Warmest Winter Coats For Men 2023

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 winter coats.

There's no such thing as bad weather, only badly made jackets. The warmest winter coats for men ... [+] make negative-degree days downright enjoyable.

At 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 picks for Warmest Winter Coat For Men Overall (the Arc'teryx Therme Parka) and Warmest Affordable Winter Coat For Men (the Columbia Marquam Peak Fusion Parka) meet these criteria, and more. Whether you’re looking for a parka, puffer or all-weather topcoat, below are the best options to protect you from the elements. And if you’re in the market for more cold weather gear, check out our story on the best winter coats for women.

Arc'teryx

Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: Bitters, Black Sapphire, Black, Forage | Shell Materials: 2L Gore-Tex | Insulation: 750-fill goose down insulation and synthetic insulation | Hood: Yes

Canadian company Arc'teryx was founded in 1989, and it quickly established itself as an innovator in performance outerwear. This warm, durable and well-designed coat provides 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 storm 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.

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.

Backcountry

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: Atlantic Navy, Navy, Limestone, Graphite, Black | Shell Materials: Water-resistant shell made from 85 % polyester and 15% cotton | Insulation: 625-fill down | Hood: Yes, with removable trim

Founded in Toronto, Canada Goose coats emphasize durable construction to withstand extra cold blustery conditions. This features a tough shell with a lightweight, insulating fill, tunnel hood and collar to block drafts and keep your head warm even without a hat, and seven pockets (two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, two lower and three internal). Pull this on whether you’re dog walking, commuting or trudging through bitter temperatures.

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.

Backcountry

Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: Army, Aspen Green/Zest, Black, Black/Graphene, Deep Ink/Ink | Shell Materials: Lightweight 20D recycled Pertex | Insulation: 800-fill power | Hood: Yes

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.

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.