Which winter jacket is best for men?

Just like winter boots , the best winter jackets or coats are the ones that fit both the men and the situation they’re in, says Chaouli. A down coat built for the tundra might be super warm, but its bulk will surely get in the way of a crowded bus or train commute. If you spend hours outside in the cold using a snow blower or participating in a winter sport, you might want to opt for a heated coat . And while she loves a coat made from wool or cashmere, it’s of no use for anyone allergic to either. Whatever your choice, a winter coat should be warm, fit well, and feel good against your skin.

Are expensive winter jackets worth it?

Expensive jackets can be worth it, especially if you plan to wear them very often. While some of the coats on our list are indeed pricey, if you consider that you’ll wear them many times during the course of one year — and potentially for several years provided you maintain it well — the cost per wear becomes negligible.

What is the warmest winter coat?

Coats that have thermal insulation — whether from natural goose down or synthetic fibers — are typically the warmest for winter. You could also go for a more lightweight coat that’s roomy enough to permit layers beneath, especially if you plan to be active outdoors. In the end, it’s really up to your comfort and your regional temperature; Chaouli notes that if you live in Alaska, for example, it’s probably best to go for a winter coat with the most dense fill.

The 8 Best Men's Winter Coats, Tested in the Cold

person outside in men's winter coat — Photo:
People / John Somerall

If you live in a cold-weather region, it’s all too easy to sacrifice style for warmth. But when it comes to men’s winter coats, it actually is possible to look as good as you feel.

We believe a winter coat shouldn't just be warm — it also should feel good against your skin and offer a comfortable range of motion, meaning it shouldn’t feel itchy or too stiff. We tested 19 different men’s winter coats to see which ones provided warmth and protection against the elements, while taking into consideration design and visual appeal.

If you want to feel toasty warm this winter and look good while doing it, keep scrolling to discover the best men’s winter coats, tested and reviewed by us.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Rab Neutrino Pro at Amazon ~~$400~~ $310

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

SALE

Wantdo Waterproof Ski Jacket at Amazon ~~$70~~ $55

Jump to Review

Best Investment:

Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka at Amazon $330

Jump to Review

Best Wool:

Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-blend Melton Peacoat at Ralphlauren.com

Jump to Review

Best Size Range:

Carhartt Quilted Flannel Lined Jacket at Amazon $120

Jump to Review

Best with Deep Pockets:

Everlane Long Parka at Everlane.com

Jump to Review

Best for Outdoor Activities:

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka at Amazon $208

Jump to Review

Best with Adjustable Hood:

The North Face Men's McMurdo Down Parka at REI

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Rab Neutrino Pro

PHOTO: Backcountry

$400 $310 at Amazon $400 at Backcountry View on Rab.equipment

Star Qualities

Super warm and comfortable
Roomy hood
Easy to fold up for packing

Red Flags

Not very form-fitting
Size range could be better

This jacket is crazy warm — all we needed to do to weather the cold was pull up the hood and pull on a pair of gloves. The material is soft and insulated with 800-fill down — warm enough for you to climb up snowy peaks up to 4,000 meters. It’s made from Pertex Quantum Pro, so it stands up to wind and rain, too.

They thought out everything with the design of this jacket. For starters, it has a two-way zipper which makes it easy to accommodate harnesses when you’re climbing or hiking. We also loved the adjustable hood, which features a small rim in the front to shield the sun or block out rain and snow. The hood is roomy enough to pull over a helmet, so that you can keep safe and warm during all of your outdoor activities.

We could easily fold this up for travel — it even comes with a stuff sack that you can easily stow in a suitcase or duffel. The jacket is lightweight, though we did wish it were a bit more form-fitting and was offered in more sizes.

