I have 3 girls, ages 9, 6, and 3. We started out with Patagonia/North Face (bought from outlets) in the down sweater style (not big and puffy). They lasted and were handed down, and are honestly in such good shape, they get passed over to cousins.

Since coats seem to disappear at school, Last year I got the light puffers from Primary as backups. They are usually on sale 50% off at some point the week of Thanksgiving. My oldest commented that it wasn't quite as "hot" as her North Face, so she liked it on medium days. When I find clearance sales, I also buy ahead from Lands End, and love the quality.

Have not had much success with the cheaper coats from Old Navy, etc. They just don't last. I couldn't believe I was spending $80 on a 1-year-old's coat, but then it ended up being used for 5 winters (and chilly falls/springs) across 3 kids, so I think we got our money's worth!

Anonymous wrote:We usually get parkas from Land's End and puffers from Primary. The puffers get the most use but the parkas are so nice on the coldest days and when we go skiing. They last forever also so they just get handed down to the next kid.

When my kids were small, I always bought Land's End Squall jackets. They were perfect.

The thinner water resistant fleece hooded jacket is from Eddie Bauer.

Since where we live snows from end December to late February and we take DCs to ski we usually get north face insulated waterproof hooded jacket for winter. We sell it after DCs outgrow it. Waterproof feature is very important in winter jacket, we have seen kids ski or just play snow in non waterproof coat and got soak wet. We also got thinner jacket for spring/fall, the 2 in 1 water resistant fleece hooded jacket.

It doesn't matter. Get something cheap - at those ages they'll grow out of them. Old Navy, Costco, whatever.

I buy any coat from Costco. They will usually last at least a couple years. If they only fit for one year Then it’s not a big deal. The coats hold up very well and they get donated practically in new condition.

+1 for Land's End. Lots of their coats have grow-with-me sleeves, so you can let them out and get another year out of it.

We had several of the Lands End 3-in-1 over the years, and those were great for the DC area. (I picked up a similar Columbia version at TJ Maxx once, and that was actually even nicer, with a softer outer shell.) You've got a fleece, then an outer waterproof shell, which they can wear on their own depending on the weather. Then on really cold days, the fleece zips into the shell for extra warmth. If I remember correctly, the hood was detachable, but I'm not sure if that's the case for the latest version.

Lightweight puffers from Gap

Lands' End parkas are great for colder days. Lightweight puffers from Uniqlo are our go-to with layers underneath for everyday winter wear.

I get a light puffer from Lands End (or similar, they seem identical across brands). That works well in MOST DC situations, especially if they'll let you layer a warm layer underneath. Last year I got them without hoods because my kids hated the hoods in their car seats. This year I got hoods because we aren't going anywhere each morning.

I also make sure we have a heavier parka type coat. Mainly for snow or very cold days (below 30). This was a higher priority this year since we won't be socializing indoors this winter, I wanted to make sure they had a nice heavy coat for outdoor play all winter long.

I got the parka from Lands End because they have 40% off sales all the time.

We usually get parkas from Land's End and puffers from Primary. The puffers get the most use but the parkas are so nice on the coldest days and when we go skiing. They last forever also so they just get handed down to the next kid.

A slim puffy jacket from Costco works fine most days. An expedition parka from lands end for the coldest days or when we visit family in colder climates.

We’re outside and active a lot, and we layer and wear hats/mittens when the weather calls for it.

Pp again. And yes my kids go otside for an hijr or two everyday its not raining/blizzard.

Ll bean the light puffers or Primary. Great for everything except the coldest week of the year.

what kind(s) of coats do you have for your kids? mine are 2.5 and 5, and in the past, I've had a heavy fleece and the Children's Place 3-in-1 and it seemed to work well for DC weather. this year, my 5 year old isn't thrilled with CP's color choices and I'm wondering what else is out there. I know Patagonia are popular, especially with car seats, but are they warm enough for DC? my kids go outside almost daily, unless it is dangerously cold (preschool rules, not sure what temperature they consider dangerous).