A good autumn and winter jacket should be able to handle both a windy October morning and a cold January day – without you needing to swap jackets every other week. The secret is not to find the warmest jacket available, but one that can be layered: the right length, the right lining, and room for a thicker layer underneath when the cold arrives.
Here, we walk you through what makes a jacket a good choice for both seasons, which models work, how to choose the length and lining, how it should fit, and how to dress underneath when the temperature drops. At the end, you'll find our current favorites.
Contents
- What is an autumn and winter jacket?
- What it should handle
- Models that work for both seasons
- Short or long?
- How the jacket should fit
- How to dress underneath when it gets colder
- Quick guide: which jacket for which weather
- Our current favorites
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
What is an autumn and winter jacket?
An autumn and winter jacket is a jacket that is warm enough for the Swedish winter but not so heavy that it becomes too warm in October. In practice, this means a padded or lined jacket with moderate warmth, which you make warmer with layers underneath rather than through the jacket itself.
It is therefore a compromise – and a smart one at that. Instead of buying a thin autumn jacket and a thick winter jacket, you get a garment that will carry you from September to March in most parts of the country.
What it should handle
- Wind – autumn is often windier than it is cold. A dense outer fabric and a high collar or hood make the biggest difference.
- Wet weather – choose a water-repellent outer fabric. Being truly waterproof is only necessary if you walk a lot in the rain; read more in our guide on rain jackets for women.
- Cold – a fleece lining or light padding is enough for temperatures down to freezing with a sweater underneath. Below that, it is the layers that do the job.
- Movement – you should be able to cycle, carry shopping bags, and lift your arms without the jacket feeling tight across your back.
Unsure about the difference between lining and padding? We clarify it in the guide lined or padded jacket.
Models that work for both seasons
Long padded jacket with hood. The most versatile model. It covers the bottom and thighs, has a hood for windy days, and light padding that won't be too warm in October. With a knit sweater underneath, it can also handle an average Swedish winter day. You can find more models in the guide on puffer jackets for women.
Fleece-lined shirt jacket. A plaid shirt jacket with a fleece or teddy lining is autumn's most used outerwear. It is perfect until the first freezing temperatures, and can then be worn as a mid-layer under a larger jacket – or over a thick sweater on mild winter days.
Padded long-style plaid jacket. A little longer and thicker than a standard shirt jacket, with a soft surface and button fastening. A cozy alternative to the classic coat, and warmer than it looks. You can find more plaid models in the guide plaid jacket for women.
Teddy jacket. Warm, soft, and light – but sensitive to wet weather. See the guide on teddy jackets for women if you are leaning towards one of these.
Short or long?
For a jacket that needs to handle both autumn and winter, the length is the most important choice. A long jacket that covers the thighs is noticeably warmer than a short one with the same lining, simply because it protects more of the body. A short jacket allows for more freedom of movement and looks better with wide trousers, but requires warmer trousers when it gets cold.
The rule of thumb: if you spend a lot of time outdoors, wait for the bus, or walk long distances – choose long. If you cycle or mostly walk short distances – choose short or medium-length. We compare the pros and cons in more detail in the guide short or long winter jacket.
How the jacket should fit
- Try it on with a thick sweater underneath. This is how you will be wearing it in January. If it cannot be buttoned or zipped over a knit sweater, it is too small.
- Shoulders: the seam should lie at the edge of your shoulder or just outside it. If it pulls when you cross your arms in front of you, you need a size up.
- Sleeves: should cover the wrist even when you reach forward.
- Hood: should be possible to pull up over your hair without obscuring your peripheral vision.
More on the fit of outerwear in the guide how a coat should fit – the same principles apply to jackets.
How to dress underneath when it gets colder
What makes an autumn and winter jacket warm in December isn't the jacket, it's the layers:
- September–October: t-shirt or thin long-sleeved shirt. Keep the jacket open on sunny days.
- November: a knit sweater or fleece jacket underneath. Scarf on windy days.
- December–February: a warm base layer or a thin wool sweater closest to the body, a knit sweater over it, and warm trousers. A hat and mittens make more of a difference than you think.
You can find the whole principle behind layering in the guide layer upon layer. Don't forget your feet – see our guide on winter shoes for women.
Quick guide: which jacket for which weather
| Temperature | Jacket | Under the jacket |
|---|---|---|
| +15 to +8 °C | Fleece-lined shirt jacket | T-shirt or thin sweater |
| +8 to +2 °C | Padded plaid jacket or long padded jacket | Knit sweater |
| +2 to −5 °C | Long padded jacket with hood | Knits + scarf |
| Below −5 °C | Long padded jacket or a proper down jacket | Base layer + knits, hat, and mittens |
Our current favorites
Three jackets that will take you through both autumn and winter:
- Elegant long winter jacket with insulated puffer design – long, padded model with hood and defined waist. Covers the thighs and is our favorite when it gets really cold. Available in colors including green, mustard yellow, and black.
- Emma plaid fleece-lined autumn jacket with hood – plaid shirt jacket with soft fleece lining and hood. Perfect from September until the first freezing temperatures. Available in several plaid patterns, from pink and beige to black and blue.
- Sofia padded autumn jacket with plaid pattern – longer, soft plaid jacket with button fastening and chest pockets. Cozy with jeans and a turtleneck.
The terms puffer jacket, down jacket, and quilted jacket are often used for the same garment, but they do not mean the same thing. Puffer describes the shape, i.e., the padding in sewn channels, while down describes the filling. We clarify the differences in what is a puffer jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear the same jacket in autumn and winter?
Yes, if you choose a padded or lined jacket with moderate warmth and add layers underneath when it gets colder. However, if you live in northern Sweden with long periods below −10 °C, you usually need a proper winter jacket as well.
What length is best for an autumn and winter jacket?
A long jacket that covers the bottom and thighs is the warmest and provides the most use during winter. A short jacket is freer but requires warmer trousers.
How warm should an autumn and winter jacket be?
Moderately warm – it shouldn't be too warm in October. A fleece lining or light padding is plenty, as you can make it warmer with sweaters underneath when needed.
Should the jacket be waterproof?
Water-repellent is enough for most people. A water-repellent outer fabric can handle light rain and snow. If you walk long distances in heavy rain, a separate rain jacket is better.
What size should I choose?
Try the jacket on with a thick knit sweater underneath. If it closes without feeling tight across the back and shoulders, you have the right size.
Summary
A good autumn and winter jacket is not the warmest jacket, but the most flexible one. Choose a long padded model if you stand outside a lot, a fleece-lined shirt jacket if you want something light for autumn, and build warmth with knits, a scarf, and a hat when winter comes. Always try it on with a thick sweater underneath – that’s how you’ll be wearing it in January.
Find your favorite among our autumn jackets for women – with free shipping within Sweden.
