Best Winter Jackets for Kids 2022

The human body rapidly loses its heat in cold temperatures, and because kids are smaller than adults, they are more vulnerable to over-cooling. Therefore, you should never send your kids out to play with long exposure to the cold weather, unless they are wearing a good winter jacket.

The right winter jacket should be able to maintain your kids’ body temperature, have safety features, and be durable enough to withstand several seasons until they outgrow it. We have prepared a list of the best and warmest winter jackets for kids, along with a list of factors you should consider when choosing the winter jacket that will best suit your kid.

 

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Best overall

1. Mountain Warehouse Fell Kids 3 in 1 Jacket

Exterior Material: 100% Polyester (Machine Washable)

Weight: 0.92 lbs

Insulation: None

The Mountain Warehouse Fell Jacket is a versatile jacket that can be worn in either warm or cold temperatures.

What we like about the Mountain Warehouse Fell jacket is that it is perfect for the changing weather conditions. It has a water-resistant outer shell and a detachable inner jacket made with fleece fabric. Both can be worn on their own when it’s a bit warm outside, or they can also be worn together when it gets colder. The jacket features a packable hood that you can simply roll up and pack into the collar. It also has two convenient side pockets, and its outer shell is treated with DWR coating to let water bead and roll off the fabric. However, it is not intended for heavy rain. This jacket comes in multiple colors that suit both girls and boys, and is available in sizes for toddlers up to 13-year old kids. We advise you to size up, so your kid can wear it for several seasons. This jacket is well-made, performs well in cold weather conditions, and is ideal for all moderate weather conditions, although not for the extremes.

What we do not like about the Mountain Warehouse Fell 3-in-1 Jacket is that it is not insulated with down feathers or synthetic insulator. Thus, it is not suitable for extreme cold weather conditions. Plus, the sizing is a bit off, so as stated above, we recommend you to you size up. All in all, this jacket is warm, water-resistant, and is versatile enough to be used in all seasons, even in the summer when it’s not too warm.

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The snowy season is upon us! Make sure your loved ones’ stay warm and toasty with the perfect winter jacket. Check out our recommendations for the best winter jackets for men and best winter jackets for women to find the perfect winter outer wear. 

 

Best winter jackets for toddlers

2. Columbia Boys’ Powder Lite Hooded Jacket

Exterior Material: 100% Polyester (Machine Washable)

Weight: 0.56 lbs

Insulation: Synthetic

The Columbia Powder Lite jacket is a lightweight and insulated jacket that will suit toddlers best.

What we like about the Columbia Powder Lite Hooded Jacket is that it is insulated with 100% polyester Thermarator insulation, which gives featherlight warmth without adding weight. This synthetic down traps warmth, and retains your kids’ body heat even when damp or wet. Along with this is Omni-Heat Reflective technology, which is a breathable material that reflects body heat with the use of little silver dots and has the ability to dissipate moisture. This is a comfortable winter jacket for toddler boys, as it is made with water-resistant fabric with thermal reflective lining to keep them warm and comfortable. It also features an adjustable hood with a soft integrated chin guard for more coverage. In addition, it has two zippered pockets and a drawcord adjustable hem. Furthermore, its shell is made with Storm-Lite DP II to better resist rain and snow. It is lightweight and warm, stylish, and comes in various vibrant colors.

What we do not like about the Columbia Powder Lite Hooded Jacket is that it runs a bit small. Thus, sizing up is advisable. Overall, this is a nice jacket that will keep kids warm even under 20°F. It is light enough for toddlers, and it is not too bulky.

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3. Columbia Girls’ and Toddlers’ Katelyn Crest Jacket

Exterior Material: 100% Nylon; 100% Polyester

Weight: 1 lbs

Insulation: Synthetic

The Columbia Katelyn Crest is a perfect winter jacket for toddler girls who love playing outside, even in the winter.

What we like about the Columbia Katelyn Crest Jacket is that it has a breathable synthetic insulation that helps prevent overheating, as well as water-resistant Storm-Lite DP II fabric to keep your kid dry even in light snow and rain. It features an attached and adjustable storm hood that comes with a removable faux fur trim that can be packed away neatly into any pocket. It also has two fleece-lined zippered pockets, snug and comfortable cuffs, and reflective details as an added safety feature. The Katelyn Crest jacket comes in a wide range of light and dark colors that your kids will surely love. Its hood is lengthy enough to cover the forehead, and its collar can cover the mouth and chin for extra warmth and protection. It is true to size, and offers a perfect snug fit. However, if you want your child to wear it for more than one season, you can choose to size up.

