Which women's jackets are on trend this autumn?

When you're looking for a quality autumn jacket, there are three main types to choose from: practical parkas, light quilted jackets and classic wool coats. Your choice mostly depends on your everyday needs. For active walks and rainy weather, waterproof jackets (over 10,000 mm) are the better fit, while for work and the city, a longer autumn coat with a more classic cut is the way to go.

The short version:

• Parkas and raincoats: the best choice for wet and windy weather. Made from durable synthetic fabric with a waterproof membrane (from 10,000 mm), an adjustable hood and deep pockets.
• Quilted and lightweight down jackets: the most popular autumn jackets for an active everyday life. Their stitched pattern keeps the filling evenly in place, giving you warmth and a feeling of lightness without restricting your movement.
• Classic wool coats: autumn coats in natural wool or wool blends are ideal for work and city life. A classic autumn coat with a belt and a broader shoulder line gives your look an elegant edge and keeps you warm on chilly days.

Women's jackets for the autumn 2026 season

Parkas and raincoats

Best for: long walks in nature, an active everyday life and rainy autumn days.

Parkas and waterproof raincoats are the most reliable choice when the weather can't make up its mind. They're made from durable synthetic fabrics (nylon or polyester) with a built-in microporous membrane. This keeps raindrops from getting in, while letting your body's moisture escape so you don't overheat.

What to look for:

• Waterproof rating (mm): 5,000–8,000 mm is enough for light rain, but for long walks in heavy rain, choose 10,000+ mm with fully taped seams.
• Hood and collar design: check that the hood has drawcord toggles (so the wind can't blow it off) and that the high collar covers your neck completely.
• Two-way zip and storm flap: a zip that opens from the bottom makes sitting in the car easier, while a fabric flap over the zip stops the wind from blowing through its teeth.

Quilted or lightweight down jacket

Best for: cool, dry days, car journeys, travel and everyday errands.

Quilted autumn jackets offer excellent insulation and take up very little space. The distinctive stitched pattern (diamond or channel quilting) holds the filling in place and stops it from settling. These jackets are the perfect transitional option when temperatures range from +5°C to +15°C.

What to look for:

• Type of filling: natural down gives the best warmth-to-weight ratio (it's very light), while modern synthetic insulation (PrimaLoft, Thinsulate) copes better with moisture and is easier to care for at home.
• Outer fabric finish: make sure the fabric has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating – it makes light rain bead up and roll off, so the insulation doesn't get soaked.
• Comfortable cut: if you drive, cropped or oversized styles that end at the hip work best, as they don't restrict your movement at the wheel.

Wool coat

Best for: the office, formal events and city style.

A classic autumn coat is a practical choice for everyday city life. Natural wool holds in your body heat well while letting your skin breathe, which makes a coat perfect for cool autumn days. Wool also naturally repels light moisture. This kind of coat fits just as well into your work wardrobe as into your everyday looks, and it's easy to pair with all kinds of outfits.

What to look for:

• Composition: look for a coat with at least 50–70% wool or cashmere. Synthetic fibres such as polyamide make the fabric more resistant to fuzzing and pilling.
• Lining and cut: a quality viscose or silk lining lets your coat glide smoothly over your clothes. Choose a slightly relaxed cut so you can comfortably wear a blazer or a thicker jumper underneath.
• Moisture resistance: remember that a wool coat isn't made for heavy rain – when it gets soaked, the fabric becomes heavy and can lose its original shape.

Type of jacket	Warmth	Water resistance	Best for
Parka / rain jacket	Medium / high	Very high (10,000+ mm)	Prolonged rain and walks
Quilted / down jacket	High (very light)	Medium (with DWR coating)	Active days and car journeys
Wool coat	High (in dry weather)	Low / medium	Work, city life and events

How to choose the right autumn jacket for you

To find the best jacket for autumn 2026, start by thinking about your everyday habits. For long walks and rainy days, a waterproof parka is the safest choice; for a busy city pace and car journeys, go for a light quilted jacket; and for an elegant work look, a classic wool coat remains unbeatable. When choosing your style, be sure to try it on over a thicker jumper to check you can move freely.