The 21 Best Wool Coats for Women to Wear Through Winter

Lean into the versatility of wool outerwear with these short and long coats.

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Updated October 4th, 2023: This article on the best wool coats for women was updated with new product picks for fall and winter 2023, plus additional information on wool coat trends.

The temperature is swiftly dropping, which means it’s prime time to prep your wardrobe for winter. Outerwear is an obvious necessity in the colder months, but looking chic and styled can be effortless with a winning wool coat. While some winter coats can be big and bulky, fashion and function can still coexist, since one of the warmest and most versatile fabrics is wool. The best wool coats for women provide protection and insulation from sub-degree temperatures, unlike a cotton trench coat or lightweight jacket, and play a distinct, fashion-forward role in a well-curated wardrobe.   

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“First and foremost, it comes down to warmth,” Maria McManus, Founder and Creative Director of namesake label Maria McManus, tells WWD. “It is just such a warm material to use, but I think there’s also wearability to wool. You can travel in it, you can throw it around, and it doesn’t crease as much.” Any warm coat is a worthy investment in your comfort and protection for the entirety of winter, but, while wool appears luxe and high-style, it doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. Stylish brands like Mango, Calvin Klein, and J. Crew offer staples that won’t break the bank or leave you shivering in the cold. Plus you can snag markdowns on wool coats in the fall before the prices spike again at the peak of the season.

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“From a sustainability perspective, wool is very warm, it’s natural, it’s biodegradable,” McManus says. “You can get more responsible options in wool rather than wearing a polyester puffer coat.” The eco-friendly nature of wool, derived from sheep, makes it an ideal fabrication to consider when choosing outerwear in a sustainable way. But not only does it have earth-friendly properties, but the best wool coats can also be downright flattering and stylish. Wool coats offer a sense of sophistication and pulled togetherness that a casual puffer jacket can’t replicate. “You feel very put together and chic, but you’re also very comfortable,” McManus notes. 

Since coats are your wardrobe workhorses throughout fall and winter, you want to choose something minimal and versatile. This way it can go with your everyday wardrobe and be dressed up or down, much like designer bags or sneakers. “For me, there is very much that dichotomy,” McManus adds. “I like the juxtaposition of something that is masculine mixed with something feminine, so I think that’s how I approach outerwear.” The options are endless when it comes to wool coats for women, from shorter peacoats to ankle-skimming duster coats, but overall, most wool coats have a minimalist appeal that exudes quiet luxury. 

Scroll on to see our guide to the best ladies’ wool coats that will take you from crisp fall days to cold winter nights in style. Plus, McManus shares helpful tips on what to consider when buying this effortlessly sharp topper.

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Top Wool Coats for 2023

Pendleton Hudson Long Coat 

Best Heritage Wool Coat 

  • Size Range: XXS-XL
  • Colorways: Black/Ivory Glen Plaid
  • Fabric: 100% virgin wool
  • Special Features: Fabric is made in the USA.
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars 

For over 100 years, Pendleton has been an American family-owned company known for their woven wool fabrics. The glen plaid print and simple, tailored shape of this 100% virgin wool coat give off a polished menswear vibe. Inspired by a classic riding jacket, the single button closure and minimal collar keep things looking smart, and of course, welt pockets allow for stowing your phone, gloves, or even a small wallet. Wear yours with everything from a chunky turtleneck sweater and trousers for work, or try with jeans and a Chelsea boot for weekend adventures. No matter how you style it, this coat will bring a classic spin to any outfit pairing. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $369

Courtesy of Amazon
Pendleton Hudson Long Coat 
$369

Sergio Hudson Boucle Coat 

Best Wool Duster Coat 

  • Size Range: 0-16 
  • Colorways: Purple 
  • Fabric: Shell: 53% wool mohair, 47% virgin wool; Lining: 91.5% silk, 8.5% Lycra. 
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Make a statement in this gorgeous wool boucle coat from celeb-favorite designer Sergio Hudson. This duster coat goes all the way down to the ankles and is constructed with carefully placed darts to define the natural waistline. A long back slit will allow you to walk with ease, while a single button closure makes slipping this women’s designer wool coat on and off a breeze. The best part? The explosion of deep purple color will instantly cheer up the grayest of winter days. Try a full monochrome styling moment by wearing it with a purple blouse and trousers. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,498

