The warmest winter coats for men combine hard-working insulation with comfort and style, so you’re covered even in the most frigid conditions. During winter—which, if you live in a cold climate, basically means from November through March—layering is essential, whether you’re dealing with bitterly cold temperatures, arctic winds, freezing rain or sideways snow. We spoke with outdoor specialists to find out what technical details matter most, and what the pros look for in the warmest men’s winter coats.
The warmest winter coats for men prioritize insulation, wind and water resistance and comfort to ... [+] fight the chill.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSAt the top of the experts’ list: a technical water-repellant and windproof shell, high-loft insulation and practical details, such as an insulated hood, sealed cuffs, waterproof zippers, venting and adjustable drawstring cords. Our top pick overall, the Arc’teryx Therme Parka, and the most affordable option, the Carhartt Super Dux Relaxed Fit Insulated Traditional Coat, meet that criteria, and more. Whether you’re looking for a parka, puffer or all-weather topcoat, below are the warmest winter coats for men to protect you from the elements.
Arc'teryx
Sizes: XS-XXL | Main materials: 2L Gore-Tex shell, 750-fill-power goose down insulation and synthetic insulation| Design: Parka with attached hood
This warm, durable and well-designed coat is built to last: Its durable Gore-Tex shell is waterproof, windproof and breathable, and it features both down insulation and synthetic insulation for wetness-prone areas. The adjustable hood is insulated, so you’re covered even if you forget a hat. Additional details we like include a two-way zipper, internal cuff gaskets and zippered hand and chest pockets.
What the reviews say: Many praise this coat for being lightweight yet very warm, and they say it accommodates a variety of clothing underneath— “enough room for a suit jacket, yet great over a sweater or mid layers.” Reviewers also comment that the fit of this coat is generous so you may have to size down, and some say the two-way zipper can be a pain to engage.
Carhartt
Sizes: S-3XL, as well as tall sizes| Main materials: 97% nylon/3% elastane shell with 3M Thinsulate insulation | Design: Parka with hood
Carhartt’s Super Dux line was initially made for hunters in the 1930s. This jacket is constructed from lightweight, durable nylon that’s notoriously good for blocking wind, and it has a DWR finish to repel rain and snow. Other key details include storm cuffs, front pockets with side entry to keep hands warm and an adjustable hood.
What the reviews say: Overall, reviewers praise the roomy pockets and warmth of this coat. According to one reviewer, “the zipper works effortlessly, and the interior sleeve cuffs do a great job of keeping arms warm.” Some don’t love the Velcro closures on the pockets and say they would prefer snaps. Others say this coat is too roomy for thinner builds.
Canada Goose
Sizes: XS-3XL | Main materials: 83% polyester and 17% cotton shell, 625-fill-power duck down insulation | Design: Parka with adjustable hood
Canada Goose offers a lot of standout cold weather options—their Snow Mantra and Expedition jackets offer Arctic-level warmth—but this particular jacket brings the heat in a more streamlined design that’s more practical for frequent wear. It’s intended to endure temperatures up to -13 degrees Fahrenheit, with rib-knit cuffs that trap warmth and prevent drafts, an interior drawcord to retain warmth and a down filled hood that’s adjustable two ways. It has four exterior pockets and two interior pockets, and it comes in eight colors, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find one you like.
What the reviews say: Many reviewers say this jacket’s durability and street style are incomparable, but comment that the fit runs a bit large.
Patagonia
Sizes: XS-XXL | Main materials: 100% recycled Gore-Tex shell partially made from Bionic marine plastic, 100% recycled down insulation | Design: Parka with fixed hood
This jacket—constructed in large part from ocean-bound plastic—is a winner because of well-thought features that keep out cold and trap heat. Made with 700-fill-power recycled down insulation and a DWR (durable water repellant) finish, it has a hidden drawcord hem to trap body heat, storm cuffs to keep out drafts, an insulated hood that cinches for increased warmth and zippered handwarmer pockets.
What the reviews say: Reviewers praise the fit, saying “it's roomy, providing adequate space for bulkier sub-layers and stowable items like gloves, beanies, water bottles, etc.” Others rave about its next-level warmth, commenting “the performance is sublime. I don't even need to zip it up, it's so warm.”
Outdoor Research
Sizes: S-XXL | Main materials: Ripstop nylon shell and 800-fill-power down insulation| Design: Puffer with hood
Seattle-based Outdoor Research was founded in the early 80s with the promise of creating research-based technical wear. This jacket offers a generous fit alongside serious adjustability: The hood has a drawcord to trap heat—it works over most helmets if you’ll be wearing this on the mountain—and it has an adjustable drawcord hem and Velcro cuffs. To keep belongings secure, it has a chest zip pocket, zip side hand pockets and two internal stash pockets.
