Cute, cozy and warm, down jackets are a must-have for any winter wardrobe. But when it comes to finding the right down jacket, the options can be overwhelming: do you go for down-filled or synthetic? Black or bright colors? Cropped or full wearable blanket?
To get you started, we spoke to professional stylists about their favorite down jackets for men and women in a variety of lengths, fills, and price ranges. Shop their pick below to keep you warm and stylish no matter how cold the weather gets.
Loredana Buonopane, fashion director, stylist and vintage store owner, says that while the Gap jacket “looks and feels heavy,” it “doesn’t give you the feeling that so many down jackets do with the Michelin mantle.” The Gap jacket Also made from recycled materials and fitted with warm and water-repellent Primaloft fill, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to avoid down jackets.
Fashion stylist Liz Rundbaken praises the affordable coat for its “slim fit” and loves that it has “main features like a high collar for warmth.” This coat is available in sage, black, or beige in sizes XS through 4XL.
New York City-based wardrobe stylist Gloria Cospito loves the stylish yet functional down jacket from Banana Republic: “The straps inside the coat make it really unique—they allow you to drape the coat over your shoulders without reaching into the sleeves ’” This coat has a loose fit that’s perfect for layering and is filled with 100% down.
Though pricey, Rundbaken says Canada Goose coats are “worth the money” and that her own Canada Goose is “one of the smartest wardrobe investments I’ve ever made. It’s one of the reasons I no longer dread New York winters.” One.” She specifically recommends the Alliston parka because “it’s more of a fashion look than a technical look,” adding that “all Canada Goose products now meet the Responsible Down standard.”
Cassandra Sethi, Next Level Wardrobe’s personal stylist and image consultant, calls Woolrich “the go-to for cold weather” and praises the Prescott parka’s wide hood and versatile length. The jacket comes in dark blue, forest green, black or ivory and has a hidden zipper for a better fit.
Uniqlo dominates the affordable winterwear space, and Rundbaken says its “ultralight” down jackets are “perfect for layering and instantly warming any jacket or sweater”. She’s especially fond of the shorter style, which comes in four colors and comes with a travel-friendly storage bag.
Aritzia’s popular Super Puffs are available in a variety of colors and fabrics. Cospito is particularly fond of the “liquid gloss finish,” which turns a coat into “a fun piece.” All Super Puffs are also very, very warm, made with responsibly sourced goose down and rated for minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you really want to stand out in a sea of black winter coats, Rundbaken recommends Gap’s heavyweight down jacket in a shorter, richer color. “It has some beautiful vibrant colors to combat the winter doldrums,” she says, including bright fuchsia, fire engine red and ice blue. Like most of Gap’s apparel, this coat comes in regular, petite and tall sizes.
The ultra-portable Free People jacket folds into its own pocket, which means you can easily store it in your suitcase when you’re not wearing it (you can even use it as a travel pillow). Cospito calls it “a striking layering piece for early spring and fall” in vibrant color options like magenta Disco (above).
A&F vegan leather mini down jacket
Abercrombie $180
Buonopane loves this Abercrombie & Fitch jacket, “it feels like a cross between a biker jacket and a down jacket.” The cropped silhouette also looks great with high-rise jeans. If you’re not ready for bold leather finishes, the sleek cut is available in a variety of fabrics and colors (including cream faux mohair and plaid wool blends).
H&M hooded down jacket
H&M $50
This H&M jacket features polyester fill and a recycled lining for just the right amount of loft. “I love that it’s just long enough to cover the boots, and the drawstring at the bottom keeps the wind out,” says Rundbaken. She also loves how “the hood fits neatly into the highly padded collar,” and of course, the coat is priced at $50. In addition to three neutral brown shades, you can also choose from red and black.
Sethi loves the details on this hip-length down jacket “great for keeping out the cold. It includes thumb holes, an adjustable hood and zipped pockets.” REI comes in sizes XS to 2XL and comes in three different colours.
“Down jackets can often look heavy,” says Sethi, “so I love this jacket with its lightweight down-fill and adjustable waist.” The coat comes in classic black, cream or this muted green.
You’ll stand out in this stunning Michael Kors coat, which Buonopane says reminds her of “a space-age ’60s ski bunny.” She added, “If metallic silver feels a little too out of this world for you, it’s black.”
Rundbaken recommends this classic parka from LLBean, a brand known for quality cold weather gear and exceptional customer service. One of the warmest outerwear the company makes, this parka features 650-fill DownTek insulation and a weatherproof shell.It comes in three colors and comes in regular and tall sizes
Uniqlo also has a lot of great men’s puffer selections. Rundbaken love this windproof and water-resistant style, which has a smooth matte finish and a seamless cut. The hood is also fully removable, and the crisp stand collar makes the jacket both warm and office-friendly.
Buonopane loves the Alpha Industries jacket, which has plenty of handy pockets and an adjustable hood that will help “get you through any winter storm.” It’s available in black, black camouflage or dark army green, and those who don’t want to wear a down jacket will be happy to know it’s made from 100% polyester.
“The fleece-lined hood makes this down jacket a winter staple,” says Cospito. This down jacket also features neoprene trim on the cuffs for warmth.
For outdoor adventures on the coldest days of the year, Rundbaken recommends Fjallraven’s ultra-warm Expedition Parka. It combines the unmatched insulation of ethical down with the water resistance of synthetic fill, and also features an adjustable hood, side and top access pockets, and a two-way zipper.
Rundbaken loves that this windproof, quick-drying jacket comes in a variety of vibrant colors (eight colors, to be exact!) and features a faux fur lining for added warmth and comfort. She also credits Save Ducks for making coats that are animal- and earth-friendly without compromising cold-weather performance.
Cospito loves the bright blue hue of this 100% down Banana Republic down jacket and the fact that it “has an interior hands-free strap that fits over the shoulder.” The jacket also has a storm flap behind the front zipper to keep out the cold.
With a stand collar, snap closure and on-seam pockets, this sleek Vince jacket is perfect for when you want an insulated jacket that’s more for the office than skiing. “The herringbone pattern is a classic textile design,” says Sethi, adding that it “really elevates this down jacket.”
For warmth without the bulk, Sethi recommends this lightweight option from Filson. “I love the vertical quilting on this jacket, and the Primaloft Gold insulation works great as an alternative to down,” she says. The jacket is available in sizes XS through 3XL and in black, olive gray or gold ocher fabric.
This stylish ASOS down jacket comes in sizes from 2XS to 4XL, with four additional options for longer torsos. Plus, it’s very affordable at less than $70.
Buonopane loves this bold Burberry jacket, which, while definitely a splurge, features the brand’s “signature plaid” for super warmth while also “making a statement”.