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 5 | Material: Lightweight 20D recycled Pertex Quantum Pro | Insulation: 800-fill goose down, RDS certified, wax finish

PHOTO: People / Henry Yung
PHOTO: People / Henry Yung
PHOTO: People / Henry Yung
PHOTO: People / Henry Yung

Best Budget

Wantdo Waterproof Ski Jacket

Wantdo Men's Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

$70 $55 at Amazon

Star Qualities

21 color and print options
Cozy and warm with comfortable hood
Tons of pockets
Sizes up to 3X

Red Flags

Not machine-washable

We tried this out on a cold day wearing just a short-sleeve shirt and found we stayed warm, thanks partly to the hood that offers excellent coverage from the wind and cold. The jacket is very cozy, and while it does feel a bit bulky, there's enough room for layering underneath.

It has lots of pockets and other utility features, like a button clip and thumb slits, but we actually would have preferred the coat without those bells and whistles. Still, at under $100, this jacket leaves little to be desired. And with 21 colors to choose from, you could even buy a few and switch things up when the weather is bleak.

Sizes: S-3XL | Colors: 21 | Material: 100% 150D dull mechanical elastic fabric | Care: Hand wash recommended

Best Investment

Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka

PHOTO: Outdoor Research

$330 at Amazon View on Outdoorresearch.com $357 at Backcountry

Star Qualities

Classic style without the bulk
Warm yet breathable
Waterproof and windproof

Red Flags

On the pricey side, but we think it's a great investment

If you’ve always thought a good winter coat is supposed to make you look like a human marshmallow, this parka from Outdoor Research will make you rethink outerwear. This Gore-Tex parka is waterproof and windproof, plus it’s insulated. But we discovered something surprising: Because it’s made of breathable fabric, it actually kept us comfortable on those warmer winter days, too.

This jacket is the ideal design — it does everything that it needs to do and more without being too flashy. And even with a relaxed fit, it has a surprisingly slim look. The lack of puff allows you to have a full range of motion, while the wrist gators are a godsend. And as for pockets: Who needs to carry a bag when this jacket is a carry-all? While it is pricey, we think the high-quality construction and added versatility makes this jacket worth the cost.

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 4 | Material: Gore-Tex 2L 100% polyester 150D canvas, 100% nylon 20D ripstop lining | Insulation: 700+ fill power responsibly sourced down

Best Wool

Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-blend Melton Peacoat

PHOTO: Polo Ralph Lauren

View on Ralphlauren.com

Star Qualities

Comfortable fit
Soft fabric and lining
Good range of motion

Red Flags

Dry clean only
Less versatility since it's a dress coat

If you're looking for a classic pea coat, this one fits the bill, right down to the anchors imprinted on the buttons. We found this coat to be supremely comfortable during our tests. It fit well but was still roomy enough around the shoulders, arms, and chest to offer good range of motion. The outer wool fabric and lining were very soft, too.

While this this wouldn’t be the first coat we’d grab before heading out in a snowstorm, it was plenty cozy for 40-degree weather; we wore it over a dress shirt without additional layers and were supremely comfortable. There's frankly not much we dislike about it, except that it's rather pricey for a coat that's not suited for all outdoor occasions; however, the high quality alone could make it worth it.

Sizes: 32-54 (short, regular, and long) | Colors: 1 | Material: Italian wool blend | Care: Dry clean

Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Wool Blend Melton Pea Coat — People / Karen Chen

Best Size Range

Carhartt Quilted Flannel Lined Jacket

Carhartt Quilted Flannel Lined Duck Active Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

$120 $109 at Amazon $120 at Home Depot View on Cabelas.com

Star Qualities

Wide range of sizes in regular and tall
Lining is warm, but not too heavy
Machine washable

Red Flags

Shorter length
Might be too casual for more intense weather

This jacket might look heavy and thick on the outside, but we assure you that it's extremely comfortable to wear. It’s warmly lined without being too heavily insulated, so there’s no risk of overheating. The design is rather simple — we liken it to a well-made hoodie — that features the classic Carhartt style. It’s a welcome departure for those who might be tired of the puffer jacket or peacoat look. We ordered this true to size and found the chest and hood to be a bit roomy. With sizes that range from small to 5XL and tall sizes up to 4XL, you’re sure to find the right fit.