Courtesy of Amazon
Sergio Hudson Boucle Coat 
$1,498

Calvin Klein Notch Collar Double Breast Patch Pocket Jacket

Best Plaid Wool Coat 

  • Size Range: XXS-XXL 
  • Colorways: Black multi plaid and black/white houndstooth
  • Fabric: 54% polyester, 46% wool 
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Plaid coats are the bread and butter of fall wardrobes, but they surpass the season, too. Calvin Klein’s plaid coat is versatile enough to take you straight through fall and into the winter months with some easy styling twists. An everyday option that has plenty of flair, take your pick from two patterns, either a blown-up check or micro houndstooth. Mix and match the coat with your favorite wardrobe staples, like sweaters and pleated skirts, to fairisle knits and jeans.

What reviewers say: “The picture does this coat no justice. It is very beautiful,” one says. “Very nice and warm” and “Great deal for the price!!” another adds. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $87.50

Courtesy of Amazon
Calvin Klein Notch Collar Double Breast Patch Pocket Jacket
$87.50

Blanknyc Plaid Lightweight Teddy Coat

Best Fuzzy Wool Coat

  • Size Range: XS-L 
  • Colorways: Red, brown
  • Fabric: 90% polyester, 10% wool
  • Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

If you’re in the market for an extra cozy coat with insulating wool, Blanknyc’s teddy coat is like your favorite flannel — but so much warmer. It has a relaxed, oversized fit that’s ideal for thick layers, and comes in wintery plaid colorways of red and brown. Reviewers note that its sizing runs large, so grab it in a smaller size for a more streamlined fit, or lean into its fuzzy blanket appeal with thick knits and comfortable pants.

Price upon publish date of this article: $169

Courtesy of Nordstrom
Blanknyc Plaid Lightweight Teddy Coat
$168

Lamarque Thara Double-Faced Wool Coat

Best Green Wool Coat 

  • Size Range: XS-L  
  • Colorways: Vibrant green 
  • Fabric: Wool and polyester blend
  • Special Features: Long drop sleeves
  • Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars

Green is one of those colors that’s in style every season, no matter the shade, but we’re seeing emerald and forest green wool coats, in particular, trend since they walked Miu Miu’s fall 2023 runway. Lamarque’s green double-faced wool coat gives a polished finish to one of fashion’s favorite hues with a soft sloping shawl color and long drop sleeves. You can style this as a coat or a cardigan and pair with stomping lugged loafers and socks, sweet ballet flats, or knee-high boots for added warmth.

Price upon publish date of this article: $371.25

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Lamarque Thara Double-Faced Wool Coat
$371.25
Lamarque Thara Double-Faced Wool Coat
$515

Sam Edelman Plaid Wool Blend Trench Coat

Best Wool Trench Coat 

  • Size Range: 0-16  
  • Colorways: Tan
  • Fabric: 95% polyester, 3% acrylic, 2% rayon
  • Special Features: Self-tie waist belt 
  • Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

When it comes to a trench coat, Sam Edelman’s wool blend iteration evokes high-style at an affordable price point. This versatile design comes in timeless tan plaid, with a removable tie waistband, notched lapels, and a longline fit. “It’s just such a classic item,” says McManus. “You look so pristine and put together in a trench coat, and no matter where you’re going, it will work with that occasion.” Whether paired with work classics like a crisp cotton shirt and pencil skirt, to a flowy dress for a night out, this is one style sure to become a wardrobe hero. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $159.99

Courtesy of Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Plaid Wool Blend Trench Coat
$159.99

Fleurette Presley Cashmere Coat

Best Wool Cashmere Coat  

  • Size Range: 2-16  
  • Colorways: Camel, black   
  • Fabric: 100% cashmere
  • Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Nothing says a “quiet luxury” winter like a luxurious cashmere coat. This option from Fleurette is understated and chic, with horn buttons, a stand collar, and crisp lines. Whether you wear it in the fall or winter, the styling options are endless, thanks to its minimal design and next-level fabrication. Available in both camel and black colorways, this splurge-worthy, versatile cashmere coat will last you year over year.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,499

