Women's warm winter coat suggestion?

[kellia]

I need a new winter coat and want something really warm, must be getting old, I'm really starting to hate Michigan winters! Any suggestions for a warm coat that isn't too bulky? Is down the warmest?

TIA

 

[MagiKitty]

I used to wear a wool peacoat during the winter, but I've found its feeling heavy so I was shopping for a new winter coat last year. I ended up choosing a parka from Lands End with down. It also had a removal hood which I liked and is lined. Its lightweight, wears well, washable, and was a good price at the time. Lands End periodically has excellent sales on their website, but if you'd like to check it out, Sears carries the brand and you can try them on there...

 

[dakcp2001]

Lands End down coats are comfy and super warm! They are a little poofy but have some with a shape. They are 30% off right now I think. Last year I got a great deal one at the end of the season too, so now I have two.

 

[Gigi22]

Another vote for down filled. Also check your coat to make sure it has heat-saving features such as a really deep attached hood with a drawstring so that you can fit it closely to your head, adjustable closures on the sleeves so that you can avoid the wind down your sleeves effect, and a good closure around your neck.

 

[Tiger926]

The North Face all the way! I find Land's End, Columbia, Roots and a few others just can't compete with The North Face coats in terms of warmness. The down in TNF coats is really good, whereas the others just don't cut it.

Happy coat shopping! Tiger

 

[Fyrefly]

Down is what you want.

I live in PA and walk about a mile each way to class in the winter. It's usually about 20 degrees or so. I wear long underwear under my jeans and this coat:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/61708?feat=2-SR0

Baxter State Parka. It's warm, has lots of pockets, removable hood, flaps for keeping out the wind and all sorts of ties to help it keep air out, and for a down parka it's surprisingly flattering for the female shape.

 

[Swimalie]

I'll also add a vote for Land's End. I bought one 2 years ago on clearance and it is the most comfortable, warm jacket I have ever owned. It would be well worth the full price as well.

 

[dawnn12]

i got one last year from burlington coat factory it is really warm and not really that fluffy

 

[kellia]

Thanks for all the help! Does LL Bean ever have discount codes or sales? I like that parka!

 

[Juliah]

I get emails from LL Bean with sales, usually a percent off a category, like camping gear 20% off, for example. Can't recall if they've ever done that with outerwear.

Another thing they've done the last two years is a deal in the weeks leading up to Christmas where you get a coupon good for a certain amount with a purchase of a certain amount (sorry, I can't remember the amounts). One year, all my son asked for were warm socks, so I got some really nice wool ones, just enough to get the coupon. Then I took that coupon and got more socks, again spending just enough above that to get another coupon. And so on, until he had a nice little pile of good quality wool socks under the Christmas tree.

Oh, and shipping is free all the time.

 

[scootch]

I have a Columbia. It does not look warm, but it really is and it has lasted forever!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Gosh I feel your pain. I worked in downtown Cleveland and took the bus and needed a warm coat. I went to Burlington Coat Factory and got a nice down coat for $60 a few years ago and I love it. My husband who also works downtown wears a down coat from Lands End and he loves his coat. It was a bit pricey but when you are in temps with wind chills in the negative, its worth it.

Down is warmer than polyfil which is the other product most coats are padded with. Also look at the label. You want to make sure to get one that lists "down" and not "feathers" on the label. Down is warmer than feathers. Also make sure it is water repellant.

 

[mrudman]

I have a St. John's Bay one that I absolutely love. It's very thin looking, but so warm! Has nylon on the outside, and fleece on the inside (don't think it's polar fleece, but could be, it's been yrs since I bought it).

Not sure what I'm ever going to do if it falls apart, because I have a couple other coats that I wear on occasion, that are very heavy/bulky, but nowhere near as warm (Pacific Trail and Columbia).

This little coat/jacket has kept me toasty even in the coldest temps (we get into negative actual temps here some years, live just inside the snowbelt in NE Ohio)

 

[4HppyCamprs]

Another Midwesterner over here by the lake in Indiana and another vote for down. Long enough to cover the bum otherwise that will just freeze as well. Can I just say though that even thinking about windchill and negative temperatures is making me sad. I am really not ready for that! I like Fall just fine I will have to dig my coats out of storage I guess.....

Good luck on your search!!!

 

[Bren's Mom]

I bought a Lands End long down coat...it's definitely not too bulky, has a removable furry hood, and is super warm!

 

[phred52]

I need a new WARM winter coat, too. BUT I am allergic to feathers/down. I just spoke with my allergist and she said no way am I to wear my current down coat.((I was hoping since its only 20 or 30 minutes at a time I'd be okay))

Anyway .... what would you all suggest for a really warm bum covering winter coat without down??

 

[Mickey527]

Oh I am definately watching these ideas.
I need a warm winter coat too but my problem is static electricity. I can't wear one with fleece lining because it causes static and I get terrible shocks. I have major problems in the winter with static, to the point that it is really painful.
All my coats in the past have had nylon linings but I can't find one like that anywhere.

 

[2binak]

I hate the cold & I hate bulky jackets. I finally found the perfect jacket at LL Bean. It looks bulky but isn't and it's soooo lightweight!

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/65929?feat=610-GN1

Here it is on sale - only available in 1 color, but in 4 szes (incuding petite)
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/70853?feat=507481-GN3


For the poster who said you're allergic to down, so am I and I haven't had any issues wearing this coat. My commute is 30 mins. If you aren't able to wear down at all, here's a great alternative. I have the 3/4 wool-lined raincoat version.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/51489?feat=610-GN1

 

[nilseks]

Land's End has a lot of last year's down coats on clearance right now. I just got 2 last week for $22.97 each, with free shipping! I am a pet sitter and believe me I understand the need for a warm coat, because I walk dogs all winter long in Wisconsin. I like the lightweight feel of the Land's End coats, and the ones I bought were both rated for -5 to -30 degrees.

My last coat was a Columbia and I had it for several years before the zipper broke. Overall I liked the fit and feel of it, but despite that fact that it was touted to be a warm coat, it was not. I froze in that thing and always had to wear a lot of layers!

 

[4HppyCamprs]

22.00 is a great price! Also check Burlington for coats if you have one near, they carry name brand as for Columbia I found them great for skiing back home on the west coast but they did zilch for keeping the bite of windchill in the negatives out.

Hmmm I am beginning to see why my family was one of the few that were in shorts at Disney in December almost anywhere is downright balmy compared to Midwest in winter!