Sizes: S-5XL (up to 4XL in tall sizes) | Colors: 4 | Material: 100% cotton | Care: Machine wash

sideview of a man wearing a Carhartt Quilted Flannel Lined Duck Active Jacket outdoors — People / Alessandra Amodio

Best with Deep Pockets

Everlane Long Parka

PHOTO: Everlane

View on Everlane.com

Star Qualities

Comfortable, roomy fit with deep pockets
Looks lighter in weight than it is
Hood can be tucked in when not needed

Red Flags

Zipper somewhat flimsy
Limited size range

We stayed warm while in windy and rainy conditions thanks to this Everlane parka. We found that the jacket is very comfortable and easy to move around in, and the hood is also well-placed and functional. We also liked the smooth exterior of the jacket which gave off the look of a much lighter coat — despite being deceptively warm. In fact, it’s actually heavier than it looks.

We liked the low-profile design of the jacket, which features deep pockets. We especially loved the hood, especially since it could be tucked out of the way when not needed. We did have some trouble with the zipper getting stuck at times, though we still found it comfortable enough to move around in — perfect for commuting or outdoor activities.

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: 100% recycled polyester; 100% recycled PrimaLoft insulation | Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

Best for Outdoor Activities

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka

PHOTO: REI

$208 at Amazon $100 at REI

Star Qualities

Stretchy, comfortable fabric
Roomy hood moves with your head

Red Flags

Shorter length
Runs large

The Stretchdown Parka lives up to its name because of stretchy fabric that allows for a comfortable range of motion. This jacket is very comfortable, breathable, and warm, although we recommend sizing down, as this jacket does run large. Even with sizing down, we were able to fit multiple layers — though it’s warm enough without them — and used the parka as their outer shell. The hood is insulated, which was perfect for cold, windy days. We also liked that the water-resistant exterior kept us dry in the rain.

This coat is a bit shorter than other parkas, so keep that in mind if you're looking for more coverage. Still, it’s flexible and lightweight with a double-zipper design that’s convenient for when you’re doing outdoor activities — it’s a perfect style if you need to attach a harness while climbing or hiking. Even the hood is roomy enough to permit a helmet underneath, plus it stays with your head as you move it so you can actually see where you’re going.

Sizes: S-XXL (runs large) | Colors: 4 | Material: 86% nylon, 14% elastane | Insulation: 700-fill-power goose down (85% goose down, 15% goose feathers)

PHOTO: People / John Somerall
PHOTO: People / John Somerall

Best with Adjustable Hood

The North Face Men's McMurdo Down Parka

PHOTO: REI

View on REI View on The North Face View on Amazon.in

Star Qualities

Adjustable hood with removable trim
Very comfortable and warm
Made with some recycled materials

Red Flags

Limited size range
No hand-warmer pocket

We found this parka from The North Face to be extremely comfortable despite its bulky size; you could throw it over just a T-shirt and still be warm. We especially appreciated the adjustable hood with the removable faux fur trim, as it's a nice feature for when the temperatures are a bit higher and we don’t need the full-on parka experience.

While this coat also has various pockets — including concealed ones in the chest — we noticed there isn’t a perfect hand warmer pocket on the coat, so you might want to wear a pair of heated gloves with it. The parka features a dual layer DryVentTM waterproof fabric and 600-fill power recycled waterfowl down for insulation. All in all, it kept us warm while out walking the dog in cold, windy conditions.

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 4 | Material: 70-denier DryVent 2-layer recycled nylon plain weave; recycled polyester plain weave lining | Insulation: Recycled waterfowl down

What to Know About Winter Coats

Price

Before you turn down any of the pricier coats on our list, consider doing what Liana Chaouli, CEO and founder of Image Therapists International, calls “closet math.” Take the price of the garment and divide it by how many times you’ll wear it in a year. In the end, it doesn’t cost you as much, she says. especially when you consider a higher-quality coat. The Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka or the Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-Blend Melton Peacoat, for example, will last for years.

Sizing

Sizing can be tricky with both men's and women's winter coats, depending on how you plan to dress beneath them. If you need to make room for layers or plan to do outdoor activities while wearing it, size up or choose a coat with a roomier fit. “If you're ordering it online, get two sizes,” says Chaouli. “Get the size you think you need and then get the size bigger." We love that the Carhartt Quilted Flannel Lined Duck Active Jacket has a wide range of sizes in both regular and tall.