Courtesy of Nordstrom
Loulou Studio Molina Wool Cashmere Coat
$1,499

Lauren Ralph Lauren Houndstooth Crop Wool Blend Peacoat

Best Cropped Wool Jacket

  • Size Range: 0-18
  • Colorways: Brown check
  • Fabric: 53% wool, 36% polyester, 5% acrylic, 2% rayon
  • Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

A preppy peacoat is an outwear staple that seamlessly tops any turtleneck or cozy cashmere sweater. Lauren Ralph Lauren does it best in a classic brown houndstooth — but with a modern cropped twist. It won’t drown your frame, especially for petite figures, and features a sharp double-breasted silhouette in a warm wool blend. It has a spread collar, adjustable cuffs, and side pockets to keep your paws protected from frigid temperatures.

What reviewers say: “Very nice jacket. Great quality!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $240

Courtesy of Nordstrom
Lauren Ralph Lauren Houndstooth Crop Wool Blend Peacoat
$240

Asos Design Curve Twill Wool Mix Coat

Best Plus Size Wool Coat 

  • Size Range: 12-26 
  • Colorways: Red
  • Fabric: 46% polyester, 44% acrylic, 4% nylon, 3% cotton, 2% viscose, 1% wool 
  • Special Features: Twill texture
  • Asos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.2/5 stars
  • Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Fall and winter trends are red-hot this year, and outwear is an easy-peasy way to incorporate the color into your daily style. This long wool coat from Asos Design’s Curve line features rustic twill texturing and peak lapels. Floor-length wool coats are a great way to block the blistering winds when the weather’s cold, and this option’s bold colorway is an instant outfit-maker, whether you’re wearing sweatpants or a fancy lace dress.

Price upon publish date of this article: $102

Courtesy of Nordstrom
Asos Design Curve Twill Wool Mix Coat
$102
Asos Design Curve Twill Wool Mix Coat
$120

Avec Les Filles Double Breasted Coat

Best Structured Wool Coat

  • Size Range: XS-L   
  • Colorways: Gray, camel
  • Fabric: 44% polyester, 36% wool, 13% acrylic, 4% nylon, 3% rayon
  • Special features: Red lining
  • Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Avec Les Filles is known for its impeccably crafted outerwear staples that are nothing short of basic. This sophisticated, tailored wool coat softly shapes the silhouette with peaked lapels and subtle shoulder pads. Don’t let its sharp darts fool you, because it’s constructed with a flexible wool blend that is comfortable and insulating for all kinds of occasions, whether you layer it atop a winter wedding guest dress or your favorite flared jeans.

Price upon publish date of this article: $179.99

Courtesy of Nordstrom
Avec Les Filles Double Breasted Coat
$179.99

Everlane Italian ReWool Long Peacoat 

Best Long Wool Peacoat 

  • Size Range: XXS-XL
  • Colorways: Heathered black and camel 
  • Fabric: Shell: 79% recycled wool, 11% recycled nylon, 8% recycled polyester, 2% other fibers. Lining: 100% recycled polyester.  
  • Special Features: Made of premium recycled wool from Everlane’s partner mill in Italy and uses recycled trims and lining. 
  • Everlane Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 3.9/5 stars

Everlane’s double-breasted coat has the look of a peacoat in a slightly longer and more oversized shape. Raglan sleeves offer even more volume to the overall silhouette and provide an easy layering solution for cold winter days when you need to wear your chunkiest knit. Choose from two classic colors, heathered black and camel, for a coat that will go with everything in your wardrobe. The best part is it is made from their signature ReWool fabric, ensuring that discarded wool garments get a second life in a new form. 

What reviewers say: “The quality of this coat is amazing and I love the color,” one customer proclaimed. Another wrote, “The perfect chic coat. This coat keeps me surprisingly warm! I was hesitant with the polyester lining but it doesn’t affect heat regulation and polyester usually does for me.” 

