Vegan winter coats have two main goals to accomplish. First, they must be made of vegan materials, meaning no animal-derived materials. Second, they still need to be appropriate for the climate they will wear in mildly cold or subarctic weather. The average person wants several other things when choosing a winter coat. These include ease of care, value for the money, and pockets.
Table of Contents
1. The Alpine North Women’s Plus Size, Vegan Down, Midlength Coat
Available in three color choices, grape, crimson and black, and sizes XL to 4XL, this coat is designed to hit just at or below the knee on the average woman. It is a 100% polyester shell and lining filled with cotton, down alternative material. The faux fur-trimmed hood is removable. The trim can also be removed from the hood for a slight change in the appearance of the coat. The coat is water repellent with a rating for extremely cold temperatures of -22 F (-30 C). There are multiple pockets, including 1 interior pocket. The coat can be machine washed but should not be placed in the dryer. The faux fur trim should be removed before washing.
Pros:
- A plus-sized coat with a stylish design
- Basic color choices go with any style
- Easy to care for
- Stands up to even extreme weather conditions
Cons:
- The pockets are overly small, especially on the outside.
2. Morcoe Women’s Winter Long Puffer/Parka Style Coat
Available in Black, Army Green, Khaki, and Navy Blue and in sizes Small to Extra Large, this puffer-style coat is designed to hit below the knee length for maximum coverage and warmth.
The shell and lining are 100% polyester with a cotton stuffing fill for warmth and softness.
The removable hood has a faux fur trim which is also removable. There are two exterior pockets and 1 interior pocket.
This coat can be machine washed with like colors and then either line dried or left flat to air dry. The faux fur collar should be removed before washing.
Pros:
- Basic colors are classy and can be worn for many years without being out of style
- Easy to care for
- Perfect for casual or business wear
Cons:
- It may not be durable
- Sizing may be off. Use the measurements to choose the right size rather than the listed dimensions.
3. YXP Women’s Winter Military Style Parka
Available in colors that include navy, dark army green, army green, khaki, black, and wine red and in sizes Small to XXL, this parka is a mid-length designed to hit the average woman’s hips. The materials are 100% cotton for the shell and faux sherpa for the lining. It closes with both a front zipper and snap buttons. The hood is removable and has an adjustable drawstring to help keep the wind out of your face. The waistline also has an adjustable drawstring so that you can create the perfect feminine silhouette. Elastic ribbed cuffs at the wrists keep your arms warm. This coat has five pockets, including 2 hand pockets, 2 snap pockets, and 1 interior pocket.
This parka can be machine washed and air-dried.
Pros:
- Easy to care for
- Perfect styling for casual or business wear
- Good color choices
Cons:
- Sleeves may be too long for some people
4. Cherfly Women’s Cotton Winter Coat with Faux Fur Trimmed Hood
Pros:
- Good color choices
- Easy to care for
- Detachable hood
Cons:
- Pockets may not be large enough, especially the interior pocket
- There were frequent complaints about some of the stitching with this coat
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5. The Bodilove Women’s Quilted Puffer Coat for Winter
This coat is available in several lengths and styles in women’s and junior’s sizes. Not all color choices are available in all styles or lengths. Color choices may include black, burgundy, caramel, chocolate, light pink, mustard, navy, olive, camel, light brown, mauve, and wine. Junior sizes are Small to XL. Women’s sizes are also available from Small to XL, but please note that these are different size ranges. When choosing the junior’s size range, you should go up by at least 1 full size. This coat is available in short or medium lengths. The short length will fall right at the hip, while the medium length will fall just below the hips. Both are polyester with a flannel lining. All styles have a detachable hood and can be machine washed.
Pros:
- The most options of any of the coats on this list, including in style, length, and color
- Easy to care for
Cons:
- Not durable
- Not suitable for extreme weather conditions
- It may be too casual for wear to the office, or anywhere a more professional appearance is desired
6. YXP Military Style/Parka With Detachable Faux Fur Hood
Pros:
- Good basic colors go with any wardrobe
- Easy to care for
- Provides plenty of warmth without the bulk
Cons:
- This coat is listed as machine washable, but care should be taken with temperature settings as it may shrink slightly
- Carefully check the measurements as the sizing chart may not be accurate
7. Polydeer Vegan Down Puffer Coat
This puffer-style coat is available in color choices, including beige, navy, green, Bordeaux, and black and sizes XS to XXL. The faux fur-trimmed hood is detachable. The coat itself is 100% polyester and is designed to hit below the knees for the average woman. The waist is defined with an elastic panel in the back for definition and flexibility. The front zips closed and have 2 invisible zippered pockets. There is one interior pocket.
