7 best winter coats, tried and approved by editors
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If you thought it was too late in the season to buy one of the best winter coats, think again, because if you shop well, it'll last you a lifetime. But the question is, how do you know which styles are the best when the outerwear options are endless?
Well, this is why I'm here: to decode the best winter coats way beyond the ‘trends’ you feel like you should be buying. As I'm strongly of the opinion that, despite what social media would lead you to believe, you don't need a new silhouette every year, you just need a few brilliant styles that'll work with your outfits each chilly season.
Where the market remains pretty saturated with other winter capsule wardrobe items (from V-neck knits to grey tights), the winter 25/26 catwalks insisted that the best winter coats should be a mainstay in your wardrobe. And it's all thanks to the timeless, classic coats we all know and love, carrying us through years upon years of quite brutal UK winters.
We're all well accustomed to wind, rain and often snow being on the forecast at this time of year, so of course we come prepared with the big guns of the outerwear world. Be it a faux fur coat that feels like a sartorial hug, puffer coats that have so much padding you may actually feel hot in sub zero temperatures when you're wearing them and wool versions that look sleek, but still keep you impeccably cosy. And here's not forgetting the raincoat that just so happened to become a trend item after Miu Miu put ‘technical jackets’ on the map last year.
In talks of classic coats, it wouldn't be a round-up without the much-loved trench coat. While a beige version will always be relevant, Tod's has declared that tried-and-true leather remains on the agenda this season (and beyond). And when it comes to looking ahead to lighter layers a bit later in the year, you'll want to take note Saint Laurent's bomber jackets in oversized shapes and styles with ball gowns. A look I would be willing to recreate for my next supermarket shop.
Elsewhere, Prada, Khaite and Calvin Klein all agree that wool coats aren't going anywhere (phew, there's no way I'm ever ditching mine), and classic tailored styles in to-the-floor lengths or with details such as power shoulders are key. And if you're all about keeping snug when you invest in a new winter coat style, then you'll be pleased to know fluffy mob wife-inspired coats are one of winter's hero items that are getting so much attention from fashion editors and insiders. Michael Kors went for sugary sweet pastel iterations in shaggy faux fur, Roberto Cavalli went wild with animal print and Fendi, Elie Saab, and Gabriela Hearst have all declared that brown faux fur is in. So no matter your preference, just make sure the outer fabric is as fluffy as can be, and you'll rival that of the runway.
Let's be honest with ourselves, you can never be too prepared for what the British weather has in store, so it's always a good idea to have a few of the classics (raincoats and puffer jackets, for example) in your collection, too. With this being said, we wanted to try out all the key coats that will see you through even the coldest spells. And we put them all to the test just for you. Before you see our top picks, you may want to know how the standout styles were chosen. And when it comes to the best winter coats and best winter jackets, they have to be high quality, be toasty (or if not, practical in other ways, e.g. waterproof or windproof) and look high-end, even if they don't have the price tag to match.
How we tested the best winter coats for women
Though we've taken trends into consideration, it's not all about the ‘latest’ silhouettes anymore; instead, we've turned our heads to arguably more important factors. From the fabrics, sustainability and functionality of some designs, to the size ranges, prices and practicality of others, Glamour editors and contributors Mayola Fernandes, Sophie Cockett, Lian Brooks and Felicity Hayward have been able to whittle down the 7 best winter coats for women this year.
Why you can trust me
In a conscious bid to showcase what winter coats look like on varying body shapes, sizes and heights, I roped in my fellow colleagues (aforementioned above) and had them test a few new-in styles. We went out onto the streets of London taking everything from how the coats fit and felt into consideration, to how they fared in the differing temperatures around the city – because as we all know, the tube has a climate of its own. So while I looked for some styles that are breathable, durable (I don't want to buying a new coat every year), water-resistant and wind-proof (again, you need to be prepared for all weathers in the UK), I of course also took into consideration the ones that'll go the distance in everyone's wardrobe, without compromising on style. Because working in the fashion industry, of course the aesthetically pleasing reasons are just as important when it comes to finding ‘the one’.
Read more about how we test/choose things here.
Ahead, the 7 best women's winter coats for women for 2026:
1. The trench coat
Not that you need to be influenced to buy one of the best trench coats (as they're sort of a forever-on-trend item), but this year we've spotted them everywhere from Asos to Ami Paris in every fabric, print and cut you could possibly desire. The Arket scarf-detail trench-coat-of-dreams has captured the hearts of every fashion insider already this year – including mine – with the detachable detail making the humble trench feel all kinds of fresh for 2026. While & Other Stories' sleek wool offering is ticking off two key coat trends in one fell swoop, managing to keep you cosy while also being classic in timeless go-with-everything black.
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Save when you shop for winter coats for women with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.
2. The raincoat
Unless you live in some magical part of the UK where it never rains (drop the pin, if that's the case), then you'll likely already own a raincoat/rain jacket. Though, in my case anyway, it's also probably incredibly un-chic. Let's face it, anoraks, parkas or any other form of waterproof jacket are never going to be the sleekest outerwear choice, are they? But with technical jackets becoming a trend in recent seasons, they've become surprisingly cool, even being worn by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Zoë Kravitz at the tail end of last year. It's rare that fashion meets function, so embrace it, and these four styles below are the most trend-driven waterproof and water-resistant designs you'll currently find on the market, thanks to their earth-tone hues and fun finishes, all while being wind-resistant and remaining ready for wet weather. AKA winners in the versatility category. And everyone from H&M and Free People (you have to see the packable style that can be worn like a backpack) to specialist brands Sweaty Betty and Rains (of course) has them.