Price upon publish date of this article: $398

Courtesy of Everlane
Everlane Italian ReWool Long Peacoat 
$398

Theory Double-Breasted Blazer in Good Wool

Best Wool Blazer 

  • Size Range: 00-16 
  • Colorways: Black, navy
  • Fabric: 96% merino wool, 4% elastane
  • Special Features: Responsibly manufactured 

This tailored number from Theory is made with responsibly sourced materials that create a slightly stretchy fit for all-day comfort. A black wool blazer is one of the most versatile pieces you can own, because it doubles as a two-in-one. McManus loves to style up her wool blazers as an outwear piece in the winter and play with its structured silhouette.

Price upon publish date of this article: $356.25

Courtesy of Theory
Theory Double-Breasted Blazer in Good Wool
$356.25

Mango Wool Double-Breasted Coat

Best Wool Midi Coat 

  • Size Range: XXS-4XL
  • Colorways: Light gray, khaki, black 
  • Fabric: Recycled polyester and wool mix
  • Special Features: Available in plus sizing

Mango perfects the art of affordable, high-quality outerwear season after season. The Wool Double-Breasted Coat comes in a versatile midi length, which falls at the mid-thigh and looks as sharp as your favorite blazer. It’s composed of polyester and 30 percent recycled wool for a super soft feel, and fronts simple button fastening, lapel notches, and flap pockets.

Price upon publish date of this article: $160

Courtesy of Mango
Mango Wool Double-Breasted Coat
$160

Harris Wharf London Volcano Pressed Wool Coat

Best Shawl Collar Wool Coat 

  • Size Range: 36-48 IT  
  • Colorways: Almond 
  • Fabric: 100% virgin wool
  • Special Features: Made using a no-mulesing wool from South America and is AZO and REACH compliant.  
  • Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars

Harris Wharf is a contemporary brand that focuses on well-made tailoring. Their Volcano coat, a shawl collar design, offers a sophisticated take on outerwear. It consists of oversized lapels that drape smoothly across the front of the body, mimicking a shawl. This particular style of coat makes a great option when you need something more dressy to pull your look together. Whether it is an important business meeting or an evening cocktail event, lean on the shape for something with stylish flair. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $950

Courtesy of Shopbop
Harris Wharf London Volcano Pressed Wool Coat
$950

J.Crew New Chateau Parka 

Best Wool Coat with Fur Collar

  • Size Range: 00-24 US 
  • Colorways: Midnight burgundy, dark forest, heather acorn, 
  • Fabric: 80% wool, 20% nylon
  • Special Features: Available in classic, petite and tall sizes and crafted in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility.

Looking for the best camel wool coat or hooded wool coat? The J.Crew Chateau Parka is for you. It’s a bestselling style for J.Crew, having been a part of their outerwear offerings for a few seasons now. The swinging, A-line shape is both flattering and ideal for winter layering. The wool fabric is a J.Crew exclusive, inspired by stadium blankets, offering warmth without bulk and rated as “super warm” on their sliding scale. This option will be the choice for those below zero forecasts — it’s the warmest wool coat on our list. The finishing touches include a faux fur removable trim on the hood, gold hardware, and plenty of pockets to keep things looking modern. 

What reviewers say: “This coat is so beautiful and the cut is incredibly flattering. Not to mention the details – from the various pockets (including a hidden inner pocket) and the silk lining that is the perfect accent color. This coat is so luxurious,” one five star review says.

