Harper Coats Review: The January Parka  That Keeps Me Warm

As a kid, I was invincible against the cold. Now, I can’t stand it.

No, I don’t live up north. Yes, I’m a wimp when it comes to anything below 50°. But I’m not ashamed, I’m annoyed.

Partially because people keep trying to tell me that it’s too cold to eat ice cream in January (ice cream is an always treat), but mostly because finding clothes that actually keep me warm — without turning me into the Michelin Man’s shorter-but-hopefully-better-looking cousin — is tough. And the ladies know what I mean here. The vast majority of women’s fashion doesn’t “do both,” and by that I mean look good and be practical.

Which is why, when I heard that Harper Coats had somehow cracked the code with a line of stylish, cold-weather coats and parkas, I was pretty skeptical.

Sure, the brand’s photos look great. And the fact that the coats are machine washable is an undeniably huge win. Female-founded? A promising point. And yeah, the fact that each faux-down-filled piece is completely cruelty-free checks a box I didn’t realize I actually, really needed. But how could Harper Coats possibly live up to the level of its promise? What was the catch? Did all the coats have those fake, tiny, paper-clip-sized pockets or… what?

There was only one way to find out. So, I gave Harper a shot, opting for the brand’s signature, January Parka, and stepped outside into some of the coldest weather we’ve had this season. Here’s my experience and review of Harper Coats.

Female-founded and ethically-designed, Harper Coats are made to fit any lifestyle while withstanding the worst of winter weather. Their coats are durable and machine washable, so you can enjoy your puffer, parka, or bomber worry-free.

Harper Coats are also certified fully vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably-made, using environmentally-friendly materials to deliver warm, faux-down fills and stylish, faux-fur trims. In partnership with PETA, Harper Coats ensures that the down used in their coats is sustainably made without any animals being hurt in the process. They incorporate real user feedback into their designs, and thoroughly test each product to ensure that each coat satisfies the needs of customers.

When I was a kid, my parents couldn’t keep me off the beach or out of the water — even in Winter. When it snowed, I’d be outside all day and into the evening, building snow forts and snow people well after the sun had set — until my fingers were numb through my gloves, stopping only to snag a mug of hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. (I’m proud to report that my eye for perfect marshmallow-to-cocoa ratios has not changed. When it comes to making hot chocolate, she’s still got it.)

As I got older, whatever warm barrier of nostalgic, childhood fun that had protected me slowly started to fade. Gradually, the cold began to seep in, and, long story short — now I hate it. And that’s mostly because, until recently, I couldn’t find a way to keep warm that wasn’t a hassle to have on throughout the day.

In my experience, shopping for a winter coat goes something like this:

• Coats are either:
• Warm, but not cute
• Warm, but not comfortable
• Cute, but not warm
• Or comfortable, but not cute.

Using direct customer feedback and a series of ongoing product surveys to design a line of 3 sustainably-made, ethically-sourced, cruelty-free puffer coats, Harper Coats is a newcomer to the world of frost-fighting frocks — and claims to have finally resolved the women’s winter coat conundrum.

Before we jump into the January Parka’s performance, there’s a brief bit of backstory around the puffer coat style that’s probably important for context. Simply put, some people, whether out of necessity or personal preference, absolutely swear by this style. I, historically, have never been that person. Every large, puffy coat I’ve tried has either attempted to snuff me out of existence or swallow me whole.

Designer coat options left me wanting something more, especially when the price tag was so substantial (and many designer, down-filled options are, by nature, not cruelty-free). Most of my experiences involve limited mobility, overheating, and hissing like a deflating balloon as the coat in question decompresses. So, I’d determined that puffer coats were too much puff and not enough coat —at least for my taste. Until I put on the January Parka.

I know it might sound cliché to say that this was a perspective shift, but it honestly was. I’d spent so much time avoiding the discomfort I’d associated with this particular style, and here was a coat that was proving me wrong on every point.

Where other coats were too long, this one worked — with enough room around the legs to allow for unrestricted movement (and if I wanted a bit more flare, there’s a snap for that).

Where other coats have hoods that are non-functional and too small, the January Parka provides a spacious, lined, filled, and lightly weighted, oversized hood that keeps your face well-sheltered from the wind and rain or snow. If you don’t want or need a hood, there’s a snap for that, too.

While other coats are designed to be heavy and warm, many aren’t designed to actually keep heat in, releasing whatever warmth they generate through the ends of your sleeves, out through unconsidered collar designs, or even through after-thought pockets. Not this Parka.

Harper Coats does design right; from the hidden, ribbed and fitted storm cuffs on the insides of the sleeves, to the dual zipper-and-snap closure that carries up through the adjustable collar, to the deep, lined, zip-and-snap-able side pockets, thoughtfully positioned to provide the perfect hand warmers on extra brisk days (like this one).

Simply put, Harper Coats has you covered, literally, and I’m now a proud fan of this puffer-style Parka.

As for the coat itself, the January Parka does it all, and completely delivers on the promise of Harper Coats. I use this coat when I know winter will be at its worst, and every time, I’m comfortable. Thanks to Harper Coats, I don’t have to worry about the cold, and I can enjoy feeling invincible again.

The adjustable design, sustainable and ethical construction, and the dedication to open conversation and constructive dialogue with its customers make Harper Coats a standout brand.

Top-quality vegan and environmentally-friendly materials? Yes. Highly competitive price tag? Please (and thanks). Cruelty-free down? We’re down. When it comes to women’s winter wear, Harper Coats hits all the high notes, and their weather-proof coats are wonderful — inside and out. Simply put, this one is worth it.