The 11 Best Jackets for Kids of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Columbia Boys Glennaker Rain Jacket at Amazon

Waterproof nylon shell, elastic cuffs, and zippered pockets. It’s lightweight, protective, warm, and budget-friendly.

Best Denim Jacket:

Wrangler Denim Jacket at Amazon

Fans of the jacket rave about how well it fits and have purchased it for multiple kids and growth spurts!

Best for Toddlers:

Boden Water Resistant Padded Jacket at Bodenusa.com

The fleece-lined interior is built to keep the warmth in on the coldest days. Made of 100% polyester.

Best Budget:

Amazon Essentials Boys Puffer Jacket at Amazon

It is best suited for mild climates but can also be layered on top of a sweater for those colder days.

Best for Winter:

Arctix Slalom Insulated Winter Jacket at Amazon

If you are on the hunt for that winter jacket that stands up to the harshest climates the Arctix Slalom Jacket is the one.

Best Down-Alternative:

Lands’ End Kids Expedition Down Winter Parka at Landsend.com

This parka by Lands’ End is their warmest jacket with 600-fill power down and can be worn in -18 degree weather.

Best for Big Kids:

The North Face Youth Moondoggy Hoodie at Moosejaw.com

A great option for those frigid winters, it is 550-fill Down and has a sherpa-fleece lined hood and shoulders.

Best for All Seasons:

L.L. Bean Kids' Mountain 3-in-1 Jacket at L.L.Bean

Its water-resistant shell with a hood keeps kids dry, and the cozy double-layer fleece provides extra warmth.

Best Rain Jacket:

Hatley Boys’ Splash Jacket at Amazon

Fleece-lined for those cold and wet days, it is 100 percent waterproof and has pockets to keep your child’s hands warm and dry.

Best for Car Seats:

Buckle Me Baby Coats Tough Cookie at Bucklemecoats.com

This is a must if you are searching for a coat that makes buckling into a car seat a breeze.

Tis’ the season for cozy sweaters, pom-pom hats, and warm jackets. For kids, the best jackets keep cold air out, are fun and stylish, and can be washed and cleaned easily.

Depending on the age of your child and where you live, the best jacket for kids could be a parka for sledding and snowball fights or something as simple as a denim jacket. Baby buntings are best for infants, and toddlers might be better with something they can grow into. Keep in mind that sizing for jackets and coats can vary widely by brand and type so always take a look at the size chart when purchasing.

Below, our best-of list includes a kids jacket in every price range and style. The one thing you’ll find across the board; warmth. Happy shopping!

Over 6,000 reviews can’t be wrong–this jacket is best for kids for all kinds of weather. You’ll love the waterproof nylon shell, elastic cuffs, and zippered pockets. It’s lightweight, protective, warm, and budget-friendly. Layer it for colder months, and throw it in the wash when it needs cleaning. Every child can use this jacket.

Wrangler has been around since 1947 and continues to make quality products for the entire family. This jean jacket is built to withstand the everyday rigors of kids at play. Made from 100 percent cotton, it has a real authentic signature denim look that is built to last.

Depending on the age, the buttons can be tricky to close but it is best worn open anyways. Fans of the jacket rave about how well it fits and have purchased it for multiple kids and growth spurts!

This colorful jacket by Boden is really fun for any toddler. The fleece-lined interior is built to keep the warmth in on the coldest days. Made of 100 percent polyester, the storm cuffs are a nice feature to have when your toddler reaches for the snow as the cuff keeps the wetness out.

It has easy-to-grab zip pulls and signature reflective tape detailing, this jacket by Boden is super stylish.

The Amazon Puffer jacket is our top choice if you are looking for a stylish jacket that will not break the bank. It is best suited for mild climates but can also be layered on top of a sweater for those colder days. Offered in multiple color options and packs neatly into the included carrying bag, or will easily fit into a kids backpack.

The elastic cuff and hood paired with the down-alternative fill add to the warmth factor with this jacket. There is a lot of value to be had with this jacket!

If you are on the hunt for that winter jacket that stands up to the harshest climates, then the Arctix Slalom Jacket is the one. It features ThermaLock wind-resistant and waterproof 5000mm coating for ultimate protection. The zippered hand warmer style pockets close for added convenience, warmth, and security.

This jacket is a relaxed fit made from lightweight, flexible material to make winter activities as comfortable as possible. Whether it is hitting the ski slopes, walking to school, or just weathering the cold months, this jacket is our top pick for winter.

Lands’ End Kids Expedition Down Winter Parka

This parka by Lands’ End is their warmest jacket with 600-fill power down and can be worn in -18 degree weather. With a mature look to it, this parka has a stylish faux fur hood and hits below the hips for extra warmth.

The waterproof outer shell keeps your kiddo dry while the quilted lower body and sleeve lining keep insulated and warm. The SnowGuard wrist cuffs are a must for the next snowball fight. Lands’ End uses Responsible Down Standard (RDS) through an ethically sourced supply chain so you can feel good about the impact of your purchase. They claim there is no jacket that is warmer out there!

This jacket by The North Face is a bit pricier but an older kid can be given more responsibility than a toddler. A great option for those frigid winters, it is 550-fill Down and has a sherpa-fleece lined hood and shoulders. Very durable, this jacket can withstand many washes and comes out looking brand new.

