Our Favorite Men’s Winter Coats & Jackets to Stay Warm This Season

A great winter coat or jacket serves the all-important purpose of keeping you warm while making you look good. It’s a simple concept that combines form and function, yet it’s a difficult balance to strike for many different brands. The right coat or jacket can breathe life into an otherwise drab outfit while keeping you warm and protecting you from the elements. With that said, winter jackets and coats are some of the most important pieces in a man’s wardrobe for both style and versatility. So kick back, relax, and dive into our guide to the best winter coats and jackets to buy this winter.

our selection

No one style of winter jacket or coat is outright superior to another, as it depends on how you plan on using them. Each type has its own unique design, functionality, and purpose, so it’s important to know the differences between them and why they’re important. Figuring out what they are and how they’re important can be difficult on its own; finding a standout from each category can be even more difficult to do. Thankfully, it’s our job to define these garments and search for the best examples we can find. We’ve searched far and wide to come up with two shining examples of five different cornerstone genres of winter jackets and coats that will solve your snowy sartorial woes, broken down into our absolute favorite pick and a runner-up. We’ll also break down what to look for in each style and where they’re best suited in separate sections below.

what to look for

Insulation: Seeing as these are meant to keep you warm, the most important thing is getting a jacket (or coat) that either comes with extra insulation through something like a liner, or natural insulation from the fabric (like wool). The materials used for insulation are usually down, synthetic (Thinsulate or Primaloft), or fleece. Down is great for lightweight warmth, but synthetic material will be more water-resistant.

Material: As for the outer, you want something tough and durable for the shell fabric, like ripstop nylon. Not only does it keep the jacket looking good and lasting long, but it also protects you from the elements and other potentially harmful run-ins.

Resistance: Speaking of the elements, you’ll want a winter jacket that’s built for your climate. For example, a down jacket is great for a cold and dry climate, because it’s super warm, but loses its insulating properties once it gets wet. Also, keep in mind that there’s a difference between a jacket that’s waterproof and one that’s water-resistant. But a water-resistant jacket (usually achieved through stitching or a DWR finish) should be more than enough to protect you unless it’s especially rainy where you live.

Layering: This has to do with both style and function, but getting a jacket that’s easy to wear over (or under) other clothes may suit your needs. Especially if you’re transitioning from inside to outside often in your day-to-day. 

Style: In this guide, we’ve broken it down into five different styles, and we’ll get into what defines them in the breakdown below.

Types of Winter Jackets

• Parka
• Peacoat
• Puffer Jacket
• Technical Jacket
• Trench Coat

The Parka

The parka is an iconic jacket that thrives in bitterly cold environments. Parkas can be defined as very warm, heavy, hooded jackets that extend below the waist. You’ll find that most parkas have fur or faux fur trim on their hoods, however, we won’t argue that that’s an imperative quality. Overall, these jackets are for heavy-duty warmth to protect you from icy cold rain, sleet, or snow in the most freezing conditions. You’ll want to look for good insulation and some degree of water and wind resistance when shopping for a parka.

The North Face McMurdo Down Parka

Best Overall: The North Face is a brand that needs no introduction. It’s dominated the gear space for decades, and its McMurdo Down Parka epitomizes the genius and precision that launched the brand into the stratosphere. The windproof, waterproof, and 600-fill power down-insulated parka leverages a recycled nylon plain weave construction and a DWR treatment to seal this bad boy from the harshest winter conditions. It features two dual-entry front patch pockets, two secure-zip alpine chest pockets, and an adjustable hood with removable faux fur for added style points and warmth. A truly great parka.

Canada Goose Expedition Parka Heritage

Runner-Up: There’s cold, and then there’s Canada cold. If you’re going to be tackling the tundra, you can’t outfit yourself better or more stylishly than Canada Goose will. Its Expedition Parka is the apex of the garment, combining form, function, and a design that’s cooler than the Arctic. This parka is so warm that it was designed for scientists in Antarctica to use. Its stellar 625 fill power white duck down throughout its construction, and the hood can keep users warm to temperatures below -22°F. On top of its insulation and oh-so-cool design, it has more than 10 pockets for optimal storage, as well as a durable, water-resistant construction.

The Peacoat

Originating as a Naval officer’s jacket in the 19th century, peacoats are a timeless staple that will forever be in vogue. They’re easy to define: a heavy, hip-length, double-breasted blazer with an oversized collar that’s usually made of wool. If you’re looking to inject an immediate level of refinement, sophistication, and style into your winter repertoire, we recommend one of these. They don’t offer the same protection as parkas or technical jackets, so they’re not the most ideal in heavy rain or snowstorms, but peacoats are excellent at keeping you warm and toasty on dry, windy, wintry days.

Billy Reid Bond Peacoat

Best Overall: There are iconic peacoats, and then there is Billy Reid’s Bond Peacoat. It isn’t with an ounce of hyperbole that we say the Bond Peacoat is a sartorial masterpiece. This peacoat helped launch the Alabama standout into the limelight of the fashion industry, particularly after James Bond himself coincidentally wore it in Skyfall (the coat is named for the brand’s Bond Street store, not the superspy). Its melton wool blend offers warmth, comfort, and insulation, and its finer details, like its genuine horn buttons, leather undercollar, and four front pockets, make it truly one-of-a-kind. The design of the Bond Peacoat is effortlessly cool, blending timeless, traditional style with modern sensibilities.

