Bear with me: I’m going to be that annoying person who talks about the weather.
Lately, New York has been bone-chillingly cold. I’ve lost count of how many layers I’ve had to throw on every morning, and my nose turns red the minute I leave the warmth of my apartment.
Of course, going outside would be 10 times worse if I didn’t have the proper attire. Luckily, the Filter team has gathered the very best winter gear (both warm and stylish) that we’ve personally worn for years. We also talked to experts – including people living in some of the coldest places around the world.
While few of us are dog sledding in Mongolia or adventuring through Iceland, these 20 durable staples have also helped us brave the frosty temperatures here in the US. Read on for our ultimate cold-weather apparel guide.
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Our top five winter essentials at a glance
For an ultra-warm coat: Patagonia Down Drift Parka
Gloves that keep your hands warm: ATG MaxiFlex Work Gloves and M Mcguire Wool Glove Inserts combination
Boots that keep your feet warm: Sorel Waterproof Slip-On Boots
To keep your feet even warmer: Ignik Compostable Foot Warmers
Pants that are warm and stylish: Aritzia knit pants
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Our picks for ultra-warm winter coats
Aritzia Super Puff
$250 at AritziaI depend on my Aritzia Super Puff to keep me warm on my frigid walk to the office. I credit this coat (that I fully acknowledge lives up to its name, making me look like a marshmallow) with helping me bear the last three winters. Its 800+ premium down keeps me warm, and I love that it’s both wind- and water-resistant. – Lauren Gould, editorial coordinator at the Filter US
Lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Long Jacket
$448 at LululemonI call this Lululemon puffer my “sleeping bag” coat because it looks like one, but it’s also so soft and warm I could sleep in it. I’ve worn it for six winters, through which it’s stayed waterproof, wind repellent and roomy enough for a thick sweater (and more layers) underneath. It’s freezing in New York City right now, but this coat has kept me toasty. – Karen Yuan, commissioning editor at the Filter US
Venustas Heated Jacket
Women’s
$189.99 at VenustasMen’s
$189.99 at VenustasWhen we asked writers around the world for their essential winter coats, Mongolia-based Breanna Wilson recommended her Venustas heated jacket, which she’s worn traveling with nomadic herders in the frigid countryside. “Thanks to the jacket’s heating zones in the chest, shoulders and pockets, my core stays warm,” she wrote.
Rains Long Puffer Jacket
Men’s
$550 at RainsWomen’s
$550 at Rains“It’s like wearing a duvet,” an engineer in Stockholm told writer Jonna Dagliden Hunt about her black long puffer, a staple in many Swedes’ wardrobes. “It’s also great for wearing with a skirt underneath – or the opposite: sweatpants for a grocery run, and no one will notice.”
Patagonia Down Drift Parka
$399 at Back Country $399 at Patagonia“I can tolerate a lot of cold things, but not a cold bum,” wrote Alaska-based journalist Julia O’Malley. She recommended her thigh-length Patagonia Downdrift Women’s Parka, which is extra warm thanks to 600-fill-power recycled down.
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Our picks for durable winter boots
Red Wing Classic Moc
$309.95 at Tip Top Shoes $319.99 at Red Wing HeritageIn 2019, I pulled the trigger on a pair of limited edition Red Wing boots to traverse filthy salt-covered sidewalks and lingering ice patches – and I learned they’re suited to just about any weather condition. The sturdy soles provide much-needed stability, and the leather repels whatever wintry mix is falling from the sky. They also play nicely with about 80% of my wardrobe. Seven years and hundreds of wears later, I can confidently say they’re one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. My exact pair has limited availability, but this style comes pretty close. – Ruth Baron, senior editor, US newsletters
Danner Explorer Boots
$439.95 at Dodds Shoe Co. $465.99 at The Western Company“I made those boots!” a total stranger once told me at a party, shortly after I bought these Portland-made Danner Explorers. Buying local has never felt more personal. The lugged Vibram sole laughs at snow and ice, and the full-grain leather upper is borderline indestructible. While they’re pricey, after 16 years and counting, I’d say they’ve earned their keep. The Gore-Tex liner doesn’t quite lock out water like it used to, but a once-a-year coat of Sno Seal keeps them serviceable. – Nick Mokey, editor at the Filter US
Steger Mukluks North Country Boots
$249.95 at Steger MukluksAfter years of searching for boots that kept her feet completely warm, Alaska-based O’Malley found the Steger Mukluks. “They keep my feet toasty – whether I’m riding on a snowmobile, slipping bare feet in them for a short drive to a hot yoga class or even on assignment in the Arctic,” she wrote. Handmade in Ely, Minnesota, they’re crafted with leather, canvas and thick wool felt.
Polyver Winter Boots
$196.95 at BobLeisureIn Stockholm, winters can range from 5F (-15C) to 50F (10C), with anything from slush to three feet of snow. Many of its residents wear the waterproof Polyver boots. “I can’t have a separate pair of shoes for every type of weather – ideally, I want one pair that works across the board,” a teacher told Dagliden Hunt. “Polyver boots have that dressing-gown or pyjamas feel – you just slip them on and head out.”