Material

Ideally, you want a coat that’s as stylish as it is warm, but you should choose the material based on when and how you’re going to be wearing it. If you live in a rainy climate, you might want a rain jacket that you can use with layers. Chaouli prefers a wool cashmere blend for a business or work coat, but if you want something more casual and rugged, she suggests a down quilted manmade fiber jacket. We loved the Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-Blend Melton Peacoat if you’d like a classic wool dress coat for winter, and the Everlane ReNew Long Parka features synthetic insulating materials for more casual warmth.

Care

Getting stuck in the rain or the snow can wreak havoc on a winter coat, which is why you want something that’s easy to at least spot clean. Even better are those coats that you can simply toss in the wash — like the Carhartt Quilted Flannel Lined Duck Active Jacket. Before you do, Chaouli says to zip up all zippers, whether they’re on the pockets or the closure. “A zipper is like a twin engine that goes together,” she says. If you keep yours unzipped, the agitation of the washing machine could weaken either side and compromise alignment, she explains.

When to Buy

You’ll always have the best selection of men’s winter coats prior to the cold season, though you will likely have to pay full price because demand is high. You can snag deals toward the end of the winter, but by waiting until after the season, you run the risk of low inventory and limited availability in sizes.

Behind the Scenes

Our PEOPLE Tested team zipped or buttoned up 19 different men’s winter coats to take on the cold season. We wore them for hours in our daily routines, and then we rated each coat based on a 1-5 scale in the following categories:

Warmth: If you live in a cold climate, you know that warmth is a non-negotiable when it comes to winter coats. We wore these coats commuting, walking our dogs, running errands, and doing outdoor activities to make sure each coat on this list is warm enough for wintertime.
Comfort: We noted whether each coat was roomy enough for layers, as well as whether the coat inhibited our range of motion at all. We docked points for any coats that were itchy or too stiff.
Durability: You'll be wearing your winter coat in all kinds of conditions, and hopefully, for years to come. We took a good look at the materials and functionality of each coat to ensure they're in it for the long haul.
Design: Finding a warm and stylish jacket is hard. We considered the look of each jacket, giving extra points to the jackets that are as attractive as they are functional.

The coats that earned the highest overall rating made it to this PEOPLE Tested list of the best men's winter coats and jackets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which winter jacket is best for men?

Just like winter boots, the best winter jackets or coats are the ones that fit both the men and the situation they’re in, says Chaouli. A down coat built for the tundra might be super warm, but its bulk will surely get in the way of a crowded bus or train commute. If you spend hours outside in the cold using a snow blower or participating in a winter sport, you might want to opt for a heated coat. And while she loves a coat made from wool or cashmere, it’s of no use for anyone allergic to either. Whatever your choice, a winter coat should be warm, fit well, and feel good against your skin.
Are expensive winter jackets worth it?

Expensive jackets can be worth it, especially if you plan to wear them very often. While some of the coats on our list are indeed pricey, if you consider that you’ll wear them many times during the course of one year — and potentially for several years provided you maintain it well — the cost per wear becomes negligible.
What is the warmest winter coat?

Coats that have thermal insulation — whether from natural goose down or synthetic fibers — are typically the warmest for winter. You could also go for a more lightweight coat that’s roomy enough to permit layers beneath, especially if you plan to be active outdoors. In the end, it’s really up to your comfort and your regional temperature; Chaouli notes that if you live in Alaska, for example, it’s probably best to go for a winter coat with the most dense fill.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Barbara Bellesi Zito has more than 18 years of experience as a writer, editor, and social media consultant for regional and national brands, including Health.com, Forbes Advisor, BELLA Magazine, Apartment Therapy, The Motley Fool, Martha Stewart Living, and Insider. Barbara specializes in real estate, home improvement, and lifestyle topics. For this article, she drew on the experiences of our team of product testers, countless online user reviews, and an interview with Liana Chaouli, CEO and founder of Image Therapists International.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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