I recently was invited to take place in a really amazing opportunity thanks to this blog. I was sent four winter coats in Lili’s size to compare and analyze- how fun is that?

Lili is such a diva. She’s very particular about what she will and will not wear, and it’s so hard to shop without her there. Often, the clothing she finds fashionable I find… atrocious. We walk a fine line between what is acceptable to me and what is cool enough for her to be seen in. And she’s not even 10 years old yet!

The jackets showed up, and Lili and I dug into the box. Since we have no idea which company sponsored this opportunity, our opinions of the coats are completely unbiased.

You’ll notice that Lili’s facial expressions often show annoyance.  The day we did the photos, it was rather warm out.  She was all gung ho despite that, however then our neighbors came out and started putting up their Christmas lights and she got distracted.  So don’t assume if you see a sour face that she didn’t like the particular coat she’s wearing at the time.  It probably just means a classmate was outside and looking her way.

Let’s begin!

Vital Statistics: The first coat we evaluated is the Gap Kids Warmest Parka in True Black, size large (10).

Hood: The faux-fur trim is easily detachable. The inside of the hood is lined with fleece.

Sleeves: Interior elastic in the sleeves to keep snow/drafts from going up the arm.  Length was good.

Pockets:  1 interior pocket specifically for an MP3 player.  2 outer pockets.

Misc. Details:  Longest jacket of the four, it almost hit her knees.  Tie belt at the waist, with interior elastic at the waist too.  Zipper covered by snaps to keep out drafts.

Pros: Lili liked the belt aspect, thought it was stylish.  I like that the fur on the hood is solid black, you mostly see that grey mix.

Cons:  Not many pockets.  Lili had to really bend down to zip it up.   Without the fur, the hood doesn’t seem tight enough to be warm.

Bottom line:  Our least favorite of the four coats.

Vital Statistics:  The second coat Lili tried on is a black Girls Petulia puffer by J.Crew’s children’s line, CrewCuts, in a size 10.

Hood:  This was the only jacket without the faux fur trim.  The hood was snug but not so tight that you couldn’t wear a hat under it if you needed an extra layer.

Sleeves: The sleeves seemed a little short on Lili.  They have an interior cuff similar to a sweatshirt to keep the sleeves in place.

Pockets:  2 outer pockets.

Misc. Details:  This was the only coat that did not zip, however it had two rows of snaps/buttons that overlapped, similar to a pea coat.  The tie belt at the waist is black ribbon.

Pros: No faux fur if you aren’t into that sort of thing.  Super soft, inside and out- when we pulled it out of the box, we all oohed and aahed over the fabric.  We also like the interior with the star pattern, it’s cute.  Lili says it was the most comfortable, which is partly due to the material.  However, it’s also because it’s thinner and less puffy than the others, so it was easier for her to move around in.  No Ralphie’s little brother syndrome like in the movie “A Christmas Story”.  Again, Lili liked the belt detail, and I also liked it better on this coat because it tied easier and looks pretty since you can make a bow.

Cons: Least warm of all four coats- not something I’d send my kids outside in if it were snowing- more of a fall/spring coat.  Only the two pockets.

Bottom Line:  Despite our initial rave reviews of the softness of the fabric this coat is made out of, it failed to deliver with warmth.  We put this one in third place.

Vital Statistics:  Third, we evaluated the Girls Expedition Parka in Dark Grape by Lands’ End in size Medium (10-12).

Hood: Detachable faux fur trim, buttons up high on the neck for protection from the elements, and includes an adjustment tab on the back of the hood.

Sleeves:  Hands down the best feature of this coat is the sleeves.  First, there is the Grow-A-Long feature which enables you to lengthen the sleeves by an inch and a half.  Then there is the fleece cuff inside, with a thumb hole- so the sleeves stay down and nothing can get in them.

Pockets:  2 interior pockets, one large mesh one and one meant for an MP3 player.  6 outer pockets.

Misc. Details: Label on the inside for writing your child’s information (great for the lost and found at school!) as well as the instructions on using the Grow-A-Long feature.  Interior elastic toggles if you want to tighten it around the waist.  Zipper covered by snaps to keep out drafts.  Large reflective patch on the rear.

Pros:  VERY warm.  Lots of pockets.  Love the sleeve features outlined above.  The hood fits nice and snug.

Cons:  Lili couldn’t get her hands into the pockets.

Bottom Line:  An awesome coat, with so many great features.  Lili and I rank this coat a very close second to our top choice- for one reason only- the only thing keeping this jacket from landing in first place is the fact Lili’s hands didn’t fit in the pockets.

Vital Statistics: The final coat we reviewed is the Kids Baxter State Parka from L.L.Bean in Bright Navy, size Medium (10-12).

Hood: Yet another hood with detachable faux fur trim.  This jacket also features a completely detachable hood as well though.  Nice, snug fit (when you fully zip/button the jacket) with elastic edging.

Sleeves: Fleece cuffs inside the sleeve to keep , with outer adjustment as well with a velcro strap.

Pockets: 6 outer, and 1 interior mesh pocket.

Misc. Details:   Zipper covered by snaps to keep out drafts.  Interior label for your child’s contact information.  Adjustable waist with a toggle and elastic on the inside.  Reflective triangle on the rear.

Pros:  Lili declared this jacket HOT, which is why she wouldn’t zip up the neck all the way.  So I’d venture to guess that this coat was the warmest of the four we tested.  The hood fit great for keeping out the elements alone, without having to wear a hat underneath, and is as thick and warm as the rest of the coat.

Cons: No MP3 pocket.

Bottom Line:  This coat is our winner!  It was the warmest, with the most beneficial features and it fit the best.

The Quality Coat Review was a blind review.  In order to give my unbiased opinions, I am unaware of the company that sponsored the effort.  While the opinions are my own, I am being compensated through MomDot for my time.