As a pretty positive person, I’m not afraid to say that I hate winter. It’s just too cold. That’s why I love a long down coat.
What to look for in the best long down coat
If you’re out in tough conditions every day, you’ll want your long down coat to be water and wind-resistant. Depending on your exposure to the elements, it’s also worth assessing the level of insulation (lightweight, normal or heavy). One way to do so is by looking at the fill weight — which notes the relative quality of down — with a higher number indicating greater loft and insulation.
Then there’s the question of ethics. In recent years, there’s been a focus on sustainability transparency — with coats being marked “RDS” (Responsible Down Standard) to note the down has been sourced as ethically as possible. And more synthetic down options on the market are praised for being just as protective as the real stuff.
Be sure to invest in a great insulted hood, which provides much-needed warmth around the neck. A long down coat that meets your functional must-haves is likely going to be big, voluminous, and, well, impossible to hide. But that doesn’t mean it can’t also look good and stay warm simultaneously.
How to style long down down coats
When I wear my long down coat, I’m in survival mode — but there are ways to turn it into a statement. If it’s big and billowy, play with proportions by pairing it with baggy pants and a large fuzzy bucket hat. Add some styling forethought, grab a bright bag (hello, red!) or slip on shimmery metallic accessories. And you can never go wrong with a monochrome moment, which is both comfortable and cool.
The best long down down coats to buy right now
Best overall
Uniqlo Seamless long down coat
In search of a long down coat for women that you just know will do the job right? This piece by Uniqlo is what you’re looking for. Made with premium down, it’s lightweight, warm, and palatably priced for an outerwear garment you can truly rely on.
Thanks to its quilted oversized design, it offers a breathable sophisticated fit for everyday wear.
Pros
- 750-fill power
- Easy to dress up or down
- Adjustable hood
- Available in three colours
Cons
- Not suitable for machine wash
Most versatile
Frank And Oak Highland long puffer
Hear us out: A down jacket — without the down. Canadian brand Frank And Oak specializes in sustainable clothing alternatives, and they’re outerwear is no different. With a “feather-free performance,” this fan-favourite long puffer is made with Primaloft.
This synthetic insulation is a vegan alternative that promises to “outperform” down. It’s also hailed for being more water-resistant thanks to its fast-drying fibres.
With fleece-lined inside pockets and sleeve extension with thumb-hole cuffs, it keeps you warm at temperatures down to -25ºC. It also comes with a built-in carrying straps and button-up side slits for easy mobility.
Pros
- Versatile for cold weather in three seasons
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Inside pocket for extra storage
- Available in four colours
- Helmet compatible hood depending on the type and style of helmet
Cons
- Runs a little large, so try sizing down if you prefer a slimmer fit
Best rated
Orolay women’s winter long down coat
As an internet-favourite coat brand, this Orolay offering is an easy go-to. Made of a polyester shell and down-feather filling, it’s got a windproof fabric that keeps you warm through even the most blustery winters. With over 400 ratings, reviewers love it for its thick material, oversized hood, and heat-trapping ribbed cuffs.
Complete with side zippers for added mobility, it’s great for any activity. Make a hot chocolate run or take a stroll in the park. You’ll be warm — promise.
Pros
- Choose from four colours (including Barbie pink)
- Machine washable
- Easy to fold and transport
- Zippered hand pockets (higher placement)
- One of the bestselling winter jackets ever on Amazon
Cons
- There are no standard side pockets, just zippered pockets at the chest, which some reviewers say is not ideal
Best budget
Women’s hooded maxi puffer
Need a quality coat for under $100? This down-filled puffer is the one for you. Hitting right at the calves, its water and wind-resistance makes it a cozy wardrobe staple. And thanks to its removable hood and button-up side slits, it can easily adapt to changing weather conditions.
Unlike your typical long down winter coat for women, this design offers a shaping silhouette. We love the slimming curve-accentuating design.
Pros
- Available in six colours
- Exterior side pockets and an inner pocket for increased storage
- Elegant elongating style
- Comes with a double zipper for easier mobility
-
Durable water-repellent (DWR coating) material
Cons
- Some say it runs small, so size up if you’re looking for a roomier fit
Best luxury
Moose Knuckles Cloud long down hooded parka
If you’re willing to shell out a bit more cash to get a warm long down coat for women, let it be this Moose Knuckles style. It’s even cozier than it looks. The quintessentially Canadian coat company has been specializing in quality winterwear for decades, and this coat exemplifies why.
Made with 775-fill power responsibly sourced down, this parka protects against “crazy cold” conditions, the brand says. Aside from all that, this coat looks extra cool. The quilted jacket has a slimming fit with a removable belt that cinches the waist. In other words, even your most bundled days can feel fashion-forward.
Pros
- Wind and water-resistant
- Stops cold air in its tracks
- Machine washable
- RDS-certified
- Comes with inner pockets for more warmth
- Added chest pockets
- Higher fill power
Cons
- Since it has a slim fit, it won’t be as ideal for layering atop bulky sweaters and chunky knits
Best packable
Hooded ultra lightweight long down coat for women
Ideal for commuting to work on volatile weather days, this compressible jacket is a saving extra warmth grace when the weather turns colder. Made with a 550-fill power down filling and a nylon lining, it’s both wind and water-resistant.
Tailored to keep you warm and accentuate your shape, this jacket comes with an adjustable waistband. It also features elastic cuffs and a hood drawstring for added insulation.
Pros
- RDS certified
- Comes with a pouch to pack it into
- Available in seven colours
- Affordable alternative to a similar North Face style
Cons
- Because it’s ideal for packing, it might not be the best for heavy winter protection
- Not suitable for machine-wash
Best plus-size
Land’s End ultralight packable quilted long down coat
Stay warm and flexible with this ultra-lightweight long down coat that promises nearly full range of motion. This compressible high-quality coat can withstand shockingly cold temps. Hitting just above the knees, it’s got 800-fill down and a water-resistant fabric shell that’s sure to keep your body toasty.
Choose from sizes going up to 3X. We love the surprisingly affordable price tag, making this puffer coat a go-to for winter protection. In a shopping landscape that unfortunately lacks plus-size winter coat options, it’s thankfully a reliable go-to.
Pros
- Long length means extra coverage
- Water-resistant shell fabric
- 800-fill down
- Light enough to feel like an outer shell, but plenty warm enough to wear on its own
Cons
- Hood isn’t detachable
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The post 7 Long Down Coats That Make Winter Bearable appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
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