13 Of The Warmest Winter Coats For Men, Based On Expert Advice (2024)

Table of Contents
Warmest Winter Coat For Men Overall Versatile Protection From The Elements Arc'teryx Therme Parka Warmest Affordable Winter Coat For Men Reasonably Priced Favorite For Record Low Temps Carhartt Super Dux Relaxed Fit Insulated Traditional Coat Warmest Winter Coat For Extreme Cold Locks In Warmth, Removable Fur Trim Canada Goose Langford Parka Heritage Warmest Parka For Men Technical Warmth For Severe Weather Patagonia Stormshadow Parka Warmest Jacket For Men A Lightweight Down Style That Offers Next Level Warmth Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Jacket Warmest Puffer For Men Down-Filled With A Vintage Look The North Face HMLYN Down Parka Warmest Men’s Down Coat Heavy Duty Insulation For Commuting Or Climbing Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket Warmest Work Coat For Men A Sleek Silhouette For The Office—With Removable Bib Hood Herno Wool Blend Coat Warmest Waterproof Jacket For Men Waterproof, Breathable And Mighty Warm Columbia Barlow Pass 550 TurboDown II Jacket Best Of The Rest Affordable And Storm-Ready Columbia Marquam Peak Fusion Parka Extra Details For Inclement Weather The North Face McMurdo Down Parka Protection For The Coldest Climates Fjallraven Expedition Down Jacket Water-Resistant Puffer Style Marmot Guides Down Hoody Why Trust Forbes Vetted How We Chose The Warmest Winter Coats For Men Expert Advice For Buying Men’s Winter Coats Fabric Insulation Fit And Length Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Which Brand Has The Warmest Winter Coats? What Type Of Jacket Is Best For Extreme Cold? What Is The Warmest Filling For Winter Coats? More Menswear Stories To Shop

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. Our top overall pick to keep you warm this season is the Arc’teryx Therme Parka for its exceptional insulation and thoughtful functional details. Our choice for a standout affordable option is the Carhartt Super Dux Relaxed Fit Insulated Traditional Coat, which effectively traps heat and offers durability and comfort.

We spoke with two seasoned outdoor apparel specialists to learn what’s at the top of their lists when considering the warmest men’s winter coats and to determine which technical details matter most. Based on their guidance, we evaluated whether each coat had 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. Whether you’re looking for a parka, puffer or all-weather topcoat, below are the warmest winter coats for men to protect you from the elements.

Warmest Winter Coat For Men Overall

Versatile Protection From The Elements

Arc'teryx Therme Parka

Sizes: XS-XXL | Shell Material: 2L Gore-Tex shell | Insulation: 750-fill-power goose down insulation and synthetic insulation| Design: Parka with attached hood | Colors: 4 total, including Black Sapphire and Smoke Bluff

  • What’s notable: This jacket is a standout for both technical features and style, making it a great jacket for cold, wet environments when you want to look sharp.
  • What could be better: There’s no drawstring cinch at the bottom, which would be helpful to prevents drafts.

This warm, durable and well-designed coat is built to last: Its durable Gore-Tex shell is waterproof, windproof and breathable, and it features down insulation and well-placed synthetic insulation in wetness-prone areas. The adjustable hood is insulated, so you’re covered even if you forget a hat. Additional details we include a two-way zipper, internal cuff gaskets and zippered hand and chest pockets.

What the reviews say: Many praise this coat for being lightweight yet very warm, and they remark that it checks all the boxes, too, with one reviewer saying it’s “extremely well made, stylish, and comfortable.” But reviewers also say that the fit of this coat is generous so you may have to size down, and some say the two-way zipper can be a pain to engage.

Warmest Affordable Winter Coat For Men

Reasonably Priced Favorite For Record Low Temps

Carhartt Super Dux Relaxed Fit Insulated Traditional Coat

Sizes: S-3XL, as well as tall sizes| Shell Material: 97% nylon/3% elastane | Insulation: 3M Thinsulate | Design: Parka with hood | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Coffee

  • What’s notable: The soft-shell fabric has flex so it stretches and moves with you.
  • What could be better: There’s no hidden interior drawcord at the hem, so icy winds can creep in.

Carhartt’s Super Dux line was initially made for hunters in the 1930s. This jacket is constructed from lightweight, durable nylon that’s notoriously good at blocking wind, and it has a DWR finish to repel rain and snow. Other key details include storm cuffs, front pockets with side entry to keep hands warm and an adjustable hood.

What the reviews say: Overall, reviewers praise the roomy pockets, warmth and durability of this coat. According to one reviewer, “the zipper works effortlessly, and the interior sleeve cuffs do a great job of keeping arms warm.” Another plus: the side zippers comfortably accommodate sitting or bending. Some don’t love the Velcro closures on the pockets, though, and say they would prefer snaps or zippers.

