As parents, you hate dealing with a child who finds themselves underdressed for the winter weather. But the range of winter coat options is vast—how do you know you’re picking one that will keep them appropriately warm and bundled? And how do you know you’re investing in outerwear that will hold up to the elements—wind, rain, sleet and snow? We scanned the market and leaned on parents (and our own editor testing) to find the coats that deliver on comfort and temperature control, but also practicality and durability. Here, our favorite selects to get you through the season ahead.
12 Winter Coats for Kids, Whether for Brisk Temps or Below Freezing
Bundle up
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Published Oct 1, 2024
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Reima/Gap
How We Chose the Best Winter Coats for Kids
To make our selects for the best winter coats for kids, we talked to actual parents who have endured winter after winter spent bundling their children and troubleshooting every single cold weather complaint. We also scanned numerous sites for best-sellers, considered customer reviews, then called in kid coats to test ourselves, putting them to the test by wearing them, washing them and fielding feedback from our own kids.
The details that mattered most to us? The material—especially breathability and having a waterproof exterior. (Come on, even in the snow, once your kid is wet, it’s game over.) We also thought a lot about use case, amending our selection to include outerwear that feels functional for a commute to school, but also for kids spending hours upon hours outdoors. Finally, the price—but not only in terms of dollars and cents. We considered quality and hand-me-down potential. (In other words, a winter coat can be an investment piece, but if it holds up over time and is easy to launder, that’s a financial win and one that mattered in our search.)
The Best Winter Coats for Kids At a Glance
1
Best Overall
Reima Waterproof Seawool Winter Jacket
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2
Best Machine-Washable
Gap Kids Puffer Jacket
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3
Best Fleece-Lined
Land’s End Kids Squall Waterproof Insulated Winter Parka
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4
Best Sustainable
Mon Coeur Colorblock Kid Puffer Jacket
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5
Most Stylish
Mini Rodini Heavy Puffer Jacket
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Reima
Best Overall
1. Reima Waterproof Seawool Winter Jacket
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Made to last more than one season
- Breathable material
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Runs large
Reima
When it comes to a coat that will stand up to the elements, the Finnish brand Reima is best in class. Take their Seawool winter jacket: It’s both waterproof and windproof, but also made from materials—like recycled oyster shells—that help it stay breathable and functional, no matter how active your kid’s play. Other details we love: The detachable hood, zip pockets and elastic hemline, but also the ability to withstand temps as low as -20 degrees F. Yes, it can run large, but the quality means it will last multiple seasons—so it’s not only an investment your child can wear on repeat, but the perfect hand-me-down too.
Fast Facts
- Available in 3 colors
- Runs one size larger than traditional US sizes
- Machine washable
- Size range: 4T to 14Y
Gap
Best Machine-Washable
Pros
- Medium weight
- Hooded neckline
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Runs small
Gap
This medium-weight puffer coat from the Gap is a staple you’ll love having in your kid’s closet when the colder temps hit. It’s made from 100 percent crinkled nylon and features a microfleece lining that will keep your kid extra cozy and warm. There’s no hood, but the neckline will keep the winter chill out and—our favorite detail—you can toss it in the washing machine to clean. (Our tester washed theirs a few times and the color and shape completely held up.)
Fast Facts
- Available in 2 colors
- Made from crinkled nylon
- Size range: XS 4-5 to XXL 14-15 (regular); L 10 to XXL 14-16 (husky)
Land's End
Best Fleece-Lined
3. Land’s End Kids Squall Waterproof Insulated Winter Parka
Pros
- Snow-proof cuffs and sleeve extension
- Fleece-lined hood and upper body
- Adjustable waist
- Machine washable
Cons
- Runs large
Land's End
A forever favorite from Land’s End, the Squall design has been in rotation for 40 years. That said, its evolution has never stopped, which is what makes it so beloved by both kids and parents. Yes, it’s windproof and waterproof, but it also has a chin guard, interior and exterior pockets and a sleeve extension with elasticized cuffs that allow kids to hook their thumbs straight through to protect their hands from cold and snow. One of our favorite details is the parka-length and the fleece-lined hood and upper body, which will keep your kids comfy and warm, no matter how brisk the weather.