Pros:
- Good color choices
- A more comprehensive range of sizes than others on this list
- Detachable hood
Cons:
- Pockets may be too small
- Not a durable coat
- Maybe overly long on petite women
Before You Buy
Appropriate Materials for Vegan Coats
Many vegan material options are gaining popularity because they are far less expensive than the real thing and easier to clean. Real down is warm, no doubt, but it must be dry-cleaned, or it will bunch and become matted, and it is difficult to store without attracting pests. Leather, suede, and similar materials must also be carefully dry-cleaned and stored, or they become damaged. The vegan options can perform like the real thing without the fussy and expensive care requirements. For most, you can machine wash and then line dry without worry that your item will be ruined. Remember that not all vegan materials are created, so always read the care labels before making purchases.
The Ease of Care
When choosing a winter coat, remember that the harsh conditions will sometimes mean more than just a light brushing off of surface stains will be necessary. Longer coats may need more frequent cleaning simply because they are closer to the ground and may come into contact with road salts, snow, ice, or other things as you go through your day. Shorter coats may also need to be cleaned more frequently, especially if you are in crowded areas daily.
The Right Length and Fit
The style of the coat that you want may be determined by how much coverage you need, the type of fit you want, and your sense of style. Some coats have a boxier appearance by design, while others are cut to more closely fit and flatter the feminine shape. Always shop for your taste and shape, keeping in mind that what you admire in one person may not be flattering on your frame. Belted coats or those with a fitted waist tend to cut down on the boxiness of longer coats but could cause issues with sizing. An elasticized or adjustable drawstring waist can be the perfect solution for this issue. Remember too how you will be moving about while you are outside.
If you get in/out of a car, a longer coat might be in the way or bulky. A short coat might not give you enough protection against the wind and cold if you walk.
Additional Features
A hood is always a reasonable consideration in a winter coat, especially for those women who do not care to wear a hat. Look for a coat with the option to remove the hood, which can change the overall appearance without sacrificing style or warmth. Another valuable feature is pockets and they are essential to women. Pockets should be large enough to be useful and put your hands into. Interior pockets should have a closure of some kind so they can be used for more essential items such as a wallet or cell phone. There should never be fake pockets, especially on the front breast of a jacket or coat, as they cause unneeded and unflattering bulk.
Conclusion
Whether you are vegan or just looking for a more affordable coat than animal-based alternatives, you will want to know about the materials you choose. Not all vegan materials are created, and while they are not as difficult to care for as others, some can have their issues if not handled properly. If you are a true vegan, you will also want to know about the processing of the coat from start to finish, including the dyes used and any buttons or additional parts to ensure that no animal products are being used or slipped in. One of the most common issues is with the lining of the coats, where the maker will slap the vegan label on it and still use wool.
Read the care label, which can be found in the description of most products, and then read the reviews to see if the care is consistent with the experience. Something is not quite right if a coat says it is machine washable but shrinks even correctly washed. Keep in mind that s single review that says that the coat shrank after a single washing may mean that the problem was either with the temperature of the water it was washed in or something else caused the fit to change, but if many reviews say the same thing, it is likely the coat.
Don’t be seduced by a trendy cut or color unless you are confident that you will wear it for a year. Classic colors can be worn for years and years, while the trendy, in-your-face color that you so dearly love this year may embarrass you next year. If it is a particular favorite color that speaks to your brand, by all means, go for it and wear it in excellent health.
Finally, remember the winter conditions you will most face and pick a coat according to that. A coat’s warmth should be the most crucial factor because a fantastic color will not matter if your teeth chatter and your face turn blue. Choose your size based on what you usually wear in the wintertime. If you are a fan of bulky sweaters, you may want to opt for one size up. It is essential to review the return policy of any coat you buy online just in case you have not made the right choice.
A good coat should be one you are happy to wear for at least a few years rather than a disposable item that needs to be replaced after only a few months of use. Your vegan coat should serve you well, even in very harsh conditions.