What Are The Warmest Winter Coats For Women?
When it comes to coats, you might be left scratching your head a bit. You’re probably looking for something stylish that will keep you warm and not fall apart after one or two seasons. This might seem like a tall order, but it is very doable when you’re thoughtful about what you’re buying. There are a few things to keep in mind, and we can also show you a few of our favorite jackets, as well! So, let’s dive right in.
Consider what makes a coat warm
Three things you need to think about when it comes to a warm coat are:
- Wind resistance
- Water resistance
- Insulation levels
To assist you in your search, let’s talk about each of these important parts of a coat a bit more in-depth.
Wind resistance
For example, there are different types of materials that resist wind. While it varies a bit, Outdoors.org says you can test a coat for wind resistance in an easy manner. “Simply hold the fabric against your mouth and blow against it as hard as you can. An average adult can generate a maximum pressure of approximately 2 pounds per square inch this way, which is roughly the equivalent of a 20 mph wind.”
Water resistance
Water resistance is another important part of a coat. Believe it or not, not all coats are water resistant or function the same way as a rain jacket, even if they are a coat. In fact, some coats even have water-tight zippers as well as flaps over the pockets to keep snow and rain out. It’s features like this you’ll want to pay special attention to if you’ll be somewhere wet.
Insulation levels
When it comes to insulation levels, you’ll need to consider what type of filler you like. The most popular tends to be goose down which is the plumage that birds have under their feathers. There are also down alternatives, however, down is the favorite. According to Canadiandownandfeather.com, “Down is the best insulator per ounce over any other fill, natural or man-made. Down provides much more warmth per ounce than feathers.” So, down is probably the best insulator, but it can be pricey. Again, you get what you pay for, though. So, it might be worth it!
What factors do you need to consider?
So, you might be wondering what factors you need to consider when buying a coat. Keep the following four things in mind as you shop.
Climate
The first thing to think about is the climate where you’ll be using your coat. Consider the wind, humidity, and if it snows or rains a lot. Many coats have features to keep you more comfortable depending on your climate. You don’t want to pick a coat that will leave you ill-equipped and uncomfortable when you’re trying to have a nice time.
Consider first the humidity. The humidity levels in Utah vs. Boston are going to be very different. So, you might want to consider using NOAA to look up the humidity before buying your coat. Humidity can influence how hot or cold it feels outside, as well.
Also, consider the temperature of where you’ll be using your coat. It can make or break how comfortable you’ll be. For example, there’s a big difference between California's winter weather and Minnesota's. 56 degrees versus -10 will require very, very different types of coats. Also, in many parts of California, you’ll often get rain vs. the heavy snow in Minnesota. Another thing to consider is the wind chill. You might be visiting somewhere that has the same sort of climate as your home state, however, if it’s windy, that wind can go right through your coat. So, you’ll want to consider a coat with wind protection. There are many, many ways weather can vary from state to state, different elevations, and even cities within the same state. So, consider this carefully as you look at the features of your coat.
The Look of Your Coat
Another thing you’ll want to consider is the look of your coat. Ensure you’re picking a color you’ll love wearing that has the proper cut and length as well. You want to feel amazing as most people will probably be seeing your coat rather than the blouse or pants you’re wearing.
While there are many beautiful coats on the market, not considering the features of the coat and basing your choice solely on the look of the coat is a mistake, though. In a recent story titled “The Science of Picking a Winter Coat” done by CBS News Early Show Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen, she said, “Coats these days are not only functional but fashionably appealing.”
So, it’s important to keep in mind that you should be able to find something that is both fashionable as well as functional when it comes to your new coat.
The Uses for Your Coat
You’ll also want to think about how you’ll be using your coat. Will you be skiing at Northstar in Tahoe? Perhaps, enjoying family time at fancier holiday events? Maybe it’s just a coat that you need for everyday wear. There are coats for all of these occasions and more. You’ll want to look at dressier coats in some situations, sporty coats for hiking/biking, and something that features wind and water protection as well as warmth for everyday wear.
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Pricing for your Coats
As far as the pricing goes for coats, the old adage is true, you get what you pay for! A few things to watch out for when buying a coat include trendy coats, organic coats, and where the coat is made. While none of these things are necessarily bad choices, they will increase the price and not necessarily mean you’re getting a warm coat. In addition, while it might be tempting to buy a discount coat somewhere simple like a marketplace or department store, it’s better to go to outdoor specialists when it comes to high-quality coats.
