16 best winter jackets and coats for women to buy in Australia in 2024
Rug up in style with our selection of the best winter coats and jackets - including this on-trend knit bomber that shoppers are frothing over.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
When it comes to items that are rarely easy on the wallet, coats and jackets are up there. But as the temperature drops, buying good quality coats and jackets is about as essential as purchasing a wide-brimmed hat in summer.
If you’re keen to buy a winter coat or jacket that will be a go-to for years – not just this season – fashion journalist and stylist Brooke Falvey says there’s one key trick to getting it right: clever colour selection.
“Opt for perfectly tailored, neutral colour palettes,” Brooke tells news.com.au.
Think camel, caramel, beige, grey, black and navy hues – they’re the colourways that will be ‘on-trend’ now and in a decades’ time.
Our top pick right now is the viral Cotton On Luxe Knit Bomber that the TikTok girlies are obsessed with. It's been sold out for weeks, however we've spotted it back in stock in all sizes at THE ICONIC - so you better quick!
It has earned itself a five-star rating on the Cotton On website with one satisfied shopper hailing it "perfect for the winter season", writing:" Goes will all outfits and is so warm and comfortable!".
We're also loving the $60 PU Bomber Jacket from Target that has also made its rounds all over TikTok with many users loving how cute and affordable it is.
Looking for more? Scroll on for our round up of the best jackets including trench coats, wool coats, denim jackets, leather jackets and puffer jackets that will rug you up in style this cold season.
OUR TOP PICKS
THE BOMBER JACKET
First created for World War I pilots, the bomber jacket has transcended its military past to become a symbol of cool utilitarian style. Transcending seasons, the bomber jacket can be paired with just about any outfit you please.
PU Bomber Jacket, $60 at Target Australia
Why we love it: Stylish; trendy; easy to dress up or down
What to consider: One reviewer says it's long and oversized
Material: Polyurethane | Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Care: Machine washable
What You Need To Know
If you've been after a leather bomber that won't break the bank, this pick from Target is perfect. It has a relaxed fit and features a collared neckline, zip front fastening, long sleeves with elasticated cuffs and an elasticated hem. It's the perfect combo of modern and edgy, and it's a great piece that will see you through the cooler months as you can easily layer with it.
This piece has gone viral on TikTok with users hailing it "the comfiest leather bomber jacket ever" and "so cute".
One five-star reviewer on Target wrote: "Love this faux leather long bomber jacket. Material and quality is really good and looks cute on. It is long and oversized so I did size right down to the xxs/xs size. Very happy and an on trend piece currently!"
Atmos&Here Della Boucle Bomber, $129.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Trendy; size inclusive; wardrobe staple
What to consider: Mid-weight fabrication - may be abit heavy
Material: Polyester | Sizes: AU 6 to AU 26 | Care: Cold machine wash
What You Need To Know
Bomber jackets have been all the rage this season and we can't look past this option by Atmos&Here. Available in a tonne of sizes including curve sizes, this stylish jacket is made from a polyester-wool blend and features a snap button up front, pockets and a relaxed fit. It's easy to dress up or down, and perfect for the cooler seasons.
SHOP ATMOS&HERE COATS AND JACKETS
Padded Bomber Jacket, $50 at Target Australia
Why we love it: Affordable; easy to style
What to consider: Quite short in length; most sizes tend to be Click & Collect only
Material: Polyester | Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Care: Machine wash
What You Need To Know
This bomber jacket is perfect for days when you don’t want to wear a full-blown coat but still want some protection from the wind. Made from polyester, the jacket is as cosy as it looks and features side pockets, zip front fastening and elasticated cuffs.
THE LEATHER JACKET
Ena Pelly Essential Leather Biker Jacket 2.0, $450 (down from $600) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Classic piece; high quality; versatile
What to consider: Expensive
Material: 100 per cent Leather | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Care: Spot clean
What You Need To Know
An investment jacket that will see you through winters for years to come, this Ena Pelly option is created with pure leather. The biker design and clean cut gives it an effortlessly modern look while the silver hardware and zipper detailing adds some edge.