Fast Facts
- Available in 8 colors
- Made from polyester and nylon
- Size range: XXS 2-3 to XXL 18-20 Regular; L to XXL Plus-Husky
Mon Coeur
Best Sustainable
4. Mon Coeur Colorblock Kid Puffer Jacket
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Wind-resistant and water-repellent
- Comes with two zipper pockets
Cons
- Hood doesn’t detach
Mon Coeur
This wind-resistant and water-repellent puffer coat from Mon Coeur is great for both snow and rain. And the range of both bright and muted colorblock designs makes it stylish too. Made with Thermore insulation, this coat can withstand temps as low as -4 degrees and kids will love stashing winter treasures—think acorns and rocks—in the two front-facing zipper pockets. It also comes with an attached hood to keep them snuggly and warm. (So snuggly, in fact, that our tester wanted to wear it indoors.) As far as sustainability goes, Mon Coeur is a brand that prioritizes this at every turn, whether that means sourcing materials in Europe and carrying out production in Portugal or prioritizing recycled and up-cycled fabrics and materials, down to the zipper. (Mon Coeur also partners with the 5Gyres institute, which prioritizes a zero waste culture.)
Fast Facts
- Available in 6 colors
- Made in Portugal
- Size range: 2 to 10 years
Mini Rodini
Most Stylish
5. Mini Rodini Heavy Puffer Jacket
What We Like
- Eye-catching designs and color palette
- High quality fabric and materials
- Functionality
What We Don't Like
- Oversize design can run big
Mini Rodini
Mini Rodini is loved by our testers for its bold-faced and on-trend designs—and their outerwear collection is no exception. In particular, their heavy puffer jacket, which is a winter workhorse BTW, comes in a range of bold colors while delivering top-notch tech that stands up to the elements (it’s water-repellent and windproof, but comes with heavy padding for added warmth and comfort). Other details that parents will love: The removable hood and two front-facing pockets that close securely with a snap in addition to the elasticized cuffs at the sleeves. This particular style is sized to hit halfway down your kid’s thigh for added protection on chilly days.
Fast Facts
- Available in 4 colors
- Made from 100 percent recycled polyester
- Size range: 9 months to 11 years
Patagonia
Best Multi-Use
6. Patagonia 4-in-1 Everyday Jacket
Pros
- Detachable outer shell
- Lightweight
- Insulated and breathable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Hood isn’t removable
Patagonia
Think of this coat as the MVP of all seasons: Patagonia’s 4-in-1 Everyday jacket comes with a waterproof shell and a reversible zip-out jacket that can be worn together or on its own. It’s also waterproof and breathable, thanks to a performance fabric made from 100 percent recycled polyester that is designed to keep the elements out. More details we love: The microfleece chin guard, plus the zippered handwarmer pockets and hook-and-loop cuff closures. There’s also a droptail hem that’s adjustable for added warmth.
Fast Facts
- Available in 3 colors
- Made from recycled polyester
- Size range: XS to XXL
Boden
Best Coverage
7. Boden Authentic Waterproof Parka
Pros
- Classic design
- Removable fur trim at hood
- Hand-me-down potential
Cons
- Wish it came in more colors
Boden
The faux fur-trimmed hood, the faux sherpa lining—this waterproof parka from Boden will keep your kid feeling warm and stylish this winter. Details such as taped seams and a zip closure keep the rain/sleet/snow out, but it’s all the more kid-friendly given you can detach the faux fur trim along the hood and toss it in the wash. Still, the thing we love most about Boden is its durability—this is certainly a coat you can expect to pass down from kid to kid. (There’s even a hand-me-down label with room for more than one name to make that possible.)