Kids will love the compartments within the pockets to hold electronics and other gadgets. Although only water-repellent and not waterproof it will still withstand those snowy days.

Purchasing a 3-in-1 jacket is a smart choice if you live somewhere that has multiple seasons and this jacket by L.L. Bean comes in fun and stylish colorways. The hooded jacket features a water-resistant shell that'll keep your kiddo dry and a cozy double-layer fleece for extra warmth.

Each piece looks great worn on its own but when paired together it is the perfect winter jacket to keep warm and dry during the colder months. Parents rave about the value and versatility of this three-season jacket.

This rain jacket by Hatley has everything you would need. Fleece-lined for those cold and wet days, it is 100 percent waterproof and has pockets to keep your child’s hands warm and dry. With a little rain usually comes mud and this jacket can be thrown in the washing machine to get those stains out.

If you are looking for full body weather coverage, there is also a matching splash pant that Hatley makes to complete the set. Fans rave about the quality of the product and recommend sizing up to get a few years out of the coat.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children shouldn't wear bulky or fluffy coats or clothing under the harness of their car seat because of the risk of the fluff flattening out during an accident, causing an unsafe gap.

Buckle Me Baby coats have helped bridge the gap between safety and comfort by putting the coat's zipper in the front opening so the car seat straps sit directly on the child’s chest. The coat has been crash-tested and is Child Passenger Safety Techapproved. The coat is offered in three different warmth levels, Toasty, Toastier, Toastiest so that you can find the right one for any season. This is a must if you are searching for a coat that makes buckling into a car seat a breeze.

A good hood is important when the temperature drops or the rain starts to fall, and we love the elasticized trim around the hood, cuffs, and trim on this jacket by Primary. Made of 100 percent recycled polyester, it is just right for the cool weather and makes for a great layering piece in the extreme cold.

It comes with pockets, a full-zip front with a chin guard, and has a durable water repellent finish. On the inside, there is a cute rainbow pocket with an “I belong to” label to add your child’s name to ensure the coat always makes it back home.

For a jacket that’s geared to all kinds of weather, check out the Columbia Boys Glennaker Rain Jacket (view at Amazon). It earned our Best Overall pick thanks to its waterproof nylon shell, elastic cuffs, and zippered pockets. If your kiddo needs a jacket for cold weather specifically, there’s the Lands’ End Kids Expedition Down Winter Parka (view at Landsend.com). It can be worn in -18 degree weather since the coat has 600-fill power down. The faux fur hood is a stylish touch, too.

What to Look for When Buying Jackets for Kids

Sizing

When it comes to sizing jackets for kids, it can be a bit confusing because you want something they feel comfortable in but can also get great use out of. Your best bet for finding a jacket that fits properly is to check out the manufacturer’s size chart and take measurements of your kiddo.

Once you’ve taken their measurements, check out the cut of the jacket, and if you want there to be room for growth. Many parents and caregivers buy jackets a size up from their child’s regular size so they can grow with it or if they expect their child to wear multiple layers underneath.

If you want your child to wear a more fitted jacket, buy a jacket in your child’s current size. However, keep in mind that there will not be any room for growth so your child will only be able to wear it for a shorter period of time.

Comfort

The best way to ensure your child is comfortable in their jacket is for them to try it on. They will be able to let you know what doesn’t feel right and if there’s anything they would change. While you may be certain of your kid's size in other clothing, coats and jackets can vary by brand and type so take a peek at the size chart and try them on.

If trying on the jacket is not possible, check out the material as some fabrics are softer than others. Ensuring the jacket’s material is not too itchy or uncomfortable will help your child feel cozy and snug.

Seasonal

You’ll definitely want to consider the season of when your child will be wearing the jacket. While you'll want to reach for a puffy, lined coat for a colder winter climate, you'll want to choose a lightweight option that can bounce between spring and autumn weather.

For jackets needed during winter, you’ll want to pick out something that’s heavy and insulated. This will help your child stay warm during those chilly winter months. Coats lined with flannel or wool will keep the frost out all season long. You can also look for additional features on jackets for those cold times, like a hood, warm pockets, and double zipper for easy removal.

During seasons like fall and spring, you’ll want a jacket that keeps them warm during those brisk mornings but still feels light enough during the afternoon. Those seasons can be tough when it comes to picking out which jacket to wear, so your best bet is to go with something that is light enough for a slight chill but roomy enough to be worn as a layering piece for extra warmth.

Final Verdict

The best jacket for your child will depend on the weather where you live and your child’s age. Both my kids have a Hatley Splash Jacket (view on Amazon) for the fall and spring seasons. It is surprisingly durable and warm. For colder weather, a puffer jacket offers a great fit for toddlers and can be packed easily.

If you plan to spend a little more money, size up so that you can make the jacket last two seasons. Just make sure it’s still safe when riding in the car seat.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer & creative consultant based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She enjoys working with startups and regularly covers product launches in the lifestyle, beauty, and motherhood space. She has a 3-year-old son and an infant daughter and is the co-founder of Loonie Kid, a Canadian clothing company for kids and toddlers.

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