MORE LEATHER JACKETS AT THE ICONIC
Belle & Bloom Just Friends Leather Jacket in Brown, $449.95 at Myer
Why we love it: Great alternative to a black leather jacket; easy to style
What to consider: Expensive; limited sizes
Material: 100 per cent Sheep Leather | Sizes: XS to L | Care: Spot clean
What You Need To Know
Sure, a black leather jacket is timeless but don’t discount the endless outfit options a brown jacket can afford you. A little more low-key than its black sibling, this gorgeous Belle & Bloom option made from 100 per cent leather and featuring silver-toned hardware is dreamy. Replete with a zip-through front, notched lapels and zip-open cuffs – all the elements we love in a traditional leather jacket – this is a keep-forever jacket.
THE WOOL COAT
Not only do they look cosy and polished, coats created from wool or wool-blend fabric compositions will keep you seriously toasty.
Forcast Collins Wool Blend Coat – Black, $129 (down from $249.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Wardrobe staple; easy to style
What to consider: Not completely wool; medium-weight
Material: 48 per cent wool, 42 per cent polyester and 10 per cent other | Sizes: AU 4 to 16 | Care: Dry clean, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, warm iron
What You Need To Know
No wardrobe is complete without a staple black coat and this one from Forcast is perfect. Crafted from a medium weight wool-blend fabric, this timeless piece features a lapel collar, open front with a self-tie belt, side pockets and a midi length. It’s a practical and stylish piece that works with your everyday wardrobe and it can be layered with thanks to it’s slightly relaxed fit.
COS Belted Double-Faced Wool Coat, $450 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chic and stylish design; double-faced
What to consider: Expensive
Material: 60 per cent RWS wool and 40 per cent tencel lyocell | Sizes: AU XS to L | Care: See garment
What You Need To Know
Crafted from premium wool, this heavyweight coat acts as a refreshing break from the classic black coats we all see (and love). The beautiful dusty brown colour is a great way to warm up those cold weather looks without doing too much to the ensemble. This coat features a collar with wide lapels, long sleeves, a self-tie belt and two side pockets. Designed for a drapey oversized fit, it exudes an effortless elegance and it’s the perfect piece for layering with.
THE TRENCH COAT
Classic, transeasonal, refined and practical. The trench coat truly is the stylish Swiss Army knife of the coat world.
Classic Longline Trench Coat, $99.99 at Glassons
Why we love it: Stylish; perfect for transeasonal weather; great reviews
What to consider: Limited sizes; some reviewers say it's quite oversized and to size down
Material: 100 per cent polyester | Sizes: AU XS to L | Care: Cold gentle hand wash separately
What You Need To Know
We have seen this Glassons trench all over our socials lately and it’s not hard to see why. Crafted in a super elegant longline design, the trench is made in a chic beige colourway as well as black, charcoal and blue, and it features all the essentials: button front detailing, pockets, large collar and a self-tie belt.
WANT MORE? Read our roundup of the best trench coats worth considering this winter
ASOS DESIGN Tall Longline Trench Coat in Stone, $115 at ASOS
Why we love it: Great reviews; affordable alternative to designer trench coat; versatile
What to consider: Most sizes sell out frequently; some reviews say it's very oversized
Material: 67 per cent polyester and 33 per cent cotton | Sizes: AU 4 to 18 | Care: Dry clean only
What You Need To Know
Long trench coats are having a serious moment this season, with Camilla & Marc’s $900 version the IT coat (trust us, it’s a thing) of the year.
But news.com.au checkout Editor Hannah Paine reckons she’s found a much cheaper alternative — this ASOS trench coat which costs a fraction of the cost of the Camilla & Marc trench coat.
“I bought this trench coat after seeing several TikToks raving about it and it’s one of the best purchases I’ve made all year, I’m obsessed,” she said.
“It’s a great affordable alternative to Camilla And Marc’s trench coats and goes with absolutely everything.”
TikTok user @maddisonsullivanhunter says the ASOS trench (which she has in currently sold-out khaki) is the “steal of the century”, while another TikToker @mandyoverton_ says it’s her “dream trench coat”.
