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It’s freezing in Brooklyn right now, and I don’t advise leaving your apartment without putting on a big puffy parka for protection against the elements. Less fussy than wool coats yet more protective than cropped puffer jackets, parkas are effective against rain, snow, wind, and cold. They’re usually packed with duck or goose down (both of which are similarly warm), although synthetic insulators can also be highly effective. To find the best lightweight everyday parkas as well as some heavier-duty ones that’ll hold their own against snowstorms, I interviewed a number of winter-focused outerwear designers about what to look for and which brands to trust. Then I tested out a number of options based on their advice, while also polling my fellow Strategist staffers about the parkas they pull out of their closets every winter.
A winter coat is one of the biggest wardrobe investments you can make, but experts assured me that you don’t need to spend a fortune to stay warm and dry. If you can splurge, though — and it’s a great idea to shop around for deals during the off-season — then it’s often worth it: “Good-quality fabric and other special features cost money,” says outerwear designer Terez Havancsak. The result is a “purposeful, well-built parka” that will last multiple seasons. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the best winter boots and gloves for women.
What we’re looking for
Insulation
With parkas and other winter coats, “puffiness does not always equal warmth,” says Dr. Susan Sokolowski, founding director of the University of Oregon’s sports products design program. All down jackets receive a fill-power rating indicative of how many cubic inches each ounce of feathers occupies. If a parka has a 950 rating, that means its down will “fill 950 cubic inches and weigh just one ounce,” explains Eric Goodwin, outerwear designer and founder of Lathley. Which makes for a lightweight yet very warm coat.
Fill power usually changes according to how much actual down, as opposed to larger and longer duck or goose feathers, is in the mix. “A feather pillow would have terrible fill power because it’s mostly feathers, but a high-end 950 fill power jacket will have almost all down and no feathers in its insulation,” as Goodwin elaborates. Still, fill power isn’t everything. “Parkas are usually heavy, bulky, and not very compressible” anyway, he adds. “So it doesn’t apply as much as you might think.” As a general rule, Havancsak advises that you want to be looking for a rating of 550 and above when buying a down coat.
While most of the parkas recommended here are packed with duck or goose down, I also found some vegan options. Synthetic stuffing like PrimaLoft and Thinsulate closely mimic the insulating properties of feathers, although down is still lighter and warmer on average. One major advantage of synthetic fill is that it can retain warmth when wet; it’s also easier to wash and dries out faster than feathers will. If you are parka shopping in a rainier climate like the Pacific Northwest, Goodwin suggests you either buy a synthetic parka or a down one with very advanced waterproofing.
Wind and water resistance
Speaking of rain, parkas with nylon exteriors will provide lightweight yet effective protection against wind and wet. Down parkas especially should be treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to protect their precious insulation, and the very best ones will go above and beyond this standard, using materials such as Gore-Tex and other synthetic membranes to wick sweat and other moisture. In terms of wind resistance, fur-trimmed hoods are a design feature that’s worth considering, according to Goodwin. These “will block the wind in the same way a furry microphone cover will block wind noise.” In this context, “faux fur will perform the same as real fur.”
Comfort
The best parkas come with additional design features that make dreary days cozier: fleece-lined pockets, insulated hoods, and high collars. Havancsak also advises prioritizing an inner zip pocket for storing your phone, as well as “tight and warm cuffs” to lock in heat. For maximum comfort, Sokolowski says that sizing is important. “Make sure the parka fits appropriately, covers your body over the areas you want protected, and allows your body to move freely,” she says. “Not too tight to restrict motion, but also not too big where the hood would get in the way of your peripheral vision, or the hem could trip you when walking.”