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Save when you shop for winter coats for women with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
3. The barn jacket
Not sure what a barn jacket is? Think corduroy collars, big practical pockets and wax-treated fabrics – the sort of jacket you'd opt for if King Charles invited you on a trip at Balmoral or if Alexa Chung took you to Glastonbury as her plus one. Because that's the joy of this style, it'll work across all seasons, so you'll wear it on heavy rotation no matter what your 2026 diary looks like. So many editors and insiders had this coat style last year, and they're back once again. I've been seeing this Ganni leopard print one all over TikTok, and I can't hold back any longer. I have to buy it before it inevitably sells out. Like all the best winter coats do.
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Save when you shop for winter coats for women with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
4. The wool coat
Looking for something timeless that'll remain in your wardrobe for years to come? Then invest in one of the best wool coats. It goes with the territory of the fabric – wool lasts forever – but also the nature of the heavyweight (read: extra cosy) design, too. Often tailored to either a single-breasted or double-breasted silhouette, longline with peak lapels and perfect for wearing as workwear and/or going to dinner during peak winter, a wool coat is something you'll never regret owning. Where to buy the best ones? Firstly, I always suggest checking out the menswear sections, as some of the men's winter jackets in wool form can have such a chic fit. But also, the likes of Jigsaw and Aligne never fail to impress me, and I have this brand new COS iteration firmly on my wish list, seeing as I can't stop swooning over the khaki sleek material, high funnel neck and cropped length that'll see me step into spring as my most stylish self.
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Save when you shop for winter coats for women with these Jigsaw discount codes at checkout.
5. The fluffy coat
From the best teddy coats to faux fur coats and shearling styles, fluffy outerwear (and scarves, gloves and bags, for that matter) are in for 2026. GLAMOUR's Sophie Cockett can be seen in the cult Albaray cropped version that looks simply effortless when worn with the best jeans and white T-shirts to knitwear and a pair of wide-leg trousers, while toasty silhouettes such as H&M's matching scarf style are selling out quicker than this year's festival tickets. On the coldest of cold weather days, faux fur outerwear is the one you'll always lean into when they feel like getting a hug as you brace for the chill. And they're runway-approved, with the likes of Michael Kors and Roksanda all putting shaggy styles in their shows. Need any more persuading? Two of my favourite styles also happen to be under-£100 – yep, really, and I think they're the ultimate fun way to liven up your winter workwear wardrobe.
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Save when you shop for winter coats for women with these Mango discount codes at checkout.
6. The puffer coat
Also known as duvet coats and down jackets/down coats, puffer coats are basically what they say on the tin: coats with stuffing. Think Michelin Man, but more fashion. They are the winter equivalent of everyone's favourite quilted jackets, and promise to keep you warm and cosy thanks to often featuring down insulation and feather fillings. Practically like getting to wrap yourself in your duvet (or a sleeping bag) when you leave the house, something we all want to do on the coldest weather days, these insulated jackets are a winter hero. Not sure what to wear them with? Forget jeans, when it's super chilly, you'll want to wear them with a pair of the best fleece-lined leggings for 360-degree warm factor.
With many featuring adjustable hoods, two-way windproof zippers, breathable, durable and high-quality fabrics, a synthetic insulation or down-filled winter parka is the style to shop for if you want something practical or for maximum warmth on chilly days throughout the winter season. The latest style I rate? Damson Madder's best-selling two-in-one style that now comes with a detachable scarf, and Sweaty Betty's leopard print best-selling Nimbus 100% waterproof style now in leopard print – and unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know all forms of animal print are heroes right now.
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Save when you shop for winter coats for women with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
7. The scarf coat
Not invested in a scarf coat yet? Fear not, there's still time. Huge news for the last couple of years, namely the high-end TOTEME design, they've been the outerwear hero every stylish person has been wearing. Now, tonnes of other designer and high street brands have replicated the success with so many versions to choose from. Why? They cut out the middleman. There's no need to invest in one of the best winter scarves when your outerwear already features one. To make them feel new for 2026, look for additional drape details – they were all over the runways at Brandon Maxwell, Calvin Klein and Khaite. And what's not to love about more fabric to swaddle up in? The best part is a lot of the scarves are removable so it's basically a two-for-one buy when you can add them to other outfits, too.
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Save when you shop for winter coats for women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
How much should a winter coat cost? What is the most affordable winter coat?
Don't be afraid to splurge, provided you can afford it. The best winter coats for women are an investment that you'll wear for years to come, and maximum warmth staples are what we all want to rely on when temperatures are sub-zero. Not everyone can fork out for the celebrity-favourite designers, though, so if you need something more affordable, faithful high-street brands such as H&M, ASOS and Zara will have you covered across all of our favourite categories including trench coats, puffer coats, wool coats, scarf coats, faux fur coat, barn jackets and a UK favourite: the raincoat. What you choose to spend can also come down to the materials, if you're spending more, you'll expect the materials to be wool and cashmere blends or have extra details such as funnel necks, detachable scarves or be padded with down like the cosy puffer.
Which is the warmest winter coat for ladies UK?
Ever wondered which warm jacket or warm coat is the best? While the primary coat styles are mainstays – think practical parkas and leather jackets – it's the duvet coat designs that will have you covered when it's extra cold. Quilted, puffer jackets and anything that's filled with heat-retaining materials (like what you would get from a ski jacket) will be the warmest winter coats to opt for – we rate The North Face, Columbia, Arket and Uniqlo. But with that being said, faux fur coats are a huge trend and the fuzzy fabric can be warmer than a lot of other styles out there, especially teddy coats from the likes of Max Mara – these are worth the spend when they're SO warm and look chic with a hoodie, T-shirt or a cosy knit underneath.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
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