Be warned, this trench coat frequently sells out (but restocks often too) so grab your size when you see it’s in stock. There's also curve, tall and maternity versions available.
THE PUFFER JACKET
Now that we’ve embraced leisurewear wholeheartedly, the puffer jacket has seen a steep ascent to become ubiquitous in the cooler months. From variations in length and, well, “puff”, there’s something for everyone.
Recycled Puffer Jacket, $30 (down from $70) at Supre
Why we love it: Trendy; versatile; great reviews; detachable hood
What to consider: Cropped length may not be for everyone
Material: 100 per cent recycled polyester | Sizes: AU XXS to XL | Care: See garment label
What You Need To Know
This puffer has earned rave reviews and for good reason. Featuring a super stylish cropped length, detachable hood and the perfect level of puff, we know this jacket will see you through all your winter occasions from your hot girl walks to your morning commute. It’s also made from 100 per cent recycled materials. Plus, the detachable hood is a true godsend on an icy morning.
"This jacket is a perfect fit and so comfy to wear. The zipper works great and am loving that is not to long it has more of a boxy look to it. Loving my new waterproof jacket . Cheers to cotton on!" one wrote.
MORE SUPRE WINTER JACKETS HERE
P.E. Nation Initialise Jacket, $279 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Fun pop of colour; stylish design
What to consider: Cropped length may not be for everyone
Material: 100 per cent recycled polyester | Sizes: AU XXS to XL | Care: See garment label
What You Need To Know
If you need a fashion forward, heavy duty puffer that can accompany you on early morning coffee runs and freezing cold hikes, this P.E. Nation jacket is it. With a flattering cropped length and a boxy fit that can be cinched with the drawstring waist, it’s a truly versatile buy. The high neckline, long sleeves and quilted fabric ensure you’ll shrug off the cold with ease while standing out.
MORE P.E NATION JACKETS AND COATS
The Mother Puffer Jacket, $79.99 at Cotton On
Why we love it: Size inclusive; great reviews; detachable hood; nice neutral alternative to black
What to consider: Cropped length may not be for everyone; some reviews say it's too short
Material: 100 per cent recycled polyester | Sizes: AU S to 5XL | Care: Cold gentle machine wash
What You Need To Know
Made from recycled polyester with a durable water repellent fabric finish, this puffer will keep you warm and water proof all winter long. We love the relaxed fit and the fleece lined pockets to keep your hands toasty warm.
Superdry Ripstop Longline Puffer Coat, $279.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Super cosy; longline length; versatile
What to consider: May be very bulky
Material: Nylon | Sizes: AU 6 to 16 | Care: Cold machine wash
What You Need To Know
Just glancing at this puffer jacket from Superdry makes us feel warm. This longline nature of this puffer not only is best for cold weather but also makes it feel that little bit more deluxe than its counterparts. Created from nylon, this option features a detachable hood, pockets and a quilted look.
AERE Reversible Quilted & Sherpa Jacket, $126 (down from $180) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Reversible; stylish; less bulky than a puffer jacket
What to consider: Sherpa side may be itchy
Material: Polyester | Sizes: AU 6 to 18 | Care: Cold gentle machine wash
What You Need To Know
Want the warmth of a puffer jacket but without the bulk? This reversible quilted jacket is an excellent alternative. Made from polyester, this jacket has a slightly relaxed fit, round neckline, button up front and a reversible design - swap between the quilted side and sherpa side for any occasion.
THE DENIM JACKET
Levi's 90s Trucker Jacket, $159.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Timeless wardrobe staple; easy to dress up or down
What to consider: Expensive
Material: 79 per cent cotton and 21 per cent lyocell | Sizes: AU XS to L | Care: See garment
What You Need To Know
This mid-blue denim is so versatile that this jacket will quickly become a wardrobe staple. With a relaxed fit and pocketed design, dropped shoulders and front button closure, it's the perfect staple denim jacket to add to your wardrobe.
