The Best Women’s Winter Workwear of 2024

Published October 18, 2023 01:24PM

Good workwear does it all: it’s comfortable, versatile for changing conditions, and offers ample protection. It should look and function just as well after the hundredth washing as the first. Most importantly, it’s tough enough to stand up to all the elements. Our testers put almost forty items through their paces and these eleven rose to the top.

The Winners at a Glance

The Reviews: The Best Women’s Workwear of 2024

Ariat Rebar DuraStretch Riveter Double Front Straight Jean ($80-$85)

Sizing: 25-34 standard sizes, 16W-26W, comes in four lengths from short to extra long
Pros: Excellent fit and stretch
Cons: Doesn’t perform well in wet weather

Workwear trends come and go, but denim is classic for a reason. These straight-leg jeans from Ariat come in a wide range of sizes and lengths, with a higher rise in the back so they didn’t slide down when we bent over to haul rocks and pull weeds. Testers appreciated the generous touch of spandex, which keeps these jeans feeling comfy and flexible even when we squatted, despite the added bulk and durability of double-front thigh chaps. As a bonus, the hidden phone pockets in the thigh chaps felt uncommonly secure, and the regular hip pockets are deep enough to swallow your wrists. Ariat’s denim—with its touch of polyester and spandex—dries faster than 100 percent cotton jeans, but that’s not to say it dries objectively fast; if you plan to be outside in wet weather, know that you will end up—as one tester put it—soggy. Instead, grab these for rough tasks like fencework on cool, dry days when you don’t want to have to think about your pants at all.

Dovetail Freshley Dropseat Overall in Thermal Denim ($139)

Sizing: 000-18, inseam 28-34
Pros: Flattering, stretchy, easy bathroom breaks, four inseam options
Cons: Buckles uncomfortably placed on nipples

Dovetail’s Freshley overalls are a modern workwear staple. The thermal denim is substantial but still thin and stretchy with a tough exterior and a fuzzy lining. They’re also quite a bit warmer and more flexible than your average canvas workwear. Everything from the crotch gusset and articulated knees to the stretchy shoulder straps are thoughtfully designed to fit a range of women’s bodies. And yet, with this slightly comical update, they’ve outdone themselves once again. Because what’s the biggest problem with wearing overalls in cold weather? Duh: it’s annoying to take them off to pee, especially when wearing a hoodie or coat. Enter Dovetail’s dropseat: a hidden zipper across the butt that allows you to uncover your bottom half without undressing your top. “It’s like walking around with a really good secret,” reports Drechsel. “Definitely a sexy perk.” Her only gripe with the otherwise-perfect bibs? “I’m 5’10” with no hips and a long torso, and the strap buckles hit right on my nipples. Not cute.” For what it’s worth, our 5’8” tester had no such problem. But if your dimensions are similar, consider yourself warned.

Bottom line: For anyone who takes frequent bathroom breaks, or hates taking off their jacket to pee

Ombraz Viale Armless Sunglasses with Side Shields ($160 for polarized. Optional side shields are an extra $60)

Sizing: Regular and narrow frame
Pros: Won’t fall off
Cons: Lenses smudge easily

It’s rare to encounter an everyday item, like sunglasses, that are somehow completely different but still better than all the other options, but Ombraz’s polarized sunglasses take the cake. Instead of arms, an adjustable cord that drapes loosely over your ears and behind your neck keep them secured to your head. “I wore them to clear trails in a bouncy ATV, and not only did they stay put, but they were completely comfortable under a helmet,” one tester who is sick of arms jutting into their temples said. They’re particularly effective in situations where you’re bending down a lot, and other glasses might be prone to falling off; you won’t have to adjust these all day. Note: the bridge of your nose does a lot of the work to hold these in place, so if normal sunglasses tend to slide down your face, these probably aren’t the best option. It also takes a bit longer than armed sunglasses to put them on—you have to adjust the strap over your head each time, and it’s two-hand job, so if you plan to take them on and off constantly, they might become annoying. Side shields, sold separately, are a nice touch, although they do negate the Ombraz’s excellent packability.

Bottom line: For people with full hands who don’t want to bother adjusting their sunglasses into place

Fjallraven Övik Half Zip Knit Sweater ($250)

Sizing: XXS-XL
Pros: A well-executed classic
Cons: Loose weave can snag

This sweater feels timeless to the point of being old-fashioned; your grandfather probably had a similar one. Fjallraven has updated this classic with handsome ribbing across the shoulders and 100 percent ZQ-certified wool, which comes from farms with high standards for animal welfare, labor practices, and sustainability. Long patches made from a lightweight poly-cotton blend run along the forearms, making this a particularly good option for someone who works with their hands on a table or other surface, whether you’re working in a shop or repairing gear. The knit fabric is lofty, light, and warm, but its slightly loose weave means it might snag when clearing brush or fixing fences. The fit is generous; size down. “For me, a New Englander displaced in the mountains, it’s ideal,” says Bodznick. “I’d recommend this to someone who wants to stay warm and cute while in a warehouse or studio.”