What we do not like about the Columbia Katelyn Crest Jacket is that it is not for the extreme cold weather temperatures, and it is not for heavy rains either. All in all, this jacket is warm, not bulky, and it is stylish and light enough for toddlers.

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Best winter coats

4. Orolay Children Hooded Down Coat

Exterior Material: 100% Polyester (Machine Washable)

Weight: 2 lbs

Insulation: Down

The Orolay Hooded Down Winter Coat for kids will surely allow them to fully enjoy winter outdoor activities.

What we like about the Orolay Hooded Down Coat is that it is filled with 90% duck down and 10% duck feathers for optimum warmth. It is as stylish as the adult counterpart, which is one of the top-rated coats on the market. It is made with a windproof and water-resistant fabric, and features a fleece-lined hood, two zippered chest pockets, and two zippered exterior pockets. This is one of the warmest coats for kids, and it is neither too bulky nor too heavy. It is also stylish, well-made, and easy to wash. All you have to do is just follow the care instructions. Finally, this coat comes in a wide range of sizes and in several colors.

What we do not like about the Orolay Hooded Down Coat for kids is that the sizes run a bit small. Therefore, we advise you to size up. It is also not for the extreme cold nor for winter sports. But all in all, this is an adorable, warm winter coat that is made with quality materials. It is perfect for your kids to enjoy winter activities without feeling uncomfortable.

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5. F.O.G. by London Fog Big Boys’ Technical Heavyweight Coat

Exterior Material: 100% Polyester (Machine Washable)

Weight: 1 lbs

Insulation: None

The London Fog Big Boys’ Technical Heavyweight Coat is a great-quality purchase that does a great job in cold weather temperatures.

What we like about the London Fog Big Boys’ Technical Heavyweight Coat is that it is nice and snugly with its soft fleece lining. It’s a heavyweight winter coat, but it is not too stiff, meaning that it will still provide your child with freedom of movement to be able to play outdoors. It features two zippered front pockets, and a hood for added warmth. In addition, it provides Velcro adjustments on the cuff of the sleeves, and its collar goes up to the chin for more coverage. Its outer shell is water-resistant and has reflective details, so you can still see your child when it gets darker. Finally, it’s comfortable, it looks good, and it is neither too bulky nor heavy.

What we do not like about the London Fog Big Boys’ Technical Heavyweight Coat, however, is that it runs a bit small, so it is best to size up. This will provide you with more room for extra layers and room for growth. The sleeves may also be a bit long for some, so it helps if you roll them up. Additionally, it is not insulated, but it is lined with soft fleece. Overall, this is a nice, warm coat for kids, as it is not constricting nor too expensive.

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6. Columbia Girls’ Nordic Strider Winter Coat

Material: 100% Synthetic Fibers (Machine Washable)

Weight: 1 lbs

Insulation: Synthetic

The Columbia Nordic Strider is an ultra warm coat for kids. With the Outgrown feature, you can get the most out of your money.

What we like about the Columbia Nordic Strider is that it’s packed with quality features. Indeed, it is made of Omni-Tech waterproof and breathable fabric with Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology, which can regulate your child’s body temperature with the use of little silver dots that reflect and retain body heat. This is a stylish winter coat that comes with an adjustable, microfleece-lined hood with removable faux fur trim that can be tucked away into a pocket. It has two front pockets, a media pocket, an elastic waist, comfort cuffs, a drop tail for more coverage, and reflective details to provide more safety. The Nordic Strider also features Columbia’s Outgrown grow system, which will allow you to extend the coat’s life, so that it can last a few seasons.

What we do not like about the Columbia Nordic Strider is that the zippers are not very sturdy. Therefore, you might want to be careful when zipping and unzipping. All in all, this is a super warm, lightweight winter coat that does not overheat. It is true to size, and allows for adjustments, so it can be used for multiple years.

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Clothes and accessories that are appropriate for winter are not cheap which is why you need to make sure that you’re buying something that is of good quality. If you’re planning on updating your winter closet, check out our Winter Clothes and Accessories tab for our top winter wardrobe recommendations. 

 

Warmest winter jackets for kids

7. LONDON FOG Boys’ Big Active Puffer Jacket

Material: 100% Polyester (Machine Washable)

Weight: 1 lbs

Insulation: Synthetic

The London Fog Boys’ Big Active Puffer Jacket is stylish and super warm, making it perfect for toddlers and big boys’ winter outdoor activities.

