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Ah, spring—you’re so good at keeping us on our toes. Just two weeks ago, it was 80 degrees here in upstate New York and felt like July. Now? It’s back to 39 and is currently raining, although yesterday morning, we woke up to sleet. *Insert upside-down smiley face emoji here.*
Spring weather is chaotic, but dressing to keep up with its random ups-and-downs? That’s even more chaotic. And yet, the one piece of clothing that’s held steadfast through April’s highest highs and lowest lows is my Free Fly Apparel Elevate Hoodie, which is so consistently comfortable, I wear it once a week, if not more.
Free Fly’s whole schtick is making quick-drying, sun-protective clothing that doesn’t feel or look like sun-protective clothing. If you’ve ever seen a men’s fishing shirt, you know what I’m talking about; UPF clothing (which is the textile industry’s version of sunscreen) has traditionally been unflattering and uncomfortable, made from thicker fabrics in fugly colors like beige, grey, and more beige.
Not Free Fly. For one, the brand uses bamboo to make most of its pieces, which is softer and more sustainable than other fabrics. Bamboo is also cool-to-the-touch and naturally breathable, perfect for staying cool on hot, summery days without ever weighing you down. And it’s quick-drying, so if you do break a sweat or get rained on, it dries in a flash.
Free Fly’s pieces are also incredibly lightweight, which is key reason why I love my Elevate Hoodie so much. Back during that heat wave we had a few weeks ago, I could throw this puppy on over a sports bra and call it a day. Now that it’s back to cold, I’ll do the same thing and throw a flannel over top, or add a base layer underneath. Either way, it’s a versatile weight that keeps up with a very versatile season.
I also appreciate that it’s sun-protective, a quality that never goes out of style. I’m an avid fisherman (fisherwoman?) who spends most of her off-time out on the water in the sun, and the details are a game-changer. You don’t need to be an angler to appreciate these touches, though—anyone who spends time outside or enjoys the water can reap the benefits of the Elevate Hoodie. For example, the crossover hood allows for full sun coverage at the neck, as do the thumbholes and top-of-hand construction that keeps the sleeves down and over the knuckles, out of the sun’s rays. Additionally, the material is crafted with a sustainable odor-control technology, so you can wear it for days on end without having to wash it, and it won’t get stinky.
I could go on and on, but I think it’s clear—I love Free Fly apparel and I love this hoodie. I think you will, too. But if you want to explore other styles, there’s plenty to go around. Scroll to shop more spring transitional staples to keep up with the season’s wild temps.
Fun fact: These are actually my go-to travel pants, thanks to their supreme softness and barely noticeable elastic waistband that makes hours spent curled up in the car or airplane seat actually bearable. Like everything else Free Fly, they’re made of viscose from bamboo, which makes them breathable and never too stuffy, perfect for life on-the-go or lounging on the couch.
If you’d rather show off your shoulders this summer, do it in this featherlight tank top. Its slightly cropped silhouette is perfect for wearing with jeans, shorts, skirts, the aforementioned travel pants—you name it. And the parts that are covered at protected thanks to the fabrics UPF 50+ that’s like sunscreen in clothing form.
Even though Mother’s Day is around the corner, Father’s Day will be here before you know it. For dads, grandparents, uncles, boyfriends, and whomever else might appreciate a breezy long sleeve, there’s this lightweight top. It’s stretchy and versatile, perfect for wearing as-is when temps are soaring, or layering underneath flannels and sweatshirts on cool evenings. Also available in women’s styles.
If there’s another spring transitional piece worth adding to your wardrobe, it’s a lightweight rain jacket, like the Cloudshield Rain Jacket. Obviously, it’s waterproof and features fully taped seams to keep rain where it belongs: outside of your clothes. But it’s also lightweight and packable, perfect for adding layers underneath or throwing in your pack when it gets too hot. Also available in men’s styles.
One-and-done dress weather is around the corner, and for the days when it’s just too hot to even think about wearing an outfit, there’s this midi dress. The fabric is ultra-breezy on its own, only it’s cut in a relaxed silhouette that brings the material slightly away from the body for maximum cooling, plus has slits on the sides to allow for even more airflow. Yes, please.
Speaking of breezy, the Breeze Shorts are as comfortable as they sound. The shell is a polyester/spandex blend that’s a bit more durable, while a bamboo boxer liner keeps things comfortable. The polyester/spandex blend also makes them quick-drying, perfect for days near the pool or at the beach. They come in a rainbow of colors, though, so good luck buying just one pair.
