Down coat--mid-thigh length or knee length?

BrieN

Looking at longer winter down coats and am a little stumped on length. Do you own one of these? How long is it? Is the extra length and leg protection of a knee length down coat worth the additional bulk and weight? This is for the next several Boston winters. Thanks for any advice.

7 years ago

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10 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I have the one below - It's long and I love every inch of it! The winters here in upstate NY are very similar to yours - COLD. The extra length is well worth it.

Lands' End

Women's Down Chalet Long Coat

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7 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

I'm in the northern half of NH. I kinda prefer those that hit at mid-thigh. I like the mobility for walking and hiking, and also driving. Also, it seems like there are a wider variety available at that mid-thigh long-parka length; once you get into the super-long ones, you're more limited. But if you run really cold, then knee-length is probably the way to go.

I'm only 5'4" so wearing a knee-length coat with tall boots can feel like "too much" -- my longest coat (wool, not down) hits a couple inches above the knee, which feels a bit more flattering (it also has a pretty deep vent on the back, for range of motion).

Whatever length you decide, make sure it has a two-way zipper!

7 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I have 2 knee length down coats and I walk a lot in them. I need the warmth of the knee length coats. I use to have mid thigh length coats but they were not warm enough. I have not had a problem walking in my coats.
I do have 2 way zippers in my coats which I use sometimes when I am driving.

7 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I walk a lot and live in Eastern Ontario. (Similar weather to yours in Boston but colder for longer). I far prefer a knee length (or just above or below the knee length) puffer for the warmth. I do think it is fun to have a mid-thigh coat also but that is mainly for skating or for wearing when I'm doing other gear-type stuff.

If buying a knee length coat make sure the zipper works both ways (i.e. can be opened up at the bottom). Oh -- I see Style Fan already said that.

Amazon

Lole Women's Katie L Edition Jacket

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7 years ago

Anonymous

mine is a little longer than mid-thigh and I think it would be better if it were longer. And actually, it would be way better if it had a bigger hood that actually was deep enough to stay on my head! The hood is such a huge design flaw....I digress.
I really like the colour and length of the one you posted BrieN.

7 years ago

peacechick

Veteran

I'm 5'4" as well. For warmth, a mid-thigh is good enough I feel, but I do tend to run warm. The mid-thigh length works great if you mostly wear tops and jeans. It is also a good length (and weight) when going out with a baby or small child in tow e.g. all the bending and lifting.

I have knee length puffers too because I think they look better and more ladylike when worn with dresses and tights. You for sure need a 2-way zipper with these.

Hoods are a must for me--bonus if they are lined with something warm! I agree about the design, make sure the hood can be securely fastened and doesn't blow off your head in blustery conditions.

7 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I've had both lengths in cold windy Kansas winters and replaced a thigh length with a second knee length. I also agree that being able to zip from top or bottom is a must. Down coats are light weight so extra length does not add weight. Mine are also not bulky.
A thigh length is only better if driving or running. A waist length jacket may be even better for that.

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Lole LOLE Women's Katie Coat with Faux-Fur Trim

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by Joy

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7 years ago

JamC

Veteran

I think the answer depends on if you will be driving or walking more. If you are walking or waiting outside for public transportation, knee length is better!

7 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

I was just thinking what JamC wrote--it depends on how much you'll be walking versus driving. In cold northern climates, I think it actually makes sense to have warm puffers in a couple different lengths.

7 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I have a down coat that I think is meant to be knee length but is actually midi length on me (hits midcalf) because I am short. This has been my only winter coat for a few years, and on days that are really cold (like below zero F), I'm so grateful for it! The extra length provides much-needed insulation. The same goes for days that are extremely windy--the extra length is a great windbreaker and keeps me so much warmer. Everone else is freezing, and I'm like, Huh? I'm fine.

However, having said that, on milder days, say, in the 20s or 30s F, the bulk of this coat is a killer. I get exhausted hulking it around and walking when I'm on errands. For that reason, I am looking for another puffer to complement the long one that I have.

I would personally recommend looking at what your weather tends to be, and if it is often very windy or extremely cold, have your main coat be the longer length, and get maybe a cheaper shorter one, and if your weather is more mild, I would spend your dough on a nice shorter one and buy a cheaper longer one. I really think that if you have a winter of any reasonable duration, you need two lengths.

7 years ago

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