If you know anything about living in Chicago, you know that the weather is bone-chilling, cold, and snowy; yet beautiful. To survive the 9 month long winters in Chicago, you must have some solid winter coats to get you through it.
Whether you’re just visiting Chicago or you’ve lived here your whole life, knowing where to get the best Chicago winter coats and jackets will definitely come in handy.
The coldest recorded temperature of Chicago till date is −27 °F (−33 °C) on January 20, 1985. However, unofficially recorded temperature at Chicago Aurora Airport is said to be as low as −33 °F (−36 °C) (resource: Wikipedia Climate of Chicago.)
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Table of Contents
Best Chicago Winter Coats and Jackets in 2021
Top 5 Women’s Coats for Chicago winter
We will start off this article with the ladies’ winter jackets sections. We have rounded up some of the best winter jackets in terms of warmth, fashion, and flexibility.
Read on to check out the hot reviews. We hope you ladies love them!
1. Canada Goose Ladies Montebello Parka
Highlighted Features
- Constructed with polyester and cotton
- Includes white duck down
- Can be dry cleaned
- Coyote fur ruff is removable
- Hood can be adjusted
- Includes military button
- Quality locking zipper
This parka from Canada Goose is slim-fit, and it comes with an adjustable waist and a smart military button. It is a hip-length jacket with both internal and external gear pockets. It also comes with heavy-duty flexible rib-knit cuffs, and fleece – lined chin guard. It has a power fill of 625 duck down insulation.
It comes with a blend of rustic elegance and rugged luxury. It is made from 85% polyester, 15% cotton and is waterproof and water resistance.
Product Verdict
This product material is a mixture of high quality cotton and polyester. That coupled with its heavy duty zipper, the quality of this jacket is top-notch. In this jacket, you’ll be neither sweating nor shivering. It provides you with cozy, room temperature warmth. The hood can be adjusted according to your preferences and personal style.
2. Obosoyo Women’s Hooded Thickened Long Down Jacket Maxi Parka Puffer Coat
Highlighted Features
- Water resistant
- Made of windproof material
- Includes zipper closure
- Designed in S-Shape
- Constructed with white duck and feathers
- Includes double sliders
- Includes 2 pockets
- The hood is made of fur
This smart and stylish Obosoyo hooded long down coat has been designed with the Chicago Winter in mind. It has been specifically designed for outdoor activities. It is slim fit, warm, and has an elegant design. It is made from 100% polyester, 90% white duck down and 10% feather.
It is windproof and waterproof, with a detachable hood and fur collar. The side pockets come with zipper closure and double sliders.
Product Verdict
This jacket is an excellent option in terms of warmth and the quality of its materials. The fillers used in this jacket are white duck down and feathers.
Down fillers are known for their lightweight and superior ability to provide warmth. That means, unlike regular jackets, down jackets keep you warm without adding any extra bulk.
The double sliders along with the 2 pockets make this jacket convenient wear. You can carry your essentials with you and also keep your hands warm.
The hood has a fur lining to protect your face as well from chilly weather and the ruthless winter wind.
3. Beinia Valuker Women’s Seamless Hooded Down Coat
Highlighted Feature
- Constructed with Down
- Includes Duck Down along with Nylon
- Has hood included
- The hand pockets are zippered
- The interior of the hand pocket is made of plush
- The waist can be adjusted
- Available in different sizes
- Windproof and ultra-light
This warm and light-weight down coat by Beinia Valuker, is made of 100% nylon and filled with 90% duck down.
It is a hooded jacket with elasticized drawstring and cuffs. It also has zippered hand pockets that help you to keep your hands warm.
This chic coat has a proper slim fit. You’d be surprised to find such a slim jacket with this level of warmth.
The jacket is both waterproof and windproof.
It’s safe to say that the makers of this jacket didn’t compromise in terms of fashion or functionality.
Product Verdict
This amazing coat is insulated with premium down. It is ultra-lightweight winter wear and the design is nothing short of an eye-candy.
You can adjust the waist of the coat with a strap so that it flatters your waistline. This jacket is a very good example that winter coats don’t have to be bulky and boring.
The hood provides protection for your ears and chilly wind. The hand pockets are comfy and spacious.
4. Sportoli Women’s Fleece Lined Chevron Quilted Puffer Jacket Coat with Hood
Highlighted Features
- Constructed with 100% polyester
- Includes zipper closure
- Can be washed in the machine
- Includes thick down filling
- The interior is ultra soft
- Includes hand pockets in the front
This Sportoli Fleece Lined Chevron Quilted Puffer Jacket Coat is perfect for Chicago’s extreme cold weather. It comes with a flap and a zipper closure.
These features will help you stay warm by not allowing any wind inside. The inside of the coat is made of ultra-soft interior fleece lining that feels soothing against the skin. The thick down alternative filling keeps the jacket light without compromising its ability to keep warm.