Similarly, there’s a whole collection of Women’s Breeze styles that feature the same, durable poly/spandex blend in the most summery cuts. Enter, this skirt, which you’ll want to wear everywhere. It features a pull-on elastic band for easy dressing, plus two bamboo-lined pockets on the side and a stash pocket hidden in the right pocket for keeping valuables safe and secure. Throw it on over a bathing suit at the beach and call it a day.
While the Elevate hoodie is just a smidge more durable for outdoor adventures, the original Lightweight Hoodie is ideal for hanging out and keeping the sun off your skin in comfort. It’s buttery, cool-to-the-touch, and feels like nothing’s there, so even if the sun’s beating down on you, you won’t overheat or get stuffy. If you do sweat, it’s quick drying, so you won’t be stuck in a soggy mess. Also available in women’s styles.
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When you either live in a really cold place, or are vacationing in a really cold place, the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold are essential. There’s cold places and then there’s really cold places. I, for one, live in a really cold place. Lake Placid, New York is a small tourist town tucked away in upstate New York. Not, like, the Castkills upstate. Like, Canadian border upstate. Come winter, temps regularly hit below freezing. The icy, snowy weather mixed with the access to mountains (hello, skiing!) have landed it not one, but two winter Olympic games. Simply put, the place is freakin’ cold and having the right cold winter gear is pretty much mandatory.
Living in what is effectively the tundra, I have learned to dress for such volatile weather. And while things like snow boots and fleece-lined leggings are very much needed, the one essential I recommend for keeping out the chill is a winter coat for the extreme cold. It’s a non-negotiable. And not just any old winter coat but the right winter coat—these are the pieces that keep you warm when the temps hit the negatives or keep you dry when a snow squall blows through during your casual evening stroll.
If you’re gearing up for a long, chilly winter and are in the market for a new coat, you’ve come to the right place. Take it from someone who lives in a cold place—these are the best women’s winter coats for the extreme cold.
Shop the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 6 | Materials: Recycled polyester shell, recycled down fill
This is my go-to parka that I’ll toss on for running errands, walking the dog, weekend getaways—just about anything. It comes down to your knees, which, IMO, is perfect parka length. As for the specs: It’s filled with a recycled 600-fill down that’s warm without being stuffy or chunky, so you can layer in comfort. It also has a water-repellent finish on the recycled polyester exterior, which helps keep snowy moisture at bay. If you’re looking for a solid overall pick, this is a solid bet.
Columbia’s Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket has a heat-reflective lining and a synthetic down lining. For light snow, rain, and wind, this toasty coat is a no-brainer. Plus, it’s feature-friendly, with extras like a sherpa-lined hood (to keep your ears snug) and a 2-way zipper that can allow for better mobility.
Sizes: XXS-M | Colors: 2 | Materials: Down insulation, recycled nylon lining, polyester and cotton outer
This water-resistant Canada Goose parka may be pricey, but is loaded with features to keep you warm. It has a 625-fill-power down insulation, a removable extended hood trim, and snap closures on the cuffs and the back to lock in heat. It has interior and exterior pockets, as well as handy backpack straps inside that let you carry your jacket hands-free.
Sizes: XXS-XL (with petite, regular, and plus options) | Colors: 5 | Materials: Recycled polyester shell, DownTek insulation
You can’t beat L.L.Bean for affordable, high-quality winter coats. The Mountain Classic Down Parka is filled with 650-fill DownTek down insulation (which is coated to stay dry and prevent clumping) and is rated for temps down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The recycled shell repels moisture and stops the wind chill, too, without clumping the down or getting it wet. It also has a detachable hood. For under $200, this jacket is a winner.
This jacket has a snuggly fill, thigh-length design, and added fur-trim parka. It’s crafted to be totally sealed against cold temps and has a thick layer of insulation for protection and warmth, plus a double enclosure and windproof ribbed cuffs to keep the chill out. It’s also waterproof.
This jacket, nicknamed “the Amazon coat,” has been the star of many an Instagram feed. It’s affordable, stylish, and warm. It has a fleece-lined hood, side zippers to let you wear it looser, and so many roomy pockets (six) that you’ll almost never need to carry a bag again. Better yet, it comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. You can also find styles with a fur-lined hood if that’s your jam.
If you do live in a place where temps frequent below zero, I would recommend investing in an Woolrich jacket. The brand is beloved for all things cold-weather, and while expensive, its products are worth it. The Aurora is a full-length parka with an insulated hood, made to withstand temperatures down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a water-resistant nylon exterior, too.
