I feel like I can only do this Mackage Coat review justice by first saying that I never set out to buy one. I do just fine in my wool coats in North Carolina’s mild winters with scarves, gloves, and earmuffs, and although we visit frigid destinations annually for leisure and family, I never considered a luxury parka a need in my wardrobe.

As the story goes, I got stuck in New York City over Christmas break 2022 with no luggage, only the outfit I was wearing, and a major winter storm looming that promised highs in the teens and severe wind chill.

The appeal of a luxe parka goes up exponentially when the conditions are biting (and your airline has given you a $1,200 credit for apparel). I walked over to the nearest department store, went straight to the parka section, and left with the Mackage Kay coat.

Below, I’m sharing my review of the Mackage coat I purchased, other Mackage styles I tried, and alternatives for less.

Mackage Coats: What Makes These Parkas Special?

About Mackage: The founder of Mackage set out to create practical outerwear that doesn’t sacrifice style. Their parkas are made with high-quality materials, such as RDS certified down (filled with 90% down/10% feathers), real leather, and natural fur. All the coats are highly functional (water repellent, windproof, lightweight, warm) thanks to the materials and stylish thanks to thoughtful design details like chevron quilting, figure-flattering cuts, and lustrous shells.

Sizing: The right size Mackage coat for you will depend heavily on the style you’re shopping, but in general, Mackage coats tend to run small. Mackage recommends sizing up in many of its coats if you want to have room for heavier layers underneath. I go into details on the sizing of each coat below.

Mackage Kay Coat Review

Warmth Rating: For deep cold (down to -4°F)

Sold At: Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Revolve, and Mackage

Review: The Kay is a Mackage signature down coat with 800 fill power and is available in several colors and with or without fur trim on the hood. Features include an asymmetrical zip closure, an inner bib closure with rib collar, and a hidden hood toggle. It also has the standard Mackage parka features mentioned above (zipper pockets, storm cuffs, etc.).

It has a fitted silhouette that’s enhanced by a face-framing collar, leather-piped, angled pockets, and faux back belt. I went with my usual S (currently 135lbs at 5’9″) as I wanted a close fit to wear with light layers. If you want to wear thicker layers, I suggest sizing up.

Even with brutal windchill in New York City, I was comfortably warm in this coat. My cost per wear will likely go below $5 over time as I plan to wear it for years to come.

Other Mackage Coats I Considered

Mackage Farren

Warmth Rating: For moderate cold (down to 14°F)

Sold At: Saks Fifth Avenue, Revolve, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Mackage

Notes: In full transparency, the Farren down parka probably would have been a better fit for my wardrobe given the average temperatures in North Carolina in the winter. This is a Mackage classic with a lightweight stretch down and a removable hood with no trim.

It has a slim, sleek fit and, like the Kay, leather trim pockets that angle down for waist definition. It measures shorter than the Kay but hit me lower on the leg due to less “puff” from the thinner down fill.

It’s designed to be worn with a fitted top or light sweater. I think most people would be fine in their usual size. This is a great option for mild winters if you want a chic, packable parka that goes with everything.

Mackage Calla

Warmth Rating: For deep cold (down to 5°F)

Sold At: Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Mackage

Notes: Think of the Calla as a mashup between the Farren and the Kay coats. It has the Farren’s zipper placement and silhouette and the Kay’s 800 down fill and shearling trim. You can get it without fur trim if your prefer. Even if you get the fur trim, it’s removable.

The other differences are that the Calla is less modern than the Kay (center zipper vs. asymmetrical) and doesn’t have an inner bib. Mackage advises getting your true size for light layers and sizing up for thicker layers. I would probably do a S in this since I don’t wear a lot of bulky sweaters.

Mackage Nori

Warmth Rating: For moderate cold (down to 23°F)

Sold At: Saks Fifth Avenue, Shopbop, and Mackage

Notes: The Nori is a thick, winter weight wool trench coat and beautiful tailoring that arguably makes it the most elegant of Mackage coats. It has double faced wool on the outer and a removable high collar rib knit bib for added chest coverage. The mixed media details and tailoring make it memorable. Look at the oversized collar, leather sash belt, asymmetrical front zipper, and leather-lined slanted pockets!

This is an excellent multi-season coat for a cold climate that doesn’t get a lot of precipitation. It’s available in fall-friendly colors (camel, chocolate) in addition to classic black. I haven’t had the opportunity to try this one on, but Mackage recommends sizing up. Since I like my wool coats to have a close fit, I would still probably go with my true size S.

Mackage vs. Canada Goose vs. Alternative Brands

Mackage vs. Canada Goose vs. Moncler

Canada Goose and Moncler are the only other players the luxury outerwear market. The main differences are the Moncler and Mackage tend to have slimmer, sharper fits and more stylized details. Canada Goose styles are straightforward and utilitarian.

Canada Goose and Mackage Coats share similar price points, with styles ranging from $800-$$1,300 in most cases. Moncler coats are a step above, with most in the $2,000-$3,000 range.

While I haven’t tried Canada Goose or Moncler, I’ve spoken with people who are native to Boston and New York and have owned them. Most agree that Mackage coats are more warm and durable than Canada Goose. Moncler is creme of the crop if you can (and want) to spend that kind of money.

Look for Less: Soia & Kyo

Since I know Mackage prices aren’t realistic for all, I wanted to provide an alternative with a similar look.

Soia & Kyo is Canadian company and a sibling of the Mackage brand with great styles and more modest prices ($400-$800). The Camelia is similar to the Mackage Calla, the Lita is similar to the Farren.

Soia & Kyo is sold at Neiman Marcus, Revolve, Nordstrom, QVC, and Bloomingdale’s.

If you own a Mackage coat, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Pros and cons? Are you happy with the style you purchased? And if you’re interested in more coat reviews, definitely check out my post ranking the best camel coats I’ve tried, which includes thoughts on the Mackage Mai wool coat.