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There’s no worse feeling than rolling on a pair of tights and having them rip at the very last second. Or, when you get them on all the way, only to realize there are gaping holes and streaky runs running down the sides of your legs. If you are lucky to find a pair that’s totally intact, good luck keeping them that way—the tiniest nail-snag or pull will leave them in a tattered mess in mere seconds.
Solving the world’s tights problem is exactly what Sheertex set out to do, creating rip-resistant tights that reportedly last 10 times longer than traditional hosiery. That means no rips, no snags, no frays that run all the way from your ankle to the top of your thigh—Sheertex tights ain’t your grandma’s stockings, or so they claim. So, we put ’em to the test.
What are Sheertex tights?
As mentioned, Sheertex tights are rip-resistant hosiery that hold up better than your average stockings. They’re made from Sheertex®, a patent-pending polymer that’s stronger than the nylons of yore, giving you unfettered rip-resistance and protection from snags, scuffs, pulls, and stretches. They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and thicknesses and include thigh-high stockings, socks, and shapewear, as well.
To ensure the tights are as durable as they claim to be, the Sheertex lab puts them through a series of tests to measure factors like burst strength (aka, how long it takes for a human thumb to rip a hole in the tights while you’re putting them on), abrasion resistance (to mimic chafing) and tensile strength, which is a fancy way of saying how much pulling force they can withstand while you wrestle them on.
The results are promising. According to the Sheertex website, the materials are way tougher than competitor and drugstore hosiery. Apparently, “Sheertex withstood 2.3 times more pulling force than the runner up, and 5.9 times more pulling force than drugstore tights,” per the tensile strength test. Similarly, “Sheertex is 4.21 times stronger than similar tights and 5.84 times stronger than drugstore tights,” per the burst-strength test. You can read all the results here.
Again, it all seems promising. But we’ve all fell for too-good-to-be-true products that don’t live up the hype. To see how they hold up in the real world, three Well+Good staffers tried Sheertex tights out of the lab. Find their full reviews, below.
“While I’d normally shimmy into tights as cautiously as possible to avoid any tragic tears, I can feel how strong and resilient the rip-resistant material is as I put these on. Unlike my usual tights, I’m able to slip these on without breaking a sweat. The Large fits perfectly and gives me free range of movement, which I appreciate. And the thick and stretchy waistband is compressive without being constrictive, hitting me just above my belly button (I’m 5’5”, for reference). They even survived my 50-pound dog’s excited jumps, which I was hoping for but frankly wasn’t expecting. I love the subtle sexiness of the seam detail in the back, too. But most of all, I love how smooth and comfortable the tights feel on—I could wear them all day!” – Alexa Casanova, Commerce Writer
“Real talk, I haven’t worn tights in over 10 years, so I was pretty curious about how these would fit on my body. But to my surprise, they were incredibly comfortable and easy to slip over my thick thighs. The fabric is both stretchy and slightly compressive, so it does a good job of shaping your body. I could easily move around in them without feeling tightness around my legs. I ordered a medium in the Micro Dot Sheer Rip-Resist Tights and I paired them with my favorite leather skirt. Honestly, I never felt sexier. ” -Taylor Bell, social producer
“The diamond design of these tights is absolutely beautiful and my scraggly, un-manicured nails were no match for the material. I tugged on them roughly while getting them on and dug my nails into the material while adjusting the legs. Alas, no rips or tears. Neat!
Now for the not-so-good: Plus-size shoppers, beware. I’m 5’9″ and wear a size 18 pant. As a plus-size woman, I do my due diligence to properly research a clothing brand’s size range before purchasing. According to Sheertex, size = weight, not pant size (huh???), so according to them, I should be more than comfortable in a 2XL. Plus-size babes over on Reddit, however, mentioned that Sheertex tights tend to run a little small, so I ordered up and got the 3XL. Y’all. These tights fit, but not without a little struggle. Luckily for me, there was no gap at the crotch, but had I been a size larger, I don’t think I would have been able to get them on properly. The band is tight, too; While sitting, it dug into my waist uncomfortably. Major takeaways: beautiful design, quality materials, but major flaws in sizing.” -Amelia McBride, associate editor
If you worry about snagging your stockings or your dog ripping a hole in your tights when he greets you at the door, get Sheertex. Albeit way more expensive than drugstore tights, they’ll withstand the test of time, no matter how many nails or claws you throw their way. The only other complaint we have is that they run small, so if you’re in between sizes—or just want a comfier fit—size up. Otherwise, throw those ratty tights away and invest in these—you won’t be sorry.
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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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