Buying guide for Best north face jackets for women
Outerwear is a sizable investment, especially when it comes to jackets. You need enough warmth, the right size, and of course, a touch of outdoorsy style. To make sure you have all this and more, look no further than The North Face.
The North Face designs jackets that keep you warm and protected no matter what the weather. Their lightweight jackets are simple and sleek, sometimes with removable linings for use in milder conditions. If you’re ready to embark on a chilly excursion, you’ll enjoy the extra-long down puffer jackets. For in-between temperatures, there are plenty of midweight North Face jackets, as well as convertible styles that offer multiple layers of warmth.
The options are myriad, which can make it difficult to choose. But don’t worry: simply bundle up with this buying guide before your next cool trip. We lay out all the various styles, lengths, and features to choose from when selecting a North Face jacket for women that perfectly suits your needs.
Key considerations
Types of North Face jackets for women
Classic fleece: North Face fleece styles are made of ultra-soft plush that have a bit of a sheen to their finish. These cozy, oversized styles are ideal for layering. They aren’t water-repellent or intended to be your primary layer in very low temperatures. They’re best suited to keep you warm in moderately chilly weather.
Puffer style: The North Face embraces the puffer style for its heavier jackets and streamlines the bulk for a more polished appearance. They’re either cropped and lightweight or thick and long in their heaviest, warmest styles. Puffer jackets are usually filled with down, though there are some styles that use synthetic fill materials instead.
Lined style: Lined jackets are a signature style of The North Face women’s collection and come in a range of warmth and protection features. These jackets are usually lined with unique, impenetrable high-quality fleece or the company’s own synthetic Heatseeker insulation. Some styles also feature extra-warm pockets, which are created from multiple layers of lining.
Convertible style: Convertible North Face jackets have removable layers and can be worn in more than one way. Some styles feature zippered linings that can be removed in warmer weather. Other styles have three distinct layers, each of which can be worn on its own. Convertible styles are ideal for those who intend to wear their jackets in various climates.
Jacket lengths
Cropped: Cropped jackets are the least popular length in North Face’s women’s collection, as they are cut above the waist. They’re designed mostly for fashion rather than warmth and protection. In other words, they look cool but aren’t always that warm.
Waist-length: These jackets are one of the more popular lengths of North Face jackets for women. They’re cut at the small of the back or just below the belt, but they don’t completely cover your bottom.
Mid-thigh: Jackets that are cut mid-thigh offer better coverage and more protection from the elements. If you’re on the taller side, however, mid-thigh jackets can fall at an awkward length and won’t offer the coverage they would on shorter individuals.
Long and full-length: Long jackets are cut closer to the knee, and full-length jackets are cut below it. The majority of these North Face jackets for women are puffer styles designed to withstand the coldest conditions.
Sleeve styles
The sleeves on women’s North Face jackets vary considerably among styles. Some sleeves have elastic wrist bands, whereas others are completely open. There are also adjustable sleeves that use Velcro or bungee cords to change the fit to your preference. In a few jackets, there are sleeves that feature thumb holes or extend to the knuckles, both of which provide maximum hand coverage when you’re going gloveless.
Insulation
The North Face utilizes specialty fleece, Heatseeker synthetic insulation, and down filling to offer superior warmth. Their specialty fleece is tightly woven to prevent air penetration, and the Heatseeker synthetic insulation is their patented layer that provides warmth without bulkiness. Down filling is especially popular in long and full-length puffer jacket styles, and is the warmest insulation The North Face has to offer.
Sizing
North Face jackets for women range in size from XS to XXL. If you’re not sure which size you wear — jacket sizes can vary from regular clothing sizes — peruse the North Face’s size guide. Take your measurements and choose the size they most closely match. If you’re in between sizes or intend to layer clothing, it’s smart to consider moving up a size.
Features
Colors
North Face jackets for women typically come in a variety of solid colors, though black and white remain the most popular choices. While you won’t find fun patterns or designs on North Face jackets seen in other outerwear brands, you can enjoy a large color selection. Some jacket styles offer up to 30 colors, although jackets at the top of the price range sometimes offer only a handful of color options.
Protective features
The outer shell of North Face jackets is made of either polyester, nylon, or fleece, depending on the style and level of protection. Polyester and nylon shell jackets often feature DryVent technology, which is breathable and waterproof by means of a polyurethane coating. They’re also sometimes equipped with storm flaps, which cover the zippers and other areas with a thin layer of material to repel water and prevent air penetration.
Adjustable features
Some North Face jackets have adjustable features to improve fit or provide more convenient options for wear. Certain hoods can be removed if they’re not necessary or, in some styles, the hood can be stowed inside a hidden zipper pocket. There are bungee cords in some jacket styles that can be tightened to limit drafts, particularly in the sleeves or jacket corners.
"For those allergic to down filling, the North Face has a variety of jackets made from alternative fill materials including polar fleece and featherless insulation."
STAFF
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North Face jackets for women: prices
The North Face jackets for women cost between $65 and $350, depending on the materials used and the number of features.
Inexpensive
At the low end of the price range, under $100, you’ll get a lightweight jacket that is either a classic fleece or lined with fleece.
Mid-range
Between $100 and $200 you’ll find the greatest variety of jacket lengths, weights, and features. Some North Face convertible-style jackets are available in this price range.
Expensive
At the high end of the price range, between $200 and $350, most of the jackets are mid-length or full-length down-filled styles.
Tips
- Wash it after shoveling snow. If you shovel snow in your North Face jacket, it’s a good idea to wash it soon after you’re finished. If snow mixes with road or sidewalk salt, it can settle on your jacket and cause permanent stains.
- Choose a jacket with enough pockets. If you’re someone who likes to forgo a handbag, make sure there are enough external and internal pockets to store your keys, wallet, and phone.
- Consider comfort when driving. Before you make a final decision, sit down and move your arms to see whether your North Face jacket will be comfortable enough to drive in. If you’ll need to remove it to drive comfortably, you may want to consider a different style. When you’re buying a jacket online, make sure to check this aspect the fit as soon as you receive it.
FAQ
Q. Do North Face jackets come with a warranty?
A. Yes. To be eligible, you must have a proof of purchase from The North Face or an authorized reseller. The North Face warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the item. With that said, if there’s excessive wear or poor care, your jacket may not be covered.
Q. Does North Face make jackets for women in petite sizes?
A. They don’t, but they have a comprehensive size charge based on measurements to help you find the right size. You could also choose a style with adjustable features, particularly sleeves. Look for jackets with Velcro or snap closure sleeves that you can fit to your wrist, instead of having them hang over your hand.
Q. How do I clean my North Face jacket?
A. According to The North Face, you should wash their jackets with gentle, bleach-free liquid detergent and let them hang to dry. You can either hand wash the jacket, or place it in a gentle spin cycle in the washing machine by itself. If you have a convertible jacket, it’s a good idea to remove each layer and wash them separately. As always, refer to the jacket’s care instructions for specifics and if you’re not sure you’re using the right cleaning method, contact The North Face directly.
