It could seem harder than ever to take off the duvet cover come wintertime. Though it’s not fashionable or socially acceptable to roll out of bed in your pajamas, a puffer jacket can have a similar effect.
The InStyle crew takes staying warm seriously as well, which is why we put 51 puffer jackets to the test in order to identify the best of the best. We were looking for options that would be warm, fit well, and thoughtfully designed (have you ever placed your hands in pockets lined with fleece?). There are a range of colors and shapes below. However, Derria Underwood, a fashion and lifestyle content developer located in Los Angeles, advises looking through your collection carefully before selecting a puffer jacket. While perusing, contemplate an item that will complement several other pieces. “In this manner, you can calculate the cost per wear of your puffer purchase.”
Alo Yoga Aspen Love Puffer Jacket
Ozifox editors have a thing for Alo Yoga’s jackets. All of the positive aspects of this garment were centered around its adaptability. We stayed warm and comfortable in this jacket even in 35 degree weather. Considering how light the jacket was, we were surprised. Despite the filling’s vegan down substitute, it had no issue keeping the cold out.
We also appreciated the hood’s detachable design. Given its size, it was excellent for shielding our heads and necks in their entirety. On the other hand, we enjoyed that we could take it off on bright days. The jacket’s boxy fit was a testament to its oversized look. It was pleasantly loose without appearing heavy when we ordered a size small. Even with heavy layers like sweatshirts and crewnecks underneath, we could still move freely.
It has an unexpectedly plush interior as well. The two zippered outside pockets made up for the absence of lining pockets. This jacket is quite comfortable and practical for everyday use; we wear it frequently on hikes, commutes, walks with our dog, and city errands.
Amazon Essentials Mock Neck Jacket
The only jacket on this list that we haven’t tested is this one, but we felt it was worthy of a spot on the list because of its affordability and excellent reviews. This simple, everyday-appropriate puffer is available for less than $60. Warm and thick, it provides plenty of protection from the chilly winter weather. In addition, one of our preferred brands to purchase from on Amazon is Amazon Essentials.
Canadian reviewers have even endorsed it, stating that it kept them warm in 14 degree temperatures. Numerous other reviews agree that the jacket is reasonably priced for its quality. Although it lacks a hood and the sleeves appear somewhat short on those with longer arms, everyone seems to agree that it’s a traditional puffer type that works well in most chilly climates.
Canada Goose Garnet Cropped Puffer
However, this was quite opulent in contrast. From the warm and comfortable cloth wrist guards to the silky and grippy zippers, every element felt excellent. We tested the exterior’s waterproofness during an unexpected downpour, by accident. We never would have realized it was minus freezing with the filling on because it offered an amazing amount of warmth. It stood up nicely to the brand’s claim that it can be worn in as low as five degrees, and it managed to avoid being overly voluminous. Rather, it packed the most heat while appearing elegant and understated.
Its ability to travel well was also revealed to us when we packed it in a suitcase for a day of intense travel and it arrived looking neat and wrinkle-free. Its portability was further enhanced by its unexpectedly low weight. We were able to avoid hand carrying the jacket by letting it hang off our back thanks to the backpack straps inside. While we acknowledge that spending over $1,500 is a significant outlay, we do think this is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.
Girlfriend Collective Long Recycled Puffer
We tried the shorter form of this jacket, but since it’s virtually sold out, we’re focusing on the longer, just as fashionable version. First of all, it’s an excellent winter jacket for daily wear. But that’s not the jacket you should wear to Aspen. If you’re planning to experience below-freezing weather, go back to the Canada Goose selection we previously discussed.
We loved this jacket for days out in town and running errands. With the hood up, the zip covers the entire mock neck, exposing everything but the face. It included an internal chest pocket, two side pockets with zippers, and fleece lining that was incredibly comfortable for the hands. Furthermore, the environmentally concerned brand astonishingly made this jacket entirely of recycled materials without using any animal products. When you take into account the incredibly broad size range (up to 6XL), we truly could not have wished for more.
L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Puffer Hooded Jacket
This jacket from L.L.Bean comes in regular, petite, and plus size cuts. The petite is 25 inches long from the neckline to the hem, while the standard is 26 inches. It’s slimmer than the other jackets we tried, as you can see. Its significantly reduced weight also caught our attention, since it makes traveling with it easier to pack for. It was quite insulating when the zipper was closed all the way. We thought it was the ideal puffer jacket for jogging, hiking, and cold-weather excursions as it was incredibly breathable when worn open.
We also observed that there isn’t much space for layering because to the slim fit. Fitted shirts and sweaters fit under the jacket, however crewnecks and hoodies looked too big. But, we could wear this garment layered under another, larger puffer jacket, which we think will be useful at a ski resort.
Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer
Wearing a short jacket in the winter can keep you warm without looking like the Michelin Man. We discovered that the areas the jacket did cover were really hot, even if this meant less total warmth and less coverage.
