Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
As soon as I feel a slight chill in the air, I reach for my down jacket. There’s something luxurious about the feel and unparalleled warmth of a down jacket, but I also love that there’s one for every occasion. Since down can be tricky—quality is important, and you want to be sure that you’re getting responsibly sourced down, so no animals were harmed in the process of making your new jacket—we’ve rounded up the best down jackets for women, for every situation and wearer.
How to choose the best down jackets for women
Warmth
The first thing to consider is exactly how much warmth you require: Are you going to be out shredding the slopes, do you live in a more mild climate, or are you braving blustery city streets on the way to work? 900 fill down will be the warmest option, but believe it or not, you can have a jacket that’s too warm, so choose appropriately.
Weather proofing
Down isn’t known for being waterproof, or even resistant. Many jackets feature a variety of coatings ranging from water-resistant to waterproof to make them more versatile for a range of conditions.
Features
Depending on whether you’re wearing your jacket casually or using it for an athletic pursuit, you may want an adjustable hood, packability, or additional pockets.
Our top picks for the best down jackets for women
Best down jacket for everyday use: Patagonia Down Sweater
Patagonia’s Down Sweater is the iconic winter jacket: Its slim, contoured fit, range of colors, and Responsible Down Standard certified fill offer everything you could want in your down jacket. (The guys' version made our list of the best down jackets for men.) The two pockets are spacious enough to put your wallet, chapstick, and keys in while still having room to keep your hands nice and toasty, plus there’s an internal zippered chest pocket for additional storage. Patagonia designed the Down Sweater with comfort in mind, including an adjustable hem with a pulling cord and a zipper garage to stop the zipper from scratching your chin when it’s fully zipped.
Specifications:
- Weight: 10.3 ounces
- Fill: 800-fill-power goose down
- Main features: Durable shell fabric, water repellent finish, contoured fit, adjustable hem, two pockets
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Colors: New navy, cosmic gold, black, night plum, wool white
- Price on publish: $279
What we like:
- Slim, contoured fit
- Adjustable hem
- On-trend colors
- Spacious pockets
What we don’t like:
- Some may prefer a more fitted jacket
- Not the best for larger chests
The bottom line:
The quintessential down jacket, as stylish as it is warm.
Patagonia Women's Down Sweater
Best budget down jacket: Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket
This Eddie Bauer down jacket gives you both warmth and a price tag that won’t cause sticker shock. With a classic fit, it has many of the features of jackets with higher price tags, like a water-repellent finish and zippered pockets.
Specifications:
- Weight: Not listed
- Fill: 650-fill premium down insulation
- Main features: Water-repellent finish, elastic cuff and hems, classic fit, zippered pockets
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colors available: Black, dusty red, grape, light gray, dark evergreen
- Price on publish: $50
What we like:
- Water-repellent finish
- Zippered pockets
- Reviewers say that it’s lightweight
What we don’t like:
- Not as warm as other down jackets
- No adjustability options
The bottom line:
A wallet-friendly down jacket that gives you style, even if it’s lacking in features.
Eddie Bauer Women's CirrusLite Down Jacket, Black, Large
Best ultralight down jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoodie
Coming in at just 7.8 ounces, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoodie doesn’t sacrifice function for the sake of being lightweight. The 800 fill-power down keeps you warm during your outdoor pursuits, and the water-repellent finish on the ripstop fabric creates an ultra-durable jacket that can pack into its own pocket.
Specifications:
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
- Fill: 800-fill-power RDS-certified, fluorine-free goose down (90% goose down, 10% goose feather)
- Main features: Water repellent and ripstop fabric, two zippered pockets, drawcord hem, packable design, standard fit
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors available: Black, jack pine, synth green, solar pink
- Price on publish: $360
What we like:
- Lightweight
- Hood
- Zippered pockets
- Packable Design
- Durable fabric
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers say it runs small
- Lightweight material may feel fragile
The bottom line:
A lightweight hooded jacket, ideal for the adventurer.
Ghost Whisperer 2 Hooded Down Jacket - Women's
Warmest down jacket for winter: Rab Positron Down Jacket
If negative temps don’t deter you from heading outside, this is the jacket for you. One look at the Rab Positron Down Jacket and its baffle construction (i.e., laying the down out in chutes), and it’s obvious this jacket is designed to handle the most frigid days. Reviewers agree, although some even express that it can quickly become too hot under strenuous conditions. However, if you’re looking for one of the best winter jackets for extreme cold, this one is a great pick.
