Discovering the right winter coat could be tough in a sea of shapeless, marshmallow-like choices. After carrying dozens of puffer jackets over time (in Chicago winters, no much less), I’ve discovered that the key to winter heat is not nearly most fluff, it is about good design that does not make you appear like you are carrying a sleeping bag.
Certain, you would seize any previous puffer off the rack, however why settle when the precise one can hold you toasty *and* fashionable? A well-designed coat could make you’re feeling polished whereas nonetheless defending you from biting winds and snowstorms. To show that winter put on doesn’t need to imply sacrificing your model, 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 looking out put collectively. Whether or not you are on the lookout for one thing modern for metropolis life or travel-friendly (taking a look at you, packable puffer jackets), these coats have you ever lined.
In This Article
What to search for
Performance
First, look at the filler. Historically, there are two choices: down and artificial. Whereas artificial performs higher in moist situations and is inexpensive, it does not have the very best warmth-to-weight ratio like down. Remember to additionally have a look at how a lot fill is tucked within the jacket. The extra fill often means extra heat, particularly if it is down. You additionally need to ensure that the filling is evenly padded and never clumped in sure areas.
As for measurement, it is best observe to barely measurement as much as account for the layers or sweaters you’ll have beneath. Sturdiness is vital too; will this jacket be capable of stand up to the weather? Will the fabric tear? Will it maintain up nicely in rain, sleet, or snow?
Associated Tales
Aesthetics
As for model, Brotschul explains that on the subject of outerwear, particularly in thicker materials, go for a impartial colour to attenuate the allusion of further (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 could be worn for a number of seasons by including numerous equipment like scarves and hats in a complementary texture, or with a pop of colour for a vibrant winter model.”
Prepared to remain heat in model this winter? Try our curated checklist under.
Store the very best puffer jackets
Greatest general: Quince Accountable Down Lengthy Puffer Jacket — $170.00
Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: 10 | Fill: responsibly sourced down
In the event you’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 return.
- Responsibly sourced 700+ goose down fill
- Removable hood
- Recycled polyester
- Mushy knit cuffs with thumbholes
- Some observe that the pockets generally is a bit small
- Runs a bit lengthy, which can not go well with shorter frames
Greatest 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 permits you to customise your stride whether or not you’re power-walking to work or settling in on your morning commute. The recycled artificial fill and machine-washable building make this simple to look after, whereas the beneficiant 49-inch size ensures whole protection from plummeting wind chills.
- Zipper and snap closure
- Stand collar and drawcord-toggle hood for additional heat
- Thumbhole cuffs retains sleeves in place
- Hood just isn’t detachable
- The size could also be too overwhelming for shorter frames
Greatest 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 perfect for these on the go. Provides Brotschul, “It’s excellent for the gymnasium, to run errands in, or for college choose up.”
- Water-repellent
- Responsibly sourced 700+ down
- Detachable hood
- Foldable
- Machine cleanable
- Out there in only one colour
- Designed for a slimmer match and will not work nicely over thick sweaters
Greatest cropped: Stio Turnbolt Jacket — $249.00
Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: 4 | Fill: responsibly sourced down
For a cropped choice, the Stio Turnbolt Down Jacket proves that staying heat doesn’t imply sacrificing model. Filled with responsibly sourced 650-fill responsibly sourced down, this jacket is ultra-light but fiercely insulating, excellent for all the things 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.
- Responsibly sourced 650-fill down
- Trendy, boxy designs
- Ample pockets and snap closures
- Climate-resistant end
- Runs small—measurement up
- No hood
Most basic: The North Face Girls’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 offers it a retro edge that pairs completely with all the things 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!).
- Retains heat nicely
- Hem cinch twine
- Wind-resistant
- Iconic ’90s design
- Responsibly sourced 700+-fill goose down
- Inclusive sizing
- Cropped design might not be for everybody
- Expensive
Greatest for prolonged sizes: BCBG Paris Girls’s and Girls’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 right steadiness between beneficiant protection and flattering proportions, making it a standout selection for individuals who refuse to let winter cramp their model. For $43, it’s a no brainer.
- Massive zipper pockets
- Machine cleanable
- Retains heat nicely
- Inclusive sizing
- Finances pleasant
- Hood not detachable
- The quilted, stretch panels could seem cumbersome on the waist
Greatest with removable hood: Bernardo Lengthy Puffer Jacket — $130.00
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colours: 3 | Fill: artificial
Generally, a hood is nice. Different instances, it could really feel like simply one other piece of bulk you need off your coat. Which is the place this puffer is available in—it incorporates a detachable hood, so you possibly can 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 model to this sensible coat, making it a dependable selection for individuals who need their winter coat to work as laborious as they do.
- Removable hood
- Two-way zip-front closure
- Machine cleanable
Greatest splurge: Excellent 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 return, and could be paired with a number of seems to be in your wardrobe.” This assertion puffer proves that useful outerwear generally is a trend second.
- 90-percent down crammed
- Two-way front-zip closure
- Machine cleanable
- Distinctive in sample
- Restricted colour choices
- Expensive
Greatest quilted: FP Motion Pippa Packable Jacket — $198.00
Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: 20+ | Fill: artificial
The Pippa Packable Puffer is beloved by the plenty for its versatility, rainbow of colour choices, and naturally, its packability. This quilted magnificence is stuffed with a vegan-friendly artificial that doesn’t skimp on heat whereas nonetheless being extremely light-weight. It’s additionally water resistant, so it gained’t thoughts a light-weight drizzle or flurry. And in the event you do get too heat, you can too pack it into itself and throw it in your purse, it’s that simple. Learn the complete assessment right here.
- Light-weight but nonetheless heat
- Water resistant
- Ample colour choices
- Packable—packs into its personal pocket
- Might not be heat sufficient for excessive chilly
- Some colours/sizes offered out
Greatest heated: Venustas Heated Jacket — $98.00
Sizes: XS-4XL | Colours: 5 | Fill: down
The Venustas Heated Down Coat takes winter heat to the subsequent degree—actually. With three adjustable heating ranges and built-in heated pockets, this jacket is like wrapping your self in a wearable electrical blanket. Filled with 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. Excellent for anybody who’s perpetually freezing, this coat makes braving frigid temps really feel like a comfy journey.
- Heated in six zones with long-lasting batteries
- Down insulation
- Water resistant shell
- Inclusive sizing
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