Guide to best plus size coats

I can remember trying to buy a coat a few years ago (2007? 2008?) and it was a miserable experience. All I wanted was a either a thick wool pea coat or one that had Thinsulate. I couldn't find one. The only thing I could find in my size that I could afford was a bulky black puffy number that made me look like the Michelin Man dressed in a garbage bag. I ended up finding a wool herringbone coat at Goodwill that fit, but the sleeves were way too short. Fast forward to last year and I bought a simply beautiful wool duffel coat from Lands' End. It comes down to my knees and has a hood (I hate wearing hats).  It's no longer available for sale, but here's what it looks like. It's been a great choice and I know I'm going to use it for years.

In the past few years, plus size women shopping for coats have gone from having maybe 50 options total to almost a thousand.  No matter your style or budget, it's very possible to find something you like.  In the graphic above, I've highlighted a few of the bigger trends for this season, such as plaid, pastels, and oversized almost sloppy shapes. Want a pastel coat with that oversized silhouette? It's available for under $70 at Old Navy. Want a camel coat in the most gloriously soft cashmere/wool blend? Look no further than Lands' End.

No matter if your budget is around $50 or a thousand, I've rounded up some of the best coats available for plus sizes: