40˚F may be too warm to wear freezing winter clothes, but still too cold to dress for summer. The secret is to wear lighter jackets that keep you warm without making you feel too hot, sweaty, and heavy.
Moderately filled (550 to 700-fill down) coats, jackets, or parkas sewn to a curvy silhouette will keep you warm without making you lose your feminine style.
From our tests and customer reviews, we’ve concluded that Marmot Women’s Montreaux Full-Length Down Puffer Coat is the best parka for colder and windy regions, the North Face Women’s Metropolis Jacket is the finest for wearing to the city or the workplace, while MOERDENG Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket is what you should buy if you want a waterproof and windproof jacket for hiking.
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Editors’ Pick of the Best Jacket for 40 Degree Weather
Image | Name | Material | Editors remark | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1.  | 100% Polyester, 700-fill power down | Best parka for colder and windy regions | ||
2.  | Eco-conscious recycled fabric, 550-fill goose down | Best for a cold day in town or the office | ||
3.  | 100% Polyester | Warm, waterproof, and windproof, thus best for hiking | ||
4.  | Shell & Lining-100% Nylon; Insulation- 80% Duck Down 20% Feather | Best for travelling with |
Here is the Table of Contents
9 Best Jackets for 40 Degree Weather
Best parka for colder and windy regions (Northern US and Canada)
1. Marmot Women’s Montreaux Full-Length Down Puffer Coat
Puffer jackets are trendy right now, and this parka is both fashionable and functional, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for the sake of warmth and comfort.
The marmot puffer coat is made of 100% polyester and Down Defender which makes it moisture resistant, so it’s both cold and wind resistant.
Since it is a full-length coat, you can easily style it with any pants, dresses, or skirts that you have. This is not just a beautiful feminine jacket, it is also a practical coat that comes with enough pockets to keep all your essentials while you’re outdoors. Quilted 700-fill power down and fur around the neck is all you need to keep warm on a chilly day.
If you are looking for a warm and versatile women’s jacket for 40 degrees weather that can protect you from the cold and the elements whether you’re in the city, on a camp, or on a night out, this is an excellent choice.
“Excellent product. Well-made and WARM. Wore it on a trip where the weather got down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit at night and averaged 38 degrees during the day. The long length, hand-warming pockets, inner pockets to shelter electronics e.g. phones, and the large hood were big plusses, especially on days with a wind chill factor.”– M. Dien in Los Angeles
Material: 100% Polyester
- Stylish modern design
- Full-length for added warmth
- Practical with pockets, zippers, 700-fill power down, and fur on the neck
- Water resistant 100% polyester
- Easy to clean by machine
- If you have a large bust you need to order a size up for a comfortable fit around the bust and shoulders
2. Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket
This hooded jacket is all you need to stay warm and stylish on a 40 degrees Fahrenheit day or night. It comes in a classic fit that is neither too loose nor too tight. When wearing it outdoors it retains heat but at the same time, it’s breathable, so it also keeps you comfortable in case the weather starts getting warmer.
Its handcuffs with thumb holes are a trailblazing idea that keeps your hands warm and dry all day.
To keep you warm, the women’s parka has Omni-HEAT reflective lining, a type of synthetic insulation inside that is flexible, and durable and makes the jacket water resistant. The exterior of the jacket is made with 100% polyester material so it keeps moisture away and dries faster when exposed to water.
“It is the perfect go-to jacket when it’s windy and in the mid 20s to mid 40s degrees Fahrenheit . I’ve never owned a long jacket before, and after wearing this one I’m not sure why it took me so long. It’s nice to keep my butt and thighs warm when the winds are high. The jacket is not super poofy so I don’t feel like a marshmallow walking around, and it can compress fairly well for packing and hanging in a closet.”– Lindsay D.
Material: 100% Polyester
- Stylish jacket for outdoor wear
- Classic fit so looks good with almost everything
- Synthetic insulation for comfy warmth
- 100% polyester material that dries up fast
- Practical with zipped interior and exterior pockets and thumb holes
- The interior liner looks like a metal foil but it is soft
Best women’s urban jackets
3. The North Face Women’s Metropolis Jacket
If you are conscious about the environment, The North Face Women’s jacket is the right coat to buy. It is made from recycled material so you can be sure that you are taking care of the environment.
