10 Best Winter Jackets and Coats for Men in 2024: Look Cool, Stay Warm

When you live in one of the colder states, style often—and understandably—takes a back seat to simply maintaining a functional temperature. But if your current winter coat leaves you unable to even put your arms down by your sides (“It’s Gore-tex, Jerry!”) then it might be time to look at some other options. We’ve rounded up the best winter jackets and coats for men, whether you’re the type of person who likes a lighter weight coat to layer over a hoodie or sweater, or want the absolute warmest outerwear.

Our top picks for the best winter jackets and coats for men

How we chose the best winter jackets and coats for men

Our picks were made with the input of our panel of style and clothing experts, who know the fashion industry—and the world of winter coats—inside out. We also considered price, materials, and style, and ensured all of our picks were highly rated by actual customers.

What to consider when buying winter jackets and coats for men

As when buying other cold weather items, you want to take functionality into account in addition to what it looks like. For example:

Layers

“When looking at material for a winter jacket for men, you want to compare both the outer shell and insulation,” says Jennifer Straughan, owner of The Thrifty Dresser. “The outer shell needs to be waterproof and have some element of wind-breaking to be effective in keeping warmth inside the jacket. However, suppose you live somewhere that experiences multiple different climates. In that case, it can be helpful to have removable layers incorporated into your winter jacket, like a fleece insert or removable windbreaker.”

Material and fill

“The outer part of the jacket will likely be made from either nylon or another synthetic material, that’s both water-resistant and tightly woven to prevent wind air from infiltrating,” says Straughan. “The inside of the jacket is made from bird down or synthetic material. Down fill-power is one measure you can consider for determining the warmth of a winter coat: Usually, the down power is somewhere between 400-1,000, with 1,000 being the most lofty and providing the most warmth, but also, the most expensive insulation. Only those facing extreme arctic climates will need fill power that high.”

Straughan adds that fill weight is another important consideration, i.e., the total amount of down in the jacket. The higher the weight, the warmer the coat. “If you mainly need warmth, you’re likely looking for a three to six ounce down jacket with a fill power of 800+,” she says.

Quality

“First and foremost, buy quality,” advises Patrick Burch, co-owner of Cave + Post Trading Co. men’s boutique. “It’s either going to be a ‘daily driver’ and therefore you want it to wear well, or it’s going to be a fashion piece that you’ll only wear a couple times a year, but that you want to last forever. Therefore, quality is first.”

Style

“Are you the classic gentleman who dons meticulously tailored overcoats and keeps it traditional and sophisticated?” asks Charles Fratto, style director for ILOE Studios. “Or are you a fashion risk taker who’s always willing to push the style envelope and experiment with textures, hardware details, and silhouette? Or are you possibly the outdoorsy type who values performance wear for cold weather adventures? Everyone will answer these questions differently and by simply taking a small amount of time to answer them, it will make the overall buying experience easier, faster, and a lot more fun.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which brand of winter coat is the warmest?

“Brands that use down insulation are the warmest,” affirms Straughan. “Downs taken from ducks or geese are from animals sourced and used for food, so they’re not hunted strictly for their downs. However, many still have ethical concerns with this practice.

Brands such as Canada Goose, 66 degrees North, and Moose Knuckles use either goose or duck down as insulation. Other brands, such as The North Face, also use lofty goose down for insulation, but again, only from birds that are otherwise sourced for the food industry.”

Straughan advises that several brands use a synthetic insulation called PrimaLoft instead, so if that’s important to you, you might want to check out coats from Patagonia and Lululemon. “The general consensus is that synthetic down will not provide the same warmth as bird down, although it is a good alternative, especially if you’re completing performance activities outside that require some breathability,” she says.

Which brands have the best winter jackets?

Straughan suggests looking at The North Face, Patagonia, Lululemon, TenTree, Eddie Bauer, and Columbia. Burch, meanwhile, recommends Filson, which he says, “has been a mainstay of stylish, outdoor goods since 1897. You’ll see their pieces all over the Yellowstone show and on real ranches worldwide. It’s a heritage brand, with quality materials and construction, beautiful fabrics, and durability.”

How can you tell if a winter jacket is good quality?

“The weight, the material it’s made from, and the price all can be indicators of a jacket's quality,” says Straughan. “However, not all quality winter jackets look the same–some wool and cashmere coats can also be good options, depending on what you’re looking for. Each of those is made of high-quality materials, just not as water-resistant.”

Should winter jackets be tight or loose?

“With winter jackets in particular, you need to walk that fine line of finding a piece with the perfect amount of ease,” says Fratto. “The chances of you wearing additional layers underneath it are pretty much guaranteed, so err on the side of more ease rather than less. But don’t go overboard lest you look like you’re drowning in fabric—that’s never a good look and it will be unpleasant to wear. You want the jacket to compliment your silhouette, not distract from it one way or the other.”

How much should a good winter coat cost?

“A good winter coat will likely start around the $100 price point, and go up from there,” says Straughan. “Outerwear is not cheap, so consider shopping second-hand to find quality products at a lower price (and to be more sustainable!) A great part about winter clothes is that in many climates, people only need them half the year, so people tend to sell and donate older clothes that are still in excellent condition due to their quality construction.”

“It all depends on what you’re wearing the coat for,” adds Loiseau. “If you’re working in Alaska or anywhere near the north pole, you don’t want to sacrifice on price, as it can mean your life. However, when it comes to fashion, there’s a little more wiggle room for your budget. Plus, think about how often you’ll wear it and if you’re going for one staple, go-to jacket, or will be getting different jackets for different occasions.”