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The 18 Best Down Jackets to Stay Warm and Snuggly All Winter Long

Stay warm *and* stylish this winter

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Dasha Burobina for PureWow

No one likes being cold. And with winter approaching (as always, faster than we anticipate), you'll need one of the best down jackets to keep you warm from school drop-offs to the ski slopes. But we’re not talking about the overly puffy downs that make you look like a giant marshmallow while you trudge through the snow. There are plenty of stylish options that balance functional warmth with fashionable flair.

Whether you’re spending your winters in extreme temperatures and need a supreme Canada Goose Jacket ($1,395) or just want to look chic by the lodge in the metallic Sam. Bungalow jacket ($575; $317), there’s a coat out there for you.

The Best Down Jackets At A Glance

1

Best Packable Down Jacket

The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket 0

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2

Best Down Jacket for Extreme Cold

Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 0 Down Jacket

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3

Best Synthetic Down Jacket

Nike Sportswear Therma-FIT City Series

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4

Best Transitional Down Jacket

Quince Lightweight Down Puffer Jacket

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5

Best Lightweight Down Jacket

Varley Porter Lightweight Down Jacket

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How We Chose the Best Down Jackets 

As someone who has spent many a winter trudging through the icy air of Boston and New England, I’ve had my fair share of experience searching for the perfect down jacket, so we knew where to start.

We also scrolled through trending options that reviewers on social media have confirmed can keep things cozy while withstanding frigid weather, like the TikTok-famous Aritzia Super Puff jacket ($350) and the viral Orolay parka (from $152) from Amazon. From there, we selected top-rated picks from a range of price points and lengths to suit a variety of needs and weather conditions. To ensure you find the warmest option, we looked for jackets with at least 600-fill-power down, although you'll also find some synthetic down alternatives on this list.

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Best Packable Down Jacket

1. The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket 2.0

The North Face

  • What We Like: packable, lightweight 
  • What We Don’t Like: doesn’t stretch
  • Size Range: XS to 3XL
  • Outer Material: 100% recycled nylon
  • Fill: eco polyester

The best part about this jacket is that it folds into a nice, compact pouch — which means, yes, you can bring another coat for winter vacation (and it doubles as a nice headrest for travel!). It’s water-repellant and a nice midweight that won’t leave you feeling too weighed down or exhausted from trying to pack it. We also love the chic quilted pattern that makes it feel a little upscale, not to mention super warm and comfy, per shoppers.

Best Down Jacket for Extreme Cold

2. Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket

Eddie Bauer

  • What We Like: petite, tall and plus sizes, made from recycled materials
  • What We Don’t Like: simple look
  • Size Range: XS to XXL
  • Outer Material: 100% polyester
  • Fill: 800-fill-power goose down

There’s cold and then there’s really cold. This jacket was built for the latter. The brand claims that it can withstand temperatures down to -5 degrees Fahrenheit even with a thinner down fill. The streamlined style features a water-resistant finish, so it'll keep you safe from any impending snowflakes, as well as stretchy side panels for extra breathability and mobility, making it a great choice for winter runs. It also comes in both petite and tall sizes to accommodate a variety of body types. One reviewer took it on a trip to the Swiss Alps and claimed it was "light, easy to pack and very stylish."

Best Synthetic Down Jacket

3. Nike Sportswear Therma-FIT City Series

Nike

  • What We Like: cropped style, athletic fit
  • What We Don’t Like: one color available
  • Size Range: XS to 3XL
  • Outer Material: 100% polyester
  • Fill: PrimaLoft synthetic fill

Form and function come together in this stylish Nike puffer. Although it's cropped, it should keep you perfectly toasty strolling though city streets thanks to an oversized hood and warm synthetic fill, which the brand claims mimics traditional down insulation. We love that the oversized sleeves allow for layering a thick sweater underneath while providing a bit of additional flair. It also has zippered pockets to secure your essentials (and keep your hands warm).

Best Transitional Down Jacket

4. Quince Lightweight Down Puffer Jacket

Quince

  • What We Like: inexpensive, responsibly sourced
  • What We Don’t Like: not very warm
  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Outer Material: 100% nylon
  • Fill: 650-fill-power down

This lightweight puffer is ideal for fluctuating transitional weather between seasons, not least of all because you can easily layer it. When things get particularly chilly, you'll appreciate the stretchy cuffs and hem, which are designed to fit to your form to lock cold air out. We also love its chic, minimalist design and the fact that its 650-fill-power down has been sourced responsibly to ensure the best practices in animal welfare. Plus, at $50, it's an inexpensive buy to add to your coat collection.