When it comes to style, this jacket wins because it went well with any athleisure ensemble and made us feel amazing whether we were running errands or going to the yoga studio. Not only does it look excellent, though. Not only is the outside practical, but it also repels water. It has no hood, so you’ll still need an umbrella, but the high collar shielded our necks from wind. The arm length was perfect, and the fit wasn’t overly thick. We found the interior pocket to be really convenient, so we put our phones there. All things considered, we thought it was a fantastic option for trend-conscious individuals who value style over coziness.
Everlane ReNew Long Puffer
We could tell the cold had no chance just by holding this jacket in our hands; it felt almost like a weighted blanket. It was impermeable when we wore it, but that also meant that it was not very breathable. Put another way, people who live in chilly, windy areas—like, say, Chicago—would definitely profit from this choice.
The large cargo pockets up front were another feature we really cherished. We could easily leave the house without carrying a purse by carrying our phones, wallets, snacks, and dog leash in our pockets. Additionally adding a little shape was the concealed drawstring around the waist. It isn’t waterproof like a trench coat, though. Even though it didn’t start raining right away when we stepped outside in Seattle, the jacket became entirely soaked in about an hour and took hours to air dry.
Quince Responsible Down Puffer Vest
Quince’s lengthy puffer would be appreciated by anyone who is actually afraid of the cold. When we tested it in the late fall, it provided unexpected warmth considering that it was puffy and lightweight, almost airy. Nevertheless, we are sure that it would continue to provide warmth through the colder months of January and February, just as it did in November.
Thumb holes, an inside breast pocket, an opulent exterior, a detachable hood, a high collar, and buttons on the left and right of the hem to allow the jacket to be worn more loosely were all features we could have imagined finding in a long puffer jacket.
Halfdays Wheeler Parka
Are you going to be skiing? Without this parka, you won’t want to visit that place. With its generous fill of PrimaLoft Thermoplume, you’ll be toasty warm even in -30 degree weather. There’s no way the winter wind can get near your skin when you have a hood that totally encloses your face and big collars that button around the neck. We were really heated when we wore this to the gym and had only a sports bra on underneath. Don’t get us wrong, though—there’s plenty of room for bulky sweaters. It’s so roomy that you could size it down for a more tailored appearance if you’d like.
One drawback was that the pockets were unzipped. We advise being cautious not to put any valuables inside the pocket if you plan to use it for skiing, even though there is a small flap covering the opening.
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
This classic jacket was declared the It jacket for winter by Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski, and everyone else went crazy trying to get their hands on it, including us. Here are our thoughts on it, of course.
The jacket’s warmth and comfort were the first things we noticed. It’s surprisingly light and breathable for being stuffed with substantial goose down, an artful combination that’s difficult to find in coats. We also performed a full range of motion exercise despite its heaviness. Additional features include an expandable inside pocket, velcro cuffs, and an adjustable bungee cord at the hem. The hood is detachable. It’s important to note, though, that the hood lacks the jacket’s overall puffiness and seems a little goofy. Nevertheless, the adored North Face brand did not let us down, providing us with a stylish jacket that will be practical for many years to come.
On Challenger Jacket
We assure you that this is the lightest puffer jacket we have ever tried, despite appearances to the contrary. It feels as though you’re wearing a cloud, but it still provides insulation. On the contrary, we were pleasantly pleased by how warm the jacket felt against our bodies when we wore it in 30 degree weather. The jacket’s length was really appealing to us because it was just the right amount of length. It was simple to layer hoodies below without having anything protrude from the bottom thanks to this.
When it comes to hoods, there’s one on the chest that has a fluorescent lining. A drawstring cord at the hem assisted in keeping out even more of that wind. Naturally, this jacket has plenty of pockets, including outside zipped hand pockets, inside mesh pockets, and an interior zippered chest pocket. Additionally, there’s a unique air vent in the back that unzips down the spine to reveal a mesh panel for breathability, and a neoprene thumb hole, which is always appreciated. It should go without saying that we were impressed by the amount of effort and attention that went into making this jacket, which yet has high-quality materials and features.
Eddie Bauer Altamira Down Parka
We wanted to choose something warm, light, and comfortable for moving around as our go-to everyday item—not to mention adorable. All the criteria were ticked for the Eddie Bauer parka. With the back being somewhat longer than the front, the quilted jacket is rather long—it nearly reaches our five-foot-seven tester’s knees. The waist was better defined thanks to a drawstring.
In brisk weather, we could wear this without feeling too hot or cold. We were able to finish some yard labor (raking leaves) while wearing the jacket because of its lightweight design, and we experienced no pain or movement limitations.
Triple Fat Goose Brenay Puffer Coat
How warm this jacket is cannot be emphasized enough. It is virtually windproof because to the 750 goose-down fill power. Complementing the comfort factor are the soft felt internal lining and the zipped pockets.
This shorter hem feels more polished and clean-cut even though bigger jackets offer greater coverage. We were able to appear put together in this coat without losing warmth, unlike a blanket burrito. With the drawstrings surrounding the detachable hood pulled tight, we can totally cover our heads and prevent most wind from getting through. The zipper extends all the way up to the chin.
