The Best Parkas For Chic, Sub-Zero Folks

Do you feel a nip in the air? The tingle in the breeze? Goosebumps on your skin? Winter is officially here. If you haven't invested in durable outerwear, there is no time like the present. Luckily, this year's down jackets, winter puffers, and parkas for women are impossibly stylish, and we're rounding up favorites.

If you're looking for a crash course in parka jargon, here are the main details to know: "Down" refers to small, wispy feathers used in puffers. These traditionally haven't been sourced in the most ethical ways, which is why "responsibly sourced" feathers or "down alternative" deserve all the points. "Fill" is a number that measures overall fluffiness (aka the amount of down), and the higher the fill, the warmer the coat. If sub-zero temps are in your winter forecast, you'll want a fill of 550 or higher.

While many of the coats ahead are fluff-tastic, rest assured that none will make you look like a total marshmallow (although, we do encourage cloud-like softness whenever possible). Ahead, we present 11 toasty-warm options. File them under "absolute best parkas ever."

Best For: Those unexpected cold days

With 600 fill of recycled waterfowl down, this can't-go-wrong parka may be your only friend on frigid days. A faux-fur-trimmed hood is a blessing and a vibe, and considering it's removable, it's also optional. The jacket itself is breathable, waterproof, and with pockets inside and out, a magnet for abundance.

"Best coat I've ever gotten myself. It's comfortable, breathable and keeps me extremely warm," says one North Face reviewer.

Best For: California "winters"

Patron saint of soft and cozy Jenni Kayne may be based in Los Angeles, but she sure knows how to make a warm parka for chilly nights. While this water-resistant parka may not be ideal for the coldest climates, fans adore its luxe feel and neutral color options.

"This jacket is amazing. It's so incredibly lush and puffy while being the perfect proportions and length," raves a reviewer. "A perfect match of comfort and warmth with style."

Best For: Splurging on a trendy but super-warm parka

As one of the brand's semi-fitted parkas, this 800-fill windproof jacket is designed to keep you supremely toasty in temps as low as -4°F. The slimmer fit means you'll be snug as a bug in a high-end parka, although the insulated pockets may just ruin every other winter coat for you.

Best For: A street style moment

Are statement pieces an everyday item in your wardrobe? According to this maxi puffer, they are. With an oversized fit and the prettiest shade of ashy mauve, this puffer punches above its price tag, giving you a chic, designer look for well under $100.

Best For: Daily use in a cold climate

If you're looking for a clean, crisp parka with a high fill (750 goose down fill to be exact), this windproof, waterproof jacket is it. It's specifically designed to keep you warm and dry during snow, sleet, wind, and rain, and its slim fit means less bulk, making it easier to move around in.

"I know it's a little pricey, but the Patera is one of those no-regrets purchases. It's stylish, lightweight, and warm in the coldest weather," writes one reviewer.

Best For: All the details and hidden features

Are you searching for a fashionable parka made with responsibly sourced down? Aritzia's customer-fave Summit parka just might be it. The faux-fur lining and detachable hood give it a luxe appearance, and an interior smart storage pocket lends it a utilitarian edge.

"The fit is perfect! It’s cozy [and] soft and already convinced a few people to make this coat their winter coat! My favorite surprise feature is the hidden breast pocket under the zipper flap, so when you zip up your coat you still have access to your phone," exclaims a reviewer.

Best For: Daily exposure to cold temps

This parka boasts 550-fill-power-down insulation, making it the perfect everyday winter coat for cold climates. The stand collar shields you from biting winds, while a water-repellant outer layer ensures you're ready for winter rain, sleet, and snow.

"I am loving this jacket in the Illinois winter! It's so warm, the color is exactly true to the photo on the site. I love how the sleeves and torso fit - nicely fitted with some room for a sweater underneath," writes a reviewer. "The tall neck is so perfect to ward off the wind, as is the longer length."

Best For: A trendy look

Wrap London has created the perfect union of a quilted jacket and puffer out of recycled down and feather filling made from post-consumer goods. The result? A pillowy blanket of warmth in the diamond design you love.

"After looking for a couple of years for a puffer that I love and that fits, I am ecstatic with this find," writes one reviewer. "The coat is comfortable and feels high quality. The extended sizing (size 14) is perfect for my 1X frame."

Best For: Snowsports like skiing and snowboarding

Perfect for getting active in, this breathable, water-resistant jacket is made with responsibly sourced 550-fill down. Interior and exterior pockets make it practical, a two-way front zipper allows you to adjust to different weather conditions, and removable faux fur in the hood gives you options.

Best For: Outdoor sporting, but with more coverage

Sometimes you just need an action-ready parka that extends past your hips and butt. Fortunately, this sustainably made jacket from Dope is a great choice. It's made with climate-controlled insulation, a breathable and waterproof outer fabric, and taped seams that keep melted snow out.

"This jacket is fantastic…I love it," writes one reviewer on Dope's site. "The color is just like the picture, and [the] fit is...true to size."

Best For: Light to moderate activities

Don't be fooled by the non-bulky silhouette — this fleece-lined parka can handle wind and wetness. Although, it's probably best suited for everyday errands rather than weekend hiking trips in frigid temps. When the coat needs cleaning, simply toss it in the washer and dryer.

"I loved this parka so much that I bought a second one for our second house in Northwest Indiana. The parka is comfortable for me from about 10°F to 50°F, and when it's warmer, I merely unzip the coat and it works just fine," explains a reviewer.