The Best Long Jackets for Women

Buying Guide

If you’re looking for warmth, elegance and functionality, long jackets for women are the way to go. These staples in the winter closet look more formal than their shorter counterparts thanks to their mid-thigh or knee-length hem, making them ideal for going to work or to a party. Long jackets for women also help to keep the whole body warm, not just the core, which is perfect for the frigid weather.

When selecting a long jacket for women, consider how much warmth you need. What is the winter weather like where you live, how much time do you spend outside in the winter and what kinds of activities do you do? Answering questions like these will help you figure out whether you need an insulated jacket and what kind of insulation will work best.

One of the warmest options is down insulation. It is designed to keep warm air around your body so you feel cozy in even the coldest temperatures. Down is highly compressible, lightweight and long lasting. However, it does not do well when it gets wet and is quite costly compared to other options. Synthetic insulation is the human-made version of down. It’s also very warm, but it is less light and compressible than down. However, it’s also more affordable. Plus, it can still insulate when wet.

When it comes to the outer layer or shell of the long jacket for women, consider how wet the climate is around you. If you get frequent rain or snow, then it’s important to opt for a long jacket that is made from waterproof materials. However, if the climate is mostly dry with very little moisture, you can choose another material such as wool for the outer layer of your coat.

• Hood or no hood, that is the question. Some people find a hooded coat an essential item. The hood provides extra protection for the head and neck and is a good feature to have when trying to protect yourself from cold wind, rain and snow. However, others are often annoyed by the hood, which can feel uncomfortable around the neck or obscure the view. You can find long jackets for women with and without hoods. Some even have removable hoods if you change your mind.
• Many people forget to check for pockets when buying a coat, but it’s an important feature to pay attention to. They are needed for essentials such as gloves and phones. At least two outer pockets, one on each side, are handy. Some coats also have inner pockets, which are great for things like wallets and keys.
• When it comes to buttons vs zippers, typically the more formal style of long jackets for women have buttons while the more casual style features zippers. Some coats made for extra cold weather have buttons in storm flaps over the zipper, designed to keep cold wind away from the core.
• If you’re concerned about the cold, a small but important feature to look for are wrist cuffs on the sleeves of the coat. Look for ones that are snug and tight to keep out cold air and moisture. Some are even adjustable so you can close off the cold weather and not let it enter your coat through the sleeves.