Best Lightweight Down Jacket

5. Varley Porter Lightweight Down Jacket

Varley Porter

  • What We Like: adjustable collar, lightweight
  • What We Don’t Like: not good for extreme cold
  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Outer Material: 100% nylon
  • Fill: 100% duck down

Some down jackets can feel super heavy, but this lightweight option was made to move in, so you shouldn't sweat your butt off, even while active. We love that it has a cinchable collar and is made from duck down that meets the Responsible Down Standard to keep you warm without any of the bulk—or any of the guilt. Because it's on the thinner side, the jacket is suitable for layering, both under and over.

Best Budget Down Jacket

6. Arctic Expedition Chevron Quilted Down Parka

Arctic Expedition

  • What We Like: longer length, large hood
  • What We Don’t Like: may run large for petite folks
  • Size Range: XXS to M
  • Outer Material: 100% polyester
  • Fill: down

Currently marked down for under $60, this is one of the best down jackets for the value. It has a polyester shell and lining to lock in your body heat, with a down fill for extra warmth. We love the quilted chevron detailing throughout, as well as the removable faux-fur hood, which provides additional coverage and a style factor. Shoppers add that the silhouette comes in slightly at the waist, making it particularly flattering for a puffer.

Best Colorful Down Jacket

7. Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket

Cotopaxi

  • What We Like: colorful options, water-repellent, packable
  • What We Don’t Like: sizing may be unpredictable
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Outer Material: nylon
  • Fill: 800-fill-power goose down 

This jacket's colorful, retro design isn’t the only thing that has our attention. The 800-fill-power goose down is impressively thin while providing plenty of warmth in chilly conditions, according to happy buyers. It’s also quite roomy, built with a larger circumference at the bust, waist and hip that allows for layering and comfort, along with a drawcord at the hem to adjust for the perfect fit. The scuba hood offers complete head coverage while durable water-repellent treatment applied to the exterior will keep you dry. Not to mention, it packs into itself, forming a little pouch, making it easy to travel with.

Best Waterproof Down Jacket

8. Patagonia Women's Tres 3-in-1 Parka

Patagonia

  • What We Like: two separate pieces, waterproof
  • What We Don’t Like: pricey
  • Size Range: XS to XXL
  • Outer Material: 100% recycled polyester 
  • Fill: 700-fill-power recycled down 

Although this piece is on the pricier side, it is technically three jackets in one. First, you have your classic down parka layer that can keep you warm with 700-fill-power recycled down. Then you have a waterproof outer shell that will keep you dry in a downpour. Finally, you can combine the two to achieve ultimate warmth and weather resistance. All that, coupled with an adjustable hood and stand-up collar, means it should keep you high and dry in any weather (you know, in a good way).

Best Down Jacket For Running

9. lululemon Down for It All Jacket

lululemon

  • What We Like: designed for running, stretchy
  • What We Don’t Like: may run small
  • Size Range: 0 to 14
  • Outer Material: 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane
  • Fill: 700-fill-power goose down 

Need to get your miles in, come rain, sleet or snow? Technically designed for running, this streamlined jacket has got you covered—in more ways than one. It boasts a hood that zips up for full coverage against frigid air, 700-fill-power goose down to keep you warm *and* a four-way stretch material to make sure you can move freely and comfortably. Throw in the thumbhole sleeves and zippered pockets to carry your phone, and this pick will have you ready for your runs, all winter long.

Best Goose Down Jacket

10. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket

The North Face

  • What We Like: oversized, retro appeal
  • What We Don’t Like: arms may be short for taller gals
  • Size Range: XS to 3XL
  • Outer Material: nylon
  • Fill: 700-fill-power goose down 

The '90s called and we're here for it. The North Face brought back its iconic Nuptse jacket and managed to make it even better with a lofty 700-fill-power down insulation that should keep you warm whether you’re a mountaineer or city slicker. The boxy, oversized look is definitely on trend without making you feel too much like a marshmallow. You can also make sure cold air stays out with its bungee cinch cord at the hem to pull things tight.