What the reviews say: Reviewers praise the warmth of this jacket without it having excess bulk (“keeps me warm during the cold days -20F up in Alaska!” says one user), but some point out that it can run wide in the chest and waist.
The North Face
Sizes: XS-XXL | Main materials: 94% recycled nylon, 6% polyester shell, 600 fill recycled down insulation | Design: Puffer with detachable hood
The North Face nails street style plus functionality, and this retro-inspired coat will keep you looking good while battling the elements. It features pockets with both top and side entry, knit inner cuffs at the wrist to keep out wind and snow, and it has hook and loop adjustability at the wrist.
Amazon
Sizes: S-XXL | Main materials: Recycled Pertex with 800-fill down insulation | Design: Puffer with hood
Mountain climber Rab Carrington founded his business in the UK in 1981 and began by making performance sleeping bags. His products quickly expanded to lightweight, highly insulated outerwear meant to withstand freezing temperatures. The Neutrino Pro features a water-resistant shell, lofty 800-fill down insulation, articulated sleeves to allow for better ease of movement, a two-way front zipper, and an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs.
What the reviews say: Universally praised for warmth, one reviewer says this is “like wearing an electric blanket.” It also packs down to the size of “a small loaf of bread.”
Nordstrom
Sizes: 38-46 | Main materials: Wool exterior, polyester fill bib | Design: Overcoat
Italian luxury brand Herno is legendary for their quality and construction. This coat, made from thermoregulating, breathable wool offers a traditional overcoat design with a zip-out bib for blustery days. It also has Storm System waterproofing, which means the fibers are treated to repel moisture without sacrificing their look and breathability.
MOST POPULAR
Columbia
Sizes: S-XXL| Main materials: 100% polyester shell, 450 fill power down insulation | Design: Parka with a hood
A standout trait of this jacket is that it’s critically seam sealed, which means it’s completely waterproof and no moisture can creep in, even in the most wet conditions. To ensure a better fit, it has an drawcord waist as well as an adjustable attached hood that has removable synthetic fur. While the feel of the thermal reflective lining can be off putting to some, it harnesses your body’s warmth and acts as a furnace, without making the jacket bulky.
What the reviews say: This style scores major points for versatility, with users saying it’s “rugged, functional and warm” although many comment that it runs large.
Columbia
Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: Delta/Black, Metal/Shark, Black, Collegiate Navy/Black | Shell Materials: 100% nylon | Insulation: 100% polyester synthetic down | Hood: Yes, removable
If you’re looking for a coat that transitions easily from city streets to mountain trails, this consistently highly-rated parka is a solid choice. It’s made from a water-resistant nylon, insulated with warm performance synthetic down and it features thermal-reflective technology that traps body heat (without making you sweat). Other stay-warm details include an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs, and multiple easy-access pockets. Note: This coat has a roomy fit and many reviewers say it runs large.
The North Face
Sizes: S-3XL | Colors: TNF Black, Vanadis Grey, Cordovan, Antelope Tan, Thyme/TNF Black, Dark Oak, Mineral Gold/TNF Black, Summit Navy | Shell Materials: 100% recycled nylon | Insulation: 600-fill recycled down | Hood: Yes (faux-fur trim is removable)
This parka checks every important box: It’s windproof, waterproof, breathable and insulated with 600-fill power recycled down. This coat’s extra length offers more warmth, and the two-way center front zipper makes it easy to adjust for comfortable sitting. Additional features that make this parka excellent: It has lots of thoughtfully-placed pockets—alpine chest pockets and two front patch pockets with dual entry—an adjustable drawcord hood, a draft flap and adjustable cuffs.
Fjallraven
Sizes: S-XL | Colors: Black, Deep Forest, Navy | Shell Materials: Polyamide | Insulation: 700-fill power | Hood: Yes
Originally designed in 1974, this iconic down puffer now comes in an updated, thigh-length silhouette. It also has purposefully configured insulation: Its 700-fill power down is placed in two offset layers to prevent heat loss, and shoulders are reinforced with synthetic padding to hinder moisture from creeping in. The polyamide exterior is wind-resistant with a durable water repellant finish, and it has a two-way front zipper with a protective flap to keep arctic air from getting to your core. Some reviewers note this coat is on the bulkier side, but that it’s extremely warm.
Neiman Marcus
Sizes: IT 48-62 | Colors: Black, Navy | Shell Materials: Wool | Insulation: Polyester/nylon lining | Hood: No
This 2-in-1 coat from Italian luxury brand Corneliani comes with a zip-out bib vest, giving you an extra layer of warmth on blustery days. The overcoat is cut from thermoregulating wool, which offers warmth, breathability and streamlined style to protect you from the elements.
Todd Snyder
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: Camel | Shell Materials: 100% Italian wool | Insulation: Wool | Hood: No
Todd Snyder’s signature is classically refined style meets modern tailoring. This military-inspired coat features horn buttons, welt pockets and a back belt to create flattering lines. Made from 100% Italian wool, it’s naturally insulating and is lined in Bemberg, a breathable, light, durable and silky material derived from cotton.
