As several characters in the fictional Game of Thrones universe kept reminding us, winter is coming. Whether you like it or not, the mercury will soon begin to drop and you’ll be trading your swimmers for snow jackets, all in the name of beating the chill.
While it’s incredibly easy to remove layers of clothing during summer to keep yourself cool, keeping warm and toasty during winter is a completely different ball game. There is the obvious method of donning several layers of clothing, but if you start to boil from the inside, you need to remove them and carry them around with you for the rest of the day.
What you really need is a top-performing winter coat or jacket that will serve as a single layer either over a sweater or fleece jacket when temperatures really do plummet, or over a simple t-shirt when all you need is something to fight the cold when taking a weekend stroll. However, practically every clothing brand under the sun has its own interpretation of what constitutes a ‘best’ winter coat or jacket, but that isn’t always the case.
We’ve, therefore, placed ourselves in your soon-to-be winter boots to sift through the coats and jackets that you really ought to spend your money on in preparation for winter. Of course, no two jackets are made the same, and different brands will utilise different fabric technologies in the fight against harsh winter conditions. To help you with some of the more technical jargon, here’s what you should be looking out for when looking for a winter jacket or coat.
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is perhaps the biggest name in waterproof, breathable fabrics, having been around since 1969. Gore-Tex fabrics, and with that, jackets that employ the use of it, can both repel water – such as rain – while still allowing water vapour (such as sweat) to pass through its membrane, resulting in a breathable finish.
Coreloft
Coreloft is a brand of synthetic non-woven insulation material. Instead, polyester fibres are crimped together to trap air, which results in a material that is highly effective at retaining warmth. It’s naturally hydrophobic too, so will be equally effective in both wet and dry conditions. Coreloft is primarily found in Arc’teryx products.
Down vs Synthetic Insulation
Two of the main terms you’re likely to come across when searching for a winter jacket or coat refers to the insulation: down or synthetic. Which insulation type you choose will depend on what you intend to use your jacket for.
Unless the manufacturer clearly specifies the insulation in its jacket is made from feathers, down is in fact made from the plumage found underneath the feathers on a goose or duck. Down is a complete natural at retaining heat (ideal for jackets intended for extremely cold weather climates) as well being naturally breathable, meaning it will happily wick sweat away from your body.
It’s lightweight nature also lends it to be packable, so if you ever get so warm you need to take your jacket off, you can easily stuff it into a bag. The main downside to down insulation is that it doesn’t function so well if it gets wet. Some jackets will cater to this, covering them in a highly effective waterproof outer layer, but if the down layer is on the outside, you’ll want to hope you don’t get caught in the rain.
However, with down also comes the addition of fill power, which we’ll cover later.
On to synthetic insulation, which as its name implies, is manmade. However, it is designed to mimic the qualities of down insulation but can still function as well even when wet. It’s made by taking various sizes of polyester fibres and intertwining them, which in turn holds heat within several air pockets.
While this is great news for synthetic insulation, more of it is needed to replicate the same effect as down, so synthetically insulated jackets and coats will be heavier than their down counterparts. However, if caught in the rain, synthetic insulation will dry much much faster than down.
DWR
Durable water repellent refers to a coating that is applied to various fabrics before they roll off the production line to make them water-resistant. It’s not uncommon to find DWR treatments on materials such as Gore-Tex to help minimise the amount of water it’s required to repel. DWR treatments can become less effective over time, but can be re-treated as necessary.
Down Fill Power
Down fill power is indicated by a number, usually between 300 and 900, that indicates the loft of the down insulation. This basically refers to how warm the down jacket will be, with the higher the number meaning the warmer it will be, due to the larger weight of air the down can trap.
Hard Shell vs Soft Shell
Another commonly used term used in relation to outerwear is either hard shell or soft shell, but what do they mean? In general, a hard shell jacket is what you want to protect against rain and wind. The actual fabric that goes into their construction can vary, they all have the same overall goal. You will, however, need to think about the layers you wear under your hard shell, as if you build up a lot of sweat, the outer layer may not be as effective at wicking sweat if you’re wearing a thick fleece.
