The Best Coat for Travel in Europe: Combining Functionality and Style

Last updated on November 8th, 2024 at 07:13 am

If you’re traveling to Europe in the cold months and looking for the best coat to bring on your trip, then you need to consider two things: one is what season you’ll be going and two is which region of Europe you’ll be visiting. Are you going in the fall, winter, or early spring? Are you heading to northern Europe or the south? These two questions will determine the best coat for your travel in Europe because different seasons require different outerwear or coats, and since Europe is a vast continent, the weather can vary significantly depending on the region and latitude.

But first, let’s determine the kind of coat that’s best for cold weather…

What kind of coat is best for cold weather?

The coat best for cold weather depends on many things like the severity of the cold, your specific needs, and your personal style preferences. Wool coats, down jackets, and parkas that come with excellent insulation are great for the cold. Look for the waterproof and windproof kind and those with features like a fur-lined hood, adjustable cuffs, insulated lining, and multiple pockets for added functionality.

So now that we’ve established that, let’s go into the coats that are particularly excellent for travel in Europe…

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Fall Travel to Europe

Northern Europe like in the Scandinavian countries (e.g., Denmark, Norway), the Baltic States, and northern parts of Ireland experience a significant drop in temperatures during the fall. The rest of the continent typically enjoys mild to cool or damp fall weather, with the Mediterranean area (e.g., Spain, Italy, Greece, and southern France) particularly experiencing the pleasant fall weather kind.

So if you’re visiting in the fall, you need a coat that’s lighter than a winter coat but still provides enough warmth for cool and breezy days or for the transitional weather that occurs in the autumn months. Look for coats with lightweight insulation or lining that offers a moderate level of warmth. Except if you’re visiting Northern Europe, in which case you need a thicker coat for more warmth.

Related Read: Europe Travel Outfits – What to Wear in Europe in the Winter

Best Coat for Travel in Europe in the Fall

These are examples of coats that are perfect for fall:

Long Coat

This cashmere wool coat is lightweight yet adequately provides the necessary warmth for cool autumn weather. The shawl collar protects your neck from the cold. It is well-made, has clean lines, and is elegant and beautiful. It can be dressed up or down, so it is versatile enough to be worn with different outfits and for various occasions. It isn’t bulky so it will fit well in your luggage, even in a carry-on.

Oversized Sweater

This oversized sweater’s versatile casual style effortlessly transitions from autumn chill to winter warmth and into the refreshing breeze of spring. Crafted with a luxurious blend of 50% viscose, 30% nylon, and 20% polyester, this sweater offers a plush and soft feel against your skin. The long batwing sleeves and turtle neck provide a cozy embrace, while the asymmetric high-low hem adds a touch of contemporary flair to your look. Pair it with your favorite coats, jackets, skirts, jeans, or leggings to create a chic and comfortable ensemble. Its laid-back elegance with this timeless wardrobe staple is destined to become your go-to piece for effortless fashion in any season.

Tartan Trench

This tartan trench coat is made from wool blends. Wool blends make great fall coats as they effectively provide warmth. The pair of pockets is functional for storing small essentials like keys and phones. The plaid pattern is a classic that can be matched with a wide array of clothing styles.

Double-breasted Coat

The classic silhouette and style of this long coat ensure you can wear it with anything. It is absolutely elegant. The wider collars conveniently keep your neck warm.

Knitted Poncho

You can opt for a knitted poncho (I love ponchos! I have a number of them myself.) that’s both stylish and functional like this one. It’s lightweight yet provides good coverage against the cold, so you’ll always stay warm and comfortable — great for fall weather! The boho look goes well with slacks, jeans, and leggings.

Winter Travel to Europe

If you’re traveling to Europe in the winter, you should know beforehand that the weather there can vary significantly across the continent because of its diverse geography and climate zones.

