Ahhh. The beautiful Pacific Northwest.
There’s just something about this place that has a way of seeping into your soul. The misty, moody winter mornings. The towering old-growth forests and majestic snowcapped mountains. The moss that covers the forest floor like a soft, dewy carpet, and cushions the trees, dripping off of their overhanging branches.
Visiting the PNW in the cooler months can be a very rewarding experience. Whether you’re planning a trip here or you’re a PNW native, this list will narrow down some of the most stylish (and functional) winter coats and jackets to wear in the Pacific Northwest this year.
From Cities To Coastlines
Living in downtown Seattle, I walked everywhere. Being that the city is at sea level and doesn’t get too cold during the winter months (it rarely snows in the city!), I didn’t need to wear as heavy-duty winter coats as when I hit the mountains. The same goes for other lower-elevation and coastal cities, such as Portland and Vancouver. Here’s what I recommend for those not-so-freezing days when wandering about in the city or exploring the PNW coastline.
Wool Coat
I love a good wool coat. Wool is a very versatile fabric. It’s insulating and it drys quickly, making it perfect for the rainy PNW. Dress it down with a t-shirt and jeans for a more casual look, or wear it over a dress for a classy but cozy outfit. I actually pack my wool coat with me every time I travel to a destination with a cold climate. It’s such a practical and stylish coat!
Windbreaker
Windbreakers are perfect for those days when it isn’t raining, but there’s still a chill in the air. The below are a mix of stylish and sporty windbreakers to shop or be inspired by for your PNW adventures! (p.s. I did my best not to include all black :P). Pair it with a tank and some jeans and sneakers for a casual, sporty look.
Puffer Vest
I never started wearing vests until moving to the Pacific Northwest. Now, I wear them all the time. They’re perfect for when you’re on the move and want to keep your core warm, but don’t want the sweaty armpits that come with thicker, puffy jackets. I love wearing them on hikes paired with a moisture-wicking, long sleeve shirt for those days it isn’t quite wet enough to need a raincoat. Plus, their super compact, which is a huge pro when bringing them along on long distance hiking trips.
Moto Jacket
Adding a Moto jacket to your attire can make it go from “blah” to “chic” with nearly zero effort. Pair it with a plain white tee and jeans to add some edge to this classic look, or add it to a nice blouse and dress pants to bring some style to the workplace. The possibilities are endless!
Raincoat
If visiting the PNW in the winter, or any time of year really, you’re gonna need a good rain coat. Whether you want a thicker, single layer raincoat or a thin shell you can wear over layers, I’ve compiled a list of some comfortable and stylish raincoats below with the perfect coverage to keep you nice and dry while out exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Fuzzy Vest
Who doesn’t love a nice and cozy, fuzzy vest? Perfect paired with a flannel or long sleeve shirt, I love these for lounging around a cafe with a good book, or walking around nature on a dry day.
Trench Coat
I love how a trench coat brings instant class to an outfit. It adds a lightweight cover to a layered outfit. Pair it with a turtleneck and jeans for a warm, casual look, or wear it over your work clothes in the morning when heading to the office. Personally, I invested in this piece by London Fog. A good quality trench coat never goes out of style, so I recommend choosing a piece that will last you and can become part of your wardrobe for many years to come!
Jean Jacket
Jean jackets are perfect for layering! Wear them alone, or layer them over a hoodie or under a raincoat for extra warmth. Whether you choose a fitted or loose jacket, in classic blue, edgy black or a white or grey, jean jackets will go with just about any outfit, and I love the casual feel they bring to any look!
Leather Jacket
There’s nothing like a nice leather jacket to make you feel like a badass walking around town. Pair it with a romper or dress for a classier look, or wear it over a hoodie for a laid back and casual vibe. There is really no wrong way to wear a leather jacket. Make sure you bring a hoodie or a raincoat with you, too, for layering!
Aviator Jacket
More comfortable than a leather jacket but just as stylish, aviator jackets have been making a comeback. Who doesn’t love a sherpa-lined jacket on a cold day? Level of coziness: 10/10.
For The Adventurers
So, maybe you’re the type of person that’s traveling to the Pacific Northwest strictly for the nature. Kudos to you! This section is for the adventurers. The climbers and hikers, skiers and snowboarders, those looking to get away from the crowds and become one with nature. You’ll find these jackets perfect for scaling mountains, setting up camp, shredding the slopes, or lounging around the campfire. No matter what adventure awaits, these jackets will keep you cozy and comfortable for the journey ahead. Enjoy this section of jackets and coats to wear in the PNW!
Ski/Snowboard Jackets
I love the durability and warmth of a ski jacket. Whether you’re actually boarding down the slopes, or up on a mountain ridge snowshoeing, a ski jacket will protect you from the elements, no matter what nature decides to throw your way. I’ll usually bring a puffer jacket with me, in case I get too hot for a ski jacket, or even for extra insulation if I’m camping out that night.
Fuzzy Jacket
There’s nothing like cuddling up around a fire in a warm, fuzzy jacket while camping. I’ll even use these as a pillow, or to line my sleeping bag with at night for extra coziness! I love pairing them with jeans and a flannel for a casual and comfy look!
A 3-in-1 Jacket
Wait, you mean I get 3 looks in 1?! Yes please! A durable weatherproof, outer shell, paired with a lighter fleece or puffer jacket for the price of one. Wear the shell alone, just the liner, or double up and wear both for extra insulation. It’s kinda like being able to unzip the liner from a ski or snowboard jacket if you get hot!
Puffer Jacket
Puffer jackets are the perfect adventure jacket. They’re lightweight, packable, and the down filling makes them extremely insulating. I use mine during cooler days, where I don’t need all the insulation from a parka or ski jacket. Pair it with a light raincoat incase it starts to drizzle!
Parkas
If visiting the PNW in the winter, a high-quality parka is a must. This is definitely the most expensive item on our list. After all, it’ll make the difference between being warm and cozy or completely miserable while exploring all the great nature the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Whether hiking or skiing, these parkas are sure to keep you warm this season!
Hope you enjoyed this post on stylish jackets and coats to wear in the PNW! What’s your favorite jacket style to wear? Comment below!
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