Conversely, if you’re outside in cold and wet rain, and don’t have any layers underneath, the hard shell jacket will pass on that cold temperature to your body. With this taken care of though, you can easily wear a hard shell jacket all year round, not just in winter.
Soft shell jackets, on the other hand, aren’t fully waterproof but can be water-resistant and extremely breathable. They tend to be warmer than their hard shell counterpart too and offer a greater range of movement, making them more suitable for climbing.
Winter Jackets FAQ
How to choose the right winter jacket?
Before buying, consider the type of jacket you need based on your activities, the insulation it provides and of course, the quality. Make sure it fits you well so take your time trying on different styles.
How much does a good winter jacket cost?
A good winter jacket is an investment, so be prepared to shell out hundreds of bucks for it. Buyers usually spend an average of $100 to $300 for a coat from Columbia or L.L. Bean.
How often do you wash your winter coat?
Your wool coats and down jackets must be cleaned once or twice a season. For your fleece jackets, washing after wearing them six to seven times is the norm.
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Mackage
Another brand to hail from Canada, Mackage has earned itself a reputation of being one of the most prestigious names in all things winter protection (and is said to be a favourite of Meghan Markle). The luxury label was founded in 1999 with the aim of forging a design ethos that encapsulated both fashion and function. We'd say its definitely succeeded on that front, using all manner of materials such as leather, down and wool, all of which are crafted into tailored fits that will have you looking good, while offering the utmost in protection.
The Edward down coat has been designed with the very coldest days imaginable in mind. To that degree, it ticks all the boxes: windproof, water-repellant and breathable. It hugs your body with a combination of duck down and feathers, so will essentially feel like you're wearing a duvet with sleeves. Extra details such as storm cuffs and a removable hood – complete with storm visor, we might add – make it your one-stop defence against Mother Nature.
Bogner
Bogner is a high-end luxury ski brand that also has its feet planted firmly on the city streets, far down from the snowy mountains. The German brand has been in business for over 85 years and is often credited as being the first to introduce genuinely fashionable clothing to the sporting world – up until recently, Bogner was the supplier for the German Winter Olympics Team ever since 1936.
But just because it's the brand to be seen in on the slopes, doesn't mean that can't carry over to everyday wear either. With down jackets being all the rage right now, the Bosco is the one you'll really want. With a figure-hugging fit and the company's quintessentially ski-inspired style, the Bosco is all style and all substance. It's filled with goose down insulation for superior warmth, while the outer layer is water-repellent to keep rain at bay.
Your neck will be well protected too thanks to a stand-up collar and you're not left wanting when it comes to storage space, with five pockets placed conveniently around the outer layer. And considering the brand's heritage, the Bosco is one of the more affordable jackets on this list. Bonus.
Hugo Boss
Think Hugo Boss and you may immediately conjure up images of tailored suits and polo shirts. The German menswear fashion brand – founded in 1924 – is synonymous with business and formal attire, but has a fun, casual side to its collections as well. Knowing that guys need to look good year round, Hugo Boss also has a decidedly on-brand range of outerwear. As you may expect, much of Hugo's range of outerwear comprises trench coat styles, ideal for the city worker, but delve a little deeper and you'll find on-trend jackets such as lightweight down-filled numbers.
This water-repellent down jacket sports the conventional style for down jackets, but adds subtle accents on the upper portion to provide some stylish contrast. It's treated with a water-repellent coating to protect against rain, and should conditions improve considerably, you can detach both the hood and the sleeves to to convert it into an equally good-looking gilet.
Aether
Aether is a brand for the guy who works 9-5 in the city during the week, but loves to stretch his legs and explore the great outdoors at the weekend. How do we know? It's that exact approach to the brand that was taken by founders Palmer West and Jonah Smith. Fitting that clique, the two founded Aether in 2009. Headquartered in Los Angeles but with physical stores in New York City and Aspen, Aether is knowledgeable in the various winter conditions put upon North America.
Nowhere is that better exemplified than in the Barrow jacket. What may look like a traditional trench coat at first glance is actually far more technical than a simple rain layer. It's insulated with 800-fill-power goose down, making it far warmer than most other trench-style coats on the market, and you'll be hard pushed to find a single seam. The virtually seamless design makes the Barrows impenetrable for water, so if you happen to be caught in a shower, you won't need to stress.