Coats to Consider
So, why do we even need a coat? It’s a good question. It seems that adults and children alike, sometimes don’t want to wear a coat, but why is it important for us to do so? In an article published by Harvard entitled “Put Your Coat On” they talk about why children don’t always want to wear coats and how to explain to them why we need coats. This explanation, though more simple, can be helpful for adult understanding as well. They said: “Coats slow thermal equilibrium. They keep what’s inside in, and what’s outside out, as much as possible.” They went on to quote faculty member Tina Grotzer who says “So — the coat is helping you. I like to give kids that idea, because then it’s not just that it’s protecting you against the cold; it’s actually holding something that is yours — your heat energy.” So, coats are keeping your heat in which can not only keep you more comfortable, but it might even save your life in dire situations.
When it comes to coats, there are literally thousands if not more choices. The materials, look, and features all vary greatly. However, we’ve selected a few of our favorite coats to help you narrow your search. Here we’ll focus on the following coats.
- Squall parka
- Long down coat
- 3-in-1 Squall® coat
- Insulated plush coat with faux fur collar
Each one is great quality, and has many uses. Let’s focus on why these are some of the best winter coats for women.
Squall parka
Waterproof and windproof, this hooded women's winter parka has our warmest temperature rating, which means it can stand up to the meanest of Wisconsin winter storms. Extra insulation and a warm fleece lining make it suited to extreme climates (did we mention Wisconsin yet?) and nasty weather. A durable waterproof, windproof nylon shell and tightly sealed seams prevent moisture from rain, snow, and sleet from sneaking in, which is huge because wearing wet clothing in frigid climates is one of the fastest ways to lose body heat and catch hypothermia. If you’re curious about how the Weather Channel used their Squall Parkas, watch their review here. There's even a rip-grip storm flap covering the hidden two-way zipper to trap body heat and protect you from the elements. In addition to all of its protective measures, women’s squall parkas are simply stylish. Many of our squall parkas for women include an interior drawcord at the waist so that you can tighten or loosen the coat to flatter your body. Plus, with zippered chest pockets, interior zip pockets, and your standard side pockets, you’ve got room to store everything you need to survive a day out in the cold.
Long down coat
We have left our legs to fend for themselves in the freezing winter wind. This winter, let them in on the cozy warmth your torso gets to enjoy every time you put on your winter coat with a women’s long down coat. Long and lean, a women's long winter coat filled with lightweight HyperDRY™ down stays toasty even when it's drizzling. You can hide your icy fingers in the hand-warmer pockets when trudging through a blizzard and enjoy feeling the faux fur lining along the hood tickle your cheeks. Many of our long down coats are also packable, meaning it’s super simple to pack your big winter coat on days when you aren’t sure if you’ll need it yet. If you’re always on the go during the colder months, this is the perfect coat for you.
3-in-1 Squall® coat
With its durable lining and sealed seams, this incredibly versatile women's winter coat is a step above typical women's outerwear. Since it was designed to protect against the elements all year long, this is a great coat to keep on hand no matter the season. Zip the quilted inner jacket together with the waterproof, windproof shell, and you're ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store. It's even machine washable and each layer can be worn separately as the seasons change. If you’re the type of runner that doesn’t let the cold weather get in her way, this coat is great for you because it comes equipped with reflective trim. This lets you stand out at night or anytime when there is low visibility, which in turn keeps you safe while you run. If you’d like to see the Squall 3-in-1 coat in action with the Weather Channel, again, take a look at this video:
Insulated plush coat with faux fur collar
Another of our warmest coats club, the insulated plush-lined winter coat is one of our top-rated for cold. Despite this, it is also great for everyday wear thanks to the incredible temperature regulating abilities of PrimaLoft ThermoPlume Insulation. This incredible down alternative keeps this coat lightweight without sacrificing any of the warmth you have come to expect from down fillings. Draw the hood closed when heading into the cold; if conditions improve, slip it off. You’ll love the super soft plush lining inside of the coat and in the pockets for your hands to enjoy. The insulated plush coat’s flattering quilt lines and other great details, like the gorgeous faux fur lining on the hood, will leave you feeling comfortable and stylish – even when it's frigid outside.