Bottom line: For those who like old-fashioned vibes and work with their hands

Minus33 Women’s Long Sleeve Henley ($100)

Sizing: XS-XXL
Pros: Versatile, 100 percent merino, machine wash and dry
Cons: None

This midweight henley stakes a versatile middle ground between base- and mid-layer; you can wear it easily as either option. It’s gentle and soft against your skin, with an itch-free tagless label, but the slightly loose fit makes it easy to layer over a bulkier tank or t-shirt, too. Because it’s made with 100 percent wool, it won’t get smelly, but you can throw it in the laundry after many wears for an easy wash. Testers appreciated the plush interlock merino, which, according to Drechsel, is “a lot softer than my other wool base layers,” as well as the button-up neckline and thick cuffs at the wrists, which elevate the henley’s style. Plus, flatlock seams lie flat and won’t chafe under bib or backpack straps.

Bogs Women’s Classic II Adjustable Calf Boots ($125)

Sizing: 6-12
Pros: Extremely warm, adjustable to different calf sizes
Cons: Buckle on back of calf makes for uncomfortable crouching

Bogs’ Classic IIs are comfort-rated to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and though our testers didn’t get quite that cold, my feet stayed perfectly comfortable all day when temperatures dropped to 25 below in Wisconsin—not to mention when I tromped through overflow for an hour in zero degrees while retrieving a stuck snowmobile. In other words, these thick neoprene boots are warm. The molded outsole is molded to be self-cleaning, so clods of mud and ice fall out on their own, and the 90-degree heel felt grippy and secure on rough, icy surfaces. The adjustable calf fits well on a range of sizes, and also functions as a cinch to keep snow from falling in the top of the boots, with one notable downside: if you crouch down deeply, the buckle can dig into your leg, so people whose work requires getting low might be better off with a non-adjustable pair. As for durability, these boots held up well to several months of testing—but most neoprene boots start to break down after a year or two of heavy use, and we suspect these will do the same. However, they’re still one of your very best options for serious cold.

Bottom line: For anyone who really hates having cold feet, and won’t be crouching much

Carhartt Montana Jacket ($149)

Sizing: XS-3X
Pros: Durable, very warm, generous hood
Cons: Unflattering colors, runs small

Need an indestructible jacket for temperatures down to 10 below? This cozy coat—with its polyester insulation and sherpa lining—can be tossed right into the washer and dryer, so it’s perfect for dirty jobs. The silicone-coated nylon outer is windproof and water-repellant, though you probably won’t encounter much moisture in deep cold. Testers liked the elastic drawcord around the hem, internal elastic cuffs, and the generous, cinch-able hood. “I have a big head,” reported Bodznick, “and I still felt I could disappear into the hood and hide behind its brim if the wind picked up or my ex showed up.” (However, because it’s not removable, “you do feel a bit like you have a yoke around your neck at times.”) Testers also reported that the coat ran on the small side, so size up for your best fit. Downsides? The orange-brown color was deemed universally unflattering; Slater compared it to manure. But if you’re doing the kind of dirty jobs this coat is designed for, like on a farm or an overgrown trail, the color might be the last thing on your mind.

Bottom line: For workers in serious cold who need an indestructible outer layer

Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms ($135)

Wear these sleek wool long johns under your pants or bibs on cold days, and you’ll stay warm for hours, even if you’re moving hard enough to work up a sweat. Ibex’s 100 percent merino fabric makes these bottoms warmer and more durable than your standard long johns, without any added bulk. Testers particularly appreciated the encased elastic waistband, which lies completely flat and secure without pinching, and the flattering cut of the flat lock seams. “As someone who’s had multiple long underwear split along the crotch,” one tester reported, “I particularly appreciated the crotch gusset.” That’s the last place you want to think about catching a breeze on a frigid day.

Bottom line: For those looking for a versatile layer for hard work, sports, and everyday

Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea Boots ($280)

Sizing: 6-11
Pros: Versatile enough to wear in town or for wet, high-output activities
Cons: Not warm enough to wear for long in the snow

For a versatile work boot with serious tech specs that will still look great around town, it’s hard to beat these Blundstones. The sleek leather hides a breathable Thinsulate lining and a sheepskin EVA footbed that make them warm enough for chilly-but-not-freezing temperatures, while the Vibram outsole offers extra traction in damp or slippery conditions. The leather and elastic are waterproof, with latex seams, and held up well in wet conditions. “My feet stayed warm and dry during long days outside in the seemingly non-stop rain we have here in Oregon,” reported Slater. (If you’re looking for snow boots, though, you’re better off with Bogs; my own toes got chilly in the Blundstones after about an hour of shoveling snow in Northern Wisconsin.) The boots fit particularly well for wide feet, and the leather upper breaks in quickly. “For the first couple hours, I worried that my heel seemed to be slipping up and down,” says Slater. “But by the end of the day, the fit was perfect.”

