When the mercury drops and the days get shorter, it’s time to bundle up! A winter jacket is perhaps that piece of winter gear that gets the most attention, whether it’s for function or style. While lightweight puffer ones have their advantages for three-season use, we were looking for a seriously well-insulated piece for survival in truly frigid conditions. The best ladies’ winter jackets at Walmart were among the warmest we’d ever seen, while also scoring some serious points for style.
Not only were they perfect for high-energy activities in the snow – think everything from walking in the wind to shoveling – but also, they also came in a range of budgets, styles, and colors. Here’s a detailed guide to our best picks, ranging from expedition-grade jackets and performance-oriented puffies to casual mid-thigh parkas.
Table of contents
- Madden Quilted Maxi Puffer Parka Coat
- Canada Weather Gear Long Faux-Fur Puffer Coat
- WenVen Women’s Long Hooded Parka
- Allegra K Stand Collar Single Breasted Winter Overcoat
- Adidas Colorblocked Iconic Insulated Puffy Jacket
- Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket
- Marmot Montreal Coat
- Arc’teryx Patera Parka
- Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
- Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie
- Canada Goose Expedition Heritage Parka
- Orolay Women’s Winter Coat Warm Thickened Puffer Down Jacket
- The North Face Arctic Parka
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Winter Jackets For Women?
- How do I travel with a winter coat?
- What type of insulation is the warmest?
- How do I wash a winter coat?
Madden Quilted Maxi Puffer Parka Coat
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We start off the list with the Madden Quilted Maxi Puffer Parka Coat, and there are many reasons why we chose this one. Since we prioritize practicality over style when it comes to our winter wardrobe, we loved the practical styling of this coat, while also scoring points for style. The chevron quilting added charm which, along with the nine color options, made for a highly chic and versatile style. What’s more, the coat is available up to size 3XL, so it fit a wide range of body shapes and sizes. Moreover, the length of the coat fell right below our knees, whihc ensured that we were provided with excellent coverage and warmth. The best bit? This coat was very easy to dress up and down!
Pros
- The jacket was lightweight despite offerin more coverage.
- The coat was comfortably long and ideal for the winter.
- The shell was water-resistant.
Cons
- It runs big.
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Canada Weather Gear Long Faux-Fur Puffer Coat
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Costing just USD 60, the Canada Weather Gear Long Faux-Fur Puffer Coat is one of the best cheap winter coats. However, the price didn’t mean that we had to compromise on the features, as wearing this coat felt like we’d been wrapped in a warm hug. For one, the thick, quilted exterior made from polyester exuded quality, while the faux-fur-lined hood instantly amped up the cozy factor, thanks to it covering the head. The color options were especially fantastic, and we ended up snagging the peacock color. Not only was it super eye-catching, but it was also different from what every other traveler around us was wearing. For its bulk, this coat was surprisingly flexible, with the areas around the knees and elbows allowing us to move freely. Finally, the two front pockets not only kept our hands warm but also we could stow some useful items, like the travel-sized face moisturizer for winter.
Pros
- The hood was removable.
- The waterproof shell kept us warm and dry.
- There were so many eye-catching colors to choose from.
Cons
- Some felt that the hood was a tad too bulky.
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WenVen Women’s Long Hooded Parka
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The WenVen Women’s Long Hooded Parka is one of the best winter overcoats for travel for more reasons than one. This must-have robust overcoat boasted a relaxed fit and an elongated cut. The exterior might be made from 100% cotton, but the lining is made from 100% fleece. So, the design was able to endure extreme cold while also keeping us snug. Moreover, the sherpa fleece lining provided an additional layer of insulation, so we stayed toasty all day. If that wasn’t enough, the big hood also offered a whole lot of additional warmth. We especially loved the adjustable drawstring and the cinched waist, which gave our silhouette a streamlined look. Wrapping things up was the detachable faux fur trim, which added more convenience and versatility.
Pros
- It’s made from 100% cotton with a 100% sherpa fleece lining.
- We appreciated the versatility of the parka.
- We love the two slant pockets with premium buttons.
