Woolrich vs. Canada Goose: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Woolrich offers durable, heritage-inspired outdoor apparel at a premium but accessible price point, focusing on classic American style and materials like wool. In contrast, Canada Goose is a luxury performance brand known for its extreme-weather parkas, modern aesthetic, and significantly higher price tag, positioning itself as a status symbol for superior warmth.

Let's compare these two iconic outerwear brands to help you decide which jacket is the right investment for your needs.

Woolrich: The American Outdoor Heritage Brand

Founded in 1830, Woolrich is America's oldest outdoor clothing company, built on a foundation of rugged durability and timeless design. The brand is celebrated for its high-quality wool and flannel products, offering a classic Americana aesthetic. Woolrich appeals to consumers who want functional, long-lasting outerwear that bridges the gap between outdoor performance and casual, everyday style without entering the luxury price category.

• Product mix: Best known for iconic insulated jackets like the Arctic Parka, plus a wide range of flannel shirts, sweaters, and outdoor layers that emphasize practicality and heritage style.
• Price point: Occupies a mid-range to premium space. Jackets and parkas generally cost between $300 and $700, offering good value for their quality and durability.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes high-quality wool, durable cotton blends, and modern synthetic insulations. The focus is on robust craftsmanship meant to last for years of wear.
• Style & Aesthetic: Rooted in traditional Americana with a rugged, practical look. Expect classic silhouettes, plaid patterns, and an understated feel perfect for both trails and city streets.
• Fit & Sizing: Generally offers a true-to-size and slightly relaxed fit, designed to comfortably accommodate layering underneath for cold weather.
• Sustainability: Prioritizes responsible wool sourcing and is committed to eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

Woolrich is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable, high-quality outerwear with a classic look and proven durability, all at a more attainable price point than performance-luxury brands.

Shop Woolrich: woolrich.com

Canada Goose: The Leader in Luxury Winter Performance

Since 1957, Canada Goose has earned a global reputation as the benchmark for warmth in extreme winter conditions. This Canadian brand is synonymous with high-performance down-filled parkas, meticulously engineered to withstand arctic temperatures. Canada Goose targets luxury consumers and those living in harsh climates who demand the absolute best in insulation, quality, and modern style, solidifying its status as both a functional tool and a fashion statement.

• Product mix: Famous for its range of insulated parkas, such as the Expedition Parka and Chilliwack Bomber. Also offers lightweight down jackets, vests, and shell jackets.
• Price point: Positioned firmly in the luxury market. Flagship parkas typically range from $800 to over $1,500, reflecting their premium materials and brand status.
• Quality & Materials: Uses high-fill-power, responsibly sourced down insulation and proprietary weather-resistant shell fabrics like Arctic Tech. Every detail is engineered for maximum warmth and durability in freezing conditions.
• Style & Aesthetic: Sleek, modern, and minimalist with a clear focus on function. The iconic circular arm patch is an immediate indicator of its luxury status.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing is consistent with a slightly generous, tailored fit to allow for layering. Some customers may prefer to size down for a closer-to-the-body silhouette.
• Sustainability: Committed to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and has taken significant steps toward improving material traceability and phasing out fur.

Canada Goose delivers uncompromising warmth and a modern, high-status look, making it the top choice for those who invest in peak performance for the harshest winter weather.

Shop Canada Goose: canadagoose.com

Woolrich vs. Canada Goose Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a significant price gap between the two brands. Woolrich parkas typically fall in the $300 to $700 range, making them a premium but manageable investment for a high-quality winter coat. They offer a strong balance of price, performance, and heritage appeal.

Canada Goose operates in a pure luxury tier, with most of its popular parkas priced between $800 and $1,500+. The higher price reflects its use of high-fill-power down, specialized technical materials, Canadian manufacturing for many core products, and powerful brand cachet.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality garments, but they prioritize different materials. Woolrich is a master of wool-blend fabrics, known for their warmth, durability, and classic texture. Their insulation is often a mix of down and synthetic materials or high-performance synthetics like PrimaLoft, balancing warmth with practicality.

