There are few items more classic and versatile than a camel coat. Last year I shared a ranking of sweater brands I’ve tried, and I’ve been dying to do it again but, this time, with outerwear.

Over the years I’ve collected my fair share of camel coats, from long coats that feel like being wrapped in a blanket to tailored styles with clean lines.

With winter around the corner, it felt like the perfect time to share a breakdown of all the ones I’ve tried. See below for my ranking of the best camel coats for women!

Ranking the Best Camel Coats

Ralph Lauren Camel Coat

Starting in last place, I’d heard so many good things about RL coats, but this one left me disappointed. It was incredibly itchy around the neck, and the huge front patch pockets were not flattering. The tie on this coat fell out of place quickly (possibly the fabric?) and the cut felt off. The length was also tricky. It’s shorter than average and at my height (5’9″) felt like its proportions would only work with pants/denim. I did love the color (a dark, rich camel) and silky lining.

Aritzia Charlize Jacket

The Charlize jacket caught my attention last year on Instagram when another influencer shared it. To me, this is the perfect oversized, mid-weight layer when you don’t feel like putting effort into your outfit. Think a beanie, a sweater, jeans, and chelsea boots. It runs very large (I have XS but wish I had XXS). If you want an oversized, unique piece that not everyone’s going to have, Charlize is your girl. It’s only so far down the list because I don’t find myself wearing it often!

And Other Stories Shawl Coat

My sister and I went to And Other Stories in NYC a few years ago, and I remember thinking that the coats felt amazing for the price (all under $300). I finally got this one for myself recently, and I’m impressed. It’s a robe coat with oversized sleeves and a shawl collar. The wide tie brings the comfy cozy look home. My only complaints are that a) it needs a lining and b) the sleeves are a hair too wide. But those are relatively small strikes for a $249 coat that gives off the aesthetic of much more expensive options!

Zara Camel Coat

This Zara wool-blend coat felt incredibly soft to the touch right out of the box. I was surprised to revisit the product description and learn that it’s only 54% wool! It has a boxier fit, especially compared to my Mackage and Jenni Kayne wrap coats. I would love if the sleeves were just a hair shorter and if the fit was slimmer through the waist and legs. It earns major points for its color (the perfect camel—not too warm or too cool), front slant pockets that counter the boxiness, and the price point: $149, which feels incredibly fair for what you get. This coat is a great find if you’re on a budget and want a classic color with a slightly oversized feel!

Theory Clairene Coat

This coat isn’t your average camel coat in that it’s short and feels more like a jacket—light yet cozy and perfect for fall or spring or layered up in winter on a cold day. I love the way the Clairene looks with jeans and tall boots when I’m not feeling a full length coat. The fit is so elegant. It has an open front and drapes in an angular way that elongates your figure. It’s regularly marked down on sale weeks, so keep an eye out. I have the color Palomino.

Mango Handmade Wool Coat Belted Coat

The MANGO belted coat is one of my most recommended because it’s a solid everyday staple at a great price point! Not too thick and not too thin, it’s a goldilocks weight and looks good with all sorts of outfits. This coat dresses up and down with ease, and the belt and pockets are functional. It lays beautifully and has a classic feel with the notched lapels. It’s fairly warm (best for fall and mild winter days), but layers well for cold weather. It’s regularly marked down (and restocked) and comes in three colors. I also love the shawl collar version. This is my #1 budget-friendly pick—I wear it all the time.

Jenni Kayne Cashmere Overcoat

While I have this coat in olive, it’s available in camel, so I had to include it! It has that signature Jenni Kayne effortless, Californian feel without being too modern (read: oversized). The relaxed fit makes for very easy layering over sweaters. The double-faced wool cashmere is soft against the skin though not as soft as other coats I own (it has 11% polyester and 2% alpaca). It’s a bit on the heavy side, so it doesn’t have much movement. I wish this coat were lined for smoother layering, and I really wish it had belt loops. I’m not sure why you’d make a belted coat without loops! I plan on adding them to mine. If you’re looking for a high-quality, warm piece that will dress up and down easily, this coat is a perfect option.

Theory Hawthorne Coat

This Theory coat is my most complimented by a landslide. I scored it marked down at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale years ago. It has no closure (which I didn’t realize when ordering!), so I almost returned it, but the more I wore it, I realized that it lays in just the right way over every outfit. You don’t even want a closure. I’ve since only seen it available in posts like this on secondhand sites, but Theory finally came out with a similar style this year in 3 colors!

Mackage Mai Coat

The Mackage Mai coat (featured on me in this post) is my newest coat and by far my favorite. The cut is absolute perfection in that it flatters your figure whether you have the belt tied or undone. The waterfall collar adds a touch of feminine without going overboard, and the length is ideal for any base (dresses, skirts, jeans/pants). The 100% wool fabric is lightweight yet warm, so it has great versatility and can be worn in early spring, late fall, and mid winter. The only con I can think of is that it isn’t lined, but the wool is so smooth that it glides right over your layers anyway. It’s feminine, silky soft, and has gorgeous movement. This is the perfect lightweight luxe camel coat to invest in.

On My Wishlist: Max Mara

As a bonus, I had to include Max Mara on this list because they’re considered the cream of the crop when it comes to classic camel coats. Most fashion lovers have one on their wishlist (or if they’re lucky, already in their wardrobe). Ranging between $1,500 and $8,000, these coats are a massive investment. Women who own them say they’re special wardrobe staples that last 10+ years. To give you a sense of Max Mara style, this coat, this coat, and this coat are my favorites from this season.

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