Fast Facts
- Available in 4 colors
- Made from recycled polyester, cotton and elastane
- Sizes range: 2/3 to 13/14 years
The North Face
Best for Baby
8. The North Face Baby North Down Fleece-Lined Jacket
What We Like
- Functional details
- Water-repellent design
- Cuteness factor
What We Don't Like
- Can run small
The North Face
Is there anything cuter than a baby-sized coat? This particular style is insulated with down, has fold-over mitts at the cuffs and is lined with fleece for added warmth. (Remember, it’s easier for a baby to catch a chill than you.) It’s water-repellent and the parents we spoke with were particularly in love with the chin guard in combination with the adorable soft fabric bear ears.
Fast Facts
- Available in 4 colors
- Made from recycled polyester
- Size range: 0/3 months to 18/24 months
Reima
Best for Toddlers
9. Reima Coffee Bean Down Jacket
What We Like
- Coffee Bean material
- Design that’s easy to layer
- Removable hood
What We Don't Like
- Runs large
Reima
For a jacket that’s a bit easier to layer, this toddler-friendly design is perfect to pop on over a hoodie or sweater without causing your little one to overheat. Bonus features: The removable hood, the zip pockets and a dirt-repellent finish(!) that means you can wash it a heck of a lot less than the average coat. The material is also worth shouting out: Coffee Bean fabric doesn’t just provide added warmth, it’s waterproof, anti-static and anti-odor. More than anything, parents attest that this is a coat that’s designed for very active outdoor play in rain or snow.
Fast Facts
- Available in 3 colors
- Made from Coffee Bean fabric
- Size range: 12/18 months to 5 years
Columbia
Best for Skiing
10. Columbia Mighty Mogul III Insulated Jacket
Pros
- Thermal-reflective lining
- Waterproof-breathable tech
- Helmet-compatible hood
Cons
- Sizing varies (use the size chart to get the best fit)
Columbia
A jacket that’s designed for the kid who’s ready to hit the slopes. To name a few of the ski-friendly features that come included on the Mighty Mogul, there’s a helmet-compatible hood, goggle and ski pass pockets and a powder skirt (basically, a detail that prevents snow from entering the jacket if you fall). It’s also super warm, thanks to details like the insulated material and fleece-lined hood. Reviewers note that this is one of the few ski jackets that doesn’t make their child feel like a marshmallow. It also features thermal-reflective lining, an attached adjustable hood and cuffs that can be extended to grow with your child.
Fast Facts
- Available in 10 colors
- Made from polyester and nylon
- Size range: XXS to XL
Appaman
Best Design
What We Like
- Luxe-looking exterior
- Practical details
- Ultra-warm lining on the hood
What We Don't Like
- Care instructions are manageable, but more complex
Appaman
What blew us away about this Appaman style is the attention to detail—in fact, even our tester’s child noticed upon first try-on. It’s the interior fleece inside the hood; the ability to unzip and remove the faux fur trim; the coat’s exterior sheen that dresses up what would have otherwise been just your average puffer (OK, that last detail is something the parent called out). Bottom line: The design of this style is slick and cool and, most importantly, provides a ton of warmth. (You can credit the Sherpa lining for that.)
Fast Facts
- Available in 3 colors
- Made from polyester and viscose
- Size range: 2T to 14
Art Class
Best for Layering
12. Art Class Solid Puffer Jacket
Pros
- Lightweight and transitional layer
- Fully lined
- High collar to keep out the wind
Cons
- Doesn’t provide a ton of warmth
Art Class
Sometimes you just want a transitional winter coat for those in-between days. This fully-lined faux shearling design fits the bill and comes complete with side pockets, a full-length front zipper and mock turtleneck collar that can be popped up for added coziness and warmth. It makes for the perfect fall layer—over a long-sleeve or flannel shirt.
Fast Facts
- Available in 3 colors
- Made from recycled polyester
- Size range: XS to XXL
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