Warmest Winter Coat For Extreme Cold

Locks In Warmth, Removable Fur Trim

Canada Goose Langford Parka Heritage

Sizes: XS-3XL | Shell Material: 83% polyester and 17% cotton | Insulation: 625-fill-power duck down | Design: Parka with adjustable hood | Colors: 6 total, including Graphite and North Star White

  • What’s notable: The down-filled adjustable hood protects your head and neck from extreme weather.
  • What could be better: The price makes this a serious financial investment.

Canada Goose offers a lot of standout cold weather options—their Snow Mantra and Expedition jackets offer Arctic-level warmth—but this particular jacket brings the heat in a streamlined design that’s more practical for frequent wear. It’s intended to endure temperatures up to -13 degrees Fahrenheit, with rib-knit cuffs that trap warmth and prevent drafts, an interior drawcord to retain warmth and a down filled hood that’s adjustable two ways. It has four exterior pockets and two interior pockets, and it comes in eight colors, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find one you like.

What the reviews say: Many reviewers say this jacket’s durability and street style are incomparable, but comment that the fit runs a bit large so you may want to size down for a closer-to-the-body fit.

Warmest Parka For Men

Technical Warmth For Severe Weather

Patagonia Stormshadow Parka

Sizes: XS-XXL | Shell Material: 100% recycled Gore-Tex, partially made from Bionic marine plastic | Insulation: 100% recycled down | Design: Parka with fixed hood | Colors: 3 total, including New Navy and Nouveau Green

  • What’s notable: Solid weatherproof construction means this is an investment that will last.
  • What could be better: The fit is boxier than some others, and the hood can feel tight.

This jacket—constructed in large part from ocean-bound plastic—is a winner because of well-thought features that keep out cold and trap heat. Made with 700-fill-power recycled down insulation and a DWR (durable water repellant) finish, it has a hidden drawcord hem to trap body heat, storm cuffs to keep out drafts, an insulated hood that cinches for increased warmth and zippered hand warmer pockets.

What the reviews say: Reviewers praise the functionality and design of this coat, saying "The side pockets are perfectly placed and useful. The sleeve cuffs work great. The hood fits especially well and is nicely insulated.” Others rave about its next-level warmth, commenting, “I wear the Stormshadow in weather below -15c and it is warm in a t-shirt.” One reviewer, however, found it constricting, saying, “sizing is tighter in the chest and shoulders than normal for Patagonia jackets.”

Warmest Jacket For Men

A Lightweight Down Style That Offers Next Level Warmth

Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Jacket

Sizes: S-XXL | Shell Material: Ripstop nylon | Insulation: 800-fill-power down | Design: Puffer with hood | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Topaz

  • What’s notable: It’s ultralight and packable, and the brushed fabric at the chin makes this style comfy when the hood is up.
  • What could be better: The roomy fit can be tricky for some, and if you don’t have a close-to-the-body fit, you may lose heat.

Seattle-based Outdoor Research was founded in the early 80s with the promise of creating research-based technical wear. This jacket offers a generous fit alongside serious adjustability: The hood has a drawcord to trap heat—it works over most helmets if you’ll be wearing this on the mountain—and it has an adjustable drawcord hem and Velcro cuffs. To keep belongings secure, it has a chest zip pocket, zip side hand pockets and two internal stash pockets.

What the reviews say: Reviewers praise the warmth of this jacket without it having excess bulk (“keeps me warm during the cold days -20F up in Alaska!” says one user) and they like the thoughtful construction ("the high neck is great to keep out the wind, and the hood adjusts well," says one reviewer). Some point out, however, that it can run wide in the chest and waist.

Warmest Puffer For Men

Down-Filled With A Vintage Look

The North Face HMLYN Down Parka

Sizes: XS-XXL | Shell Material: Recycled nylon and polyester | Insulation: 550 fill goose down | Design: Puffer with attached hood | Colors: 3 total, including Summit Smokey Brown/TNF Black and TNF Black

  • What’s notable: The highly wind resistant shell blocks icy wind gusts.
  • What could be better: While it has a DWR finish, it’s not completely waterproof and the material can snag.

The North Face nails street style plus functionality, and this retro-inspired coat will keep you looking good while battling the elements. It features pockets with top entry and a zip closure, an internal drawcord at the hem, knit inner cuffs at the wrist to keep out wind and snow, and it has hook and loop adjustability at the wrist.