MORE DENIM JACKETS AT THE ICONIC
Forever New Curve Jamie Fitted Jacket, $99.99 at Myer
Why we love it: Stylish and versatile; minimal stretch
What to consider: Limited sizes
Material: 90 per cent cotton, 9 per cent polyester and 1 per cent elastane | Sizes: AU 16 to 22 | Care: Cold machine wash
What You Need To Know
This stylish jacket comes in a timeless mid-blue denim wash and features four pockets. Wear it over a floral dress when it’s warm or with jeans and boots in winter - the outfit possibilities are endless.
MORE FOREVER NEW COATS AND JACKETS
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A COAT?
According to Brooke, there are several tricks to buying the perfect winter coat.
“Be prepared to look and try, and look and try again. This isn’t a decision you want to rush. Don’t be swayed by colour if the fit is wrong and vice-versa. If you don’t love it, you won’t wear it,” she recommends.
“Prioritise warmth over trends. A wool-blend coat will keep you warm without the weight and bulk of a 100 per cent wool coat.
“Make sure you buy big enough to layer if required, but not too big that it swamps you or swamps your shape – and always check it has functional pockets.
“This sounds like an unnecessary point to make, but I’ve been caught out in the past.”
Essentially, you'll want to keep these factors in mind:
- Fabric: A good winter coat or jacket should have good insulation to keep you warm and cosy. Some great fabrics range from wool or wool-blend and fleece to even insulated fabrics, however you can still opt for lighter fabrics and just wear it with warmer layers.
- Style/Silhouette: Winter is all about keeping yourself warm so long coats are the way to go. You also want to look for a silhouette that allows you to comfortably wear layers underneath - a piece that fits you just right while still having space for layers is perfect. Winter coats tend to be more bulky, so you may not want an overly oversized piece that will swallow you whole.
- Versatility: You'll likely want one that's easy to dress up or down as well as wear across different occasions. Opt for a classic black or tan as you can never go wrong with those colours since they match everything.
- Care: Consider pieces that are easy to maintain and care for.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you stay warm and cosy this winter, our team of experienced writers spent hours researching different winter coats and jackets to include in this article. We found out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT TYPE OF JACKET IS BEST FOR WINTER?
There's no right or wrong jacket to wear during winter however, for autumn and early winters, you can opt for a lighter jacket like a denim jacket, a bomber jacket, or a trench coat. For super cold weather, puffer jackets, wool coats and leather jackets make great options as they're typically thicker and better at keeping you warm. You can also layer your lighter jackets with your heavier jackets or coats to really stay rugged up and warm.
IS A COAT OR PUFFER JACKET BETTER FOR WINTER?
If you're dealing with super cold winters, a puffer jacket would be the better and more practical option as they come in a variety of lengths, silhouettes, insulation weights and are sometimes waterproof. However, puffer jackets are a lot more casual than a coat so if you need to be a little more dressy then a thick heavy wool coat would still do the trick - just make sure you're wearing extra layers for maximum warmth.
SHOULD I BUY A TRENCH COAT?
Short answer? Yes. Yes, you should.
“Like a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers, a white button up shirt, and a little black dress, the trench coat will always be in style due to its practicality and versatility,” Brooke recommends.
“As well as being a great piece to transition through the seasons, there are so many variations to every body type and style preference.”
Take a look at our round up of the best trench coats to buy (including the $129 option that sells out every year).
Discover the best discounts on your favourite brands like UNIQLO, H&M, THE ICONIC and more at news.com.au’s Coupons page here.
To stay up to date with all the best new products, sales, deals and more, sign up to our news.com.au checkout newsletter here - it's free!
‘No-brainer’: Dapper men’s fashion essentials
Building a wardrobe can be stressful, but we’re saving your oodles of time and money with this excellent range of essentials.
I’m a curvy girl and I found the dress of my dreams
Something that will make getting ready in the morning a whole lot easier? Sign us up.
Vogue editor’s wardrobe ‘hack’ for winter
Save time and money with this wardrobe trend that actually involves cutting down on your clothes, not buying more.
We try: lululemon puffer that’s ‘so warm and flattering’
As the temperature drops it’s time to layer up and investing in a puffer jacket is one of the best ways to stay warm.