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Blending technical prowess and premium style, our top picks for down jackets are so good, you won't want to take yours off.
The down jacket is an indispensable part of any outdoor winter kit. Equal parts fluff and performance, the down jackets of today aren't like their enormous predecessors: modern down styles can be sleek and slim and still maintain tons of warmth and coziness. The best down jackets seamlessly blend style and capability, so you don't have to choose between staying warm, and looking good. If you're in the market for a new winter parka, coat or jacket, our top picks will keep you snug all winter long (and beyond).
Down fill has been used as insulation by humans for centuries: the natural lofting, warmth retention and lightness of the small but mighty plumage have been prized by both our ancestors and modern-day adventurers looking for a little extra protection against the cold. Down insulation works best in cold, dry environments: although there have been advancements in treating down insulation to repel water, a down jacket that is submerged in water will get wet, unlike synthetic counterparts.
Down jackets typically feature a face fabric made of nylon or polyester: both are durable, strong, lightweight and can easily have water repellant treatments like DWR applied to them. Some activewear-oriented styles will also feature spandex to help maintain flexibility and stretch.
As you shop for the perfect down jacket to cozy up in this winter, you'll see the term "fill power" in many product descriptions: it refers to the down's ability to loft and trap heat. Fill power is calculated by how many cubic inches one ounce of down can fill. The higher the fill power, the warmer the jacket (or sleeping bag). Premium goose down can reach a fill power of up to 900fp, while duck only gets to 800fp.
A common misconception when it comes to down is that the insulation is made from the feathers of a bird; typically, geese. Down fill is actually made from the plumage that's found beneath the exterior feathers of a bird, and is soft, wispy and incredibly warm. Because down is an animal product, there are certifications that ensure animal welfare is top of mind during the manufacturing process: the most popular of these is the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Brands can apply to have their garment RDS-certified, or use goose down from suppliers that have already gone through the certification process. If animal welfare and responsible manufacturing are top of mind as you shop, keep an eye out for this helpful acronym.
The activities you plan on doing in your new and shiny down jacket will inform how you shop: if you're going to be doing high-intensity cardio circuits, you may want a more athletic style that only has insulation in the core. If you're going to be mountaineering or recreating in single-digit temps, you'll want to go for a jacket that's got high fill power, and water repellency to keep you protected. Advancements in fill power and jacket construction mean you don't necessarily have to go for the puffiest jacket to stay warm; if you're into the sleek and sophisticated look, there are warm and capable options on the market for you.
Throughout the fall and winter and into spring, I tried out the best and brightest down jackets available. I wore them on alpine hikes, on snow camping excursions, road tripping in single-digit temps and running around town on brisk days.
As I tested each jacket, I took note of fill powers, warmth-to-weight ratios, face fabrics and features (including pockets, packability and water-repellency). I researched where materials were sourced from for each jacket, focusing on responsibly-sourced down. I tested each jacket in a variety of temperatures and environments, and beyond functionality, I tested them for fit, feel and of course, style. I noted if the jackets held their own, or if they fell flat.
Let's dive into which picks made the list of best down jackets for women, and why.
Easily the plushest jacket on this list, the Alpha Parka is also the most capable: if you're willing to drop a grand on a down jacket, you won't be disappointed with this pick.
A heavy-duty choice, the Alpha is not designed to be your daily driver; this parka is designed to protect against the harshest conditions. I wore this badass, beefy parka in single-digit temperatures in Telluride for a week, and hardly felt a chill as I made my way around town, up the mountain on a cat ride and while hanging outside for al fresco dinners. Arc'teryx's proprietary Hadron face fabric blocks wind and resists water, and adds the equivalent of 100 grams of goose down, without the weight. The Alpha is durable, cozy and eye-catching, thanks to its bold colorway.
Materials: Hadron face fabric, RDS-certified 850-fill goose down, Gore-Tex Infinium
Reliable, everyday performance is the name of the game when it comes to Patagonia's Down Sweater Jacket. Our tester found herself picking up this soft, fitted option day after day thanks to its no-nonsense aesthetic, wearability and environmentally responsible materials.
Patagonia's products typically fit true to size, and the Down Sweater Jacket continues that reliability. If you plan on layering a baselayer or even a cozy sweater underneath, we recommend your standard size. If you live in warmer climates and plan on using this as your mid and outer layer, sizing down will give you a fitted look without the extra bulk, but you won't be able to fit any extra layers underneath.
I appreciated the nylon elasticated cuffs for heat retention, as well as the traceable down and 100 percent recycled face fabric.
Materials: Recycled polyester ripstop shell, 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down
I liked Mountain Hardwear's Stretchdown Hoody for a few key reasons: unlike other down jackets, it's neither shiny nor loud; I wore it in the Point Reyes National Seashore during winter hikes along the coast and wasn't distracted by the constant swish-swish of other down jackets.
The Stretchdown Hoody (also available in a men's version) is made with a durable 20-denier stretch nylon face fabric that moves and flexes with you, without compromising range of motion or comfort. I wore mine kayaking, hiking, running around town and camping, and was impressed both by the jacket's comfort and capability.
I accidentally put my Stretchdown through the dryer, which could have been a disaster if the jacket didn't run large on me: it fits true to size now, but if I hadn't had that built-in wiggle room, I would have had to hand it down to someone smaller. Always remember to pull your jacket out of the washer, and you'll be good to go.
As mentioned above, the jacket runs large, so if you like an oversized fit, stick with your normal sizing. Otherwise, size down for a more fitted look.
