20 Best Wool Coats for Women to Wear in 2023 and Beyond

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From short peacoats to a Meghan Markle-approved wrap.

It happens every year: the omniscient fashion powers that be decide one outerwear microtrend is the coat style of the moment, only for that same coat to feel oversaturated—or worse, just over—weeks later. If you're determined to spend winter in a single, beautiful, reliable coat that's also exempt from becoming dated (a tall order, but same), the best wool coats might be up for the challenge.

Wool coats have a certain advantage other styles don't. Whether they're cropped or skimming your ankles, they're often polished enough to be the main attraction of your outfit, not just a well-insulated cover you can't wait to take off. Designer Maria McManus, who's a pro at upscale outerwear with ethically-sourced fabrics, loves to stack layers under her wool coats as temperatures drop. She prefers banded V-neck tops for something elegant, or a cashmere hoodie for a luxe knitwear moment. Some wool coats come out of the box in such gorgeous condition, elevated winter basics are all you need with them, McManus adds. "The right coat doesn’t require much, even [wearing it] over a white T-shirt and old jeans does the trick."

Finding that "right coat" comes down to a balance of first impression aesthetics and plain old function. The higher the percentage of wool in a coat's knit, the warmer you'll be. And overall, "a classic silhouette, superb fit, and quality fabrication is what makes a wool coat last through several seasons," the designer tells us. Shop 20 of our favorite versions that check all three boxes ahead.

Take a page from celebrities' off-duty style and try one of Mango's affordable longline coats. As fans like Katie Holmes, Sienna Miller, and Gigi Hadid would attest, it's a versatile, structured option. Thankfully, being featured on DeuxMoi's infamous instagram stories isn't a requirement for owning it.Sizes: XXS–4XL

This coat sums up everything that keeps me coming back to AYR for everyday classics. It's a streamlined shape, made from a top-notch Italian wool, that looks great on top of casual errand outfits and wedding guest dresses alike. When you're in danger of overthinking your winter outerwear, it's the coat you know will look good regardless of how you style it.

Sizes: XS–XL

Can a double-breasted wool coat cure incoming seasonal depression? Medical professionals might want to study the effects of this vibrant coat on anyone who wears it. The chili pepper red is such a welcome switch-up from the classics (plus, it's made from recycled materials).

Sizes: XS–L

The window for wearing a cropped coat usually isn't wide when you're living in the most snow-prone areas. But reviewers say this shorter (and budget-friendlier) Uniqlo jacket is both toasty-warm yet thin enough to slide under a longline coat for a layering moment.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

No shade to the best winter scarves, but you can almost skip extra accessories when you're wearing this Aspen-ready wool coat. The inside is lined all over with the coziest nubby shearling to keep you well-insulated. And those toggle closures? They're a vintage ski resort postcard touch we love.

Sizes: XS–XL

From puffers to shackets to cocoon coats, Aritzia makes the winter outerwear our editors can't stop talking about. Not only are coats like this new oversized trench cut like they came from a custom tailor, they can also withstand Arctic Circle temperatures (specifically, down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit). This one comes in ten rich colors to suit whatever's already hanging in your closet.

Sizes: 2XS–2XL

This coat immediately caught our attention with its two-tone folded design. After glancing at reviews (and sold-out notices on some sites that carry it), we realized it's the kind of coat we wouldn't want to take off.

"I don't usually like winter, but this coat could change my mind," one shopper writes. "[It's] perfect in every way: color, comfort, weight of coat and material, the way it hangs, generous hood and pockets. Coat is a generous cut, but I sized up to accommodate winter clothing under, and I found that I love it even more!"

Sizes: XXS–3X

Oversized blazers and straight-leg jeans are my most-repeated outfit formula. To update it for dropping temperatures, I've swapped a suiting blazer for this wool blazer coat (layered over a black turtleneck sweater, of course). "Chic" may be an overused word, but this jacket is exactly that: It's tailored and flattering, but doesn't look like it's trying too hard.

I have the wisdom of the J.Crew crowd on my side: "The jacket outer is boiled wool so I was afraid this might be thin— but it is generously lined with heavy material for a coat," a likeminded shopper says. "I highly recommend, [and the] color will be a staple for YEARS to come!"