What we like about the London Fog Boys’ Big Active Puffer Jacket is that it has synthetic insulation. Plus, it is fleece-lined, which makes it really warm for the cold weather. It features a sherpa-lined detachable hood, two zippered pockets, Velcro tabs on the cuffs and main zipper closure, and Velcro at the collar, so it can also act as a chin guard. Its hood is removable by a zipper, and can also be Velcroed at the front for security. It holds up well to the daily wear and tear. Additionally, it is rugged-looking, and comes in several colors to choose from. It is thick enough to provide warmth, without being too bulky or heavy. Finally, it fits well, and leaves room for growth or for wearing layers underneath.

What we do not like about the London Fog Boys’ Big Active Puffer Jacket is that it runs a bit small, so it may be best to size up. All in all, this coat is very warm and comfortable, and offers nice color combinations.

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8. Marmot Ajax Down Puffer Jacket

Material: 100% Polyester (Machine Washable)

Weight: 0.62 lbs

Insulation: Down

The Marmot Ajax is a very warm puffer jacket that is insulated with a 700-fill power down insulator.

What we like about the Marmot Ajax Down Puffer Jacket is that it is lightweight, even with its duck down insulation. It is also made with a light, ripstop polyester fabric that is coated with a DWR treatment, so that it can shed light rain and snow. It features a chin guard, two zippered hand warmer pockets with a wind flap to protect the zipper from water or snow. It has elasticized cuffs for a more secure fit, and to both block the cold and retain the heat. The Ajax jacket features Angel-Wing Movement sleeves to allow a full range of arm movements, and prevents the jacket from rising up when the arms are raised. It is available in a range of sizes and beautiful colors that are not too flashy. Even if it is a puffer jacket, it is not bulky looking, nor heavy. Plus, it performs well, even in 20°F.

What we do not like about the Marmot Ajax Down Puffer Jacket is that it doesn’t have a hood and any adjustments at the waist, which makes it vulnerable to the cold wind. All in all, this is a warm winter jacket with adequate down insulation. It fits well, and leaves enough room for extra layers, and for growth.

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9. Arctix Girls Jackalope Insulated Winter Jacket

Material: 100% Polyester (Machine Washable)

Weight: 1 lbs

Insulation: Synthetic

The Arctix Jackalope Insulated Winter Jacket is a good choice for kids who love to stay active, even in cold weather.

What we like about the Arctix Jackalope Insulated Winter Jacket is that it is insulated with 140g of ThermaTech insulation, which offers optimum warmth between -20°F and 35°F, depending on the child’s activity. It offers a multi-layered design with a high-tech outer shell to keep your kids warm and dry, as well as a breathable inner material between the outer shell and insulation that wicks away moisture. Plus, it has 140g of insulation with heat-trapping micro chambers. The Jackalope also features zippered hand warmer side pockets, two cargo pockets, an interior pocket with closure, a zippered chest pocket, one cargo chest pocket, an attached hood and Velcro-adjustable cuffs. It is not too bulky, it fits well, while leaving enough room for a few extra layers, and it is very comfortable.

What we do not like about the Arctix Jackalope Insulated Winter Jacket is that the zipper is not that sturdy. Therefore, you have to be extra careful when zipping. All in all, this is a warm and comfortable winter jacket with lots of functional pockets, that leaves plenty of room for layering.

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10. Columbia Girls’ Bella Plush Jacket

Material: 100% Polyester

Weight: 1 lbs

Insulation: Synthetic

The Columbia Bella Plush Jacket will provide optimum warmth, not only in winter, but also in spring and fall.

What we like about the Columbia Bella Plush Jacket is that it is insulated with 100g of Microtemp XF II, which is a synthetic polyester insulation and plush fleece lining. Its shell is made of Microtex Lite polyester, which can resist wind and water. It also features an attached hood, two gusseted and zippered hand pockets, binding at the cuffs to seal out cold, and reflective details for more safety. It comes in a wide range of sizes and beautiful colors that your child will surely love. It is soft and warm, fits true to size, while leaving enough space for a few layers underneath or for room to grow. Finally, it does not restrict movements, and it does not look bulky when worn.

What we do not like about the Columbia Bella Plush Jacket is that it may be a bit too large for some kids. But all in all, this is a nice, warm and comfortable jacket. It is stylish, offers a nice color selection, is not too heavy, and is roomy enough to be used for multiple seasons.

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Best Winter Jacket  for Kids Comparison Table

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No matter what kind of outdoor winter activity you want to enjoy, you will need insulated clothing. They are an investment which is why it is important to maintain them properly to make them last longer. To help you avoid making an expensive mistake, we wrote this helpful guide on how to care for and wash insulated clothing. 

 

FAQs

At what temperature should a child wear a winter jacket?