Price upon publish date of this article: $485

Courtesy of J. Crew
J.Crew New Chateau Parka 
$385

Toteme Draped Fringed Wool-Blend Jacket

Best Hybrid Wool Jacket 

  • Size Range: 32-40 DK 
  • Colorways: Green, gray and dark gray
  • Fabric: 88% wool, 12% polyester
  • Special Features: Made from heavy and structured wool-blend felt certified by the Responsible Wool Standard. 
  • Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

Stockholm-based brand Toteme is known for its minimal designs and Scandi-chic approach to modern dressing. Their scarf jacket has created a bit of a buzz, regularly seen worn by street-style fashion alums and TikTok style stars alike. The two-in-one design offers the ease of a slouchy wool jacket combined with a built-in scarf for extra warmth. Contrast chain-stitching and fringe offer a fashion-forward element to the overall look. Layer yours with a favorite sweater and down liner for extra cold days with warm bottoms like leather pants or jeans. Dressed up or down, it is sure to make a statement. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,010

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Toteme Draped Fringed Wool-Blend Jacket
$1,010

Reformation Paley Double Breasted Coat

Best Sustainable Wool Coat

  • Size Range: XS-XL
  • Colorways: Black, cream
  • Fabric: 70% recycled MWool, 12% recycled polyamide, and 18% polyamide
  • Reformation Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.2/5 stars

Reformation is a stellar brand for sustainable outwear, like this Paley Double Breasted Coat. It’s constructed with 82 percent recycled material, including 70 percent recycled MWool that is unique for its zero-waste and fully circular production from pre-consumer scraps. This conscious option features all the classic elements of a staple wool coat, such as a notched lapel, side pockets, tortoise shell buttons, and a mid-calf hem.

Price upon publish date of this article: $398

Courtesy of Reformation
Reformation Paley Double Breasted Coat
$398

Whimsy + Row Emilia Jacket

Best Lightweight Wool Coat

  • Size Range: XS-XL 
  • Colorways: Black multi and black 
  • Fabric: 100% deadstock wool
  • Special Features: Sustainably made with upcycled wool. 

Whimsey + Row was founded by Rachel Temko in 2014 with the intention of creating a fashion brand without excess waste or egos. The brand’s Emilia jacket is an effortless robe coat with a looser fit and drop shoulders. It’s made from a lightweight, upcycled wool fabric that’s ideal for California winters or east coast winter days when the weather is just starting to turn. We love the herringbone fabric version, adding a menswear element to the looser fit. Style with everything from a white T-shirt, straight-leg jeans and Converse to a wool sweater, trousers and ankle boots. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $398

Courtesy of Madewell
Whimsy + Row Emilia Jacket
$398

& Other Stories Voluminous Belted Wool Coat

Best Wool Robe Coat 

  • Size Range: XS-L 
  • Colorways: Navy, black, gray, brown
  • Fabric: Wool 77%, polyamide 23%
  • Special Features: Self-tie belt

On chilly mornings, it’s extra hard to leave your cozy blanket behind in your bed. But with an oversized robe coat, you can prolong that snuggly feeling all day long. The Voluminous Belted Wool Coat by & Other Stories makes comfort look luxe, with soft, responsibly-sourced wool and a monochrome tie belt. It’s double-breasted for an added hint of tailoring and has concealed buttons to help trap heat. Whether you’re jet-setting or commuting to the office, this wool coat is great for on-the-go, because it serves a unique role as a wearable blanket with a fashion-forward flair.

Price upon publish date of this article: $329

Courtesy of & Other Stories
& Other Stories Voluminous Belted Wool Coat
$329

J. Crew Daphne Top Coat

Best Pink Wool Coat  

  • Size Range: 00-24
  • Colorways: Pink, yellow, camel, ivory, black 
  • Fabric: 100% wool
  • Special features: Made of Italian boiled wool

The summer of Barbiecore may have come to a close, but as far as we’re concerned, pink is forever. There’s always room for a pop of the bubblegum hue, especially in those dreary days of winter. Look to J. Crew’s Daphne Top Coat to give you a pep in your step, all while keeping you toasty warm with a fabrication of 100 percent Italian merino wool. Its clean lines let the punchy color do all the talking, along with notched lapels, welt pockets, and a hem that sits just above the knee.