The hood is detachable with fleece cuffs. It is easy to maintain the jacket in good shape. You can easily machine wash the jacket. It’s long-lasting, waterproof and windproof.
Product Verdict
This jacket is slim, stylish and warm. The 100% polyester material of this jacket is durable against weather adversaries. This jacket will last you multiple winters to come.
The hand pockets are conveniently placed at the front. If you want to take your essentials on the go without having to carry a bag around, the pockets have ample room for a cell phone and a wallet. The interior is ultra-soft and ensures no itching and overheating.
5. YXP Women’s Double Layer Jacket Waterproof
Highlighted Features
- Best for outdoor activities
- Includes warm fabric
- Includes detachable fleece
- Resistant to water
- Includes detachable hood
- Fabric is highly durable
- The cuffs are adjustable
The YXP double layer waterproof jacket is perfect for all kind of winter activities as well as the adventures. It is an insulated shell jacket, with double layer, detachable cotton liner. It has a removable hood and you also get multi-pockets with it.
It’s warm but made from breathable material. It is waterproof, windproof and it can be dried immediately. It has a snug fit and keeps you warm throughout the day.
Product Verdict
This jacket is a must in the winter for women. The fabric of this jacket is very much warm and this is specially designed for outdoor activities. You can go skiing, camping or hiking with this too!
The highly durable fabric serves you for so many years. This resistant to water and also includes a detachable fleece. The hood can be detached or added and the cuffs can be adjusted for your convenience.
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Top 5 Men’s Winter Jacket for Chicago
The most important quality in a winter jacket is its ability to retain body heat and keep us warm. But nowadays more men are conscious of their personal style and the outfits they express it with. It’s not just about practicality anymore.
In this modern market of converging demands, we have done our research and picked out some well-rounded jackets that help you beat this winter effortlessly AND look amazing while you’re at it!
1. WenVen Men’s Hooded Warm Coat Winter Parka Jacket
Highlighted Features
- Constructed with 100% polyester
- Includes full-length zipper
- Includes 5 big pockets
- Has stand collar
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Cuffs are elasticized
- Machine washable
- Available sizes
The WenVen hooded parka jacket is made from 100 % polyester and it comes with a Sherpa fleece lining. The sleeves are comfortable and have been designed with an elastic cuff. These cuffs help keep the cold at bay. It comes with a full-length zipper closure, a stand collar around the neck and detachable fur hood.
This jacket has been designed with multifunctional pockets. It’s easy to maintain, and its machine washable. But if you want this jacket to last several winters, it’s recommended that you wash it with hands.
Product Verdict
WenVen is a renowned and reliable brand in the winter wear industry. This jacket in particular packs a lot of useful features. If you’re someone who works outdoors in chilly weather, this is one of the best options for you. The jacket sports 5 multifunctional pockets for your tools and essentials.
It has a stand collar that goes around your neck and prevents the wind from getting in. It is made of 100% polyester so snowing or a light shower wouldn’t be a problem. The elasticized cuffs make sure wind doesn’t invade your jacket through the sleeves. Overall, it is very comfortable and convenient for a working man in a rough winter.
2. HENGJIA Men’s Spring Plus Size Coats Outdoor Practical Wear
Highlighted Features
- Constructed with polyester
- Includes artificial cotton
- Has zipper closure
- Available in different sizes
- Soft and smooth fabric
- Cap is detachable
- Pockets of button buckle feature
- Includes side pockets
HENGJIA Outdoor Practical Wear is made of fully polyester material insulated with artificial cotton. It has a relaxed fit so if you want something for daily wear, you can’t go wrong with this one.
The fabric has a soft and smooth feel. It comes with a detachable hood, a zipper up closure, side and button buckle pockets. It is long-lasting and easy to wash and maintain. This jacket is especially perfect for outdoor sports.
Product Verdict
If you prefer straight cut jacket shapes over fitted ones, this one is worth considering. Its polyester material is durable and suitable for daily use.
It’s a practical purchase that will continue to serve you for years. It is recommended you do not bleach the jacket. But it’s machine-washable so you wouldn’t have any hassle maintaining it.
The jacket is comfortable and a convenient piece of clothing with its many pockets for different uses.
3. MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Softshell Outdoor Windproof Waterproof Mountain Lightweight Jacket
Highlighted Features
- Made with breathable material
- Has 3 dimensional cut
- 2 side entries with zippers
- Waterproof
- Best for outdoor activities
- Adjustable drawstring closure
- Lightweight
- Adjustable cuffs
The MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Softshell Outdoor Mountain Jacket was designed with outdoor sports and activities in mind. This coat has a three-dimensional cut which allows the coat to return to its regular state once the outdoor activity is done. It is waterproof and windproof.
It also comes with a zipper closure and extra flap so that you stay dry and comfortable even in the wettest of weathers. The jacket has adjustable ergonomic cuffs with hooks, loop patches and detachable hood with the hemline. Made of polyester, it is lightweight and easy to carry.
