Plus Size Winter Coats: Parkas, Sherpa and Faux Fur

A good winter coat is the piece you'll wear more than anything else from now until spring, so it's worth getting right. If you wear plus sizes, that can feel harder than it should: coats that pull across the bust, sleeves that stop short, or a shape with no room for a sweater. This guide walks through the three plus size winter coats that cover almost every need, a parka, a sherpa coat and faux fur, and how to choose the right size for each.

Quick guide: which plus size winter coat do you need?

• Full zip parka: best for everyday wear, commutes, errands and school runs.
• Sherpa-lined coat: best for cozy weekends and layering over hoodies and chunky knits.
• Puffer with faux fur trim: best for the coldest days when you want plenty of warmth.
• Faux fur coat: best for holiday parties, dinners and dressing up a simple outfit.

Most people do well with one practical coat for daily life and one dressier coat for evenings and the holidays.

The plus size full zip parka

A parka is the classic everyday winter coat: a hood, a longer length and pockets for your hands and phone. Our Plus Size Full Zip Hooded Parka is fully lined and has an adjustable hood and a zip and button closure that helps keep cold air out. It has a normal thickness, so it feels warm without being bulky, and there's room for a sweater underneath.

It comes in seven colors: Army Green, Black, Beige, Blue, Gray/White, Pink and Purple. Sizes run S to 3XL, and the 3XL has a 54.3-inch bust and a 33.5-inch sleeve on the size chart. It's 100% polyester and machine washable, which makes life easier in slushy weather.

How to wear a parka

• With leggings, a long sweater and boots for errands.
• Over jeans and a hoodie on the weekend.
• Over work trousers and a knit for the commute. Army Green and Black look the most polished.

The sherpa-lined toggle coat

If cozy is your priority, a sherpa coat is hard to beat. Our Cozy Sherpa Lined Toggle Coat with Hood has a classic toggle closure, a hood and a roomy fit that layers easily over sweaters. It's a thick, 100% polyester coat, machine washable, and it goes all the way from S to 5XL.

The colors range from easy neutrals like Brown, Grey and Black to brighter options such as Emerald Green, Burgundy, Purple and Pink. A neutral will go with everything; a jewel tone turns jeans and a sweater into a real outfit.

How to wear a sherpa coat

• Over a hoodie, with the coat's hood pulled up on windy days.
• With a turtleneck, straight-leg jeans and boots.
• Over a sweater dress and tights for a soft, casual look.

We compared sherpa with denim and faux fur jackets in our guide to women's fall jackets: denim vs sherpa vs faux fur, if you want to see how they stack up for milder days.

The oversized puffer with a faux fur hood

For the coldest days, look for padding and a hood. The Oversized Hooded Puffer Jacket with Faux Fur has a thick, padded and lined body with polyester filling, a faux fur hood and front trim, a zip-up front and ribbed cuffs that help keep drafts out. The oversized shape fits easily over chunky sweaters and hoodies.

Choose from Black, Apricot, Gray or Dark Khaki in sizes S to 3XL. Because it's meant to be roomy, check the bust measurement on the size chart before you pick your usual size.

The faux fur open front coat

A faux fur coat is the fun one. Wear it over jeans and boots and you instantly look dressed up. The Faux Fur Open Front Coat is made of soft faux mink fur with a thick, lined body, a relaxed fit and pockets. It comes in winter White or Dark Brown, in sizes XS to 4XL.

It's a great pick for holiday parties: try the White over an all-black outfit, or the Dark Brown over a cream sweater dress. Note that it's dry clean only.

How to choose the right plus size coat size

Coats are worn over other clothes, so fit works a little differently than it does for tops. Before you order:

• Measure what you'll wear underneath. If you plan to wear thick sweaters or hoodies, measure your bust over them and look for a coat bust a few inches larger.
• Check the sleeve length. Sleeves that are too short are the most common complaint with winter coats, so compare the sleeve measurement on the chart with a coat you already own.
• Know the cut. Oversized and relaxed styles are meant to look roomy, so you may not need to size up.
• Measure a coat you love. Lay it flat, measure across the chest under the arms, double it and compare it with the size chart on each product page.

Tips for styling a plus size winter coat

• Wear longer coats open with a long scarf to create a long vertical line.
• Pick one statement piece. If the coat is bold, keep the outfit underneath simple.
• Add structure at the waist with a belt over a puffer or parka if you like a more defined shape.
• Match your boots to your coat's tone, such as brown with brown or black with black, for a polished finish.

See every style in our women's outerwear collection, or shop the full plus size fashion collection for sweaters and dresses to wear underneath.

FAQ

What is the warmest type of plus size winter coat?

A thick, padded and lined puffer with a hood usually gives the most warmth. A lined parka is a close second and works well for everyday wear.

Should I size up in a winter coat?

Not always. Check whether the style is oversized or relaxed, then compare the bust measurement with your own measurement over a sweater.

Can I wear a faux fur coat every day?

Yes. It looks great over jeans and a simple knit. Just keep care in mind, since some faux fur coats are dry clean only.

Which coat is best for school runs and commutes?

A full zip parka with a hood and pockets. It's practical, easy to throw on and machine washable.