Neiman Marcus
Sizes: S-3XL | Colors: Black, Navy | Shell Materials: Cashmere | Insulation: 750-fill power down and feather fill | Hood: No
As a company, Norwegian Wool works to blend Italian craftsmanship and Scandinavian design to create outerwear that’s both elegant and capable of withstanding harsh winter weather. This overcoat seamlessly marries functional details and style: It has a water-resistant exterior that’s bolstered by a 750-fill power down lining, and tailored details include a stand collar, concealed button closure and adjustable button cuffs.
Amazon
Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: Bronze/Stargazer, Cobalt Blue/Blue Night, Jet Black, Slate Grey/Cinder, Team Red/Dark Crimson, Schwarz, Brick/Arctic Navy | Shell Materials: 90% nylon, 10% elastane | Insulation: 700-fill power down | Hood: Yes
Marmot produced their first prototypes in 1973 and the company has been fine tuning high quality outdoor jackets ever since. Reviewers like this hardy down Hoody because it’s equal parts warm and lightweight, and while most down coats lose their warmth when they become wet, this jacket is equipped with specially treated, water-resistant down. The hip length allows for mobility, the hood is down-filled for extra warmth, and a zippered chest and hand pockets are convenient for stashing things like a phone and keys.
I’ve spent half my life withstanding brutal Chicago and New York winters, so I’ve learned the difference between critical must-have features in a winter coat to nice-to-have details that can elevate your outdoor experience from barely tolerable to comfortably pleasant in the great outdoors. For this story, I spoke with gear experts that have extensive knowledge of outdoor apparel and got their insight on all the nit-picky details that will keep you toasty and warm whether you’re skiing, hiking, dog walking or commuting.
When evaluating warm winter coats, each product had to first be expert-recommended or have overwhelmingly positive user reviews. I also took special note of jackets from established outdoor apparel companies because they have years of research and development behind their fabrics as well as their products’ construction. To ultimately choose the best products, I assessed if each coat had key components such as high-loft insulation (at least 600 fill or higher), a tough exterior fabric, such as a wind-resistant technical polyester, nylon or wool, a waterproof or durable water repellant (DWR) finish, seam sealing, adjustable waists or hoods, adaptive, easy-to-use zippers, and thoughtfully-placed pockets.
When choosing a winter coat, look for a warmth factor and features that will complement your activities. “The technology in jackets varies depending on the use of the garment—be it skiing, running, or everyday wear,” says Susan Boyle, outerwear buyer at Paragon Sports in New York City. “You wouldn’t buy a running jacket to wear as your everyday winter coat. Urban coats tend to be warmer and have a higher insulation rating because you are moving around in them less. Ski jackets are designed for performance on the mountain, keeping you both dry and warm.”
The exterior fabric of your coat is critical, because it’s the first barrier between you and the elements. Most technical outerwear is made from performance polyester or nylon. According to Wilma Riedel, outdoor apparel buyer at Pedigree Ski Shop in White Plains, NY, guys typically prefer a winter jacket that’s windproof, waterproof and breathable. “A durable water repellant (DWR) coating is on 99% of jackets you’ll buy,” says Riedel, and many top outdoor gear companies make their own waterproof, breathable fabrics—for instance, North Face has Hyvent and Patagonia has H2No—while others use waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex or Dermizax in the construction of their coats. To be completely waterproof, “jackets should be fully seam-sealed or at least critically seam sealed, which you can find on the product’s description,” says Boyle. “This is especially important for areas of the jacket where you can experience a draft of wind or water can penetrate,” she says.
With puffer jackets, most have an exterior fabric that’s meant to be lightweight and easily compressed; however, the tradeoff is that also usually means the jacket isn’t fully waterproof and can potentially be snagged or ripped. Dressier coats tend to be made from thermo-regulating wool or cashmere, which is water-repellant and extremely warm.
Insulation in a coat helps contain the heat produced by your body. “It traps body heat and basically creates the equivalent of a climate controlled little greenhouse on your body,” says Riedel. To do that, warm winter coats are insulated with down or synthetic fill, and both work on a similar principle of trapping pockets of warm air between the down or fibers.
For the most part, when you buy a winter coat, you’ll wear the same size as you do in regular clothing. “Every brand runs a little differently, so understanding their fit is key,” says Boyle. “If you buy a coat that’s snug-fitting, wearing a large sweater under it probably won’t be comfortable.” For the most accurate fit, make sure to try on a winter coat with the layers you’re most likely to wear underneath it, Boyle recommends.
In terms of length, longer coats tend to be warmer simply because they offer more coverage, but the length you choose in a warm winter coat is really about personal preference. In general, most people look for shorter length coats for active days, and longer coats for everyday situations or the office.
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