Best Luxury Down Jacket

11. Canada Goose Shelburne Down Parka

Canada Goose

  • What We Like: longer length, removable hood, water-resistant
  • What We Don’t Like: expensive, dry-clean only
  • Size Range: XXS to 3XL
  • Outer Material: 83% polyester, 17% cotton
  • Fill: 625-fill-power down 

You know you’ll get warmth with a Canada Goose coat, and it comes with price tag to prove it. But many fans of the brand agree that this water-resistant parka is well worth it. With its goose-down fill and quality construction, it should last you for years. It falls mid-thigh to provide extra coverage for chilly legs and comes with a high collar and a drawstring hood that you can remove or attach as you please. We also like that it has plenty of pockets, including two mesh ones inside to keep your phone warm and dry. The biggest draw, however, may just be how good it looks on. "This is my first Canada Goose purchase and I’m so impressed by the warmth, comfort and fit," writes one shopper. "It is the most slimming and flattering winter coat I’ve ever tried on and owned! It’s form fitting through [the] waist but fits over sweaters and not tight in the arms."  

Best Down Hooded Jacket

12. Outdoor Research Coze Down Coat

Outdoor Research

  • What We Like: insulated hood, chinguard, lots of pockets
  • What We Don’t Like: may run large
  • Size Range: XS to 4XL
  • Outer Material: 100% recycled nylon 
  • Fill: 700-fill-power down

While down keeps you warm, a hood is essential for keeping the chill out. Which is why we have our eye on this coat. It features a sturdy, insulated hood that you can cinch tighter with a drawcord, as well as a soft chinguard to prevent chafing when you're tucked inside. There are also sleek built-in wrist gaiters that help keep out cold air, making it ideal for an ice skating date or a trip to the holiday market. As an added bonus, sizes range from XS up to a size 4X, though it may run a bit large, according to reviewers.

Best Backpacking Down Jacket

13. Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket

Patagonia

  • What We Like: Sustainable materials, cozy
  • What We Don’t Like: Loose
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Outer Material: Recycled polyester
  • Fill: 800-fill-down

Planning a backpacking adventure with unpredictable conditions? Even the chilliest weather is no match for this classic Patagonia jacket, which folds up into a tiny sack for easy packing and carrying. Dubbed the Sweater Jacket, it’s said to be uber soft and cozy so you’ll feel a bit more at home while trekking for miles. It doesn’t have a hood, but rather a high collar to keep out the mountain wind, plus it's designed to be lightweight, so you won't have yet another thing weighing you down on your hike. If you're a nature lover, you'll also feel good knowing that it’s made of responsibly sourced down. 

Best Down Jacket for Layering

14. Arc'teryx Cerium Down Hoodie

Arc'teryx

  • What We Like: easy to layer, water-repellent material 
  • What We Don’t Like: may run small
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Outer Material: recycled nylon
  • Fill: 850-fill-power goose down

Layers are essential for staying warm, and you might even reach a point on a sunny day when you’ll want to lose the jacket. Since this one is made with a super lightweight, 850-fill-power goose down, it's lightweight enough to wear a sweater beneath it and thin enough to layer a heavier shell on top. The adjustable, insulated hood and high collar offer plenty of coverage for your face, and should nest nicely with other layers, per reviewers. One shopper added, "This jacket is a perfect fit, super comfy and super warm...So easy to move around in, great fit, adjustability to cut the wind and easily packable for when the temps warmed up." There you have it.

Best Stylish Down Jacket

15. Orolay Women's Thickened Down Jacket

Orolay

  • What We Like: stylish, fleece hood, six pockets
  • What We Don’t Like: a bit heavy
  • Size Range: XXS to 5XL
  • Outer Material: 100% polyester
  • Fill: duck down

We’ve all heard of the Amazon jacket. It went viral in 2019 and has been a recurring winter staple for "cool girls" ever since. And in case you're wondering, PureWow editors think it’s completely worth it (even if five other people you know own one). Not only does it come with a plethora of pockets to hold everything you could possibly need on your person, it also has a cozy fleece-lined hood and an extra-roomy fit. As PureWow Executive Editor Dara Katz described it, "[it's] basically a tent dress for subzero weather." All those extra zipper details look fun but are also functional; for example, the hem unzips to expand and ventilate, so you don't overheat. It’s no wonder it’s managed to earn more than 19,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. 

Best Après-Ski Down Jacket

16. Sam. Bungalow Jacket

Sam.