Best women’s parka overall
Insulation: 750 fill power duck down | Wind and water resistance: DWR shell | Comfort: Anti-static lining, packable, knee length, removable hood
Every year without fail, my winter wardrobe is brought to you by … Uniqlo. I’m wearing the brand’s affordable base layers as I type, as well as Uniqlo U jeans that get a co-sign from actress Ayo Edebiri. And when I’m forced to go outside later on, I’ll don this anonymous-looking and practical parka that’s a longtime Strategist staffer favorite. I’m a particular fan of how lightweight and packable it is, which comes in handy on sunny winter days. The entire jacket stuffs into an included storage pouch for when the weather switches up, and the hood is also removable, which gives me the freedom to wear cute balaclavas and hooded scarves when I feel like it. The 750-fill rating means that this parka can compete with other jackets on this list that cost six times as much, and a DWR coating means it will stay relatively waterproof for a while. Don’t be tempted to buy a cheap synthetic parka for the same price: This is a worthwhile purchase that can be worn as your primary winter coat and should last several seasons.
Uniqlo’s hooded down coat has sold out for now and won’t be restocked until next season. I’ll be updating this post as soon as it returns.
Best puffy parka
Insulation: 700 fill duck down | Wind and water resistance: DWR shell | Comfort: Fleece-lined hand pockets, thumbholes, inner zip pocket
Aritzia’s Super Puff parkas have become enormously popular in recent years, and after testing both the short and long styles over the past 12 months, I can see why. Bulkier than the Uniqlo parka above and definitely much less packable, a Super Puff jacket feels serious when you put it on, which is hardly a bad thing when there’s a blizzard outside. Fleece-lined pockets and stretchy thumbholes make an unexpectedly huge difference when walking to the subway, and the hood is perfectly sized to fit a beanie beneath. One final aspect of the Super Puff’s appeal is its anonymity. Apart from a small logo on the back of the hood, the exterior is unbranded and minimal-looking. Unlike a North Face Nuptse puffer or some of the other options listed here, it disappears against any of my outfits.
Best (less-expensive) puffy parka
Insulation: 700 fill duck down | Wind and water resistance: DWR shell | Comfort: Fleece-lined hand pockets, thumbholes, inner zip pocket, removable hood
After switching between Aritzia and Quince (the DTC brand best known for its affordable linen bedsheets) last winter, I’m happy to report that the latter brand’s down parka is an almost-identical Super Puff dupe, albeit available in far fewer colorways and fabric finishes. There are those same thumbholes and fuzzy pockets, and the minimalist silhouette is extremely similar. One difference is that Quince’s parka has a removable hood, which might actually be an improvement on the Super Puff’s design. It’s almost $200 cheaper, with free shipping, and completely logoless.
Best non-puffy parka
Insulation: 750 fill power core and sleeves, synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas | Wind and waterproofing: Gore-Tex shell, waterproof zippers | Comfort: Hand and interior pockets, insulated hood, streamlined look
I think that Canadian brand Arc’teryx has perfected wet-weather gear, and this impressively designed wind- and water-resistant parka is super-warm yet very streamlined. Every expert I spoke with recommended it, and it was mentioned very favorably when we interviewed Canadians about their favorite Canada Goose alternatives, too. The hardy Gore-Tex exterior is designed for the worst of days, and the parka has an insulated hood and two-way zippers, with the latter allowing for more mobility even with the extra length.
Best (less-expensive) non-puffy parka
Insulation: 550 fill goose down | Wind and water resistance: DWR, wind-resistant shell with breathable membrane | Comfort: Internal zip pocket, ribbed cuffs, faux-fur hood
When I went on the hunt for a cheaper-than-Arc’teryx option, several experts mentioned the North Face as a tried-and-true outerwear brand that makes thoughtful and reliable products for non-outrageous prices. Havancsak calls this parka in particular an example of “classic design” that’s warm and well made. Packed with plenty of down and synthetic fill, it has a smooth and streamlined silhouette that mimics more expensive coats. A faux fur–lined hood helps keep wind out, while the parka’s subtly cinched waist keeps warmth in while creating a flattering shape. Its DWR shell also boasts a breathable membrane for when you find yourself suddenly sweaty and overdressed in a heated subway car.