Pros:
Withstands temperatures down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit
This jacket has everything you want out of a resort or backcountry jacket—lightweight, yet reliable insulation that doesn’t compromise movement, an exterior that actually stops moisture in its tracks, a helmet-compatible hood, underarm vents, pockets for hands-free storage, and more.
Waterproof and breathable, the Stio Environ jacket is made with recycled fabric that will keep you dry and warm on the mountain. It has a removable hood, underarm vents, pockets inside and out, and a snow skirt for those long days on the slopes or tubing hills. Plus, Stio is Carbon Neutral Certified, making this one of the more sustainable picks on our list.
Sizes: XXS-3XL (with standard and plus options) | Colors: 6 | Materials: Recycled nylon outer, 700-fill goose down insulation
Throw it back to the ’90s (or 1996, to be exact), which is when the original version of this puffer was introduced. This version still has that retro look, but with modern touches. It’s made of recycled fabrics, and has 700-fill down, a water-repellent exterior, and a stowable hood. The jacket also packs itself into the right hand pocket, which is super handy for travel.
Sizes: XXS-3XL (with regular and tall options) | Colors: 1 | Materials: Recycled nylon, 3M Thinsulate down alternative insulation
Not everyone likes the Jet Puff fluffernutter look of a down jacket. That’s okay—you can get something slim that still stays warm, like this parka from Athleta. Instead of down, it’s filled with a lightweight alternative to traditional feather fluff. The exterior is made of recycled, water-repellent nylon, leaving you with a featherlight coat that is quietly cozy—without overdoing it.
This award-winning jacket is built for the slopes but can be worn just well off them, too. It’s made with three sturdy layers of waterproof protection that keep you dry and warm (but never sweaty or sticky). Just note, It’s technically a shell which means it’s made for layering and keeping your clothes dry from wind, rain, and snow (aka, layer up).
Like its name suggests, the Ghost Whisperer Hoody from Mountain Hardwear packs down in a pinch, so you’ll forget anything’s there. It’s perfect for indoor and outdoor adventures alike. Still, this coat packs a lot of heat: with 800-fill RDS-certified goose down insulation and an elastic draw-cord hem, you’ll have no problem fending off the cold winter air.
Pros:
Super lightweight and easy to stow
Recycled, water-resistant nylon ripstop shell
Cons:
Only standard sizes available (no plus or petites)
The outside of this jacket is a weather-resistant material that sloughs off rain, sleet, and snow. But the inside features a wool insulator designed to keep you snug as a bug whether you’re running up a mountain or down the road. It’s airy and durable, built to stay to warm stride after stride.
Noize is a one-stop shop for all things cruelty free, eco-friendly, and sustainably-made. This mid-length heavyweight parka does a darn good job keeping the cold out when the temps drop. In true Noize fashion, there’s no bird feathers or animal fur—everything is vegan, so you can look good and feel good, too.
Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp, which means ethical sustainability is built into all of their products. This jacket is not only warm, water-resistant, and lightweight, but it’s also made with responsibly-sourced down. It has elastic binding at the hood and cuffs to keep heat inside, and it comes in a ton of colorful patterns. One percent of company revenues also goes to the Cotopaxi Foundation to help alleviate poverty.
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 3 | Materials: Organic cotton and recycled nylon lining, recycled down
This long puffer is versatile and casual enough to pair of jeans or joggers, so you’ll want to wear it all season long. It has a drawstring hood and drawstring waist, and oversized front pockets for convenience. Bonus: It’s also made of recycled fabric and filled with recycled down insulation.
Pros:
Casual design makes this pick easier to dress up (or down)
Sizes: 0-14 | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester (recycled and new), 600-fill goose down insulation
This puffer has a cinchable waist so you can pull it in tight, or leave extra room to layer underneath. The 600-fill goose down insulation will help keep your torso toasty, while the recycled polyester exterior helps keep wind and water at bay. Plus, it has a removable hood and it comes in classic colors so you’re sure to find something to match your wardrobe.
A classic wool coat is a closet essential. This one from Quince is made with Italian wool to wrap you in cozy warmth. It’s lined, has a standing collar, and inconspicuous side pockets for a sleek, stylish look.
When it comes to insulated winter coats, you’ll want to take stock of the “fill power,” which indicates how warm the jacket will be. If you’re hoping to stay toasty with a down or down-alternative jacket, look for insulation that’s 600-fill or higher. Additionally, think about how you’ll be using your coat: if you’re looking to stay warm while skiing or snowboarding, prioritize water-resistant or waterproof materials.
