Which coat should you buy this fall?
There are so many choices when it comes to selecting a fall coat, it’s easy to get lost among them. Take stock of your climate and your needs — if you’re a person who’s always cold and lives in a colder climate, the right fall jacket for you won’t be the same as the person who lives in a warmer climate where it only gets chilly in the evenings. From a warm down coat with a fur hood to an oversized parka, you can find what works best for your own personal style.
What to know before you buy a fall coat
Lightweight vs. heavyweight
You don’t want to be cold, but you also don’t want to overdo it and have a coat so thick you can’t stop sweating. Take into consideration the weather you’ll be wearing this coat in the most. If you live in a warmer climate, a down coat might only be used a few times a year on the coldest days. A wrap jacket or a lighter fleece jacket might be a better pick, as these jackets will keep you warm, but not too warm. Similarly, a light fleece jacket isn’t going to cut it in the snow where you need something much warmer and waterproof.
Materials
Coats are made from many different materials, including:
Mohair
Tweed
Faux fur
Wool
Velvet
Jacquard
Cotton
Polyester
Microfiber
Cashmere
Cleaning
Know whether your coat can be tossed into the washer or if it’s dry-clean-only. If you know you’ll be getting dirty frequently, a dry-clean-only coat can become an expensive investment. Choose a jacket that you can either wipe clean or one that’s washer-friendly.
Types of fall coats
Cape coat
Cape coats, also known as cloaks, can be casual or formal, lightweight or heavyweight. Some even come with a hood. They generally aren’t form-fitting and can fit over any outfit. A stylish cape coat can also stand alone as the centerpiece of the outfit.
Pea coat
A classic double-breasted pea coat is a great fall jacket staple. Pea coats are typically made of wool and have a large collar and fit well over suits and work attire. They don’t offer any protection for your neck, so you’ll need to wear a scarf.
Trench coat
Trench coats are great for rainy days or fall weather when it’s not too cold. Trench coats come in different lengths — the shorter style hits below the knee, while the longer style falls closer to the ankle.
Unconventional or drape coat
A drape coat is a mix of a pea coat and a trench coat. Drape coats take the length and belt of the trench and pair it with an exaggerated version of the lapel on a pea coat, creating a beautiful wide lapel jacket.
Military coat
Military coats, also referred to as Anorak jackets, can be a longer trench style jacket that ends at the knees, or a shorter one that ends at the waist. They’re traditionally dark green or gray with buttons on the shoulder, and pockets on the side and front.
Fleece coat
When you live in a cold climate but you don’t deal with a lot of snow or below-freezing temps, a fleece coat is a great way to stay warm without overheating. It’s a middle-of-the-road solution between a light raincoat and a full-on down jacket.
Fur coat
Many companies have switched from real fur to faux fur, so it’s a little harder and a lot more expensive to find a real fur coat. Fortunately, faux fur has come a long way, so you’ll still be able to find a high-quality fur-style coat. Fur is one of the warmest materials available, so you’ll be warm and cozy on those freezing winter days.
Down coat
Down jackets, otherwise known as puffer jackets, are generally stuffed with goose feathers that work to retain heat. These coats are very warm and best suited for cold winter climates. Some come with detachable hoods for extra protection. These coats are great for outdoor sports and activities.
Fall coat cost
You should be able to find a lightweight fall coat for around $50-$100. If you want something a little heavier like a down jacket, be prepared to pay on the higher end. A high-quality name-brand jacket is going to cost around $150-$300.
Fall coat FAQ
Do I need a fall coat and a winter coat?
A. Many times, heavier coats have a removable inner layer that you can use by itself in the fall and can remove if it’s too much in the winter, thereby allowing you to enjoy multiple levels of warmth with just one coat. Depending on where you live, you may only need one coat, but it’s good to have a lighter fall jacket that you can also use in the spring when it’s still a little cold.
Which fall coat should I get?
Best of the best fall coat
Lands’ End Women’s Faux-Fur Hood Insulated Plush Winter Coat: available at Kohl’s
Our take: Stunning and incredibly warm art-deco style down coat with fur hood.
What we like: Available in five rich colors, this beautiful nylon and polyester jacket has a dual-function zipper that allows you to zip from both the bottom and the top. The fur on the hood is removable and the jacket contains two exterior pockets and one interior pocket.
What we dislike: It’s quite thick, so it’s only recommended for very cold climates.
Best bang for your buck fall coat
Zeagoo Women’s Oversized Fleece Jacket: available at Amazon
Our take: Super-soft cardigan coat that’s light enough for fall and perfect to wear around the house all winter.
What we like: Available in light gray or dark khaki, this fuzzy jacket features two side pockets, an elastic cuff and hem and can go right into the washing machine. It’s also very budget-friendly, coming in at under $40.
What we dislike: Double check the sizing chart before purchasing to ensure a good fit, as some reviewers have mentioned they bought too big or too small.
Honorable mention fall coat
Twinklady Women’s Rain Jacket: available at Amazon
Our take: Lightweight and stylish waterproof jacket with detachable hood.
What we like: This easy-to-pack jacket is available in six colors and features an adjustable waist. It’s perfect for any trip or just a walk in the rain.
What we dislike: Size up at least one size to be safe.
Stefanie Hammond is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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