What the reviews say: This jacket is praised for style, comfort and ease of wear, with reviewers saying it’s “very warm. Very comfortable. Loose comfort fit which is fine to layer up under it,” and “the hood is perfect and thick enough and high enough to keep me protected in cold winds too.”

Warmest Men’s Down Coat

Heavy Duty Insulation For Commuting Or Climbing

Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket

Sizes: S-XXL | Shell Material: Recycled Pertex | Insulation: 800-fill down | Design: Puffer with hood | Colors: 4 total, including Army and Black/Graphene

  • What’s notable: For something that’s extremely lightweight, warm and packs down, this is a top choice.
  • What could be better: This vaguely resembles wearing a sleeping bag, so it won’t win as many style points.

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.

What the reviews say: Universally praised for warmth, one reviewer comments this coat is “very lofty, easily compressed and very warm.” Many also like the useful details, with one saying, “features like hood and its adjustment, zippers, waist cinch, high neck are well-designed.” However, one reviewer comments that this runs big in the arms.

Warmest Work Coat For Men

A Sleek Silhouette For The Office—With Removable Bib Hood

Herno Wool Blend Coat

Sizes: US 36-48 | Shell Material: 75% virgin wool, 25% polyamide | Insulation: Polyamide with polyester fill bib | Design: Overcoat | Colors: Black

  • What’s notable: A removable bib offers extra protection for the chest, neck and head while commuting.
  • What could be better: Interior quilting would add additional warmth.

Italian luxury brand Herno is legendary for their quality and construction. This coat, made from thermoregulating, breathable wool offers a traditional overcoat design with a zip-out bib for blustery days. The exterior fabric is brushed for softness and a luxe look. It also has a water-repellant treatment that repels moisture without sacrificing the overall look and breathability.

Warmest Waterproof Jacket For Men

Waterproof, Breathable And Mighty Warm

Columbia Barlow Pass 550 TurboDown II Jacket

Sizes: S-XXL, including standard, big and tall fits | Shell Material: 100% polyester | Insulation: 550-fill synthetic down | Design: Parka with a hood | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Collegiate Navy

  • What’s notable: This jacket features multiple heat-retaining features including synthetic insulation and a thermal reflective lining to trap warmth.
  • What could be better: Some say it runs long even on tall frames.

A standout trait of this jacket is that it’s critically seam sealed, which means it’s completely waterproof and no moisture can creep in, even in the most wet conditions. To ensure a better fit, it has an drawcord waist, adjustable cuffs and an adjustable attached hood that has removable synthetic fur. While the feel of the thermal reflective lining can be off putting to some, it harnesses your body’s warmth and acts as a furnace, without making the jacket bulky. Other handy details include zippered chest pockets and dual entry hand pockets with a zip closure to keep valuables secure.

What the reviews say: This Barlow Pass style scores major points for versatility and durability, with users saying it’s “rugged, functional and warm,” although many comment that it runs large, with one person saying, “an XL fits like an XXL.”

Best Of The Rest

Affordable And Storm-Ready

Columbia Marquam Peak Fusion Parka

Sizes: S-XXL | Shell Material: 100% nylon | Insulation: 100% synthetic down | Design: Parka with removable hood | Colors: 7 total, including Delta/Black and Metal/Shark

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.

Extra Details For Inclement Weather

The North Face McMurdo Down Parka

Sizes: S-3XL | Shell Material: 100% recycled nylon | Insulation: 600-fill recycled down | Design: Parka with hood (faux-fur trim is removable) | Colors: 6 total, including TNF Black and Pine Needle

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.

Protection For The Coldest Climates

Fjallraven Expedition Down Jacket

Sizes: S-XL | Shell Material: Polyamide | Insulation: 700-fill power down | Design: Puffer with hood| Colors: 4 total, including Green and Navy

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.

Water-Resistant Puffer Style

Marmot Guides Down Hoody

Sizes: S-XXL | Shell Material: 90% nylon, 10% elastane | Insulation: 700-fill power 80% recycled down, 20% Kapok Flower Down | Design: Puffer with hood | Colors: 4 total, including Cobalt Blue/Blue Night and Flame

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.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted fashion editors have extensive experience evaluating outerwear for both performance and style, having covered everything from the warmest men’s vests to the best heated jackets.

  • Forbes Vetted Deputy Editor Kari Molvar edited this story. She has covered lifestyle topics for two decades and has written about topics such as the best men’s clothing on Amazon and the best fall jackets for women.
  • The writer for this story, frequent Forbes Vetted contributor Molly Calhoun, has 20 years of experience writing about lifestyle topics. She has spent her life withstanding brutal Chicago and New York winters, so she knows 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.
  • For this story, we spoke with two veteran gear experts: Susan Boyle, outerwear buyer at Paragon Sports in New York City, and Wilma Riedel, outdoor apparel buyer at Pedigree Ski Shop in White Plains, NY. Both have extensive knowledge of outdoor apparel and they elaborated on all the nit-picky details that will keep you toasty and warm whether you’re skiing, hiking, dog walking or commuting.
  • This story is frequently updated for product availability. It was most recently updated in October 2024.