Sorel Waterproof Slip-On Boots
$120 at Free People $120 at ZapposReporting from Kuopio, Finland, journalist Paula Hotti recommends these thick-soled Sorel boots that she loves “for their stylish green and pink color combination”.
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Our picks for warm and stylish winter clothing
Alex Mill Nottinghill Sweater
$198 at Shopbop $198 at NordstromTell me you’re an elder millennial living in Brooklyn without telling me you’re an elder millennial living in Brooklyn: yeah, I did buy myself an on-sale Alex Mill Nottinghill sweater on Black Friday. It’s a perfect uniform when I need to look presentable but absolutely do not want to leave the house. A birthday party on a frozen Saturday night? Perfect. The office when I’m running late? Yes. Meeting a friend at an overpriced wine bar? Throw it on! I have tried to limit myself to wearing it no more than twice per week, and I have not been successful yet. – Ruth Baron, senior editor, US newsletters
Aritzia Knit Pants
$110 at AritziaI’m a sucker for a wide-leg pair of pants, and these knit ones from Aritzia have lasted me through the past four winters. Made with a double-layer structure, soft yarn and an added elastic waistband, these pants are warm and comfy without sacrificing style. They’re versatile enough to pair with my Salomon shoes for a gorp-core look or loafers for a dressed-up office outfit. And bonus: they’re stretchy enough to layer a pair of tights or leggings underneath for added warmth. – Lauren Gould, editorial coordinator at the Filter US
Sezane Gaspard Cardigan
$120 at SezaneRecently, I’ve been on a mission to up my office outfit game. For a fun pop of color, I adore this red knit cardigan from cool-girl-approved French brand Sezane. Made with mohair and alpaca, it keeps me warm, while its pearl buttons add an elegant touch. And if you’re a chronic outfit repeater like me, it’s also reversible, doubling as a chic boat neck sweater. – Lauren Gould
Aritzia Polar Tech Fleece
$138 at AritziaThis thermal hoodie has gotten me through chilly hikes in Peru and winter runs. It keeps me warm, and its fleece material elevates it beyond your average hoodie. I love pairing this with my Free People barrel jeans for an elevated sporty look. – Lauren Gould
Gobi Cashmere Organic Sweater
$159 at GobiWhile cashmere is an investment, Mongolian resident and travel journalist Breanna Wilson swears by this sweater from Gobi for keeping warm. “When temperatures are about -13F outside, only the best garments are going to cut it.”
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Our picks for accessories warmer than a scarf
Smartwool Merino Neck Gaiter
$32 at Amazon $35 at SmartwoolWhen temps drop below 30F (-1C), you won’t find me running, biking or even walking the dog without this thing. You can push it down over your chin to keep the wind at bay, or hike it up over your nose, mouth and ears in extreme cold. I’ve owned several varieties, and it’s worth spending extra for soft, breathable merino wool to avoid the clammy feeling you’ll get from synthetic versions. – Nick Mokey, editor at the Filter US
Inner and outer winter glove combo
M Mcguire Gear Wool Nylon Blend Glove Inserts
$9.99 at Mcguire Army Navy $12.99 at AmazonATG MaxiFlex Ultimate Work Gloves
$7.97 per pair at Home Depot $17.95 for a pack of three at AmazonThis inexpensive duo of winter gloves warms your hands as well as one bulky pair does, but they’re much easier to move your hands in. While they aren’t a substitute for a thicker pair of mittens, they’re perfect for when the weather warms up a bit. – Nick Mokey, editor at the Filter US
Athleta Running Gloves
$27.99 at AthletaA pair of well-constructed gloves is an absolute essential for my winter runs. I love this pair from Athleta, which shields my fingers from the cold without feeling too thick or bulky. I wear these for more than just runs, and love that this pair comes with touchscreen-enabled fingertips and gripping dots – which makes them suitable for climbing or hiking too. – Lauren Gould
Ignik Foot Warmers
$39.95 at Ignik $39.95 at AmazonBreanna Wilson credits these eco-friendly foot warmers for keeping her feet toasty during a nine-day dog-sledding trip across Mongolia. These are also reusable, coming with an AirBarrier pouch to preserve any leftover heat.
Malina Balaclava
$78 at MalinaA balaclava is the hat-and-scarf-combo’s fashionable counterpart. This one from Malina is made from an alpaca blend and is loved by one Scandinavian resident for keeping her face warm without sacrificing style.
More advice on how to stay warm this winter
Heated socks and puffy booties: what people in the coldest cities on Earth are wearing
I run over 20 miles a week in the winter. Here’s everything I wear to stay warm
The best winter gloves are two pairs, actually (and one is hiding at Home Depot)
Eight winter clothing essentials Scandinavians swear by – from heated socks to ‘allværsjakke’
