I polled my IG followers who live in really cold and snowy places for their favorite cold-weather brands that get them through the winter. There were numerous responses, but what I found is there was consensus on a few big brands: Patagonia, L.L. Bean, North Face, and Columbia. The focus was mostly on coats, but I also received some great responses about fleece-lined leggings, boots, and base layers as well. I like to test the fit of things personally, so I can give you an honest opinion, so I ordered a few of the top picks to try for myself.
Petite-Friendly Winter Coats and Boots
Starting with the coats. I ordered a pair from all of the brands above – but unfortunately, the Patagonia coat I ordered was too big for me to include. It was really warm and well made, but I just need to find a style that is more petite-friendly than the one I chose (for reference I ordered this coat).
Columbia Heavenly Jacket
What I love about this jacket is how lightweight it is to wear, but it actually keeps you warm. The coat is thin and easy to move around in and is lined with an Omni-Heat lining that keeps you warm. I also love the thumbhole option on the sleeves. The coat doesn’t come in petite, but I find it to have slim fit that is still petite-friendly.
Jacket XS | Boots tts | Socks | Leggings XS Short (these are not lined or super warm for reference) | Top XS
L.L. Bean Boots
L.L. Bean Boots were recommended numerous time as being a great option when you live somewhere where it’s constantly wet and snowy. I ordered an insulted pair (becase it was the most recommended). The boots are a splurge, but I can see them being something that lasts for years and years. They’re truly warm and comfortable – I wore them to a christmas lights event at an amusement park this week. It was freezing and we did a lot of walking, but my feet were nice and warm! I also love that these boots can easily be worn with jeans and don’t give off the “snow boots” look. I find the boots to have extra room in my true size (size 5) but its the perfect amount of extra room for thick warm socks so I would still consider them to be true to size.
North Face Metropolis Coat
This coat is very warm and has a nice slim fit with a cinched in waist. The sleeves are long on me because the coat isn’t petite, but the overall fit is close and almost feels like a petite fit. I also wore this coat to the amusement park this week and it was in the 30s, but I was warm all night!
Coat XS | Boots tts | Socks | Leggings XS Short (these are not lined or super warm for reference) | Top XS
Sorel Boots
Another brand of boots that was recomended over and over again was Sorel. There are lots of Sorel styles that would be great for cold and wet weather, but I chose this tan and black pair. I love the color combination and although they are warm, true snow boots – they’re not overly clunky and big on me. They are also very comfortable to walk in like the L.L. Bean boots. They’re true to size. If I was choosing between the two, it would come down how I planned to wear the boots. You can wear both in the snow, but the L.L. Bean boots are easier to wear day to day.
L.L. Bean Ultrawarm Coat
I always knew L.L. Bean had great things, but you all really got me into all that is L.L. Bean and the amazing petite selection they have (including cozy pajamas and robes)! This is the only coat on this list that is petite, so it has perfect sleeve length. It is roomy through the body and doesn’t feel super heavy – despite the fact that it’s rated as one of their warmest coats. I also grabbed this hat from L.L. Bean and it’s so warm (fleece lined) and has a small fit!
If you’re looking for other petite winter parkas, check out this post.
Coat Petite XS | Socks | Hat | Boots tts | Leggings XS Short (these are not lined or super warm for reference) | Top XS
More Petite Winter Essentials from L.L. Bean
Petite Baselayer Pants | Petite Baselayer Top | Petite Fleece Leggings | Petite Snow Pants
Petite-Friendly Base Layers and Fleece Lined Leggings
The ladies up North told me they live in fleece leggings with this pair from Athleta being the overall favorite pick. I’m still doing some research on more petite-friendly fleece leggings so stay tuned for more!
-Brooke
