Discovering the proper winter coat might be troublesome in a sea of shapeless, marshmallow-like choices. After sporting dozens of puffer jackets over time (in Chicago winters, no much less), I’ve realized that the key to winter heat is not nearly most fluff, it is about good design that does not make you appear to be you are sporting a sleeping bag.
Positive, you could possibly seize any previous puffer off the rack, however why settle when the best one can preserve you toasty *and* trendy? A well-designed coat could make you are feeling polished whereas nonetheless defending you from biting winds and snowstorms. To show that winter put on doesn’t must imply sacrificing your type, I tapped stylist Megan Brotschul of Fashion Technique to assist curate kinds that show you do not have to decide on between staying heat and searching put collectively. Whether or not you are on the lookout for one thing modern for metropolis life or travel-friendly ( you, packable puffer jackets), these coats have you ever coated.
In This Article
01
what to search for
02
greatest puffer jackets
What to search for
Performance
First, look at the filler. Historically, there are two choices: down and artificial. Whereas artificial performs higher in moist circumstances and is cheaper, it does not have the very best warmth-to-weight ratio like down. You’ll want to additionally have a look at how a lot fill is tucked within the jacket. The extra fill normally means extra heat, particularly if it is down. You additionally need to make it possible for the filling is evenly padded and never clumped in sure areas.
As for dimension, it is best apply to barely dimension as much as account for the layers or sweaters you will have beneath. Sturdiness is essential too; will this jacket have the ability to stand up to the weather? Will the fabric tear? Will it maintain up effectively in rain, sleet, or snow?
Aesthetics
As for type, Brotschul explains that in relation to outerwear, particularly in thicker materials, go for a impartial shade to reduce the allusion of extra (pointless) quantity. “A impartial shade is sleeker and it’ll have extra endurance and flexibility.” As for longevity, Brotschul factors out that, “a impartial puffer jacket might be worn for a number of seasons by including varied equipment like scarves and hats in a complementary texture, or with a pop of shade for a vibrant winter type.”
Prepared to remain heat in type this winter? Take a look at our curated record beneath.
Store the very best puffer jackets
Finest total: Quince Accountable Down Lengthy Puffer Jacket — $170.00
Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: 10 | Fill: responsibly sourced down
For those who’re trying to find a winter workhorse, this lengthy puffer checks each field with its responsibly sourced down-filling and water-repellent, wind-resistant shell. This choose is certain to maintain you toasty even when the temps plummet. We love its timeless silhouette, which implies it’ll be your go-to winter companion for years to come back.
Finest for frigid temps: BCBG Max Azaria Lengthy Puffer Coat — $170.00
Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: 4 | Fill: recycled artificial
Whereas most lengthy coats can really feel restrictive, this puffer’s intelligent snap system enables you to customise your stride whether or not you’re power-walking to work or settling in to your morning commute. The recycled artificial fill and machine-washable development make this simple to take care of, whereas the beneficiant 49-inch size ensures whole protection from plummeting wind chills.
Finest light-weight: Lululemon Pack It 700-Down-Fill Quilted Down Jacket — $198.00
Sizes: 0-14 | Colours: 1 | Fill: responsibly sourced down
This Lululemon jacket is ideal for these difficult between-season days. The windproof, water-repellent shell fends off surprising climate whereas the detachable hood provides additional versatility. It’s additionally foldable and comes with a journey bag, making it excellent for these on the go. Provides Brotschul, “It’s good for the fitness center, to run errands in, or for college choose up.”
Finest cropped: Stio Turnbolt Jacket — $249.00
Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: 4 | Fill: responsibly sourced down
For a cropped possibility, the Stio Turnbolt Down Jacket proves that staying heat doesn’t imply sacrificing type. Full of responsibly sourced 650-fill responsibly sourced down, this jacket is ultra-light but fiercely insulating, good for every thing from snowy hikes to espresso runs. Plus, the velvety Western-inspired accents and boxy baffles make it as stylish as it’s sensible—a real winter MVP.
Most basic: The North Face Ladies’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket — $330.00
Sizes: XXS-3XL | Colours: 6 | Fill: responsibly sourced down
This North Face puffer has been turning heads from the slopes to the streets for the reason that ‘90s. This iconic puffer is filled with 700-fill responsibly sourced down, delivering severe heat with out the majority. Its boxy, cropped silhouette provides it a retro edge that pairs completely with every thing from high-waisted denims to snow pants. Constructed with sturdy ripstop material and a water-repellent end, it’s prepared for surprising flurries (or spontaneous snowball fights, you by no means know!).
Finest for prolonged sizes: BCBG Paris Ladies’s and Ladies’s Plus Lengthy Hooded Puffer Coat — $43.00
Sizes: S-3X | Colours: 4 | Fill: artificial
Enjoyable reality: this BCBG coat comes from Walmart. Sure, Walmart. And whereas most lengthy puffers can overwhelm your body, this one strikes the proper stability between beneficiant protection and flattering proportions, making it a standout selection for individuals who refuse to let winter cramp their type. For $43, it’s a no brainer.
Finest with removable hood: Bernardo Lengthy Puffer Jacket — $130.00
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colours: 3 | Fill: artificial
Generally, a hood is sweet. Different instances, it will probably really feel like simply one other piece of bulk you need off your coat. Which is the place this puffer is available in—it encompasses a detachable hood, so you may customise your match to your liking. It additionally sports activities a stretch-woven shell and considerate particulars like ribbed cuffs that seal in heat. The chevron quilting provides type to this sensible coat, making it a dependable selection for individuals who need their winter coat to work as arduous as they do.
Finest splurge: Good Second Polar Flare Down Ski Jacket — $795.00
Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: 2 | Fill: down mix
This eye-catching houndstooth print is a refreshing departure from normal winter put on. Explains Brotschul, “This puffer is a splurge, however the sample will stay a basic for years to come back, and might be paired with a number of appears in your wardrobe.” This assertion puffer proves that useful outerwear is usually a style second.
Finest quilted: FP Motion Pippa Packable Jacket — $198.00
Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: 20+ | Fill: artificial
The Pippa Packable Puffer is beloved by the lots for its versatility, rainbow of shade choices, and naturally, its packability. This quilted magnificence is full of a vegan-friendly artificial that doesn’t skimp on heat whereas nonetheless being extremely light-weight. It’s additionally water resistant, so it received’t thoughts a lightweight drizzle or flurry. And should you do get too heat, you can even pack it into itself and throw it in your purse, it’s that simple. Learn the complete assessment right here.
Finest heated: Venustas Heated Jacket — $98.00
Sizes: XS-4XL | Colours: 5 | Fill: down
The Venustas Heated Down Coat takes winter heat to the following degree—actually. With three adjustable heating ranges and built-in heated pockets, this jacket is like wrapping your self in a wearable electrical blanket. Full of premium down insulation, it’s designed to lock in warmth (for as much as 20 hours!) whereas the sturdy, water resistant shell retains out wind and snow. Good for anybody who’s perpetually freezing, this coat makes braving frigid temps really feel like a comfy journey.
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