This is a slim-fit jacket so it fits your body perfectly for a feminine silhouette and additional warmth on a chilly day in the city or at your workplace. The jacket is insulated with 550-fill goose down, specifically for taking on outdoor adventures. It’s also practical since it fits all your belongings with zipper pockets and chest pockets to keep everything you need to carry with you.
The hood is detachable so if you feel the jacket is too heavy you can always detach it.
Fabric: Eco-conscious recycled fabric
- Specifically made for outdoors with insulation
- Good for the environment – made from recycled fabric
- Practical design with several pockets
- Slim fit design for a classic fit and warmth
- Slim fit so you need to measure your size carefully
4. Eddie Bauer Women’s CirrusLite Down Jacket
This puffer jacket is made with 100% Nylon fabric making it the perfect choice for the outdoors. Its StormRepel DWR water-resistant finish dries up quickly even after being outside for hours.
This is a puff jacket but it is surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry since you can fold it to fit in a travel backpack. For practicality, it has front pockets where you can put your hands when you feel cold. It also has an interior pocket for keeping valuables such as your phone.
The slim fit design makes it ideal for different occasions and the front zipper completes the classic look.
Material: 100% Nylon
- Classic slim fit design
- Water-resistant fabric
- 650 fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down, certified by Control Union
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Practical pockets and design
- Simple front zipper design
- Does not have a hoodie design
Best jackets for hiking and cycling
5. The North Face Women’s Apex Bionic Softshell Jacket- best windproof jacket
You need a windproof jacket for cycling or hiking and this jacket comes with advanced WindWall protection to block the harsh wind. It is great for outdoor wear since it is water resistant and it comes with 550-fill insulation to keep warm at 40˚F weather. The jacket is puffy but it is surprisingly light so it keeps you warm without feeling like you are wearing something heavy.
If you are committed to keeping the environment clean you will love this coat because North Face is committed to using at least 75% recycled, regenerated, and/or responsibly sourced renewable materials. It is a practical jacket to wear since it has a detachable hoodie and interior pockets to keep your phone or other valuables safe.
“This jacket runs small. I usually wear a large and had to purchase this in an XXL to zip. Once you find the right size, it is a wonderful jacket that really protects you from the wind and rain. I wore this the entire time I was in Iceland and was never once cold.”- Tiffany in Orlando, FL
- Beautiful slim-fit design
- Warm but lightweight for tiring outdoor activities
- Made with recycled fabric to take care of the environment
- Practical design with a detachable hoodie and interior pockets
- Slim fit so you may need to order a size up if you want to wear a sweater underneath
Best warm jackets for traveling
6. Lock and Love Women’s Ultra Lightweight Packable Down Jacket with Removable Hoodie
This has to be top in our review of the best jackets for 40 degree weather because it’s the perfect choice for traveling. It is a puffy jacket but it’s still easy to compress so that it fits in your suitcase. Since it comes with a pouch, it’s easy to carry out for hiking and camping trips.
The jacket is lightweight so it does not feel like a big load on your body or in your suitcase. It’s made of lightweight insulation from duck feathers so it keeps you warm without the extra weight. When wearing the coat outdoors, it windproofs you and also keeps water away in case it starts to drizzle.
“Jacket fit beautifully in my large handbag as I got on the plane in Los Angeles. When I landed in a colder climate, I popped it on for warmth. Perfect. Most definitely not for harsh conditions. I would rate it at being good warmth in temps as low as the mid 40s, though it is thin enough to layer with warmer outerwear.”– Mo-knows
Shell & Lining: 100% Nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent); Insulation: 80% Duck Down 20% Feather
- Ideal for traveling with a carrier pouch
- Lightweight but warm
- Great for outdoors – wind and water resistant
- Practical design with multiple pockets
- You need to order a size up if you need to layer heavily
7. Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Long-Sleeve Water-Resistant Puffer Jacket
The Amazon Essentials Store is a reliable brand this puffer jacket is specifically made for plus-size women.
It is made of 100% polyester for both the lining and fill of the jacket, a fitted jacket that also comes with elastic cuffs to keep you warm and dry. The water-resistant jacket is simple looking with only a simple zip front closure and hand pockets.
