Cute, comfortable and very warm down jackets are the MVP of any winter wardrobe. But when it comes to finding the right down jacket, the choices can be overwhelming: do you go for a down-filled or synthetic down jacket? Black or bright colors? Cut or all-inclusive wearable blanket?
To help you get started, we talked to professional stylists about their favorite men’s and women’s down jackets of various lengths, fills, and price ranges. No matter how cold it gets, shop their picks below to keep you warm and stylish.
Fashion director, stylist and vintage store owner Loredana Buonopane said that while the Gap jacket “looks and feels heavy,” it “doesn’t have the Michelin effect that so much down can give you.” Made from recycled materials and filled with warm, water-resistant Primaloft, it’s ideal for anyone looking to avoid down.
Fashion stylist Liz Rundbaken praised the affordable jacket for its “fit fit” and liked that it had “warm essentials like a high collar.” The coat is available in sage, black or beige in sizes XS to 4XL.
New York City-based wardrobe stylist Gloria Cospito loves how stylish and functional this Banana Republic down jacket is: “The straps inside the jacket make it truly unique—they allow you to drape the jacket over your shoulders without having to reach your arms into your sleeves. ” This coat has a loose fit, ideal for layering, and is filled with 100% down.
Rundbaken says Canada Goose coats are expensive but “worth every penny” and calls her own Canada Goose “one of the smartest wardrobe investments I’ve ever bought. It’s the first time I’m no longer afraid of New York winters.” One reason.” She particularly recommends the Alliston Parka because “it’s more stylish than a technical look,” adding that “all Canada Goose products now comply with the Responsible Down Standard.”
Cassandra Sethi, personal stylist and image consultant at Next Level Wardrobe, called Woolrich a “cold-weather go-to” and praised the generous hood and versatile length of the Prescott parka. The jacket is available in navy blue, forest green, black or ivory and features a hidden zipper for a better fit.
Uniqlo dominates the affordable winter clothing segment, and Rundbaken says the brand’s “ultra-light” down jackets are “perfect for layering and instantly winterize any jacket or sweater.” She especially likes the shorter style, which comes in four colors Available as an option and comes with a travel-friendly storage bag.
Aritzia’s super popular Super Puffs are available in a variety of colors and fabrics. Cospito especially likes the “liquid glossy finish,” which turns the outerwear into “a fun statement piece.” All Super Puffs are also very, very warm, made from responsibly sourced goose down and rated at -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you really want to stand out in a sea of black winter clothes, Rundbaken recommends this shorter, richer Gap heavyweight down jacket. “It has some beautiful vibrant colors to combat the winter slump,” she said, including bright fuchsia, fire truck red and icy blue. Like most of Gap’s clothing, this coat comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes.
This ultra-portable Free People jacket folds into its own pocket, which means you can easily store it in a suitcase (or even use it as a travel pillow) when not wearing it. Cospito, which has bright color options like Magenta Disco (above), calls it “an eye-catching layered piece for early spring and fall.”
A&F vegan leather mini down jacket
Abercrombie $180
Buonopane loves that this Abercrombie & Fitch jacket “feels like a cross between a biker jacket and a down jacket.” The cut length is also perfect for pairing with high-waisted jeans. If you’re not ready for a bold leather finish, stylish cuts are available in a variety of fabrics and colors (including cream faux mohair and checked wool blends).
H&M hooded down jacket
H&M $50
This H&M jacket has polyester filling and recycled lining for just the right amount of bulk. “I like the length just enough to cover the hips, and the drawstring at the bottom keeps the wind out,” says Rundbaken. She also likes the way “the hood fits neatly into the high padded collar,” and of course, the coat costs $50. In addition to the three neutral brown shades, you can also frame it with red and black.
Sethi loves the design details of this knee-length down jacket “It’s very well executed and keeps you out of the cold. It includes thumb holes, an adjustable hood, and a zippered pocket.” REI is available in sizes XS to 2XL and in three different colors.
“Down jackets usually look heavy,” says Sethi, “so I love this lightweight jacket with strong down padding and an adjustable waist.” The coat is available in classic black, cream or this pastel green.
You’re sure to stand out in this glamorous Michael Kors coat, which Buonopane says reminds her of “a space-age ’60s ski bunny.” She added: “If metallic silver is a little too outrageous for you, it’s black.”
Rundbaken recommends this classic parka from LLBean, a brand known for quality cold weather gear and great customer service. One of the warmest parkas the company makes, this parka features 650-fill DownTek insulation and a weatherproof shell.It comes in three colors, regular and tall
Uniqlo also has a good selection of puffer fish for men. Rundbaken loves this windproof, water-resistant style, which has a smooth matte finish and a seamless cut. The hood is also fully removable, while the crisp stand-up collar makes the jacket both warm and office-friendly.
Buonopane loves this Alpha Industries jacket, which has many handy pockets and an adjustable hood to help “get you through any winter storm.” It’s available in black, black camo, or dark army green, and those who want to steer clear of down will be happy to know that it’s made from 100% polyester.
“The fleece-lined hood makes this down jacket a winter must-have,” says Cospito. The 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 unrivaled insulation of ethically sourced down with the water resistance of synthetic filling, plus an adjustable hood, side and top opening pockets and a two-way zipper.
Rundbaken loves that this windproof, quick-drying jacket comes in a variety of bright colors (eight to be exact!) and has a faux fur lining for added warmth and comfort. She also praised Save the 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 a hands-free interior with straps for over-the-shoulder wear.” The coat also has a wind flap behind the front zipper to keep out the cold.
With a stand-up collar, snap closure, and hemmed pockets, this stylish Vince jacket is perfect for when you want a warmer jacket for the office than a slope. “The chevron pattern is a classic textile design,” says Sethi, adding that it “really elevates this down jacket.”
For warmth without bulk, Sethi recommends this lightweight option from Filson. “I love the vertical quilting of this jacket, and the Primaloft Gold insulation has great performance as a down alternative,” she said. Available in sizes XS to 3XL, this jacket is available in black, olive grey or gold ochre.
This stylish ASOS down jacket ranges in size from 2XS to 4XL and offers four additional options to accommodate longer torso. Plus, it’s pretty affordable for less than $70.
While definitely a splurge, Buonopane loves this bold Burberry jacket in the brand’s “signature plaid” design that’s super warm while also “making a statement.”