Price upon publish date of this article: $298

Courtesy of J. Crew
J. Crew Daphne Top Coat
$298

Gap Recycled Wool Wrap Coat

Best Wool Coat for Petites

  • Size Range: XS-L, available in regular, petite, and tall sizing
  • Colorways: Black, gray, brown
  • Fabric: Recycled wool and polyester
  • Gap Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars

Those with petite frames know that it can be tricky to find a warm jacket that doesn’t feel like it’s swallowing you whole. You always want plenty of room to layer when the temperatures drop below freezing, but a well-fitting silhouette is paramount for effortless style appeal. Gap’s wool coat is available in petite sizing, along with regular and tall options, and falls just below the knee for full-body warmth. Its straight yet relaxed fit looks soft and smooth, due to an innovative blend of recycled wool and polyester. Style this topper with a long-sleeve bodysuit and a midi skirt for crisp fall days, or layer it with your best sweater and wide-leg jeans in the winter.

Price upon publish date of this article: $136

Courtesy of Gap
Gap Recycled Wool Wrap Coat
$136

Although wool coats are always in fashion, the silhouettes and trending shapes are constantly evolving. These are the silhouettes we’re seeing for fall:

  • Floor-length coats: Long, draping wool coats are always a style statement, and they serve as very effective outerwear too. They cover the entire length of the body and act as a second layer of insulation from your neck to your ankles. We spotted floor-length wool coats skimming the fall and winter 2023 runways of Valentino, Stella McCartney, and Chloé, styled with everything from trousers, sheer pants, mini skirts and boots, chunky knits, and sleek slip dresses.
  • Colorful wool coats: A colorful wool coat is a great way to brighten up the stark gray weather of the winter months. It’s also an effortless style technique to break up your essential neutrals and add more personality to an outfit. From forest green at Miu Miu, hot Barbie pink at Phillip Plein, and cherry red from Valentino, wool coats are getting a taste of the rainbow for fall and winter 2023.
  • Tailored wool coats: Wool coats this season are taking sharper shape in tailoring and exaggerated architecture. Bottega Veneta and Miu Miu showed wool toppers in masculine blazer cuts, embellished with toggles and defined lapels, while, at Versace, wool coats cinched at the waist and ballooned in the shoulders for a modern take on feminine shaping. Saint Laurent models sported magnified shoulder pads with matching pointy pumps and Cos updated the wool trend by leaning into menswear with black neck ties and glossy leather boots.
  • Camel wool coats: Camel and caramel colored wool coats are a classic and almost always in style for fall and winter. But the buttery beige tones of the summer’s “quiet luxury” trend are still whispering wealth into fall and winter. We saw camel-toned wool walk in monochrome outfits or juxtaposed with soft charcoal at Miu Miu, and clean creams engulfing ensembles from Loewe and The Row.

What to Look for in the Best Wool Coats

  • Fabric: First and foremost, check the fabric content labels (whether on the garment itself while shopping in person or in the online descriptions). This will show how much of the garment is truly made from wool. “I think most wool is just going to be a good material, so I would look for 100% wool,” McManus says. Sometimes 100% wool can be irritative for sensitive skin types, so in this case, it’s a good idea to look for a blended wool, perhaps something with a touch of cashmere, which will add softness to the overall feel. “I think there’s a quality to wool where it doesn’t need all this detailing,” McManus explains. “It’s such a beautiful material that I think it doesn’t need all the excess. It’s standalone. If you have a really great fit, a really great shoulder, great buttons, you’ve got a great garment.” And at the end of the day, a well-made coat constructed from exceptional fabric is all you need. 
  • Design details: Details like linings are important when shopping for wool outerwear. If you do have sensitivities, a coat with a lining will generally solve that problem, as linings provide an additional protective barrier between your skin and the fabric. Other details to look for include zippers, buttons (depending on your closure preference), and of course don’t forget pockets. Who doesn’t need a place to stash your phone or simply to keep your hands warm? 
  • Price: When shopping for a wool coat, you will notice the price for wool varies on the content percent and also its origin. If a fabric is a 50/50 blend, mixed with polyester or another synthetic material, it will most likely cost less than the 100% wool offerings, or a blend mixed with cashmere. If your budget is limited and you can’t invest in a luxury coat right away, look to wool coat brands that use recycled wool and upcycled fabrics. Not only are these more sustainable, they also sometimes offer a great way to be able to get a higher quality fabric for less. 

