The 11 Best Winter Jackets for Men, Tested by Style Editors
Options from Lululemon, Patagonia, and more kept us the warmest.
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
A QUALITY WINTER COAT will pay dividends for years to come. After you’ve secured your beanie and winter gloves, the next step is picking out the ultimate winter coat. Modern outerwear styles are designed with advanced tech and innovative materials, making them lighter, yet warmer and way more versatile.
Best Winter Coats for Men
Since 2019, our editors have rigorously tested over 40 men’s winter coats—ranging from parkas to puffer jackets—putting them through daily commutes, sub-zero regions, and outdoor adventures like skiing and snowboarding. Using our detailed testing rubric, we evaluated each one based on insulation, durability, style, and overall comfort. In the end, Canada Goose, Lululemon, and Moose Knuckles emerged as top performers among the 11 must-have winter coats for men.
What to Consider
Insulation Type
Insulation can make or break your comfort level. It helps seal in your body heat and prevent the cold from getting through the outer layer. The best insulation is often down fill or synthetic fill, both of which use baffling to trap warm air.
Synthetic fill
Essentially more breathable and less expensive than down fill which often uses duck feathers. It often consists of polyester and some of the better-known synthetic insulations are PrimaLoft and Thinsulate, both made of a fiber blend.
Down fill
The most popular and reliable winter jackets are often blessed with the insulation of down fill. Down comprises clusters of light, fluffy filaments from goose, duck, or waterfowl.
Weatherproof Shell
The best winter jackets for men should be resistant to all weather conditions—meaning, in addition to insulation, they need to be waterproof and windproof as well (or at least resistant)—to keep you dry and warm in winter. In our testing, we found most waterproof and windproof winter jackets are made of polyester, nylon, or a synthetic blend. Ideally, your winter jackets should be able to shed off rain and snow or moisture in general, and seam-sealed to prevent any wind from getting in. This requirement is also applied to the zipper—even the zippers of pockets too, to make sure neither water nor wind will get inside the jacket to chill your hands or damage your essentials.
Fit
The best winter coats for men should have a fit that offers full coverage, and roominess for layering, but is still snug enough to look tailored and not let cold air get in. Ideally, the jacket should reach below the waist for optimal coverage, and the sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists. A longer coat (like a parka) will shield your thighs and lower. The overall fit should be comfortable, allowing for ease of movement without feeling overly baggy or restrictive—and there should be enough room in your chest or shoulder for layering underneath. We recommend winter jackets that come with an adjustable waist or drawstrings (at the waist, handcuffs, and the hood) to help you customize the fit as well as keep the air out.
How We Selected
We didn’t just look at these winter coats—we put them to work. Led by Fashion Director Ted Stafford, our team tested over 40 winter coats for men in every condition you can think of. From backcountry hikes to city commutes, our editors left no stone unturned, making sure they could handle whatever Mother Nature threw our way.
We scaled our options for the best winter coats using three key tests: comfort, durability, and versatility. For comfort, we focused on fit, insulation, weight, and ease of use, ensuring each jacket was warm enough for different temps, roomy enough for layering, and travel-friendly. Durability was all about weatherproofing—we tested materials, seams, and construction to see how well each coat stood up to snow, rain, and wind. Lastly, versatility measured how each jacket performed across activities, from city commutes to outdoor adventures, while also checking for stylish looks and practical features like patented tech or specialized fabrics.
In short, if a jacket could survive our testing, you know it’s the real deal. So, without further ado, check out the 11 best winter coats for men to get you through the coldest months.
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