  • What We Like: super stylish, metallic design, thumbhole cuffs
  • What We Don’t Like: spot-clean only
  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Outer Material: 100% nylon
  • Fill: duck down

This high-shine, high-glam style is the ideal jacket to wear if you want to look like you’re hitting the slopes—but don’t actually plan on hitting them. With a trendy metallic design and detachable hood for a sleeker look, it’s the perfect fit for the après-ski snow bunny. It has a slightly oversized and roomy fit for easy layering, but it's cropped at the hip so you can show off your full look by the lodge fireplace. Of course, the fact that it has a duck down fill and ribbed thumbhole cuffs, also means it should keep you toasty if you do decide to engage in some snow sports.

Best Down Jacket with Faux Fur Hood

17. Marmot Women's Ithaca Down Puffer Jacket

Marmot

  • What We Like: fur around the hood, hand warmer pockets
  • What We Don’t Like: not many color options
  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Outer Material: 100% polyester
  • Fill: 700-fill-power down

There’s nothing quite like a touch of (faux) fur around a hood to totally elevate what would be your average winter coat. Although this coat's hood is removable, we doubt we'll be taking it off. In addition to that fuzzy feature, this piece is made with water-resistant fabric and high-quality 700-fill-power down, so it's a cold-weather staple suitable for cities and Hallmark Christmas towns alike. And it's not just the fuzzy hood that has hundreds of shoppers raving. "I live in Florida, am a cold weather wimp and needed something to keep me warm for a trip to Norway," wrote one buyer. "This jacket was perfect for my needs! Lightweight, warm and [the] bonus was it looked great!" It also boasts functional details like zippered hand-warmer pockets and interior pockets to stash all your goodies.

Best TikTok-Favorite Down Jacket

18. Aritzia The Super Puff Long Jacket

Aritzia

  • What We Like: extra-long length, hood
  • What We Don’t Like: may run large
  • Size Range: 3XS to 2XL
  • Outer Material: 100% polyamide
  • Fill: 700-fill-power goose down

Across TikTok, Aritzia's Super Puff is synonymous with incredible warmth and style. This long version of the iconic puffer is ideal for giving your bum and thighs some extra coverage during extreme chills. It has 700 fill power that’s made from 100 percent responsibly sourced goose down. The brand claims it can keep you covered in temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, especially thanks to the full-coverage hood with adjustable straps. As pointed out by one TikTok reviewer, who says it feels like a cozy sleeping bag even through Chicago winters, the long coat also boasts snaps at the bottom for optimal breathability.

What Is Down in a Jacket?

Down in jackets is the warm, heat-trapping fluff sourced from duck or goose feathers which insulates the garment. If a brand responsibly sources its down to avoid animal cruelty, it will display a Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification. If you’re allergic or want to avoid animal products, there are also some vegan and down-alternative materials you can find in winter jackets.

What Is the Warmest Fill Down Jacket?

Down fill power is essentially a quality ranking of down. The number is a measurement of how "lofty," or fluffy, the down is compared to its weight. The higher the down fill power, the less of it you need to achieve peak insulation, which typically results in a lighter weight jacket. A lower down fill power means that you need more of it to fill a coat; that's why you'll see uber puffy jackets with lower down fill numbers.

To get the warmest option out there, choose a jacket with 900 fill power, as it will have the highest warmth-to-weight ratio. That means it’s highly compressible (and packable!), lighter and incredibly warm.

How to Wash a Down Jacket

For the least amount of fuss, you can get a down jacket dry-cleaned. However, it is possible to do so at home. You can potentially machine-wash your down jacket (if your washing machine is big enough and you get the OK from the garment tag) by using the gentle cycle with cold water and a down-specific detergent. Skip the spin cycle so the jacket can properly dry. You can also opt to hand wash it by soaking the jacket in a bathtub for up to 60 minutes with a detergent. To rinse it, lightly squeeze out any excess water. 

How to Dry a Down Jacket

A wet down jacket can be incredibly heavy and will take a while to hang dry, but to keep the shape intact, it's the best option. You should lay it flat to dry on a drying rack rather than on a hanger, and it should be dry within 24 to 48 hours. Be sure to place a towel below it to catch the drippings!

The 14 Best Winter Jackets for Extreme Cold, So You Won’t Be Left Shivering


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Courtney Campbell

Freelance Writer

Courtney covers all things shopping and lifestyle at PureWow. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University and has spent more than five years of her career...

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