24 Best Puffer Jackets for Women to Survive this Fall and Winter
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Enjoy your trench coats while you can. As non-native New Yorkers, we know what it’s like to not be prepared for the indescribable, soul-wrenching winters in the city (Yes, the dramatics are necessary). Unless you happen to live somewhere where winter simply feels like “cold summer,” braving the great outdoors until the frost officially thaws is inevitable. We’ve chatted best fall jackets, and now we’re here to help you prep your closet with the best puffer jackets, so you can be prepared for whatever comes your way this cold weather season.
Thankfully, there are tons of chic and practical styles that go as well with your early spring dresses as they would with your denim jeans and favorite T-shirts. Plus, we’ve tapped an industry expert to ensure we’re providing you the best of the best.
Justin Wambold, Associate Global Product Manager at The North Face, a brand that’s been a leader in the outdoor industry for over 50 years, shared with us the different kinds of jackets and key criteria to keep in mind the next time you’re in the market for one.
For Wambold, there are three main categories of puffers he owns: a versatile, low-to-medium loft jacket, a high-loft down jacket, and a high-performance synthetic insulated jacket. Each for different purposes, of course. Some are super puffy, while others are there when you need a break from being puffy.
So, how do you find the perfect puffer coat? “Before buying, try to have clearly defined expectations for your end-use and let that guide you,” Wambold said. “For instance, if you are shopping purely based on warmth, a general rule of thumb is the puffier the warmer. And while down fill power ratings are important—and can indicate both quality and warmth-to-weight performance—they may not align directly with your needs or expectations.”
That said, choosing one puffer over the other wouldn’t be driven just by how much warmth you need, but also by factors such as packability and overall garment weight. Lucky for you, our dear reader, we’ve scoured the internet and broke it down for you. Ahead, the best 25 puffer jackets for women to shop now.
The Super Puff
Honestly speaking, it’s hard to get far without seeing someone wearing Aritzia’s Super Puff—or any of its many iterations. It’s practically synonymous with the term “puffer jacket.” So yeah, this is a must-have in anyone’s closet.
Size Range: 3XS - 2XL
Material: 100% nylon; cuffs: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
Insulation: 100% responsibly sourced goose down
Density: 700 fill
Customer Review: “I absolutely love this puffer jacket. I purchased the regular and it’s the perfect length. Great quality and is just overall very flattering and comfortable. It is worth every penny!”
1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Another puffer jacket of the generation (and generations past) is The North Face’s Nuptse. And incase you’re not a believer, the brand practices rigorous testing protocols that not only utilizes laboratory test results, but also in-the-field user testing. So, they know what they’re doing! I wore this coat all winter to run any and every errand and it’s wonderful, doing exactly what I needed it to be. I suggest wearing this with your favorite jeans and sneakers for a quick adventure outside.
Size Range: XS-3X
Material: 100% recycled nylon ripstop
Insulation: Goose down
Density: 700 fill
Customer Review: “I am a contractor for USPS and I spend a lot of time outside in the cold. This is the warmest puffer jacket I have ever had.”
Bonita Short Puffer
Feeling bold this season? Opt for a vibrant iridescent puffer jacket like this one. Noize’s style also features a detachable buckled belt for waist cinching, a cozy fixed hood, and comes in several metallic hues, giving any bright puffer an elevated twist.
Size Range: XS-XXL
Material: 100% nylon
Insulation: 100% polyester
Customer Review: “Obsessed with the color. Perfect to stand out in a sea of black puffers in NYC. It fits well, and I like that it's a little longer. The belt is a great addition to add some form and make the puffer more flattering.”
Hood quilted coat
Available in three colors, this (more affordable) hooded dream can help you beat all the snow storms. Plus, it’s offered in sizes up to 4XL.
Size Range: XXS-4XL
Material: 100% polyester
Insulation: 100% recycled polyester
W Alta Puffer Jacket
Can you even say you live in New York if you don’t own a big black puffer? This hooded puffer is stylish, waterproof, includes a chin guard, and, most importantly, warm. What more could you need?
Size Range: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester with polyurethane coating
Insulation: Performance recycled fiber insulation
Customer Review: “Rains is my go-to brand for performance puffers. Their pieces are so warm and rarely ever let me down!”
Patchwork Quilted Hooded Puffer Coat
Of course, if you want something that isn’t your everyday black option, you can always go with a chic patchwork number instead.
Size Range: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Customer Review: “Ok ladies...this is your chance to get your hands on the cutest winter jacket this season! Puffy goodness with a slightly boxy oversized fit. I’m in between a small and a medium and went with the medium. 5’3” and 144 lbs. The print is hipster granny chic and so adorable.”
Tindur
Maybe you’re a cold weather enthusiast. Icelandic clothing brand 66 North was created to produce coats for fishermen—if these are good enough for them to survive in the most brutal temperatures, it’s good enough for your city-slicker winter.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Material: 100% Polyamide | GORE-TEX® INFINIUM™, 2 Layer
Insulation: 800 fill power: 90% White Duck Down, 10% Feather | RESPONSIBLE DOWN STANDARD
Density: 800 fill
Hide Padded Quilted OKOBOR Jacket
If you’ve kept a finger on the pulse of fashion over the past years, odds are you’ve seen Nanushka’s vegan leather puffer jacket. There was a point where it seemed like nearly every It girl owned it. Well, now it can be yours!
Size Range: XXS-L
Material: 60% polyurethane, 40% recycled-polyester
Customer Reviews: “You better believe I’ll be rocking this EVERY winter!”