How much coverage do you need?
Coverage is a matter of personal preference (and your personal style), but keeping your legs and bum warm with a long puffer coat can be extremely helpful when the temperature plummets. Still, there are plenty of warm waist-length jackets on this list if a longer fit isn’t for you.
What features are important to you in a winter coat?
The coats on our list have a variety of added bells and whistles. Whether you’re looking for a winter coat with deep pockets, a removable hood, interior shoulder straps, or built-in hand cuffs, you’ll find a coat with your desired features on this list. Just note that they sometimes come at a higher price (as with the Canada Goose pick, above).
What’s your budget?
As our list proves, you can certainly find a quality winter coat at a wide variety of prices. There are plenty of lower-priced coats on our list (as far as winter coats go, that is), but some of the more reputable brands above come with a higher price tag—they also may be more durable and even help out with repairs (as with Patagonia) down the line.
Frequently asked questions about winter coats for extreme cold
What coats are as warm as Canada Goose?
Canada Goose coats are revered for being some of the warmest jackets around, thanks to their higher fill count. Still, there are a handful of other coats on our list that have the same 600-and-up fill count, if not higher. Look for brands that offer 600- to 800-fill warmth and wind-resistant outers for maximum toastiness. The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Cotopaxi coats we reviewed all meet that criteria.
What is a warm winter coat that is not bulky?
Puffer coats tend to be on the bulky side (all that insulation has to go somewhere!), but you can find plenty of warm jackets that keep a low profile. As mentioned above, the Athleta Whisper Featherless Parka and the Quince Italian Wool Cocoon Coat both offer a slimmer profile without compromising too much in the warmth department.
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Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
There’s a reason Skims has become the go-to for so many loungewear lovers: It’s soft, stretchy, and designed to make you feel like the main character—even when you’re just snuggled up on the couch watching your favorite show. The only catch? Stocking up on these comfy essentials can leave your wallet feeling… not so comfortable.
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Enter Walmart’s lineup of Skims dupes, here to save the day (and your budget). Walmart has been quietly upping its loungewear game with pieces that feel as buttery soft as the originals, but at prices that won’t make you cover your eyes at checkout. Whether you’re after smoothing spandex, a silky pajama set, or even a soft slip, these Skims dupes deliver all the cozy vibes without compromising on quality.
Keep scrolling to shop our top picks for scoring all the softness, style, and stretch you love—minus the splurge.
Skims bodysuits went viral for being both comfy and stylish, and this seamless square neck bodysuit delivers the same soft, stretchy fit. It pairs equally well with jeans, skirts, or lounge pants, and it’s so comfy you might forget you’re wearing it—until the compliments start rolling in.
Prefer a sleeveless bodysuit for a polished look? This seamless high-neck offers a sleek fit with a chic neckline that elevates any outfit—whether you’re layering it under a blazer or pairing it with your favorite sweatpants. Hello, new wardrobe MVP.
If self care was a fabric, it would be these satin pajamas. The silky material brings a luxe look and soft feel that’s made for winding down after a long day—and for making you feel supremely put together while you’re doing your nightly skin care routine (even if that’s just splashing some water on your face).
Have you been meaning to upgrade your pajama situation from your collection of tattered college t-shirts? This set is for you. It’s lightweight and breathable, and the classic notched-collar silhouette never goes out of style—which means you can keep it in your PJ rotation for just as long as your beloved tees.
This lace-trim chemise blends softness and elegance for a seriously versatile piece. With its light-as-a-feather fabric and comfy fit, you can wear it to bed or dress it up for a night on the town. Slip it on, and know that your downtime just got a little dreamier.
Wrap yourself in cozy vibes with this knit robe that’s giving cloud-like softness. Lightweight and versatile, it’s the ideal layer for morning coffee runs to the kitchen or a movie night before bed. Consider it a hug in clothing form.
These seamless shorts are the ultimate base layer. Wear them under dresses for protection from chafing in the summer (the worst), and for that held-in feeling you get from your favorite leggings, any time. The best part? The silicone grip at the top of the waistband means it won’t roll down or bunch up.
Say goodbye to uncomfortable underwear with this seamless boyshort set that’s all about comfort and fit. The stretchy fabric moves with you, while the no-show design makes them ideal for layering under anything. Added bonus: You get six pairs, which means less laundry and more lounging.