Specifications:
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
- Fill: 800-fill Nikwax hydrophobic goose down
- Main features: Helmet compatible hood, water repellent coating, baffle construction for increased warmth, reflective elements
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors available: Deep heather, deep ink, green slate, ultramarine
- Price on publish: $450
What we like:
- Helmet compatible hood
- Reflective elements
- Water repellent fabric
- Baffled construction for warmth
What we don’t like:
- Warmth can add bulk
- May restrict some movement
The bottom line:
A super-warm jacket made for super-cold days.
Positron Pro Down Jacket - Women's
Best long down jacket: Lululemon Wunder Puff Long Jacket
The Lululemon Wunder Puff Long Jacket is perfect for throwing on over leggings, a button-down shirt, and slippers to run outside with the dog, or to put over a dress and tights on your way to work. This versatile, calf-length jacket stays true to what you would expect from Lululemon, with a great and adjustable fit, plus the trendiest colors for every situation.
Specifications:
- Weight: Not listed
- Fill: 80% gray goose down, 20% gray goose feathers
- Main features: Removable hood, adjustable waist, zipped exterior and interior pockets, two way zipper
- Sizes: 0-14
- Colors available: Roasted brown, white, trench, purple ash, black, medium forest
- Price on publish: $398
What we like:
- Calf length
- Removable hood
- On-trend colors
- Cinchable waist
What we don’t like:
- Not water resistant
- Some reviews mention the zipper is difficult
The bottom line:
An uber-cool daily calf-length jacket for the woman on the go.
Wunder Puff Long Jacket
Best waterproof down jacket: Arc’teryx Patera Down Parka
For the coldest and wettest days, the Arc’teryx Patera Down Parka is the jacket you need. This thigh-length coat has GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable protection, an adjustable hood to keep harsh winds out, and an updated, trim fit.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1 pound, 14.6 ounces
- Fill: 750-fill-power European RDS goose down
- Main features: GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable protection, insulted neck and cuff gaskets, two-way zipper, adjustable hood
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Colors available: Black, boxcar
- Price on publish: $800
What we like:
- Waterproof
- Updated trim fit
- Strategically based Coreloft™ synthetic insulation
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
A splurge-worthy, thigh-length parka for the worst conditions.
Arc’teryx Patera Down Parka
Most sustainable down jacket: Everlane Re:Down Puffer
Sustainability expands past what’s inside the jacket. Everlane is bluesign ® certified, meaning that the factory guarantees safe working conditions for laborers, alongside using 100% recycled down and feathers for the fill of this on-trend puffer. (For further info on down, particularly regarding sustainability concerns, read our guide to the best down pillows.)
Specifications:
- Weight: Not listed
- Fill: 80% recycled down, 20% recycled feathers
- Main features: Re:Down ® recycled down, drawstring hem, double zipper pulls, internal snap pockets
- Sizes: XXS-XL
- Colors available: Bone, cocoa moonsplatter
- Price on publish: $160
What we like:
- Shell and fill are both 100% recycled
- Bluesign ® certified factories guarantee safe workplaces for laborers
- Double zipper pulls allow for more flexibility
What we don’t like:
- Limited colors
- No waterproofing
The bottom line:
A down jacket made with environmental and social sustainability in mind.
Women's Re:Down® Puffer Coat by Everlane in Bone White, Size XL
Most splurge-worthy down jacket: Canada Goose Garnet Cropped Jacket
A Canada Goose jacket is a flex, but it’s definitely worth the splurge! It’s water- and wind-resistant, rated for temperatures down to five degrees, and has a cropped fit and down collar to keep you fashionable and warm. Shopping tip: If you’re looking for a gift, Canada Goose also made our list for the best winter jackets and coats for men.
Specifications:
- Weight: Not listed
- Fill: 750 fill power responsibly sourced duck down
- Main features: Trendy cropped style, drawcord hem, backpack straps, down collar
- Sizes: XXS-XL
- Colors available: Desert sand, black
- Price on publish: $1,595
What we like:
- Backpack straps offers hands-free options to carry your coat
- On trend styles and colors
- Down collar to keep your neck warm
What we don’t like:
- Price tag
- Cropped fit might not be best for all wearers
The bottom line:
An investment down jacket that’s sure to turn heads for years to come.
Canada Goose Garnet Cropped Jacket
Best stretch down jacket: Mountain Hardwear Women’s Stretchdown Parka
Mountain Hardwear's Stretchdown uses a single piece of stretch fabric to form pockets of down insulation, eliminating the need for glue or stitches. The result is this uber-flexible parka that makes it easy to move when hiking, biking, or commuting, while never having to feel like that bundled-up kid from A Christmas Story!