Sizes: 0–16

Your search for the end-all, be-all belted camel coat ends with Max Mara. The house is more than an expert at elegant clothes for women who know what they're doing and need a wardrobe to help them get there, outerwear included. Whether you cinch the belt closed over a blouse and slouchy trousers or wear it open over a winter dress, the result is the same: It's simply sophisticated.

Sizes: 0–14

"Hygge" is more than a state of mind in this cozy Isabel Marant Étoile coat. The baby blue and cream check looks and feels like a blanket you'd find at a Scandinavian mountain resort, but you can wear it away from the fireside with leather pants and a sweater.

Sizes: 2–10

It's been a few years since Meghan Markle first wore a version of Mackage's waterfall wrap coat. Many special appearances and feverishly tracked outfits later, this coat style is the first that comes to mind when I think of the best wool coat with Markle's endorsement. The 2022 update comes in cream, black, and sand, all with a draping foldover neckline and instant royal-adjacent elegance.

Sizes: XXS–XL

If the best cape coats ask whether you're the drama, the best shackets do the aesthetic opposite. They're the easygoing layer that doesn't ask for extra attention or an Instagram-story shoutout—just that you pull them on every time you're in need of a relaxed but cozy jacket. This one has the slightly oversized fit all the best shackets share, and comes in a dreamy teal shade unique to Rails.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Speaking of cropped coats, here's an upscale take with wider sleeves and a roomy interior that looks gorgeous when it's in motion. (Preferably, strutting home from holiday shopping with an arm full of bags.) Just add a velvet headband for a tasteful Blair Waldorf homage.

Sizes: XXS–3X

Tip your hat to western style, with or without committing to the cowboy boots comeback. Jonathan Simkhai dips into the fashion-favorite reference with fringe details along the collar and an extra-large buffalo check print. Just watch, this coat could end up in the next season of Yellowstone.

Sizes: XS–XL

Cape coats are the silhouette for dressing like the main character. This high-neck, highly comfortable version only takes a second to pull on, but it'll immediately make your winter outfits that much more opulent thanks to its volume and steely grey shade.

Sizes: One size

Ready to switch up your outerwear rotation without making a Bachelorette finale level commitment? Try a four-day rental of this plaid coat with a removable faux fur collar. "Every single person gave me a compliment on this coat," says one reviewer. "Girls walking down the street, strangers on city bikes who stopped to tell me how great it was, and people on the subway. It's fun!"

If the warm and fuzzies you feel wearing it are the real deal, you can purchase it for keeps from Rent the Runway.

Sizes: XS–3X

Minimalism can mean all-neutral-everything, but it doesn't have to. Another Tomorrow cut this slightly oversized coat with same understated precision as its best suit sets, and released it in an embellishment-free, dusty peony shade even the most color-shy dressers can appreciate. (Including when it's integrated into an Eyeswoon-inspired palette.)

Sizes: XS–XL

Tory Burch's peacoat explains why the classic style is trending again this fall, just by balancing a modern oversized fit with those classic double-breasted buttons and heavy wool. This particular fall select is also one BAZAAR editors called the "perfect transitional coat." If you're tapped out on black outerwear, the designer has a chartreuse version worthy of a double take.

Sizes: 00–16

McManus calls this winterized take on the classic trench coat her "current favorite" from her fall collection. "I designed it as the perfect fall to beginning of winter layerable coat," she says. "It is belted and oversized with a drop shoulder, for an effortless look."

There's more to it than immediate hanger appeal. McManus adds there's meticulous attention to quality that ensures this coat will last you many years. "Our wool is woven in Italy from the highest quality virgin wool, ensuring breathability, drape and a refined soft hand feel. The wool is sourced from carefully selected farms in Tasmania, where all sheep are treated humanely."

Sizes: 0–10

If your definition of "the finer things" includes your outerwear, this is the wool coat to consider. There's no question it'll keep you warm, but the collarless neckline and tweed-wool blend ascend above utility to pure opulence. Everyone's eyes will go straight to the faux fur cuffs when your inevitable (and welcomed) mirror selfies start rolling in.

Sizes: 36IT–50IT

Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.

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