Best stylish yet inexpensive parka
Insulation: Synthetic fill core, 650 fill-power down sleeves | Wind and water resistance: Wind-resistant shell | Comfort: Flattering draping style, exterior pockets
The viral phenomenon that is “the Amazon coat” has been a Strategist favorite for wintertime ever since we wrote about its slightly Balenciaga-esque silhouette taking over the Upper East Side in 2018. The coat is fairly plain: paneled, olive green, and made by a company called Orolay, a Chinese brand that also, curiously, makes folding chairs, storage cabinets, and wall-mounted tables. It is sold on Amazon for $150 and a favorite among stylish uptown women. Other things we like about this best-selling parka: its generous size range, fleece-lined hood, and big, practical pockets. It isn’t suitable for Arctic conditions, but it will keep you cozy on the way to SoulCycle.
Best synthetic parka
Insulation: Polyester fill | Wind and water resistance: Waterproof polyamide shell | Comfort: Drawcords, lined hand-warmer pockets, lined hood, chest pockets, side pockets, phone pocket
If you prefer not to wear down, this durable parka (which matches one of our favorite laptop-toting backpacks) uses an advanced synthetic fill “that’s really good at trapping heat and has a polyurethane membrane that’s excellent at resisting moisture,” according to Sarah Savala, a former gear expert at Backcountry. Goodwin, too, praises Fjallraven’s “classic style and solid performance.” The parka has drawcords that cinch it into a flattering shape while trapping heat and comes with a fleece-lined hood and detachable faux-fur collar, as well as two all-important hand-warmer pockets.
Best sustainable parka
Insulation: 700 fill power recycled down | Wind and water resistance: DWR shell, breathable membrane | Comfort: Three-in-one adaptable design, handwarmer pockets
Patagonia is a sustainably minded outdoor brand that needs “no introduction,” as Goodwin puts it. Adds Sokolowski: “Many companies are now using recycled shell and insulation materials, and providing repairs to improve their impact on the environment — the leader in this space is Patagonia.” This three-in-one transforming design that Sokolowski has been eyeing for next season helps the buyer avoid shopping for multiple winter coats. Wear it as a puffer jacket in dry conditions or a full-length raincoat in wet ones. In truly miserable weather, attach the two together to create a warm and waterproof parka. It’s made from mostly recycled materials.
Best luxury parka
Insulation: 625 fill power down | Wind and waterproofing: DWR shell | Comfort: Lined zip pockets, chin guard, removable hood trim
I was surprised how many outerwear designers I spoke with recommended Canada Goose’s parkas, which are perhaps more famous for their fashion status than functionality at this point. Then again, I’ve tested out three of the brand’s pricey puffers over the past five years and have found all of them to be luxuriously warm and comfortable. As Goodwin says, the brand’s Arctic explorer branding isn’t just for show: “If you’re actually going to the South Pole, you wear Canada Goose.” Havancsak likes the brand’s classic designs with modern details, including a highly adjustable fit, down-lined collars, and fleece-lined chin guards for added comfort. She adds that Canada Goose’s iconic interior backpack straps (that allow the wearer to show off their expensive coat indoors) are a technically inessential feature that’s “in my opinion very fun and useful.” I completely agree: Just last weekend, as I was sitting at the counter of Mike’s Coffee Shop in Fort Greene with flurries of snow coming down outside, the straps allowed me to keep my coat off the floor while tucking into a tuna melt. As with all Canada Goose jackets, this timeless-looking one has a lifetime warranty, which does help justify the price.
Update on May 24, 2024: Added note on expected restock date for Uniqlo Women Ultra Light Down Padded Coat; updated prices and checked stock for all other products.
Some more women’s winter essentials we’ve written about
Our experts
• Liza Corsillo, senior writer, the Strategist
• Eric Goodwin, outerwear designer and founder of Lathley
• Terez Havancsak, award-winning outerwear and apparel designer
• Rasheena Liberté, stylist
• Jenna Milliner-Waddell, associate editor, the Strategist
• Dominique Pariso, writer, the Strategist
• Sarah Savala, former sales assistant, Backcountry
• Dr. Susan Sokolowski, founding director, sports product design, University of Oregon
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