Materials: 20D Durable Stretch Doubleweave nylon
Known for its size-inclusive and high-quality threads, Athleta has grown from a small brand acquired under the Gap umbrella to a full-fledged athleisure giant on the activewear scene. The Inlet Jacket is great for on-the-go athletes and provides just enough insulation to keep your core temp up on fall and winter hikes and runs.
Built with recycled nylon and spandex, the Inlet is a great piece for cold-weather activities. The hybrid style is akin to wearing a winter vest, with an insulated body and side panels and sleeves that are made with a stretchy, comfortable spandex-blend fabric. Our tester wore hers around town in San Francisco and was pleased with the Inlet's ability to resist the Golden City's well-known wind and fog.
Materials: Recycled nylon, Spandex, RDS FeatherDry down
If you've been sleeping on Norrøna up until now... don't. The Norwegian brand has been making premium outerwear since 1929, and the Falketind Down 750 Hooded Jacket is ideal for the outdoorswoman who desires comfort and demands quality.
Built with mountaineering in mind, this packable down jacket works well as an outer layer for spring and summer, and an insulating midlayer for the cooler fall and winter temps. The recycled 20-denier nylon face fabric is treated with a PFC-free water repellant coating, and a blend of synthetic and down insulation maximizes warmth and performance for a truly custom fit.
Materials: Recycled nylon, RDS-certified 750-fill power down, PFC-free water repellant treatment
If you're looking for all the temperature-regulating properties of down, but can't break the bank, opt for REI's wallet-friendly down jacket. REI uses the 650-fill down to its full potential, and the 2.0 version pairs it with a recycled nylon shell for peace of mind, and durability.
The DWR treatment keeps wind and water at bay, while the full-length front zipper, zipper hand pockets and drawcord-adjustable hem allow for on-the-go adjustments as temperatures fluctuate. The 650 Down Jacket 2.0 features Bluesign materials and RDS down; paired with recycled nylon, the jacket demonstrates an eco-minded approach to manufacturing from top to bottom. If you're still saving for your dream down jacket but need a stand-in for this winter season, reach for REI's budget pick.
Materials: Recycled bluesign-approved nylon taffeta, 650-fill RDS down
For the adventurer that appreciates vintage vibes as much as they do performance, the Fuego Hooded Jacket is the ideal blend of premium fabrics and colorful, nostalgia-heavy designs. The hooded down jacket is made with a DWR-finished ripstop nylon shell, and packed full of 800-fill, water-resistant down — the ideal antidote to unexpected showers. At just 14 ounces, the Fuego is a lightweight option meant for year-round wear, although in the depths of winter, we recommend layering with a baselayer and shell for maximum warmth. Our tester was a fan of the super soft face fabric, as well as the movement-oriented construction, which helped her stay unhindered as she set up camp, hiked and hung by the bonfire.
Materials: 20D giant-ripstop nylon with DWR finish, 800-fill responsibly-sourcef down, 20D mini-ripstop nylon lining
I gravitate toward this jacket whenever I want the warmth of down, without the bulk. Canada Goose may be known for its iconic parkas, but I'm a fan of its lesser-known, underrated HyBridge Knit Jacket.
Anyone who's worn down is familiar with catching your reflection and realizing you look like the Marshmallow Man — The slim fit of this number makes me feel less puffball, more streamlined. The knit sleeves and rib-knit cuffs and hem are made with merino wool, upping the luxe feel and breathability of this transitional piece.
At almost 700 bucks, the HyBridge can be cost prohibitive to some, but after wearing it for a full season, I'm convinced the midlayer is well worth the investment. Although the white colorway is oh-so-chic, to extend the life of the jacket (and mask potential stains) I would opt for the gray: you'll get a longer run, and have more options, with this low-key colorway.
Materials: Merino wool, 675-fill goose down
There's not much that can compete with a classic puffy when it comes to adaptability and functionality. A traditional puffy can be worn anywhere, whether you're commuting in the city or you're camping for a week in the alpine. A standard puffy is predictable, sure, but it's also comfortable, capable and classic, and none do it better than Outdoor Research's Coldfront Down Jacket.
Traditional baffling keeps the blend of down and synthetic insulation in its place, and tightly-woven fibers in the face fabric keep wind chill at bay. The wrist gaiters and insulated frot placket trap heat and keep the cold out, while an internal mesh stash pocket keeps your phone close by (and helps maintain its battery life by keeping it close to your body heat). Sure, the Coldfront isn't anything new style-wise, but with advanced fabrics and construction, it's a fresh take on a long-standing classic.
Materials: 30D ripstop polyester with DWR finish, 700+ fill responsibly-sourced down
Down is hard to beat, but many styles, especially outdoor-oriented ones, lack any femininity whatsoever. When you want to blend personal style with outdoor performance, reach for The North Face's Westcliffe Down Jacket.
Two details catch the eye with this style: the diamond quilted baffling, which adds some visual interest, as well as the cinched waist, which adds some definition to this style without sacrificing warmth. (It turns out, you really can have it all). This casual number won't have you summiting peaks, but if you're exploring a new city or have a long travel day planned, it's a lightweight option that keeps the chill away without weighing you down. A DWR coating rounds out the weather protection and ensures comfort, whatever the weather forecast says.
Materials: 15-denier x 40-denier recycled nylon, non-PFC DWR coating, 600-fill recycled waterfowl down (torso, sleeves), Heatseeker Eco synthetic insulation (front placket, pocket welts)