Finisterre Yarrel Canvas Trousers ($120)

Sizing: 24R-36R
Pros: 97% organic cotton, 3% elastane, deep pockets
Cons: Loose fit could get caught in machinery, run large

These pants were tester Bodznick’s favorites because of the canvas material and generous fit. “I used to be a wildland firefighter,” she said, “and we had to wear these classic uniform pants called Nomex. The best thing about them was that they were lightweight and durable, but when they got wet from damp brush or a fire hose, they dried in a snap. These pants have that same hard-to-find quality, but are more stylish and actually tailored to fit women’s bodies.” She particularly appreciated the roomy, no-frills cut, which makes these trousers lighter and less bulky than most work pants, even though they’re plenty loose enough for layering over long johns. “I wore these pants to do yard work and stack a bunch of brush in a burn pile,” she said, “and then I wiped the shmutz off the bottom and wore them out for $3 martini happy hour and oysters at the bougiest bar in Bozeman. Also, I just tested and I can do the splits in them.” In other words, these pants can do it all.

Bottom line: An everyday workwear-inspired pant that will hold up to wherever your day takes you

Outerknown Blanket Shirt ($168)

Size: XS/S – XL/XXL
Pros: Very comfortable and durable fabric
Cons: Only comes in three sizes

As is the case with most flannels, the fabric in Outerknown’s aptly-named Blanket Shirt is the star of the show. The thick twill, made from yarn-dyed organic cotton, feels fresh and interesting: it’s textural and soft at the same time, with a cotton lining in the yoke for added durability, and the weave makes it plenty breathable for sweaty activities. Button-close chest pockets are big enough to hold your wallet, while multiple buttons at the cuff make it easy to roll up the sleeves. The buttons themselves are carved from sustainably-harvested Tagua palm nuts, although to the untrained eye they look like plastic. Unfortunately, the shirt only comes in three sizes, although the roomy cut will fit a range of body shapes. Size up slightly if you plan to put it in the dryer; it shrinks.

Bottom line: A textural flannel for people who want strangers to pet them in the hardware store

How to Buy

The most important thing about workwear is that it’s comfortable for you–and for the movement you’ll be doing in it–while still offering protection from abrasion, bugs, sun, and weather. You want clothing that fits well, and stays put when you change positions, so that you rarely have to worry about tugging it into place. When you first try on a piece of gear, try crouching, bending, twisting, sitting, and standing back up. Did everything stay put? If so, great: this might be a strong contender.

For pants, look for a higher rise, especially in back, or skip the rise altogether and opt for bibs or overalls, which will never ride down. (They can, however, have the downside of riding up. If you have a long torso, make sure you can crouch without giving yourself a wedgie.)

If you’ll be working in moderate to deep cold, plan to dress in layers, especially since you may work up a sweat. Choose pants and jackets that are wind-proof, breathable, and loose enough to wear over long underwear and midlayers as needed. As a rough guideline, soft, stretchy inner layers and durable outer shells will give you good protection without impeding your range of motion. Try to avoid anything flowy or swinging, and skip accessories like scarves that could get caught on machinery or brush. Since workwear tends to get dirty, you’ll also want pieces that are washable, if possible–and don’t buy anything that you’ll be hesitant to get gross.

When it comes to footwear, opt for comfort first; it’s hard to get anything done when your feet hurt. In cold weather, you’re often better off sizing up and adding an extra wool insole rather than wearing thicker, bulkier boots; your feet lose most of their heat to the ground, not the air, and an insole will maximize warmth without adding too much weight. Be sure to remove your insoles at the end of the day, even if they don’t feel damp–it’ll make your boots last longer, and they’ll be much more comfortable the next morning.

How We Test

Our testers range in age from 25 to 67, and live in the Pacific Northwest, Montana, New York, and Wisconsin. Each item was tested by at least two people, who wore them in as many different conditions as possible before reporting back on fit, washability, durability, materials, style, and comfort. The testers wore their gear while clearing trails, building fences, gardening, shoveling snow, chopping wood, building a custom walnut wine rack, and—in the case of our Montana tester—engaging in experimental improv theater. (Her Carhartt coat, she reported, held up extremely well to twenty minutes of scooting around on her belly on a rough wooden floor.) In particular, testers reported that they appreciated gear that was versatile: items they could wear for a long day of clearing brush, but that also made them feel cute if they stopped for a beer after work.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Blair Braverman is a musher and writer. She lives in the Wisconsin Northwoods with her husband and their sled dogs, and has completed some of the toughest dogsled races in the world. She is the author, most recently, of the novel Small Game. (Instagram: @blair_braverman)

Rachael Drechsel and Colleen Michelson are avid foragers from Madison, Wisconsin, who spend their free time hiking with their pit bulls, exploring trails near their home, and landscaping. They often spend all day hunting for mushrooms, then go out with flashlights at night because they can’t stop themselves. (Instagrams: @r_drechsel, @boi_meets_bea)

Jana Kay Slater, 67, splits her time between the mountains of Oregon and the beaches of Puget Sound.

Chrissie Bodznick is a documentary filmmaker by winter and a backcountry firefighter by summer. She lives in Montana. (Instagram: @cbodznick)