If you’re a frequent traveler, this puffer coat comes with a drawstring bag that makes it easy to pack. The jacket is also lightweight so it is comfortable to wear and carry.
“So I got this because of the hot neon pink color, it’s super light weight and it’s packable…The color is exactly what it looks like in the ad. Like bubblegum neon pink. It’s not ugly either. Like something Nikki Minaj would wear in a video. It would also look cute oversized with a pair of bike shorts, and a crop tee.”- Olga in San Diego
Fabric: 100% Polyester
- Quilted beautiful puffer design
- Lightweight for easy wearing and carrying
- Comes with a bag for traveling
- Made with plus-size women in mind
- Fitted design with elastic cuffs
- Sleeves might be a bit longer than usual if you’re short
Best women’s waterproof jacket
8. Little Donkey Andy Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket, Windbreaker Rain Coat Shell for Hiking, Traveling
A good outdoor jacket for 40 degree weather should be waterproof and also windproof. Little Donkey’s waterproof jacket has an outer shell made using a raincoat material so it keeps you dry however much you’re rained on.
It comes with a hoodie attached to keep you extra warm when you’re hiking, cycling, or traveling. Apart from keeping you warm, this jacket is breathable so you will stay warm but without sweating uncomfortably.
You will also love the practical design that comes with adjustable cuffs, a chin guard, and also hand pockets. The zippered hand pockets can keep your hands warm and they are also great for storage. This is a combination of a jacket and a raincoat so it gives you great value for your money.
“So I went on vacation to Alaska and it rained pretty much every day we were there. I live in the desert, so I had nearly no waterproof gear. I bought this last minute, hoping it was enough. It was perfect. Totally waterproof, and surprisingly warm for a raincoat. It had a secure privacy pocket that was awesome for keeping things like bus tokens or *engagement rings* in. 10/10 great jacket for the rain.”– Sahara
“The jacket was tested during very rainy and windy storms while hiking and it kept me dry and warm. The fit is great, it has many pockets and it rolls up small and compact, making it easy to pack in a day pack. Very happy with the purchase and would recommend.”-A. Martinez
Material: 100% Polyester
- Great for outdoors – waterproof and windproof
- Warm and breathable at the same time
- Combination of jacket and raincoat
- Practical design with adjustable cuffs and zippered pockets
- Not as warm as winter jackets so you need to layer it
9. MOERDENG Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket, Warm Winter Snow Coat, Windbreaker Hooded Raincoat
This is a ski jacket but you can wear it outside the house for different activities. It’s windproof and waterproof so you can take with you it for all your outdoor adventures. The jacket has a hooded style with fur on the hood area, a convenient zipper, and front pockets.
You will also love the interior of the jacket which is made of plush and soft material. It has a relaxed fit so you can wear a turtleneck sweater underneath and it will still fit you properly. In case you want a standard fit, there is an option to buy one.
“I bought this for a delivery job I started during an Iowa winter. I bought the medium. It’s roomy enough to wear with a sweatshirt under it, but warm enough not to need to. I love all the pockets. Wore it during 40 mph winds and below freezing temps and stayed warm. This was a great investment. It came very quickly as well.”– YoursTrulyAnna
“I purchased these to go up North. I did not layer my clothing and it was 40 degrees and rainy where we went. The liner was so soft and the exterior seemed waterproof. We did get some light rain and it did not penetrate the jacket. It was stylish to dress up at night for a casual night out. I wore it with nice darker jeans and high heel boots to dress it up at night.”– Jamie from Miami, FL
“Size M fits perfectly!!, Not too tight, not too loose. I am 66 inches tall, and weight 165lbs. I wear a Cup “C” as well. I am very satisfied with this jacket!
I went skiing when it was like 40 degrees F and I didn’t have to wear anything else underneath it but a T-Shirt..
Went skiing again when it was like 30-35 degrees F and rainy weather, I only wore a vest inside to stay warmer and dry, and no complaints. I highly recommend”– Carmen Lainez Carden
Material: 100% Polyester
- Ideal for outdoor adventures
- A hooded style for extra warmth
- Comfortable interior with plush fabric
- Option to choose a relaxed and standard fit
- Versatile wear for different activities
- Relatively less warm so you need to layer a sweater
What to Consider in a Woman’s Jacket for Mildly Cold Weather
Choosing a jacket for mildly cold weather can be tricky. You need a jacket that keeps you warm but does not make you sweaty, wet, or uncomfortable. Here are some factors to consider when buying the best women’s jackets for 40 degrees weather:
1. Feminine design
Staying warm is important but you don’t need to lose your style. It is advisable to get a jacket that has a feminine design so that you do not compromise your sense of fashion when trying to stay warm in autumn or spring.