Cons
- Some reviewers mentioned that the jacket’s color might fade.
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Allegra K Stand Collar Single Breasted Winter Overcoat
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Most color options. We’ve always been fans of pea coats, and we especially loved the color options on the Allegra K Stand Collar Single Breasted Winter Overcoat. This overcoat has been a versatile essential for us and has been the high point of our fashion-forward closet. Made from a high-quality polyester blend in both its lining and shell and lining, this mid-thigh length pea coat has been tailored to provide maximum warmth in even the biting cold. Its style allowed us to transition from the office to the bar where we could enjoy a drink and not feel out of place or less stylish either.
We especially loved the distinctive stand-up collar, which injected a dash of chic into the silhouette. Rounding things up were the single-breasted design and the strategically placed slant pockets, which allowed us to easily slide our hands in when they felt cold. Check out the coat in action in this detailed YouTube review video by My Fashion Studio.
Pros
- We loved the versatility of the coat.
- The color options were excellent, ranging from lighter to darker hues.
- The 100% polyester material made it durable.
Cons
- It wrinkles easily.
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Adidas Colorblocked Iconic Insulated Puffy Jacket
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One of the jackets on this list is also one of the best Adidas women’s winter jackets, the Adidas Colorblocked Iconic Insulated Puffy Jacket. As the name implies, this jacket is iconic to the hilt. Designed from a superb blend of cotton and polyester, this jacket kept us warm and cozy while also boasting durability to match. We loved the gorgeous color-blocked white and red design, which was also great for standing out no matter where we went for safety. One of the best things we liked about this Adidas winter jacket was that it was machine washable, so keeping it clean was an absolute breeze, even if we’d traipsed through the mud. Rounding up the features is the padded hood that gave our head additional protection from the weather and the adjustable cuffs that kept us warm and comfy.
Pros
- It has a sporty design that’s perfect for active women.
- Despite being lightweight, this jacket is exceptionally warm.
- We love how there are big front pockets to keep your small items.
Cons
- Since it’s so popular, some sizes are often sold out quickly.
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Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket
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When a jacket has the word ‘heavenly’ in the title, it’s pretty much impossible to go wrong, right? We’re talking about the Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket. Winter jackets are an especially pricey bunch, but this budget-oriented Columbia jacket cost us just USD 200. This jacket checked many of the boxes we were looking for the ideal cold-weather piece. Firstly, we got a healthy amount of the brand’s in-house polyester fill for warmth, along with a surprisingly good fit and design, a comfy hood, a water-resistant shell, and even a shiny Omni-Heat reflective lining. Last but not least, this jacket scored reasonably high marks for being cozy even in severe cold conditions and was ideal for layering too.
Pros
- At USD 200, it offered a great value.
- We loved the clean, simple overall design.
- It came in a variety of colors and sizes.
Cons
- It wasn’t as soft or warm as a down jacket.
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Marmot Montreal Coat
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One of the best ladies’ winter jackets at Walmart is the Marmot Montreal Coat, which struck a great middle-ground for most winter environments. This reasonably priced USD 200 jacket boasted a mid-thigh cut and a healthy amount of 700-fill-power down which kept us covered without limiting our mobility. Unlike most puffy jackets, the Marmot was lined with a supple and soft fleece along the hand pockets, cuffs, and torso. Moreover, the removable faux-fur liner around the hood kept the cold air out and scored a whole lot of brownie points for style. Throw in the DWR finish, the playful and mobile feel, and the decent amount of warmth, and the Montreal was the perfect everyday defense against not just the cold but even the occasional rain. Did we mention the color and size options? Yep.
Pros
- The jacket boasted an attractive style.
- It offered excellent comfort and mobility.
- It offered a range of colors and sizes, including 2XL.
Cons
- It wasn’t as warm as other parkas.