Specifications:
- Weight: 6.7 oz
- Fill: 700 fill RDS-certified goose down
- Main features: Super stretchy material, chest pocket, adjustable hood, water resistant
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors available: Black, dark storm heather, outer dark, wild oyster
- Price on publish: $238
What we like:
- Parka length for added warmth and comfort
- Durable, stretchy material for maximal range of movement
- Extremely packable for the size
What we don’t like:
- Limited sizes compared to competitors
- Not waterproof
The bottom line:
A super-comfortable parka for women who don’t want to feel restricted.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka - Women's Wild Oyster, M
Best down poncho: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down
Sometimes, you don't want to crawl out of your sleeping bag, but with the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho, you don't need to, since this incredibly warm poncho is like a sleeping bag you can wear in public! Our favorite part is that it can pack into its own pocket and compresses to roughly the size of a Nalgene water bottle.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1lb 3oz
- Fill: 650 fill down
- Main features: Front zip pockets that the poncho folds into for packing, side snaps, water resistant coating
- Sizes: One size
- Colors available: Dark olive, outer space blue
- Price on publish: $260
What we like:
- The poncho packs into its own pockets
- Side snaps for ventilation or increased mobility
- Super comfortable
What we don’t like:
- Expensive for an item that’s not very versatile
The bottom line:
A super-warm poncho perfect for camping trips or chilly evenings on the couch.
Honcho Poncho Down
Best down ski jacket: Mackage Krystal No-Fur Jacket
The silhouette on the Mackage No-Fur Jacket is to die for, thanks to an elastic belt with a signature M-clasp that cinches your waist perfectly. This jacket will set you back about $1,000, but it's packed with thoughtful features such as insulated pockets, an adjustable storm visor hood, thumb loops, and 2-way stretch fabric. If you want to marry function and style, you should buy this jacket.
Specifications:
- Weight: 2lb 13oz
- Fill: 90% duck down, 10% duck feathers
- Main features: Adjustable hood, thumb loops, 2-way stretch fabric, 2-layer shell
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors available: Black, ceramic, sunset
- Price on publish: $1,090
What we like:
- Stylish fit with elastic belt
- Adjustable hood to protect head
- Thumb loops to keep sleeves in place
- 2-way stretch fabric
- Insulated pockets
What we don’t like:
- High price point
- Limited sizes
- No venting
The bottom line:
A fashion-forward ski jacket that doesn’t compromise performance.
Mackage Krystal No-Fur Jacket - Women's Black, XS
How we selected the best down jackets for women
When choosing the best down jackets for women, I scoured the internet and stores for jackets that stood out from the crowd. I was hunting for stylish and functional jackets that could handle the rigors of their intended purpose and transition to apres-ski. The most crucial function in my selection process was the jacket's insulation, since jackets with higher fill provide better warmth.
Another top feature was a jacket's weight and compressibility: Depending on the intended use, a lighter jacket can be essential, whereas if a jacket was engineered with travel in mind, I wanted to be sure it could be packed into a suitcase without a fight. I also looked for features such as waterproofing or resistance, pockets, color options, and price. I leveraged reviews and ratings to ensure we're recommending the best options on the market.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best packable down jacket for women?
We like the lightweight Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoodie for a packable option. It folds into its own internal pocket, is water-resistant, and it has ripstop fabric for added durability.
Is a puffer jacket the same as a down jacket?
Puffer and down jackets are similar in appearance, but they’re not the same thing. Puffer jackets are designed more with fashion in mind and are bulkier, whereas down jackets are streamlined and geared toward outdoor activities like hiking, running, and climbing. True to their name, puffer jackets are just that–puffy–and can be challenging to pack, as well as weighing more than their down alternatives.
What temperature is 700-fill down good for?
700-fill down is generally rated for temperatures down to 0 degrees and lands towards the bottom of the spectrum; if you’re looking for the warmest jackets, you should reach for 900 fill down.
How do you know if a down jacket is good?
You can do a few tests on your own to see if your new jacket is good quality. First, when you squeeze the jacket, it should feel soft and return to form quickly; when looking at the jacket, the down shouldn’t be piling at the bottom of the coat. Ensure that the zippers work well; when you try it on, the jacket should feel light and comfortable.
What is the difference between down and feather jackets?
Feathers are on the outside of the duck or goose, whereas the down is underneath and consists of light and fluffy filaments. Feathers are not as warm as down, but they maintain their shape better.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.