Really, this is the ideal length, at least as far as I’m concerned: they keep you toastier than shorter jackets, and are a lot chicer than below-the-knee ones, which to me look a bit frumpy no matter what (which does not mean I don’t wear mine—when it’s cold enough it’s hard to care about such issues as chicness). This one has a nice oversized feel, and comes in several good hues, though I’m partial to this army green.
I love the brand Cotopaxi—they have such fun with color, as you can see here.
A cute and minimal quilted number from James Perse.
The toggles on this blue number really make it standout.
An option from North Face that I’m certain will be as warm as all get-out.
And here’s a bonus jacket, which also comes in some subtler colors than red, but I do like it in red. It’s also nicely marked down
I got a Barbour army green midlength puffer with a brown corduroy collar this year and it’s great – kind of A-line shape, and it comes in inclusive sizing.
I hate that they always style coats open. Most coats look better and less dumpy open, showing the outfit underneath. But if it’s cold enough for a coat, it usually needs to be zipped up.
Confession: I read the label on the jacket as “Kotex Maxi (pad)” and not “Cotopaxi.” That about sums up my ability to focus today.
I adore my Uniqlo mid-length puffer. It was one of the Marimekko collabs from a few years ago — dark gray with geometric black circle-y shapes — and it is toasty and so lightweight and smooshes down to nothing, which is particularly useful when traveling or nestled in a cramped Broadway theater seat. (An aside: I really wish I were better at predicting what I’ll love and wear constantly? I’ll splurge on things I never wear and impulse-buy things that become wardrobe stalwarts! Thankfully, this was the latter.)
I can go on and on and testify to the warmth of The North Face products. They are strong, last forever and seriously if you wear too may layers you will start to sweat. Best brand ever.
I have last seasons ReNew long puffer in the same green. Its pretty similar and It’s super warm which I love.
However I do feel slightly dumpy in it. Maybe because I’m on the short side.
I am thinking of adding a faux fur collar to give it a little something extra because I still wear it all the time.
I’m a wuss about cold & totally agree re: frump factor vs cold decisions – once it’s frigid out just give me the warm. I do find that super long, way below the knee lengths are less frumpy than knee or mid thigh length that chops your leg in half.
Patagonia used to make a great one, sort of tailored, high goose down to feather content, almost ankle grazing, but no more.
I tried North Face but .. you’re wrong, they’re not super warm. My mid-calf length North Face with the svelte cut is so lightweight that it’s useless below the mid-thirties so I use it as a ridiculously long “heavier jacket” for weather in the upper 30s and 40s.
I’m now onto Land’s End, NOT CHIC. Really not chic, but warm. Warm, warm, warm. Mid-calf, so at least it doesn’t do the frumpy mid length thing, and they have them in petite, so I’m not rolling up my sleeves all the time. But, not chic.
If anyone knows about full length, serious winter weight down coats I’m listening! Especially if they have petite sizes.
The LL Bean Maine Mountain Parka is better than any North Face I’ve ever owned. I’ve lived in Chicago most of my life, so I have road tested quite a few coats.
If you are giving up chic but want to stay warm – the Columbia Ruby Falls Down Long Jacket is a killer – and so marked down rn. I am a Southern transplant to NYC and this is the only coat that reliably keeps me from freezing on dog walks, head to toe. It is a LOT of coat though, my family says it looks like a giant sleeping bag…
I’m going to guess that Canadians will have something to say about this. (Hi, Canadian friends!)
Hello, there, Viajera!
Canadian here. This is my favorite winter coat length: the car coat. It works for getting in and out of cars! 😁 It’s perfect, because it’s long enough to cover the derrière. This is important for anyone sitting on a cold arena bench at hockey games. It doesn’t get dirty and salty getting in and out in of vehicles. It’s manageable when shopping. Don’t we all have a few lengths and weights of winter coats? My money would is on down, not fiberfill, so the Nordstrom down and feather parka with a furry hood is my pick here. We still need a toque under the hood (and top-notch mittens and felt-pack boots). It’s so nice to see bright, cheery colors. As Kim says, when it’s brutally cold, the longer the better. Today’s forecast is for a wind chill of -40° C., frostbite in minutes. Nobody cares about chic in this. It’s survival weather if you’re out and about.
Words of wisdom!! I hope everyone will be safe and warm during the weather event, and may you get to where you may be going in a reasonable way. Hot chocolate for everyone!! (It’s the thought that counts? … )
I just got a Super Puff (high goose down fill) from Aritzia (Canadian brand). It’s unbelievably warm – and a lot cheaper than Canada Goose – which is the gold standard (I used to live in Montreal, so I also know about survival weather).