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Arc’teryx Patera Parka
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While most of the casual women’s parkas on this list are in the less-than-USD 400 price range, nobody makes jackets quite like Arc’teryx. The sleek Arc’teryx Patera Parka is the entire package: there was a classic design, a proven 2-layer Gore-Tex shell for waterproofing, and a 750-fill goose down with synthetic Coreloft insulation. So, we were covered in most areas that get wet the quickest and the most. Our jacket even had a relatively longer length, a two-way zipper, and even snaps at the front for versatility in standing, sitting and even riding bikes. Add to that we had a nice variety of color options, complete waterproofing, and the best-in-class Gore-Tex, and all these elevate this casual piece to something special.
Pros
- This jacket is waterproof.
- We loved the top-notch construction that kept us warm even in the moderate cold.
- The jacket looked great.
Cons
- It’s one of the priciest parkas on this list.
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Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
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Upon first glance, the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka looked slightly different from all standard down jackets we’ve seen. Instead of the usual horizontal baffles and shiny fabric, this Mountain Hardwear jacket uses a stretchy material that’s almost like a soft shell and welded seams. The end result? A comfy down insulation that moved with us, was remarkably durable and didn’t leave us looking like the Michelin Man. What’s more, the Stretchdown collection featured a range of styles, and the Parka here delivered the most warmth and coverage for true winter weather. Finally, the no-frills fit did make the Stretchdown a tad more versatile for performance use, thanks in part to the two-way front zip.
“There’s nothing better than clothes that stretch, and this Stretchdown Parka was the perfect outerwear to keep us warm in moderate cold.”
WOW Travel
Pros
- We’re huge fans of this jacket’s versatile design.
- It’s hard to beat the hand feel of the stretchy, soft shell and the durability.
- It kept us warm in moderately cold weather.
Cons
- It didn’t offer as much warmth as other heavyweight pieces on this list.
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Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie
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Best for outdoor activities. The Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie provided a lot of bang for our buck, just like other Outdoor Research jackets. For $240, the hip-length hooded jacket offered us a great mix of warmth and protection with the weather-ready VerticalX Eco synthetic insulation at the cuffs and shoulders. What’s more, the quality 700-fill power down everywhere else helped us stay warm everywhere, all the time. We were awestruck by the rugged yet soft shell and thoughtful touches like the snug-fit cuff gaiters with thumb loops and fleece-lined hand pockets. All in all, this jacket is a well-rounded choice for both outdoor adventures and everyday use in most of the moderate winter conditions we’ve experienced. With the right layering, this jacket is a fantastic attractive option for activities like snowshoeing and hiking.
Here’s a detailed YouTube review by Engearment.
Pros
- This jacket is very comfortable.
- We loved the functionality and versatile style of this jacket.
- We liked the reasonable price of USD 240.
Cons
- This isn’t a standout jacket for coverage or warmth.
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Canada Goose Expedition Heritage Parka
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Warmest winter jacket. Temperature-rated for -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 degrees Celsius) and below, the Canada Goose Expedition Heritage Parka. Heck, we tried wearing this jacket on a walk in a windchill of -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius) windchill in northern Vermont, and it did the trick. It wasn’t surprising, considering that this jacket was designed for scientists who were working in McMurdo Station, Antarctica. What’s more, the hood with a real coyote fur ruff, the incredibly waterproof Arctic-tech fabric, and the duck-down insulation work together to block out the brutal winds and the cold air. In fact, when we deployed our hoods during light showers, not only did not a drop sneak inside this fortress of a jacket but also we barely even heard the water. Finally, it was surprisingly wearable, with lots of room in the two pockets and shoulders tucked inside the insulation.
Pros
- There were tons of external pockets.
- The jacket offered fortress-like protection.
- We loved the Arctic-level warmth.
Cons
- The coat felt somewhat stiff and heavy.
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Orolay Women’s Winter Coat Warm Thickened Puffer Down Jacket
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The Orolay Women’s Winter Coat Warm Thickened Puffer Down Jacket was incredibly warm and comfortable, wrapping downy baffles around our core. It also featured insulated hand warmer pockets and didn’t have annoying zippers that we had to force our hands past. Thanks to the cavernous, plush fleece-lined hood, our heads were protected from the crosswinds. It might not be technically waterproof, but it did keep us dry during sudden two-minute showers until we found shelter. All this combined with the jacket’s low price tag of USD 170, and we know that this jacket did the job for less. Finally, we especially loved the variety of color options, some of which even came with printed options.