A detachable hood will protect your noggin should you find yourself in a downpour, and can be quickly whisked away for those fresh winter mornings, while a quilted interior provides extra warmth and comfort. It may be a little pricier than some other trench coats, but for its technical abilities you can't fault it. Aether has an extensive range of insulated jackets, but none quite offer that slick city vibe as much as the Barrow.
Canada Goose
Canada Goose is, unsurprisingly, another Canadian brand committed to keeping you warm when the outside turns cold. It has relied heavily on product placement and sponsorship to cement itself as a must-have brand, but fortunately its coats and jackets are combine both style and substance. The brand has been dealt its fair share of controversy in recent years, and some schools have had to ban them being worn to prevent poorer students from feeling disadvantaged, due to the high cost of the jackets. Nevertheless, it has become "the Swiss watch brand of apparel" and the "Land Rover of outerwear" according to CEO Dani Reiss.
If you're going to invest in Canada Goose you may automatically veer towards its fully-fledged parkas, but they're designed to withstand conditions you'd only really find in the Arctic Circle. For everyday winter use, something like the Kent jacket would be more logical. It rocks a slim fit silhouette with a clean and minimal outer layer, ensuring you remain looking your best during the daily commute.
The Kent utilises the company's Tri-Durance SS fabric, a 3-layer design that keeps wind and rain at bay, while keeping you well insulated. Vent mesh panels in the back encourage airflow so you don't become a hot, sweaty mess. Canada Goose jackets are renowned for their high asking prices, but the Kent is well below the $1,000 mark you could easily spend on one of its parkas.
Mission Workshop
Mission Workshop is a San Francisco-based company that screams city adventurer. You'll notice a n extremely consistent design language as you surf the company's website, with blacks and greys very much being the order of the day. However, every single piece of clothing and all of its accessories are designed to be incredibly technical. Whether it be a waterproof jacket, something fleece-lined for warmth or a combination of the two, Mission Workshop coats and jackets are ones that are well worth considering in the lead up to winter.
The Styrman Ultralight jacket is Mission Workshop's take on the traditional trench coat, but one that is designed to outperform all of its competition. it employs a fully seam-taped design, giving water an impossible chance of seeping in, yet it's lightweight enough that it easily be packed away in a bag for when the rainclouds dispense. When it comes to rain, the Styrman will happily protect you against serious downpours as opposed to just a light drizzle, and for days when it's so cold you can't feel your face, it will prove to be the perfect outer layer over a fleece or sweater.
Arc'teryx
Canadian brand Arc'teryx was founded in the snowy climate of North Vancouver, British Columbia. With BC's winter months receiving their fair share of snow and rainfall, Arc'teryx is well versed in creating products that can withstand harsh conditions.
The Fission SV Insulated Jacket is a prime example of that, and the fact the company says it's the warmest fully waterproof jacket in its Essentials collection should be enough alone to sell it to you. But just in case you needed more convincing, it utilises Gore-Tex, allowing it to prevent rain and snow getting in, while still being breathable to keep your body well ventilated. Coreloft insulation is what you can rely upon to keep you toasty warm, while a DropHood and collar caress your neck in scarf-like fashion. Arc'teryx caters for all budgets too, with its insulated jacket collection ranging from US$149 - $999 for the ultimate is ski-specific protection.
Patagonia
Patagonia is the brand you have to own if you at all care about the planet you live on. The vast majority of the company's catalogue of apparel and accessories is made from recycled materials. Don't let that fact make you think Patagonia products are going to fall apart at the very sight of a raincloud though, far from it. All of its products are made to the highest quality and are consistently regarded as some of the very best in technical and outerwear on the market today.
Take the Isthmus Parka. Not only does it look flippin' fantastic with its 60s-inspired silhouette, but it's lined with a high-pile fleece that's made from 30 per cent recycled polyester, while the outer shell is made from recycled nylon and given the DWR treatment making it wind and water-repellant. Throw in 7, yes 7, pockets and you have one seriously capable, do-it-all winter jacket.
UNIQLO
For affordable yet incredibly functional winter jackets, Japanese retailer UNIQLO is not one to be passed up. The clothier regularly releases good-looking pieces that offer style and substance in spades.