Canada Goose focuses almost exclusively on exceptional insulation for extreme cold. They use superior, high-fill-power goose down and feathers, which provide incredible warmth-to-weight ratios. Their jackets feature proprietary, highly durable, and water-resistant technical outer shells designed to block fierce winds and snow.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is clear. Woolrich embodies a rugged, classic Americana aesthetic. Its designs are timeless, versatile, and feel at home whether you're in the countryside or a city cafe. It's an understated style that communicates quality without shouting luxury.

Canada Goose offers a modern, sleek, and often minimalist urban look. The design is function-forward, with clean lines and the instantly recognizable arm patch serving as the primary design element. It is very much a "statement" coat that signals performance and luxury.

Fit & Sizing

Woolrich fits are generally true to size and offer a classic, somewhat relaxed cut. This makes them ideal for layering sweaters or other garments underneath without feeling constricted, prioritizing comfort and practicality.

Canada Goose provides a more tailored, structured fit. While designed to accommodate layers, the silhouette is typically less bulky than traditional parkas. Their sizing is consistent, though some find it runs slightly large, so consulting their size guide is crucial for achieving the desired look.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make exceptional outerwear, but they cater to very different needs, budgets, and style preferences.

Choose Woolrich if:

• You appreciate a timeless, heritage-inspired Americana look.
• Your budget for a winter coat is between $300 and $700.
• You want a versatile jacket suitable for various social settings, from casual outings to outdoor activities.
• You value durable, traditional materials like wool and flannel alongside modern insulation.
• You need reliable warmth for cold winters but not necessarily for arctic-level conditions.

Choose Canada Goose if:

• Maximum warmth and protection from extreme cold is your absolute top priority.
• You are looking for a luxury item and are comfortable investing over $800 in a winter parka.
• You prefer a sleek, modern, and minimalist aesthetic with high brand recognition.
• You value Made in Canada craftsmanship and superior down insulation technology.
• The status of wearing a globally recognized performance-luxury brand appeals to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Woolrich or Canada Goose more expensive?

Canada Goose is significantly more expensive than Woolrich. A typical Canada Goose parka costs two to three times more than a comparable parka from Woolrich, reflecting its luxury market positioning and specialized materials.

Which brand is warmer, Woolrich or Canada Goose?

For extreme cold, Canada Goose is generally warmer. Their parkas are designed with exceptionally high-quality goose down and engineered for arctic conditions, often carrying a Thermal Experience Index (TEI) rating to indicate the temperatures they can handle. Woolrich provides ample warmth for most winter weather but is not typically rated for the same level of extreme cold as Canada Goose flagship models.

Is Woolrich a luxury brand?

Woolrich is considered a premium heritage brand, not a luxury brand in the same sense as Canada Goose or Moncler. It stands for high quality, durability, and timeless style at a more accessible, albeit still premium, price point.

Where are Canada Goose and Woolrich jackets made?

Canada Goose proudly manufactures its core down-filled jackets in Canada. Woolrich has a deep American heritage but, like many global brands, utilizes a global supply chain for its manufacturing.

Do Canada Goose jackets run big or small?

Canada Goose jackets generally offer a tailored fit that is true to size, but some styles can feel slightly generous to accommodate layers. It's highly recommended to consult their official size guide or try one on in-store to find your perfect fit.

How does Woolrich sizing fit?

Woolrich sizing typically runs true to size with a classic, slightly relaxed fit. This allows for comfortable layering, making it easy to wear over a thick sweater or fleece without feeling restricted.

What brands are comparable to Canada Goose?

Other brands in the luxury performance outerwear space include Moncler, known for its fashion-forward alpine aesthetic, and Mackage, which offers tailored, stylish winter coats with a modern edge.

Are Woolrich jackets waterproof?

Many Woolrich jackets feature water-resistant coatings on their outer shells that can handle light to moderate snow and rain. However, they are not typically fully waterproof in the way that technical GORE-TEX shells are. They prioritize warmth and durability for general winter conditions.