Schott NYC Classic Melton Wool Nay Peacoat

Runner-Up: Schott NYC is a sartorial institution. While the New York brand is most famous for its leather motorcycle jacket, it also makes an array of gorgeous garments. Case in point: this Melton wool peacoat. This swanky coat is made of a Melton wool blend that can conquer the coldest winds. What’s more, it boasts a polyester/cotton blend for its lining, allowing users to layer with ease. Another notable quality of this peacoat is its slim-fit construction, which hugs the user’s body and makes him look less bulky. This is a classic staple that effortlessly blends form and function.

The Puffer Jacket

Puffer jackets are just that — puffy jackets. Their hallmark is their baffled pockets of insulation which contain either real or synthetic down. These jackets are lightweight, short, and usually offer a high degree of water and wind resistance. A newer, more contemporary feature of these jackets is sustainability, which is why you’ll find that most jackets in this category feature a construction from recycled materials.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2

Best Overall: Arguably the puffer jacket you think of when you hear the phrase “puffer jacket,” Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer/2 Jacket is the lightweight, cold-tackling jacket of your dreams. Keeping in line with the sustainability theme that the previous two jackets featured, this jacket is made of recycled whisperer 10D x 10D ripstop and is filled with 800 fill power RDS Certified Down Insulation for optimal warmth and insulation. Its cuffs also leverage synthetic down insulation to avoid welting while its lightweight, highly packable design allows users to stuff the jacket into its own hand pocket for easy packing and transportation.

Columbia Powder Lite Insulated Jacket

Runner-Up: How can a best jackets list be complete without including at least one Columbia garment? For nearly 85 years, the Portland-based outfitter has been a mover and shaker in the outdoor gear space, and its Powder Lite Jacket is an example of why that is. This minimalistic jacket leverages OMNI-HEAT technology for enhanced warmth and insulation, while its water-resistant nylon construction will protect you from the elements. For added versatility and security, it also features two zip pockets to keep your belongings safe.

The Technical Jacket

Our technical jacket guide defines the garments as jackets “that fuse performance materials with a futuristic streetwear aesthetic.” These garments are made with cutting-edge materials to yield a minimalistic, versatile, and oftentimes fashion-forward look. You can expect high-end proprietary materials that are quick-drying, water-resistant, and wind-resistant, along with innovative constructions that protect you from the elements. You’ll find the occasional heavy offering, but most of these jackets tend to fall on the lighter side of the weight spectrum, without conceding insulation, of course.

Arc’Teryx Atom Hoody

Best Overall: If you’re looking for a premier technical gear company, then you could do a lot worse than Arc’teryx. Its Atom AR Hoody is a stylish, versatile, and ultra-warm hoodie that will prepare you for harsh winter conditions. The Atom AR Hoody features construction made of durable and wind-resistant Tyono 3 that is treated with a dura coating for enhanced toughness, while its DWR treatment makes it resistant to water. For insulation, the Hoody uses Coreloft synthetic insulation for quicker drying, heightened warmth, and durability. Add its Permeair panels in the underarms, and you have one of the most versatile hoodies on the market.

Mission Workshop Bremen

Runner-Up: Being a Bay Area brand, it’s no wonder that Mission Workshop pushes the technical aspect of technical jackets farther than nearly every brand in the space. Its Bremen is the Workshop’s take on a classic Mackintosh raincoat, so it retains the elegance and sophistication of a Mac while adding the complexity and contemporary flair that Mission Workshop is known for. To create the Bremen, Mission worked with Olmetex to create a three-layer, lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and windproof (phew) ePTFE fabric for its construction. Its collar is particularly sophisticated, featuring a full seam taping that allows it to transition from a traditional collar to a storm collar for added versatility.

The Trench Coat

Like so many different garments, the trench coat’s roots can be traced to the military, specifically World War I. Trench Coats are waterproof, belted, longer, and while heavy, they are usually not made of wool, like overcoats and topcoats. Despite their combat origins, trench coats have become a staple in the fashion world and are a shining example of purpose-built design and classic style. They are mainly used as raincoats but don’t feature much insulation, so you’ll want to skip these for winter wear if you live in a colder climate.

Mackintosh Oxford Bonded Cotton Trench Coat

Best Overall: Mackintosh is one of the all-time great coat makers and creator of the original raincoat. It’s such an iconic brand that other, less-iconic brands model their raincoats after Mackintosh’s. The brand’s Oxford Bonded Cotton Trench Coat is proof in the sartorial pudding of Mackintosh’s greatness. This handmade coat features its signature water-repellent bonded cotton construction for protection from the elements, while its buttoned throat latch, streamlined design, and front slash pockets evoke a classic look and feel.

Uniqlo Trench Coat

Runner-Up: Uniqlo may be more known for its dependable collection of basics, but make no mistake, it has a variety of fashion-forward garments in its lineup, too. Case in point: this out-of-this-world stylish trench coat. From its chic look to its DWR-treated cotton blend construction to its handsome belt, this refined trench will zhush up any ensemble it joins. Its timeless design gives it plenty of stylistic versatility, and its price tag makes it one of the biggest bargains in all of fashion.

Our Favorite Men’s Winter Boots

Now that you’ve got your outerwear covered, check out our best winter boots guide to get your feet feeling just as warm as the rest of you while out exploring the cold.