The Different Types of Wool Coats for Women

  • Wool Robe Coat: Robe coats are generally defined by their wrap quality, oversized silhouette, and, naturally, a fabric belt or sash for closure. “I find the wrap [or robe] coat really useful because it’s more oversized,” McManus says. “So if I’m wearing a blazer, which I am currently wearing, I can put the wrap coat over it when I need more warmth.” A great layering piece, the robe coat is both stylish and cozy. “It’s super chic, and it’s almost like a bathrobe, really comfortable. You throw it on, but it also fits over more garments if you need to layer up,” McManus adds.  
  • Double-Breasted Wool Coat: Another “borrowed from the boys” silhouette, a double-breasted coat features an overlapping front closure, displaying two parallel rows of buttons. This classic menswear shape can be cut in every coat length from above knee to mid-calf, blazer and even cropped. Many double-breasted wool coats will also showcase welt pockets on the front of the garment. “I think a lot of women are afraid of double-breasted,” McManus explains. “But I find the more I work one-on-one with clients, they’re so surprised at how flattering it is once they try it.”
  • Wool Peacoat: What was once an outerwear piece defined by military style and the naval guard, today’s peacoat is a silhouette that is about as classic as they come. Since its origin, this shape has been produced with thicker wool materials, often in a navy colorway. Defined by a boxy, double-breasted shape, it’s shorter in cut, hitting just below the belt line. Most peacoat’s buttons showcase anchor motifs or other nautical-inspired details. Other modern-day details include quilted linings or detachable hoods for even more added warmth. 
  • Wool Trench Coat: Another shape with military ties, the trench coat’s name was literally inspired by the British army who wore them during World War I, quite literally in the trenches. Generally made in some form of cotton, the traditional trench coat was more lightweight and wouldn’t hold up as well in winter weather. Today, designers have drawn inspiration from the iconic shape, but have begun producing it in wool for the colder months of the year. “I think [wool] tends to help you look more put together,” McManus explains. “A cotton trench coat might possibly look a little rumpled if you get off an airplane, where a wool coat will tend to hold up and just look as pristine as when you got on the subway in the morning to when you sat down to your meeting.”
  • Wool Blazer Coat: A blazer offers plenty of styling capabilities, thanks to its shorter cut, but when made from a warmer wool fabric, it doesn’t have to be strictly for the boardroom. “It’s very versatile,” McManus says. “You can wear it as an inner piece or an outer piece.” Look for an oversized fit or something with extra weight that can be layered effortlessly, from those seasonally warm days to a brisker drop in temps at night. 

How We Selected the Best Ladies’ Wool Coats

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To curate the best wool coats for women, we interviewed a style industry expert for selections and recommendations. Our expert also provided knowledge on wool coat construction, long-term care, and key elements to look out for when shopping for a wool coat. We selected the best ladies’ wool coats based on emerging trends, new releases, cult-favorite brands, and top-quality fabrication and comfort for chilly weather. We also considered wide research in the outwear market, including comparisons of customer review quotes, innovative fabric usage, inclusive sizing and our own wool coat product testing. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Expert

Maria McManus was born in Dublin, Ireland and has lived in Europe, Japan, South East Asia and Australia, and finally settled in New York. During her 20+ years working in the fashion industry, Maria grew increasingly alarmed at fashion’s detrimental impact on the environment and so in 2020 she started Maria McManus: an eponymous collection of meticulously designed clothing, created with the lowest environmental impact.

Meet the Author

Kristina Rutkowski is a New York-based freelance writer and editor focusing on fashion. She was previously the Senior Fashion Market Editor at InStyle, covering everything trends and shopping. She has also worked in the fashion departments at Self and Glamour. Her bylines have appeared on Vogue.com, TheZoeReport.com, VanityFair.com, and InStyle.com. Editing fashion throughout her career, she has been able to see, try and research the best brands available today. Thus, she’s well-versed in shopping all the best trends and pieces online — from wool coats to winter essentials and beyond. 

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. She updated this story for the best wool coats in October 2023 with new product picks for fall and winter 2023, plus additional information on this season’s wool coat trends.