Levi's Arctic Cloth Puffer Parka vs Uniqlo Seamless Down Long Coat

The Levi's Arctic Cloth Puffer Parka is the tougher, more casual pick: a polyester-shell parka with a hood, storm cuffs and a concealed zip-and-snap front that shrugs off wind and light weather. The Uniqlo Seamless Down Long Coat is the warmer and lighter option for cold, dry days, thanks to 750 fill-power down and a windproof sheet, but it needs hand washing and skips the storm cuffs. Buy the Levi's for a rugged everyday winter coat; buy the Uniqlo for maximum warmth with less bulk.

• Choose the Levi's Arctic Cloth Puffer Parka if you want a hooded, hard-wearing shell coat with storm cuffs and a snap-over-zip front for messy winter days.
• Choose the Uniqlo Seamless Down Long Coat if you want the most warmth for the weight and a longer cut, and you don't mind hand washing.