Product verdict
Even though the jacket is lightweight, it provides you with sufficient warmth. It has adjustable cuffs so that the sleeves aren’t too loose to keep wind out. The closure is of adjustable drawstring. It is windproof and waterproof. Although it doesn’t have down insulators, it’s still a good jacket that you can wear in many different ways, thanks to its three dimensional cut.
4. Aofur Mens Thick Faux Fur Slim Long Jacket Parka Hooded Winter Coat
Highlighted Features
- Constructed with Faux Fur
- Includes 20% polyester
- Has button closure
- Can be dry cleaned
- Includes 2 big side pockets
- Has adjustable draw cords
- Soft and comfortable
The Aofurn Faux Fur Parka Hooded Long Jacket is made of 80% faux fur and 20% polyester. It has 100% fleece quilted lining that will keep you warm and comfortable. It has a button up closure. This jacket is completely fur lined. There are two big pockets on the side to shield your hands from the chill.
It has adjustable draw cords and cord locks at the waist and bottom for providing you with an optimal fit. This jacket is waterproof and light rain-resistant, perfect for outdoor wear, on a snowy/rainy winter.
Product Verdict
This is the best jacket you can get for the snowing days. It has two different side pockets that are enough big to accommodate both your accessories and hands.
You can dry clean the jacket anytime. It doesn’t come with zipper closure. If that’s a deal breaker for you, consider the zippered jackets we have reviewed in this article. The buttoned-up closure looks elegant and stylish. High quality polyester material is durable.
Buyers Guide: What to look for a Chicago winter coat
Investing in a good winter jacket will reap you the benefits over many years to come. But finding the best winter jacket for your budget in a saturated market often feels like searching for a needle in the hay.
Here are some tips from the experts to get you started on your way to make an informed purchase. You should keep the following things in mind and use this knowledge to evaluate whether a winter jacket is worth your money and compatible with your needs.
Insulation
There are different kinds of fillers to insulate a jacket with, such as synthetic, wool, fleeces, and down. Wool insulators may sometimes get the jacket too warm. It also adds bulk to the coat.
Synthetic and fleece are commonly used fillers in affordable jackets. By far, down insulators are the lightest and more capable of retaining body heat. Being one of the best insulators for winter jackets, premium goose down-filled coats skew towards the pricy range of the spectrum.
Fill Power
When looking for a DOWN jacket like Triple Fat Goose, opt for jackets that are filled with a count of 550 or up. The higher the fill number, the warmer the jacket or coat will be! The Loft is the thing that traps the warmth.
Also, a coat or jacket which comes with a higher number of “FILL” will not only be warmer but also lighter. A fill power of 550 to 650 is a good value indicator. A coat with a higher fill of 650 and above are ultra-light and are usually used for outdoor sports in extremely cold weather.
Material Quality
When you are shopping for a winter coat or jacket, make sure that you take a closer look at the exterior and interior fabric.
Make sure not a single fabric is out of place. You need to keep an eye out for missing stitches or open threads as well. Faulty stitches and loose fabric give away low-quality jackets.
Research materials like nylon, polyester, and fleece to understand which suits your needs the most. Make sure the seams are properly sealed and the stitches are not going through the insulation or the lining, as there is a high possibility that the wind will cut through the seams, rendering the jacket useless.
Waterproof and Wind-flaps
It is important that your jacket is waterproof or water resistant, as this will keep you warm and dry on particularly wet days.
Wind-flaps are a nice-to-have feature that makes sure the wind doesn’t come in through the zippers.
Hood And Pockets
All winter jackets should have a hood to keep your head and ears warm. It’s better if the hood features a Cinch or Velcro closure. Some hoods are lined with fur to shield your face from frost and wind.
Pockets are a great functionality to have in any clothing. They are also fashionable. The number of pocket you should go with totally depends on your personal preference and requirements. However, a winter jacket should have at least two pockets to warm your hands.
Extra Details
Some other important details to look for are fleece-lined pockets, fur ruffs and draw cords around the waist. These added perks will make your jacket impenetrable.
Return Policy
Before purchasing, check if the product comes with a return policy, in case you it comes damaged or doesn’t fit you properly.
To Sum It Up
The key to surviving the notorious Chicago winter is the right winter jacket. As you can gather from our reviews of some of the best jackets for Chicago winter, each jacket has its own set of characteristics that make it the right fit for certain types of users.
To help you further narrow your search down, here are some of our recommendations.
Best Winter Coat for Women: Canada Goose Ladies Montebello Parka
Best Slim Winter Jacket for Women: BeiniaValuker Women’s Seamless Hooded Down Coat
Best Winter Jacket for Men: AofurMens Thick Faux Fur Slim Long Jacket Parka Hooded Winter Coat
Best Sports Jacket for Men in Winter: MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Softshell Outdoor Windproof Waterproof Mountain Lightweight Jacket
