Best men's winter jacket

The best men's winter jacket will keep you warm, no doubt about that.  But warmth isn't always enough depending on the climate you live in or the activities you enjoy best. Our best overall men's winter jacket from Columbia might look a bit thin, but that's because it's a softshell jacket that's great for layering and as activewear. Waterproofing, breathability, and ease of movement are essential features, so don't forget to look for a coat with those features as you shop around. We've taken those worries off your plate with our collection of winter jackets below; there's something for everyone and any event.

Keep the elements out and precious warmth in with Columbia's Ascender softshell jacket. It's the perfect outerwear addition to a wardrobe that spans four seasons and doubles handily as activewear. Columbia designed this jacket with adjustable cuffs and hem, giving you a more custom fit, and its collar can be worn down or turned up for additional protection. The Ascender is available in fifteen different shades and five sizes, ranging between small and extra, extra-large so everyone can find the right fit.

Vivids, color-blocking, and patterns are design elements seldom found on men's outerwear. Still, this packable, slim-fit puffer by Tommy Hilfiger changes all of that. Thirty-seven colors and patterns are available to choose from, and the sizing range is frankly enormous. Standard sizing starts at extra small and peppered throughout are extended sizes for big or tall men—totaling an incredibly inclusive seventeen sizes. We especially liked the merlot and bottle green colors, sure to stand out in drab wintry climes. For those living an animal-product-free lifestyle, skip this jacket; it's insulated with down feathers.

Insulated with a fleecy lining and quilted padding, CAMEL CROWN's winter jacket keeps you warmest where it matters most: on snowy slopes, slaloms, or halfpipes. It's a high-performance parka and quite breathable despite its three-layer shell. CAMEL CROWN developed a proprietary, laminated textile created for the coat's outer surface (dubbed "Camel-Tek"). The lamination process sandwiches a waterproof membrane between densely woven fabrics to keep wind and water out. Five zippered pockets keep your essentials secure even if you take a tumble, and depending on your preference, you can wear this jacket with or without its hood. 

Bicyclists know best of all that it's hard to stand out on dark roads without reflective, bright clothing. Visibility can be a matter of life and death, especially in packed urban settings with heavy traffic. All Przewalski's windproof cycling jackets are reflective and perfect for chilly rides at any hour of the day. Riders can choose from basic black and four saturated neon shades that stand out exceptionally well in daylight. Przewalski advises that its water resistance is limited to light rain, so look elsewhere if you don't want to get soaked in a downpour. Cycling jackets also run smaller since they're meant to fit your body closely to reduce drag. If you plan to wear another layer underneath, make sure to size up.

There are many casual winter jackets out there for men to choose from, but what if you need a coat that can transition from the office to social gatherings? That's where Mordenmiss comes in with their reimagining of the classic woolen peacoat. It skips bulky double-breasted patterning for a much sleeker silhouette. Welt pockets on each side are unobtrusive, and its convertible collar is our favorite feature. Wear it folded down as a slim shawl collar over a vest for a collegiate touch or turned up with a turtleneck sweater for an elegant, streamlined silhouette. Mordenmiss produces this coat in two warmth levels as well — we chose the one with an additional (but not bulky) quilted lining.

Bottom line

We know that finding the best men's winter jacket can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options, styles, and warmth levels to choose from. That's why we focused on multiple types and purposes to keep you covered wherever the day takes you. Our best overall is another winner by Columbia. They tend to dominate the outerwear market, and it's easy to see why. The Ascender jacket keeps you comfortable when it's chilly, dry if it's drizzling, and it can be zipped up to your chin to keep the biting winds of fall and winter off your neck.

If you're looking for a winter jacket with more features, then CAMEL CROWN's high-performance, ultra-warm parka is the way to go. There are plenty of sizes and shades to choose from, and it really is waterproof, not just water-resistant. Remove the hood on warmer days, and don't sweat it if you forget your gloves — the cuffs have thumb holes, allowing them to stretch over your hands to keep them warm.