How We Chose The Warmest Winter Coats For Men

Our approach to evaluating outdoor apparel is both extensive and deliberate:

  • We began by seeking out bestselling winter coats and considering jackets from established outdoor apparel companies because they have years of research and development behind their fabrics and constructions.
  • We consulted two outdoor apparel experts at length and took special note of their recommended styles.
  • We read hundreds of user reviews and only included those styles that had overwhelmingly positive ratings.
  • We carefully assessed if each coat had key components such as high-loft insulation (at least 500 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.
  • We ultimately chose nine winners after considering more than 30 men’s warm winter jackets.

Expert Advice For Buying Men’s Winter Coats

When choosing a warm 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.”

Fabric

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

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.

  • Down: You can determine the potential warmth of a down insulated jacked by looking at fill power, which is typically between 600 and 800 grams. “’Fill power’ is the rating used to determine the quality of down in a garment,” says Boyle. “It is determined by how many grams of down the jacket has in a specific location. Higher down fill means that it is a better quality of down resulting in less down needed to stay warm.” Down is extremely lightweight and compressible and has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation; however, one major drawback is that it doesn’t insulate when wet.
  • Synthetic: Alternatively, many brands use synthetic fill as insulation, which is more breathable, hypoallergenic, less expensive and still performs well when wet. It’s typically made of polyester, and while it may contain recycled materials, it’s likely not biodegradable. One common synthetic insulator is PrimaLoft. “It’s soft and adaptable but it’s not as puffy as down and it comes in different levels of insulation,” says Riedel. Some other popular synthetic fill names include Plumtech, 3M Thinsulate, ThermoBall Eco and Repreve.
  • Other: A variety of companies are using lesser-known materials for insulation, including llama wool and bison fiber, and a company called Pangaia has even created an insulator called Flwrdwn, which is made from dried wildflowers and a biopolymer.

Fit And Length

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Brand Has The Warmest Winter Coats?

Lots of brands have exceptional warm coats, but it's important to consider what you're looking for and where you'll be wearing your jacket most often. Our pick for the warmest men's winter coat overall is the Arc'Teryx Therme Parka because of its waterproof, windproof and breathable shell, a combination of down and synthetic insulation, and its adjustable and insulated hood.

“Even with the warmest coats, it’s crucial that you wear the correct layers underneath,” says Wilma Riedel, outdoor apparel buyer at Pedigree Ski Shop in White Plains, NY. “If you’re skiing, you’ll need long underwear, and you’ll need a mid-layer like a sweater or fleece that traps heat but moves moisture away from the body so you’re warm and comfortable. If you’re being active and produce sweat and you don’t move it away from your skin, you freeze.” Don’t expect to wear a t-shirt under a winter jacket and still be warm.

What Type Of Jacket Is Best For Extreme Cold?

Our pick for the warmest winter coat for extreme cold is the CanadaGoose Langford Parka Heritage. It features a durable polyester and cotton shell, 625-fill-power down, and functional details such as a down-filled hood, rib knit cuffs and an interior drawcord that prevents drafts.

When considering the warmest coat for frigid temperatures, pay attention to the little details that may affect your overall wear experience—and warmth.Knit inset cuffs can prevent drafts or snow from going up your sleeves; and strategically placed pockets keep cell phones, lift tickets, keys, tissues and lip balm handy. “Try on jackets with gloves to see if the zippers and pockets are easily accessible while bundled up,” says Boyle. “Two-way zippers allow greater comfort while sitting, and for higher intensity sports like skiing or snowshoeing, ventilation can make a big difference.” Finally, take the area around the hood into account. “Check for insulation, adjustability and a brushed lining around the neck,” Boyle says.

What Is The Warmest Filling For Winter Coats?

Both down and synthetic liners can be extremely warm,but both have benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to goose or duck down, ingeneral, the higher the fill power, the warmer the coat will be. Down is both lightweight and compressible so it packs well, but it’s typically more expensive, it’s not cruelty free and it does not perform well when wet. Synthetic insulation is breathable, hypoallergenic, less expensive, quick drying and maintains warmth when wet, but it is often bulkier and may not be environmentally-friendly. No matter what the filling, it's critical to have a tough exterior fabric that blocks wind, repels moisture and doesn't snag easily.

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