Hi everyone, im a southerner moving to Boston and looking for a warm coat as the spring sales begin. I’m 5’2 usually petite S/M. I’d like to spend under $300 either new or used. I’ve been looking at LL Bean’s mountain parka and warmer coat but also noticed a lot of older woolrich and ll bean coats on poshmark for good deals. I’d love to know if the older stuff is higher quality (I’ve noticed a lot more goose down than the modern ll bean downtek) or if there’s a materials disadvantage to it. I’d also love any other recommendations within my price range! I’ll likely be walking to work and to walk my dog year-round.

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Quail-a-lot t1_jbanesi wrote on March 7, 2023 at 5:59 PM

I recommend the Land's End Stadium Squall. Great hood, so many pockets, longer length, has the walking slits positioned so that you don't get a wet bum if you sit on something that is still damp, did I mention those pockets? And it comes in colours other than black for better visibility to cars and an easier time at coatchecks as a small bonus. They even come in petite sizing.

I like Poshmark, but here I would be wary because you don't know enough yet about what you need and want in a coat and you can't feel them up to know if the material will work. Some wool looks nice and thick, but is such a loose weave that the wind cuts right through. You are going to land up with more than one coat, so if you see one you like as a fancy dress coat and you forsee that being a need, it might be worth it, but don't expect it to work out as your main coat. You can find lots of nice sweaters, sweater dresses, and cozy cute winter skirts that way though!

stemcurious t1_jbhphd1 wrote on March 9, 2023 at 2:55 AM

seconding Land's End - I bought their mid-thigh length puffer coat in 2017 and it's still going strong. Super warm, hood is detachable, pockets are lined with sweater material AND zippable, and internal cuffs at the wrists to trap heat. I'm 5' 4" and the normal XS fits me well, but it also comes in petite if that's your preference.

source on quality of coat: I lived in Chicago and wore it in 0 F weather.

Best of all, Land's End is probably the only place you'll be able to find a good long puffy coat (which is the coat you will need below 30 F) for around 100 dollars. Otherwise the price for a good coat is usually 200-300. Just wait for one of their 50% sales and you should be under the 100 dollar mark.

Blueporch t1_jbafmbz wrote on March 7, 2023 at 5:09 PM

You will likely need several coats for different temperatures and weather patterns (rain), but if you find the kind with a water resistant shell and a zip out lining, that can count as two (and you can layer underneath with under armor or Wintersilks). Lands End, LL Bean and others make those kinds of coats.

I would avoid down coats with that silky nylon shell as it can snag and not wear well. But I have a decades old down coat from the Company store that is supposed to be warm down to something like -20 degrees.

A longer length and a hood are helpful to increase warmth.

Matzie138 t1_jbarime wrote on March 7, 2023 at 6:25 PM

My warmest jacket is a long marmot down one. I’d recommend something that goes down to your thighs. But maybe not marmot.

Marmot has a life time warranty, however they are completely backed up (months). My zipper broke and I’m not going to be able to get it fixed for this winter at all. Which stinks because I live in Minnesota.

MonaMayI t1_jbbj07l wrote on March 7, 2023 at 9:19 PM

I love my woolrich parka. Got it about 7 years ago at the macys Presidents’ Day sale for about $200? It’s a great shape and VERY warm. That being said, I do work outside, so it may be overkill for all but the most brutal days.

tallulahtaffy t1_jbc9hyf wrote on March 8, 2023 at 12:20 AM

I’ve had a suede Sherpa style coat for years with a sheepskin lining , I got it as a hand me down from a relative . It’s very warm and not as bulky as a puffer.

CamelHairy t1_jbcd7q4 wrote on March 8, 2023 at 12:48 AM

Lands End, LL Bean are both good choices

stemcurious t1_jbhrzpp wrote on March 9, 2023 at 3:14 AM

Like a lot of the other commenters have mentioned, you'll probably want 2-3 coats for the weather:

- a long down puffy coat for very cold days

- a waterproof jacket that you can wear a sweater under when it's cooler/wet but not cold enough for the big coat (think 40 - 70 F)

- and optionally, what I call a "fashion coat", or a wool coat that is warm but the primary value is "looks pretty" (good for dry winter weather that isn't too cold)

For the first, I would recommend Land's End. Good quality, lasts a long time, and very warm. On a good sale you can get a coat there for around 100 dollars, which is by far the cheapest you'll find outside of secondhand. You'll probably want this coat to be around knee length. That being said, you can definitely get lucky on secondhand stores.

The second coat is because the Northeast is wet, and there will be plenty of days that won't be cold enough for the heavy coat but will still be clammy and cool. I usually wear a (mostly) waterproof jacket with a sweater layered underneath. If you don't already have a jacket that works for this, mine is an Athleta knee length rain jacket and it's been perfect. Bought it a year and half ago and I've worn it for weeks on end and it still looks good.

The third coat you don't really need, but most people enjoy having a coat that isn't a big puffy jacket because it looks prettier. You probably won't use this coat until next winter, so once you move, thrift stores are a great place to find options. If you're shopping secondhand, you'll want something that's at least 30-40% wool for warmth.