10 Best Women's Down Jackets in 2022

After seeing so many great options, now you need to narrow down the best jacket for your purposes. Keep reading to find out what you should consider! 

Nylon and polyester are two common types of shell materials, or the materials used for the outer layer of the coat. They are similar, but there are pros and cons to each.

Polyester is typically more resistant to water and UV rays. This makes it great for climates both wet and sunny. However, nylon is much more durable than polyester. If you value longevity over water resistance or UV protection, nylon might be better for you.

Some jackets do have a shell made of a combination of polyester and nylon, in which case you get the best of both materials! 

The warmth of a down jacket will depend on its feather fill amount and type and how it's sewn. Here are some things to keep in mind.

There are typically two types of techniques used when lining a down jacket. These are the more commonly used “sewn through” method and the “box baffle” technique.

Sewn through means the outer shell is sewn directly to the inner shell, creating pockets or chambers for the feathers. Heat can escape through the stitching more easily, making this type of jacket more breathable.

The box baffle technique has an extra wall of vertical fabric to create boxes between layers. This means the heat can't escape as easily because it's trapped by the inner walls. It can make the jacket warmer, but heavier.

Sewn-through jackets are typically more lightweight and may appear to have pinched oval-shaped chambers instead of rectangular ones. If you are looking for a jacket to keep warm around town, this might be the best type for you.

Jackets that use the box baffle technique distribute the feathers more evenly, and usually appear to have flatter, rectangular-shaped chambers. If you want to be the warmest possible, this is your best option.

The two main types of feathers used for down jackets are goose and duck. Most down jackets will be made with duck feathers or a combination of both. If you are in search of the best quality, goose feathers are generally the right choice.

Goose feathers tend to be both warmer and lighter. Duck feathers have the advantage of being more available and holding up against moisture better. And, while goose feathers are generally warmer, a good quality duck feather coat can be warmer than a coat that has low quality goose feathers.

Down jackets will usually include information about the fill power in their descriptions. The fill power refers to the volume of feathers in the jacket. The larger the number, the more loft the feathers in it have. This means they can trap more air with less weight and better compressibility.

Fill power numbers range from 300 to 900 and up. 400 to 500 is the most common. 650 is considered to be good quality, but 750 to 850 is even better. Anything over 900 uses the best possible quality down, because those feathers naturally create more air pockets.

This doesn't necessarily mean that higher fill power is better, because it also depends on how much down the jacket has, which we'll look at next. But it does mean you get a better warmth to weight ratio.

Remember to consider the fill weight. This is a simple measurement of the total weight in ounces or grams of down in the jacket. Typically, the higher the number, the warmer the jacket will be.

However, many manufacturers don't include the fill weight when they describe their jackets. If you're especially concerned about the actual insulation your jacket will provide, it's crucial to consider the fill weight and the fill power in relation to each other.

Things like pockets, hoods and collars can help you to stay warm in any environment. Fur and linings will add to your toastiness.

Pockets can add an element of warmth, especially when they are padded or lined with extra fabric. Even with gloves, sticking your hands in your pockets adds warmth and protection. The deeper and thicker the pockets, the warmer you’ll be.

If there is enough room for both hands and anything you have to carry, you can protect your hands and wrists fully from any cold winds. Remember to pay attention to how thick the material is too. Deep but thin pockets won’t protect you as well as pockets made of thicker material could. 

Hoods are great to have to protect your ears and face from the cold. With added fur, it’s even warmer. Similarly, a fur collar can help keep your neck and chin warm without having to carry a scarf.

Some jackets even have both, offering a detachable hood for when you don’t need it and a remaining fur collar to still provide warmth. Fur holds body heat much better than most other materials. If you are looking for the warmest coat possible, looking for a jacket with a fur hood or collar would be smart. 

If you are simply looking for a good winter jacket for when you’re out and about, you won’t need anything as heavy as someone who plans on going skiing or on some other arctic adventure.

A lightweight down jacket with a simple hood and pockets may be enough for someone who is preparing for cold weather at home, but if you are living or going somewhere particularly frigid, consider a much heavier and longer jacket. Features like hoods with fur, lined pockets, and chin guards would be ideal.

Waterproof jackets come in handy if you are planning on being in a particularly wet climate, whether that's snow or rain. Down jackets are made waterproof through the use of water repellent. This repellent is used to coat the jacket, making it hydrophobic. A warm jacket can quickly become cold if ice-cold water seeps into the fabric.

The level of durability needed may change depending on your desired activity as well. If you are more of an outdoor adventurer, find a jacket with a thicker shell and durable fabrics.

Once you know what you want in a down jacket for practical purposes, decide how you want it to look! There are solid-color jackets in nearly any color. Choose a neutral color to go with anything, or bright color or pattern if that’s more your style.

Some jackets have fur on the collar or hood. This may add warmth, but it can also just be added for aesthetic purposes. You can decide if this is something you’d prefer, and if so, what color!

Speaking of hoods, decide if you want one at all. They can be good in colder or wetter climates, but other times they can just get in the way. Detachable hoods are also worth it considering you’d get the best of both worlds.

Decide if you want buttons, a zipper, or both for closure. Zippers are great for functionality, but buttons are cute and can work as extra security and warmth protection over the zipper.

Another big aspect to think about is the length of your jacket. Down jackets can fit comfortably at your waist, go down to your knees, or even to your ankles. Decide what’s best for you coverage-wise and what you prefer for your own personal style! 

Browse our list of the best down jackets for women to find your next dream coat. If you need some extra guidance, check out the buying guide at the end of the list for more suggestions! 

Brrrr! Winter is on the way, but there's no need to hide indoors. Check out these lists for more ways to stay warm.

Author: Tara Grier

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