Women's Jackets
Women's jackets for New Zealand's four-seasons-in-a-day weather, from waterproof rain shells and warm puffers to fleece and light running jackets. Our range brings together Patagonia, The North Face, Arc'teryx, Columbia and Norrøna, all cut on women's patterns for a proper fit over your layers.
Build from the outside in: a waterproof rain jacket keeps out wind and rain, a down or insulated jacket adds the most warmth for its weight, and a fleece is the mid-layer that goes under either. For moving fast, a running jacket breathes as you work, and a light wind breaker cuts the breeze on milder days.
Jacket fit changes with what you wear underneath, so come and try one over your own layers at the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about women's jackets
How should a women's jacket fit?
A women's jacket should sit comfortably across your shoulders, leave room through the hips so it does not ride up, and have sleeves long enough to cover your wrists when you reach forward. If you will layer underneath, try it over a fleece or light puffer. The hem should stay put when you lift your arms, and the hood should move with your head rather than blocking your view.
What is the difference between a women's and a unisex jacket?
A women's jacket is cut on a women's pattern, typically with narrower shoulders, a shaped waist, more room at the hips and sleeve and body lengths in proportion. A unisex jacket uses a straighter, roomier cut that tends to be wide in the shoulders and short or tight through the hips on many women. If a unisex jacket fits you well, great, but most women find a women's cut sits better.
Which jacket length is best, hip length or longer?
Hip-length jackets are the most versatile for active use because they move freely, sit above a pack's hip belt and do not restrict your stride. Longer, thigh-length jackets add warmth and rain coverage for everyday wear, travel and standing around in the cold. Many people choose a hip-length shell for the outdoors and a longer puffer or parka for town.
What jacket should I buy first if I can only have one?
A quality waterproof rain jacket is the most useful first jacket in New Zealand. It handles wind and rain on its own and turns into a warm system when you add a fleece or light puffer underneath. Choose one with a good hood and a fit with room for a layer. Add warmth and specialist jackets as your needs grow. A rain jacket you can wear over a mid-layer also means your fleece or puffer stays dry, which keeps the whole system warmer when the weather turns.
Will a women's jacket fit over a fleece or a down layer?
Outer jackets such as rain shells are designed to fit over a mid-layer, so most will go over a fleece or light puffer in your usual size. If you plan to wear a thick down jacket underneath, or you like a roomier fit, consider sizing up. Try the combination together if you can, and check that you can still lift your arms without the hem riding up.
Which women's jackets work for travel?
For travel, a packable waterproof shell and a light down or synthetic puffer make a versatile pair: wear them separately on mild days or together when it is cold and wet. Both pack small and look neat enough for city streets. Choose neutral colours and jackets with secure zip pockets for passports and phones. A hooded jacket is worth it on the road, as you may not always have an umbrella or shelter, and a jacket that stuffs into its own pocket doubles as a travel pillow.
Should I choose a parka, a puffer or a shell for winter in town?
For standing at bus stops, school pick-ups and sports sidelines, a longer insulated parka or puffer is the warmest and most comfortable option. A shell on its own keeps you dry but needs a warm layer underneath in winter. If you also walk or tramp, a hip-length puffer plus a rain shell gives you the most flexibility, while a waterproof insulated parka is the simplest single jacket for city winters.
Are recycled and PFC-free jackets as good as conventional ones?
Today, yes for most uses. Recycled fabrics perform the same as new ones, and many brands now use PFC-free water-repellent finishes that bead water well. The main difference is that PFC-free finishes can need refreshing a little more often, so wash and re-proof your jacket when water stops beading. Many of the brands we stock have moved much of their ranges to recycled fabrics and PFC-free finishes.