Every day, we’re inundated with new trends and the next “it” clothing items to add to our shopping carts. So much so that it feels nearly impossible to keep up. That’s the prime issue with the fashion industry in today’s world: Its endless cycle of overproduction and overconsumption causes harm to both people and the planet.
“The rate and volume with which we wear and discard our clothing has resulted in an unsustainable system that relies on the exploitation of planetary and human resources,” says Alyssa Beltempo, a slow fashion expert and sustainable stylist. “Two-thirds of our clothes are made from synthetics derived from fossil fuels, and 20 percent of industrial water pollution is due to garment manufacture and dyeing. Millions of garment professionals work in unfair and unsafe conditions, simply so that we can wear a garment an average of five times before discarding it.”
“The trend cycle has moved from four seasons to 52 micro seasons, with new styles being dropped weekly—even daily—from some ultra fast fashion retailers. The only way to sustain this pace is by producing high volumes of clothing at a low cost, and encouraging a quick turnover,” Beltempo says. “Coupled with the accelerated pace of social media, many retailers design obsolescence into their clothes so that we keep shopping, instead of discovering and asserting our own personal style.”
By ditching trendy pieces of clothing and instead focusing on shopping for eco-friendly options that are meant to stay in your wardrobe for years to come, you can help stop the cycle. Here, five ways to make eco-friendly choices when shopping for new clothes.
1. Shop your own closet first
One of the most planet-friendly things you can do is utilize what you already have before buying new. “Orsola de Castro, co-founder of Fashion Revolution, said it best: ‘The most sustainable garment is the one you already have,’” Beltempo says. Before buying new clothes, Beltempo recommends getting to know what’s in your closet and using some creativity to come up with new looks.
“Sustainability is something that everyone can participate in, because it’s a choice, not a product,” she says. “Everyone has different financial, time, and body privileges, and I believe our power lies in reducing our fashion consumption through being creative and finding joy in what we already have in our closet.”
Beltempo says even if you come up short, you’ll have a better understanding of your personal style and any gaps that exist in your wardrobe. “If you don’t know where to start, my stylist tip is to see your clothes as elements of style,” she adds. “Look for common themes like cuts, shapes, textures, and color to help you focus on what you like and need.”
2. Make a list or create a vision board
We get it—whether you’re scrolling through your favorite clothing website or perusing racks in person, it’s easy to wind up with more than you need by the time your shopping session comes to an end. That’s why Beltempo recommends coming up with a list of essentials before even stepping foot in a store.
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“Preparing a list is the best way to reduce the chances of overshopping and buying clothes you don’t need, or even like,” she says. “I recommend having some wish-list items on there, as well as practical items to fill wardrobe gaps. A list quiets the noise of trends, and reduces unplanned purchases.”
If you’re a visual person, start a vision board—or a Pinterest board—of looks you love and wish to replicate someday. Then as you spot pieces of clothing from those collections over time, you’re able to build your dream wardrobe slowly and sustainably.
3. Ask yourself some important questions
Sometimes we need to do a little real talk with ourselves before making a purchase. Beltempo suggests pausing to ask yourself some questions that can help you make a more intentional choice and ensure what you’re buying will still be in your closet for the long run. Before clicking “buy now,” consider the following:
Do I love this item and feel great in it?
Does it work with what’s already in my closet, or would I have to buy something else to make it work?
Can I make 3-5 new outfits with this garment using what I already have?
Does it align with my values? (For example: Is it secondhand or sustainably-made?)
Can I see myself wearing it in 3-5 years? If not, is it easy to alter?
4. Shop secondhand first
Aside from not buying anything at all, shopping secondhand has been found to be the most sustainable way to purchase new clothes—even over buying from sustainable brands. By opting for used clothing, no new resources are needed. Instead, you’re extending the life of clothing that may have otherwise been discarded. “Shopping secondhand keeps clothing out of landfills and is a great way to curate a true personal style identity,” Beltempo says.
Thrifting for your perfect wardrobe is also easier today than it was years ago. Not only can you shop in person, but there are also dozens of online thrift stores that make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. “Just remember to ask for measurements before purchasing, and make sure you know your own to avoid returns,” she says.
5. Prioritize brands with sustainable qualities and certifications
In a world of greenwashing, finding sustainable brands to support isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important to have some sustainable qualities and certifications in mind that show the brand is actually prioritizing people and the planet and isn’t just all talk. Beltempo says to begin by seeing how transparent the brand is.
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“Transparency doesn’t guarantee sustainability or mean that a brand is being responsible, but it does help shop with intention and alignment with our values,” she says. “Fashion supply chains are complicated, and many brands use this complexity to ignore fashion’s problems of exploitation and waste. The more information shared, the better. And don’t be shy to reach out and ask for more information before a purchase.”
Next up, look at the rate at which the brand is producing clothing. While fast fashion brands like Shein produce millions of new pieces annually, many sustainable brands have smaller collections and fewer product drops, focusing on high-quality, long-lasting pieces. “Even if a company is selling garments that are made of recycled materials, if they’re producing at a high rate and volume, they’re operating with a fast fashion mindset—and this is an unsustainable practice,” Beltempo says.
Lastly, check for certifications. While Beltempo says they don’t always equate to responsible production, some wins include being B Corp certified (which shows the company adheres to high standards of environmental and humanitarian practices), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified (the leading textile processing standard for organic fibers), and OEKO-TEX certified (processing standard that applies to all textiles, not just organics).
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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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