Every child is different, and some have stronger tolerance to cold weather conditions. However, it is best that they wear a jacket around 40 to 50°F and below. A winter jacket, hat and mittens must be worn around 30 to 40°F and below, and a full set of snow gear and a really good insulated jacket is indispensable when the temperatures are below 30°F.

Can a child get sick from not wearing a coat?

A study from the New England Journal of Medicine states that kids who were not wearing coats did not catch a cold, virus, or any other illness caused by bacteria. Viruses and bacteria are contracted by close contact with another person carrying a bacterial or virus infection. Thus, only exposure to a virus or bacteria can cause a cold. However, not wearing a winter jacket or coat while in dangerously cold weather temperatures can cause hypothermia and other conditions.

 

Buying guide

Insulation types

• Down
  

  An insulator made from ducks and geese feathers, and is considered as nature’s best insulator. It can provide the most warmth without added weight nor bulk, as long as you do not get it wet. Down insulators are ultralight, packable, and warm. However, they do not insulate when wet, and they are not quick-drying. Overall, they are best used for low-intensity activities or casual occasions.

• Water-resistant down
  

  Down can handle dampness with a polymer treatment, thus making it water-resistant. This insulator is as light as a regular down, and it is also warm and packable. However, it comes at a price.

• Synthetic insulation

This insulator performs well when damp, it is quick-drying, and less expensive than down insulators. However, it is a bit heavier, thus less packable and less durable as well.

• Down/Synthetic insulation

This insulator offers a mix of down and synthetic insulation. Some manufactures blend both insulators together, and use them either throughout the jacket or just in other parts. This hybrid insulation is not very expensive, and provides the benefits of both down and synthetic insulation.

• Wool/Synthetic insulation

A few manufacturers also blend wool with synthetic insulation to create sheets of insulator. These have the ability to insulate even when damp, and resist odors.

Types of jackets

• Fleece and soft-shell jackets

  These are inexpensive, soft, and warm fleece jackets that can also work as a middle layer. These offer lightweight insulation with a little rain and wind protection, and a comparable warmth to lightweight fleece jackets.

• Snow jackets
  

  These are insulated coats, mostly made with synthetic fill, that have at least one or two features to make them appropriate for the slopes. Most are also waterproof and breathable, so they can double as rain gear.

• 3-in-1 jackets
  

  These jackets provide a combination of a rainproof outer shell and an insulated liner, which is often made of fleece or an insulating down or synthetic fill. It is the most versatile outerwear option that will allow kids to wear each piece separately or together.

 

Features

• Jacket length
  

  Most jackets are waist or hip length, because the longer the jacket, the more warmth it can provide.

• Hood

Kids’ jackets have similar hood designs and adjustment features as adults’ jackets. However, jackets for toddlers and infants have elastic safety and simplicity instead of drawcord and tab adjustments.

• Cuffs, waist and hem closures
  

  Elastic closures on kids’ jackets help seal in warmth without the trouble of adjusting drawcords or tabs. Drawcords can also be a hazard, which is why some brands do not incorporate them into their kids jackets. Adjustable cuff closures will do a better job at sealing out cold air.

• Thumbhole cuffs
  

  This feature will allow kids to pull the sleeves down over their wrists for more warmth and coverage. Thumbholes also keep inner jacket sleeves from riding up when they pull on an outer layer.

• Snow features
  

  Features like snow skirts, reinforced cuffs, snow pass holders, and more come in handy for winter sports. For an occasional sled run or snow activities, any waterproof insulated outerwear works just fine.

• Reflective accents
  

  Reflectivity is important when it gets darker. A little reflective logo or piping on a jacket will make it very visible whenever a pair of headlights sweeps across it.

 

Tips for buying kids’ winter jackets

• Plan for extra layers to wear underneath
• Buy a jacket that suits your climate
• Consider your kids’ activity levels
• Check the sizing chart
• Accessorize with hats, mittens or gloves, socks, and winter boots.

 

Final Thoughts

Snow days are always fun for kids because they get to enjoy activities, such as sledding and snow ball fights, that they can’t normally do on a typical day. In order to make sure that your kids will be safe and warm while they enjoy the snow, you need to get them a good winter jacket. 

There are many kinds of winter jacket for kids. Most of these jackets are similar to adult jackets but some are manufactured with features that are more kid friendly. If your child is on the younger side, investing in jackets with features that are made specifically for kids is definitely a good idea. 

If you’re not sure about which winter jacket to choose for your kids, you won’t go wrong with any of the clothing pieces that we mentioned in this article. The winter jackets that we have listed are the best of the best and are definitely a good companion for your kids on a snowy day.