Is the Orolay jacket really all that? Check out the original product page.
Pros
- These jackets have excellent handwarmer pockets.
- We loved the comfy, loose fit.
- The jacket is windproof and warm.
Cons
- There was no specific covering for the face.
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The North Face Arctic Parka
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Best overall. We’ve been reiterating throughout this article that winter jackets are an investment, and the North Face Arctic Parka happens to be our overall best pick. This reasonably priced jacket cost us USD 320 for the thyme green shade, which other shades could cost lower as well. For instance, the gardenia shade costs just USD 220 at Walmart! Nevertheless, we loved the build of the jacket, which felt durable and long-lasting, thanks to the burly wind- and waterproof fabric. Moreover, the 600-fill down kept us dry and warm in freezing weather, while the soft wrist gaiters, generous faux fur ruff, and insulated hood kept our extremities happy. Furthermore, the high, roomy collar comfortably tucked our lower face out of the weather. Since the jacket reached our mid-thighs, the warmth extended to our lower bodies without impairing our mobility. That’s why North Face is one of the best jacket brands for winter.
Pros
- The two-way zipper gave us all the room to move.
- The recycled down wrapped in recycled polyester fabric kept us warm.
- We had tons of color choices.
Cons
- None.
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Our Verdict!
While we loved all the options for ladies’ winter jackets at Walmart, the ones below are all the better.
- Most color options: Allegra K Stand Collar Single Breasted Winter Overcoat
- Best for outdoor activities: Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie
- Warmest winter jacket: Canada Goose Expedition Heritage Parka
- Best overall: The North Face Arctic Parka
How To Choose The Best Winter Jackets For Women?
Style
There are wildly different styles of jackets and coats for different occasions and destinations. Are you looking for something dressy for special events or do you need a jacket for outdoor adventures? You need to consider the style and be realistic about where and how you want to wear it. For instance, shorter options are better for places like the gym, while longer ones are great for commute, an event, or a fancy dinner out. You need to pay attention to the closure on the neckline and coat; while some have buttons, others have zippers, and yet others have hoods, high necks, and open collars.
Warmth
An important factor to consider is the jacket’s material and build, which means paying attention to the weather conditions for the corresponding level of warmth. For instance, unlined wool trench jackets won’t work on snowy winter hikes. Likewise, sub-zero puffers are a bad idea for running errands when it’s 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) outside. Does your activity involve many weather conditions? Choose midweight jackets that can accommodate layers beneath and are easy to carry if you want to take them off.
Design Features
Winter jackets might all look similar at first glance. However, when you look closely, it’s the design details that can make all the difference. So, it all comes down to this make a jacket either a season favorite or a dud that occupies dust at the back of the closet.
Firstly, since winter weather is unpredictable, you need winter jackets with at least some level of water resistance. So, sturdy hoods could be very handy for windy or wet conditions, and we especially love it when they’re removable for additional versatility and flexibility. What’s more, pockets are a must as they can not only store essentials like wallets, phones, and gloves but also keep hands warm. Another critical feature is the jacket’s closure system. While buttons add a touch of elegance, two-way zippers unzipping at both ends lend airflow and mobility.
How do I travel with a winter coat?
While the most obvious solution is to wear it during travel, the only other option is to pack it. While synthetic and down jackets are easier to pack, some even packable in their own pockets, others could be slightly more challenging. In such cases, try the best compressible packing cubes at Walmart.
What type of insulation is the warmest?
Down, which is sourced from the undercoats of geese and ducks, is considered the warmest kind of insulation for winter jackets. Besides providing ultimate warmth, it’s also packable and lightweight, but you need one with a waterproof coating if you’re going somewhere wet. Sometimes, synthetic insulation, like polyester, could also prove to be very warm.
How do I wash a winter coat?
Since winter coats are an investment, they should last many years with proper storage and care. Also, the washing instructions can vary wildly, depending on the coat’s materials. So, read the coat or jacket’s label carefully.