Aritzia Super Puff
The Aritzia Super Puff jacket is a go-to piece for commuters at the InStyle office on any given day. Like me, some people own the original Super Puff. Some have the Super Alps Puff, which is almost completely sold out. However, we also like to draw attention to the waterproof Super Puff, which is strongly suggested by Michelle Blashka, a digital artist and stylist based in New York City. This jacket’s outer layer is water resistant to prevent the goose down filling from becoming wet, making you feel heavy, and eventually being cold. This coat will keep you warm and dry in the winter, even if you should always have a sturdy raincoat on hand during the warmer months. Despite having a lot of puff, this item is surprisingly lightweight, making it a breeze to travel with.
Moreover, it is quite insulating. I wore this outfit when snowboarding in Canada, and the snow and winds kept me quite warm. The fleece-lined pockets are a favorite feature among those who have tried as well; they are warm to the touch and provide an additional layer of fabric protection for mobile phones, which are known to freeze in the winter.
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
A favorite of Blashka’s as well, the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down jacket strikes the perfect combination of value, affordability, and warmth. Its low weight and the packing pouch that comes with it make it a benefit that it is travel-friendly.
We were shocked to find such a soft and insulated jacket for less than $100. We sweated wearing it on mild winter’s days in New York, despite its incredibly thin construction. It is quite portable thanks to the pouch that comes with it; it may even fit into a larger purse thanks to its reduced size. It didn’t come out deflated or wrinkled when we unpacked it again. That being said, we did note that in certain places, feathers were showing through the seams.
Ugg Cropped Puffer Jacket
Because the interior of a jacket is just as essential as the outside, we adore this fleece-lined jacket for optimum coziness. The hood and pockets also include the knitted lining, adding to the overall comfortable fit. However, we suggest sizing down if you want it to feel more snug because it runs a bit large.
It was clearly high-quality cloth, more than just a cozy hug. Even when our dog leaped on us, it never tangled, tore, or frayed. The puff never lost its inflation, and the zipper moved nicely. It’s a bit too heavy for vigorous exercises (like running), but it’s been the ideal jacket for doing errands around town.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
Replace your black coat with something brighter, like this Cotopaxi item that comes in a variety of vibrant, cheerful colors. Every time we put on the Maritime/Raspberry version, which we chose, for some reason, it made us feel better. But the jacket’s usefulness amazed us more than its cuteness.
It is easy to take into a backpack without adding weight because it is as light as a feather and can be rolled into a little bag. We would even go so far as to claim that it is warmer than some of our regular (and heavier) coats that we have been using on a daily basis. It shielded us from winds in frigid temps. It features an elastic binding at the hood and cuffs, an adjustable drawcord at the hem, and a fabric that is water-resistant. still another way, it didn’t scurry around while we sprinted; instead, it stayed still. Influencer for winter sports in Sweden, Ebba Forsgren, claims that she regularly wears these kind of puffers as base layers under larger puffers when she goes snow-trekking in bitterly cold weather.
Helly Hansen Tundra Down Coat
This is for anyone who lives in a place where winter temperatures often drop below freezing. It felt like we were wrapping up in a large blanket when we put this long coat on and ventured forth into the cold. We were able to wear it to soccer matches where spending a lot of time outside was inevitable, and it kept us comfortably warm. Our necks were shielded from the wind by the voluminous collar, but the hood swallowed our heads. The Helly Hansen coat is incredibly light, though; we didn’t feel like we were carrying any weight at all.
On the other hand, its somewhat intriguing design features an asymmetrical closure that ends around three-quarters of the way down and wraps somewhat onto the left side. We didn’t particularly enjoy this feature, especially because it was hard to align and hook the zipper (often we had to uncomfortably stand there for many minutes just to try to get the zips to connect). We had to get used to using the jacket closure at first, but eventually we became proficient at it.
Lolë Emeline Down Jacket
Are you going to the mountains? Something that is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable for movement is what you need, and this jacket from Lolë fits the bill. Because it is too insulating for temperatures over 70 degrees and too thin for those below, we found that this jacket is most comfortable in the range of 40 to 70 degrees.
Because of its extreme light weight, it’s perfect for trekking and travel. Its slight larger nature permitted us to employ our entire range of motion. We loved how the jacket had a slight shape thanks to the small scrunch at the back. Aside from a water bottle, all of our trekking necessities could fit in the two incredibly roomy inner and outside compartments. The feather-like garment was light and compact, easy to roll up and stuff into a backpack when the weather got too hot.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
This jacket left our tester so thrilled that she declared it to be her favorite and the best quality she had ever bought. Now let’s explore the why.
First off, the jacket weighs less than a pound and is extremely breathable, insulating, and lightweight. In thirty-degree weather, she wore it outside for a football game and didn’t feel cold. She didn’t worry about having a restricted range of motion when she wore it on treks and cross-country skiing. There is a clip to hold things like a ski pass or keys inside the left pocket. Cell phones were kept reasonably warm and safe in a convenient breast pocket. Additionally, the interior of the jacket has a sizable pocket that may accommodate gloves. Put another way, nothing went unconsidered by the jacket’s creators. A hood with a drawstring closure? Verify. shrewd stitching to create a drawn-in look? Verify, verify.