This Ultra Light Down Jacket, for example, guarantees at least 90% down plumage filling and is lightweight enough that it can be packed into its own bag for when not in use. UNIQLO has also given it a water-repellant coating to help keep light showers at bay and best of all, it's available in a huge range of colours.
49 Winters
49Winters is a British brand with a very unique approach to coats and jackets. While it certainly takes style into account when creating all of its products, which as a result are aimed more towards an urban environment, but are capable of tackling more adventurous terrain, its the approach to function that really makes this a brand worth paying attention to.
That's because 49Winters works around a modular system, whereby every single piece can be attached to another. It works around a 3-part system, which sees the outer layer be connected to an inner down insulated layer and a hood trim. You can mix and match colours and styles to suit your individual tastes, and the down inner layer can function perfectly on its own.
As for which outer layer to choose, we'd suggest the Utility. With a silhouette resembling a traditional parka but with so much more to offer, the Utility is both water-repellant and windproof and has its own fleece lining to provide warmth if you wear it on its own. Of course, should that warming layer not be enough, you're free to zip any of the company's down jackets inside to create one of the toastiest jackets around.
Everlane
Everlane is an American fashion label committed to producing its clothing and accessories from as many recycled materials as possible and in ethical ways too. It's entirely transparent to consumers about how each product is made, from the materials used to allowing you to see the factories they're made in. On top of that, Everlane provides a break down of the cost that goes into making each product, so you can see how much (or little depending on how you look at it) it makes.
While we can't find a winter jacket that combines the very best in warmth and wet-weather protection, the ReNew Storm jacket is ideal for defending against the latter. It utilises a three-layer build and is fully seam-sealed, so you can be safe in the knowledge that no water will be getting in in a hurry. Style-wise it won't look out of place around the city and extra touches such as hood adjustment toggles will ensure the ReNew Storm remains close to your body to protect it from wind and to keep rain out of your face.
Flint & Tinder
Flint & Tinder is a brand created by outerwear retailer specialist Huckberry. The American retailer stocks all manner of brands on its site, but only ones that pass its strict criteria for offering the highest-quality and ideally, sustainably-made pieces. That same attitude has been channelled into its own Flint & Tinder label, which is designed to make "simple but significant hard-wearing, American style staples."
The Sherpa-lined Waxed Ridge Parka is a great defence against winter conditions, due to its waxed outer layer which is a dab-hand at shielding against wind and rain. On the inside however, it's all about warmth and comfort, with a serious helping of Sherpa fleece.
On top of that, there's an attached hood for overhead protection, and six pockets, including handwarmer pockets keep all your essentials close by. Better still, this Flint & Tinder jacket is made in Los Angeles, so should be of a higher quality that other jackets you may have come across in the past.
Mammut
Mammut is a Swiss brand that specialises in mountaineering and trekking. When it was founded in 1862, it started out producing ropes to be used for ascending the most dangerous of mountains. It wasn't until 1981 that a clothing line was introduced and since then the company has become a go-to for beautifully-made coats and jackets that you can rely on to keep you warm and dry.
While Mammut obviously caters for those who choose to brave the extreme outdoors still, it also has a range for those who prefer to venture around city streets as opposed to scaling mountains.
The Convey Tour is a prime example of a Mammut jacket that can be worn both in urban environments and for long hikes. It employs Gore-Tex Paclite fabric technology to make it windproof, waterproof and breathable, meaning it will wick sweat away from your body to keep you cool and dry inside.
Burberry
British high-end fashion brand Burberry is without doubt one of the most lusted-after labels. The iconic tartan check design can regularly be seen on slick city workers around the world, all of whom value the company's attention to detail and high-quality.
More often than not, you're going to see Burberry trench coats wondering the streets, and that's because Burberry is the brand responsible for launching it to the market. Founder Thomas Burberry invented the gabardine fabric that goes into making traditional trench coats, way back in 1879. Without him, the trench coat may not exist today.
The Kensington Heritage trench coat is the piece that retains the years-old design, but has been updated with modern body proportions in mind. The gabardine fabric is on hand once again to repel water, while the remaining trench coat criteria is all present and correct. It may not have quite the same warming properties as some other coats on this list, but for splendidly British-inspired wet-weather protection, there's nothing better.
