (meaning it's durable and water resistant), with a monochromatic black shearling trim that reads more high fashion than high altitude. My favorite way to wear it right now while the temperatures are chilly but bearable is with the inner vest zipped up and the outer layer splayed open—two looks in one. The fit is slightly oversized and relaxed, so if you prefer a snugger fit I'd size down, but if you like to layer like me, I'd go with your usual size (I'm wearing a medium).”

She acknowledges that it’s pricey, but the quality construction makes it worth the investment. “Thanks to the durable nylon material, I'm not afraid to wear it around the city or (the real test) in the company of my always sticky-handed toddler. Plus, the massive pockets, huge hood and side gussets for moveability make this luxury coat so much more than just a fashion statement,” she says, noting that some care is needed. “Keep in mind: The shearling trim is 100 percent wool, so if you are caught in a downpour, shake off excess water and hang to dry once home.”

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: -4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulation Materials: 90 percent recycled down, 10 percent recycled feathers
• Size Range: XXS to 3XL
• Care/Cleaning: dry clean only with a leather specialist (fur requires special oil-based solvent)
• Waterproof: water resistant

The big downer about winter jackets is that they're inevitably bulky and hard to wash. But, in addition to being suitable for temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, lululemon's quilted down jacket is both compact and machine washable.

"The jacket is lightweight, making it perfect to wear on its own on cooler days or as a layering piece over a sweater or another jacket when temperatures drop," Kesselman says. "It has a slightly boxy, oversized fit that gives it a relaxed look, while the unique sewn-in pattern adds a little extra character compared to other basic black jackets."

While it might not have the visual heft of an ankle-length parka, Kesselman has found that it still pulls its weight, and then some. "I was surprised by how warm it keeps me," she says. Because it's so compact, it's an ideal mid-layer, able to compress under heavier coats while still leaving ample room for layers beneath it.

Fast Facts

• Waterproof: water resistant
• Temperature Rating: 14 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulation Materials: 90 percent goose down, 10 percent goose feathers
• Size Range: XXS to XL
• Care/Cleaning: machine wash cold, tumble dry low

"I was influenced into buying my first Barbour jacket after my fashionable flatmate and Kate Middleton both made a serious case for the coat," Wu says. "My first was a Beadnell Polarquilt in Burgundy, which I bought for a winter holiday exploring the Grand Canyon. I wanted something unfussy and warm but still kind of fashionable, and I found it delivered. What I missed, however, was the ability to layer, as the jacket, though true to size, was pretty snug."

The Highclere waxed jacket reminded Wu of Middleton’s Defence wax jacket but roomier. Some days, she just wants to ditch her ankle-length parka, so having an insulating coat that can accommodate bulkier layers (like her favorite pillow-y Sézane sweaters) is a must in her winter wardrobe. She would wear it with layers when temps drop to the low 30s.

Unlike the traditional wax jackets, this one comes with a detachable hood, anchored by a slew of discrete gold buttons under the signature corduroy collar/ The two front flap pockets are ginormous, with the addition of an inner zip pocket and two side pockets nested behind the flap pockets.

"I do miss the kangaroo pockets found on my Polarquilt coat, but they’re something I can do without," Wu says. "What really drew me to the brand’s wax jackets was that Barbour is committed to the longevity of their products. The wax jackets can be sent back to the brand for re-waxing, helping to preserve the water-repellent quality of the cotton fabric."

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: N/A
• Insulation Materials: N/A
• Size Range: US 2 to 16
• Care/Cleaning: sponge clean only
• Waterproof: water repellant

For those wanting more royally-approved winter fashion options, PureWow’s royals editor Rachel Bowie was influenced into buying this Meghan Markle-approved Sentaler coat, and now she’s raving about it.

“The pop of red! The beautiful draping. It was a splurge, but after trying it on, I fell in love,” she says. “The design itself is elegant and unique, from the ribbed sleeves to funnel collar—even just the wrap style is incredibly flattering while also working overtime to block the wind. The material is made from lightweight baby alpaca wool, which makes it ultra-warm." (Per the founder of Sentaler, there are microscopic air pockets in the animal's hair that up the insulation.)

"I'll admit that I love to wear this as a special occasion coat—it looks so chic as a layer over a dress. I also wear it for occasions with my kids—for example, a family photo shoot this past weekend," Bowie adds. "It is beautifully constructed and holds up to wear and tear. I bought it in 2020 and have worn it several times every winter—and it still looks like this. As an FYI, the fit is slim, but you can see in the pic that it has some movement to it as well. One note: I did take mine to the tailor upon purchasing it to have the belt loops adjusted to better suit my frame. This is a low-cost fix that can change the fit of any jacket.”