A curvy or slim fitting jacket is always a good choice. A close-fitting jacket will match your feminine curves and it will also be easy to match no matter what you are wearing.
2. Water resistant vs waterproofed jackets
The terms water resistant and waterproof can be confusing when shopping for a jacket. In simple terms, waterproof is superior to water-resistant. However, let’s break the differences further for more understanding.
A water-resistant jacket will protect you from a drizzle while a waterproof will protect you from a heavy downpour. If you expect to be out in heavy rain, get a waterproof breathable jacket.
3. Temperature rating -What does temperature rating on jacket mean?
Temperature rating is important to help you determine the level of protection from cold. Most jackets are rated based on the temperature (in Fahrenheit) that they can sustain, that is “warm” to “warmer” to “warmest” and this depends on the design and filler material.
A few apparel companies such as Land’s Ends use specialized instruments to gauge the temperature range that you can expect to be comfortable in their different jackets, coats, or parkas. However, whether you’ll feel warm or cold in a certain jacket is really subjective because we all have different sensitivities and different regions have different levels of cold. So the winter in Florida is nothing to compare with the freezing temperature in North Dakota, Washington, Alaska, or Canada.
What to wear in 30-40 degree weather
You can only go with the majority and from the experience of many women, we’ve found that 550 to 700-fill down is good for keeping warm in the mid-30 to mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit range.
5. Bulkiness
Bulkiness plays a huge role when buying a jacket. If you are looking for a travel jacket, look for one that is easy to compress, fold, and pack. In case the jacket comes with a pouch, it will be easy to carry so that you do not have to deal with the bulkiness.
We have puff jackets that are easy to compress and fold so that they fit in a small bag when going on a trip or vacation. Always opt for a jacket that is less bulky because it will be light on the body and easy to carry.
6. Jackets that reach the waist level vs longer jackets
You can choose a coat that reaches the waist level or go for a longer one that goes up to the knees, also called a parka. It all comes down to your personal preference and style. If you are going outdoors, it is advisable to go for a waist-level jacket because it is practical to wear and comfortable.
Hiking or camping with a long jacket might prove to be challenging. If you want a jacket for walking in the streets or going to work, or going to a football game when it’s cold, a long jacket is advisable because it’s stylish, warm, and provides more coverage.
FAQs on the Best Jackets for 40 Degrees Fahrenheit Weather
Is 40 Degrees Fahrenheit Hot or Cold? How Hot is 40 Degrees Weather?
40 degrees Fahrenheit is what we call cold and cool. If you are used to cold weather, the temperature will feel cool. On the other hand, if you are used to hot weather, the temperature will feel colder than usual. The 40 degrees Fahrenheit weather is typical during the spring and Fall months because temperatures during these months have a low of 26°F in Alaska and a high of 72°F in Florida, or an average of around 53°F. The secret is to wear clothes that make you feel warm without making you sweaty.
What are Down-Insulated Jackets?
In the fashion world, down-insulated jackets are called puffer jackets. They are quilted jackets that are insulated with duck feathers inside creating little pockets that trap air for additional warmth. The best thing about these women’s coats is that they are lightweight but still warm.
These jackets might not be the best for winter but they still provide a good amount of insulation to keep you warm and comfortable.
Conclusion
40˚F weather is a little warm to wear freezing winter clothes, but still too cold to dress for summer. So your coat, jacket, or parka needs a balance of quilt and fur or fleece in the right areas, waterproofing or water resistance, breathability, and a feminine design. This will ensure that you keep warm enough, comfortable, and stylish.
From our tests and customer reviews, our top choices for the best jacket for 40 degree weather are Marmot Women’s Montreaux Full-Length Down Puffer Coat, which is a parka ideal for colder and windy regions, the North Face Women’s Metropolis Jacket as the finest for wearing to the city or the workplace, while MOERDENG Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket as what you should buy if you want a waterproof and windproof coat for hiking.