Woolrich
Woolrich is another fashion brand that has been around for nearly 200 years, in fact, it's the oldest manufacturer of outdoor wear in the United States. It was founded with the purpose to produce fabric for the wives of hunters, loggers and trappers, and was enlisted to outfit soldiers in the American Civil War. Woolrich is responsible for creating the Buffalo Check pattern that continues to be associated with rugged workwear and even had a role in the success of the parka jacket.
We therefore had to include this Arctic Parka DF winter coat as a recommendation. Designed to block out wind, rain and even snow, this unassuming parka jacket is made using a water repellent Ramar fabric before being coated with Teflon to really make sure Mother Nature is kept at bay. A down filling provides extra warmth while typical parka features such as a multitude of pockets and a detachable fur trim complete the urban look.
C.P. Company
Italian fashion brand C.P. Company was founded in 1978 (although was originally founded as Chester Perry in 1971, but was forced to change its name) with a specific design direction that took influences from the military and work suits. Since then the company has continued to marry together the worlds of urban sportswear with innovative fabrics and technologies – C.P. was a pioneer of garment dyeing in the 1970s.
One of C.P. Company's most recognisable pieces which continues to be made today is the Goggle Jacket. The latest iteration uses a soft shell design, but remains a tough beast against the elements. It's hoody-like appearance gives way to a water and windproof outer layer. The inner layer comprises a lightweight mesh that might not be the warmest thing ever, but provides comfort and stretch. Pop it over generous mid-layer and you'll be well protected. And of course, the iconic goggle hood makes a return for a quirky touch of design.
Shackleton
Shackleton is a British clothing brand that takes its name from the intrepid explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Founded just as recently as 2014, Shackleton's mission statement is to "develop performance apparel for people living and working in the world's extremes." Its range of outwear isn't the largest you're ever going to come across, but that's because it puts more effort into creating a small range of exceptionally-performing coats and jackets instead.
We could have featured some of the company's top-end parkas, but they're targeted at those who wish to take months-long expeditions to the polar ice caps. Instead, we recommend the Wild Down jacket for use in more 'normal' environments. Handmade in the UK, the Wold Down is filled with responsibly-sourced European goose down, allowing the jacket to keep you warm when temperatures to a blisteringly cold -20 degrees. Not only does it protect against the cold, but it's windproof and water-resistant too. Better yet, it can be packed away in a bag with ease thanks to its incredibly lightweight construction.
Herno
Italian company Herno was founded in 1948 by Giuseppe Marenzi. Taking its name from the Erno Valley, the location of the company's first mill, Giuseppe used his previous knowledge from working at a raincoat company and time spent in the military to create a more effective waterproof fabric. Fortunately, the Erno Valley provided enough wind and rain for Marenzi to test his products. They proved incredibly successful and since those early years, Herno has expanded into a fully-fledged fashion brand with collections extending beyond just outerwear.
The Iridescent Bomber is part of the company's very latest fall/winter collection, meaning it makes use of some of the latest fabric and material technologies. They include a 20-denier nylon, which is tough enough to avoid being ripped and feather down insulation to keep you cosy and warm during cold and windy days. It's probably not the best idea to wear the Bomber out in torrential downpours, but if you need a transitional winter jacket to simply protect against the cold, you're going to struggle to find one better made than anything from Herno.
Barbour
Barbour is a British outerwear brand that hails from the North East of England. Founded in 1894, the company has kept its headquarters in the same area of South Shields, where its jackets are manufactured by hand. While it may have an extensive collection of clothing beyond outerwear (and now also caters for dogs) Barbour easily best-known for its waxed cotton jackets. They have become heavily associated with British countryside culture and waxed jackets as a whole sector, with the Barbour name becoming practically interchangeable with the reference to the jacket material.
The Ashby is one of the most iconic collections in Barbour's lineup, playing host to all the subtle features that make it quintessentially Barbour. They include a tartan check interior lining (which changes colour depending on the colour of jacket you choose), corduroy collar and two-way zip closure with storm flap. The main feature is of course the 6oz waxed Sylkoil fabric, which if treated regularly will happily repel water for years to come.