Winter in northern Europe is cold and often quite harsh, there’s a lot of snow, and nights are long with limited daylight. Western Europe (e.g., United Kingdom, Germany) has milder winters and snowfall is rare, but rainfall is more frequent, especially in coastal areas. Central Europe (e.g., Austria, Switzerland) and Eastern Europe (e.g., Hungary, Poland) have cold and snowy winters, the latter particularly experiencing heavy snowfall. Relatively mild and pleasant winters usually pervade the Southern Region and while snowfall is rare in lower-lying areas, it can occur in mountainous regions.

Best Coat for Travel in Europe in Winter

These are the best coats or jackets for winter travel in Europe:

Puffer Parka Winter Jacket

A quilted puffer parka with a Sherpa-lined hood like this jacket is one of the best for Europe’s winter, especially in northern, western, and central Europe, and in the mountainous areas in the south.

The quilted silhouette and fleece-lined hood provide a lot of insulation and warmth. The large collar and deep pockets protect the neck and hands. It is resistant to wind and water, so you’re safe from the chill and rain. And it’s not only functional but great-looking and stylish, too!

Waterproof Ski/Snow Jacket

If you prefer a lighter winter coat that still does the job, then the coat below is the way to go.

It is not quilted so there’s less bulk. It is made of breathable, waterproof fabric that locks in heat to keep you warm. The hood is detachable. This is also the coat to bring if you’re going to engage in winter sports activities like skiing in Central Europe such as in the Alps.

Heavenly Jacket

Another great option is this jacket from the brand Columbia. It has its patented heat reflective lining and metallic dot pattern interior lining, both of which ensure warmth, in a breathable fabric.

Long Puffer Coat

If you prefer a long coat, then this longer puffer coat with a detachable faux fur hood is the answer. It has a thick layer of insulation for excellent warmth and comfort, and a stand collar and windproof ribbed cuffs for added warmth. It protects against light rain and snow.

Steve Madden Winter Jacket

Another great option is this attractive and stylish puffer coat from Steve Madden. It combines both utility (provides adequate warmth) and style.

Parka Coat

If you like your coat made of cloth fabric, then this Sherpa-lined parka is the way to go. It looks nice and edgy because it doesn’t look bulky, but still provides the necessary warmth and comfort. The Sherpa lining keeps you toasty, the hood is detachable, and the cuffs are ribbed.

Traveling to Europe in the Spring

In the spring, you can wear a lighter coat (or even just a cardigan or sweater) in Europe since most of the areas in the continent then have milder temperatures. On some days, the sun comes out, while on others, there’s a bit of rain.

A lightweight cardigan or sweater like the one below will suffice on sunny days. You can throw it over any top or dress. I wore something similar when we were visiting the Rhine Gorge in Germany in the spring.

To prepare yourself for these occasional light showers, don’t forget to pack your trusty umbrella for added protection.

Coats to Wear in Europe During Spring

These are the best coats or jackets for travel in Europe in spring.

Shawl Collar Wool Blend Coat

A gorgeous and chic wool blend coat with a combination of earth-tone shades that blend well with a lot of colors. The wide shawl collars are stylish and the removable belt when cinched at the waist is flattering to the figure.

Belted Pea Coat

A light coat that’s perfect for spring. The edgy look is a winner.

Toggle-Buttoned Coat

A beautiful and fashionable pea coat. The silhouette is flattering to the figure and the toggle buttons give it character.

Knitted Sweater Cardigan

This fashionable animal-print cardigan not only provides warmth and comfort but adds style to your look as well. It’s soft, stretchy and comfortable.

Wrap Up

When looking for the best coat for travel in Europe, first consider the time and place you’re going. For fall and spring, lighter coats work best in the lower areas of Europe, while thicker ones are needed in the northern parts. Wintertime always needs a heavy coat wherever in Europe you’re heading, except in the Mediterranean countries where lighter jackets will do the job.

We hope you find the coat that fits you well. Happy travels to Europe!

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