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: 30 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulation Materials: 70 percent baby alpaca wool, 30 percent sheep wool
• Size Range: XS to L
• Care/Cleaning: dry clean only
• Waterproof: no

Winter can't be all about the big, bulky coats. You need strategic layers, too, whether it's a roomy top coat or slimmer middle layer. That's where Lands' End's boucle fleece coat comes in. It's generously cut and works as a cozy top layer in mid/late fall, but can also serve as a layer when it gets colder outside. PureWow tester Ellen Cary loves it for its pockets and slight stretch of the fabric, though she does note that the arm holes aren't too roomy. She typically wears just a shirt or thin sweater underneath, noting that it's not a coat she would wear a ton of layers under. However, because of its slimmer profile compared to other winter jackets, it would fit well under a bulkier, roomier coat (like the Canada Goose Mystique).

The jacket features a standing collar, two-way zipper (great if you need to sit) and kangaroo pockets. Unlike most coats on this list, it's also machine washable, saving you a stop at (and massive bill from) the dry cleaner.

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: N/A
• Insulation Materials: N/A
• Size Range: XS to L (petite, tall and plus sizes also available)
• Care/Cleaning: machine washable
• Waterproof: no

Canada Goose, as we know, is the outerwear of choice for explorers and scientists working in Antarctica, as well as film crews the world over, oddly enough. The brand makes some of the absolute warmest winter puffers and parkas, with multiple options rated to keep you warm at temperatures below -22° F. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive brands on this list. This is definitely an investment piece; however it does come with a lifetime warranty and a bevy of rave reviews. The Expedition parka comes with an impressively high neck (plus a detachable hood) to ensure no gusts of cold air sneak down your collar, and an inner drawstring that gives you the option to cinch the waist if you like.

Former PureWow Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak frequently borrowed her husband’s parka during cold Chicago winters. “It’s incredibly warm and isn’t super stiff which I like,” she tells me. “There is plenty of room for a thicker layered shirt underneath, too. The hood is really big and comfortable and doesn’t fall when it’s windy. I had a lot of rainy/snowy days where I had to walk a lot in this [jacket] and it did a great job at keeping me dry. I’m not a fan of super long parkas, so it was nice that this one hit mid-thigh.”

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: -22 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulation Materials: 625 fill power; 80 percent duck down, 20 percent feathers
• Size Range: 2XS to 3XL
• Care/Cleaning: dry clean only, remove fur ruff before dry cleaning
• Waterproof: water repellant

PureWow contributing editor Alexia Dellner’s husband has had a version of the Fjallraven’s Expedition jacket for over a decade. He has worn it to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, trek through the snow during Christmases in Sweden and withstand New York’s polar vortexes.

“My husband has worn this jacket in -10 degree weather and been seriously toasty,” she wrote in a review. “In fact, signature G-1000 fabric is so efficient that he often complains it’s too warm. And when temps do drop below freezing, you can forget about taking the subway—he’ll overheat immediately. I’ve also spent many chilly winter nights with my hands shoved into his jacket pockets (they’re warmer than any glove I’ve ever owned). It is both wind- and water-resistant. This jacket really lives up to the Swedish motto, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: -10 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulation Materials: PrimaLoft Black Insulation RISE
• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Care/Cleaning: machine washable, do not dry clean
• Waterproof: water repellant

“I’ll start by saying that, yes, it can absolutely be too cold for you to safely go for a run. But for the dedicated miler that still actually wants to head outside mid-February, this lululemon topper will help keep you warm and dry, even as you approach 10 degrees Fahrenheit,” say Hepworth, herself a serious runner. “The outer shell is water-repellent and the PrimaLoft insulation will continue to keep you nice and warm even when wet. It also comes with an extra fleecy dickie zipped into the collar for additional warmth on truly frigid days, but that can be removed once spring starts to creep in. I also deeply appreciate the reflective details which help identify you as a runner on the road, since you’re more likely to be running in the dark during winter’s shorter days.”

Fast Facts

• Temperature Rating: -10 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulation Materials: synthetic PrimaLoft insulation
• Size Range: US 0 to 14
• Care/Cleaning: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
• Waterproof: water repellant