Junction Parka Pastels
Sometimes, braving the cold feels more like braving the arctic tundra. In which case, be sure to reach for this foolproof Canada Goose parka.
Size Range: 2XS-2XL
Material: EnduraLuxe
Insulation: Duck down
Density: 750 fill
Customer Review: “I’ve been promoting this jacket on my social media and received a lot of positive feedback. The color, fabric, and weight can be best described as equivalent to a cloud.”
Suyen Down Quilted Nylon Hooded Parka
In the moments when something on the shorter side simply won’t cut it, a longer puffer will be what you need. Pair this one with your favorite fall boots for a classic cold-weather ensemble.
Size Range: 0-6
Material: Nylon
Insulation: 90/10 down
Density: Feather fill
Customer Review: “As usual, Moncler hits it out of the park. A little bit roomier than other Moncler coats I own, which is nice for layering in winter.”
Funnel neck puffer jacket
In the mood to dress like a street style pro this season? You won’t go wrong with this Rick Owen’s pick (with the iconic neck funnel, of course). I love the idea of sporting this with equally eye-catching hues.
Size Range: 2-12
Material: 100% polyamide
Insulation: 90% down, 10% feathers
Customer Review:“Keeps your neck warm for any type of storm.”
The ReNew Long Puffer
This utilitarian puffer from Everlane is bound to get the job done (and if you need more convincing, just look at the 4.5-star rating from over 1,300 reviews). Plus, it’s made using recycled plastic, so it’s good for you and the planet.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Insulation: 100% recycled PrimaLoft insulation
Customer Review: “I’ve worn plenty of winter coats but this one is by far the warmest. I walked my dog in a short sleeve shirt, fleece joggers, and this coat in 20-degree weather (plus snow) and I was so warm.”
KAY Down coat with blue fox fur Signature Mackage Collar
Meghan Markle has been spotted wearing coats from Mackage. In other words, this brand is legit.
Size Range: XXS-2XL
Material: 100% polyester
Insulation: Recycled down
Density: 800 fill
Customer Review: “Gorgeous coat that looks beautiful, without being in your face as it relates to the brand. Highly recommend for someone wanting a sharp looking, quality, warm coat.”
MA-1 Reversible Bomber Jacket
You need a lighter jacket in the rotation, and there’s just something so cool about a sporty flight jacket for the fall and winter months.
Size Range: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Customer Review: “This jacket has become my favorite go to jacket. Warm but not too big and bulky.”
Winter Long Sleeve Zip Puffer Jacket
Fashionable, affordable, and wildly popular (this jacket has 4.5 stars based on over 2,000 reviews), you’ll want to get this for yourself and see what everyone else is obsessing about.
Size Range: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Insulation: 100% polyester
Customer Review: “It looks so good. So chic, and frankly it looks expensive. When I tell people I got it on amazon and I’ve had it for almost 2 years they’re always shocked. I don’t know how they made this puffer so good but they just did. Buy it. Trust me.”
Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket
Whether you’re heading to yoga class or coffee with friends, this water-repellent Lululemon puffer will keep your arms warm through it all. Oh, and that medium forest shade is nothing to shy away from, either.
Size Range: 0-14
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Insulation: 80% grey goose down, 20% grey Goose feathers
Density: 600 fill
Customer Review: “I bought the cropped and the long wunder puff and I aboslutely love both of them. I wear the cropped green more casually and the long version for the coldest days. Both versions hold up in snow and rain and keep me really warm. Love love love this coat!”
Lorita Puffer
Leave it to Canada Goose and Reformation to create the fashion puffer collaboration of the year. For those of you who are ready to splurge on the hooded puffer jacket of a lifetime, this one’s for you.
Size Range: XS-XL
Material: 100% recycled nylon
Insulation: Responsibly sourced duck down
Customer Review: “I LOVE THIS JACKET!! Got the yellow print and it looks so good. I get so many compliments on this jacket and it styles pretty easily with many things.”
Rachel Puffer Jacket
I don’t need a cashmere puffer jacket. But also, I need a cashmere puffer jacket.
Size Range: XS-XL
Material: Shell: 100% cashmere; lining: 100% silk
Insulation: 100% recycled poly filling
Customer Reviews: “No one needs a cashmere puffer…until they try this on! The color is even better in person. You can’t get cold, and it just makes you feel beautiful! Worth every single penny. Wish I could afford one in every color!”
Elsie Water Repellent Puffer Jacket
Traditionally speaking, puffer jackets (a.k.a. down jackets) use goose or duck feathers as the insulation. If that’s not your speed, you can go with Save the Duck, which uses high-density nylon instead.
Size Range: XS-XXL
Material: 100% nylon
Customer Review: “This puffer jacket is super warm and extremely comfortable. I wear it all the time throughout the day. I also love the name Save the Duck. This is becoming my new puffer jacket.”
Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket
Snow inevitably melts the moment you step into heat—and no one likes the feeling of getting wet (or damp) in the cold. Avoid it when you can with this hooded water-resistant puffer.
Size Range: XS-XXL
Material: 100% polyester
Customer Review: “This coat is great: roomy but also fitted, the hood is deep (but not so deep that you cannot see) and nice, deep pockets. And it is WARM. I had it on when it was about 40 out and it got very toasty. So, don't bulk up under this one.”
Ultra Light Down Jacket
As fun and warm as puffer jackets can be, they don’t always make for the most travel-friendly pieces. Luckily, you can always opt for a packable option like this Uniqlo one. Say goodbye to a jacket taking over your whole suitcase. And who can be mad at that price?
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Materials: 100% Nylon
Customer Review: “So light and perfect. The packable pouch is KEY when traveling; it saves so much room in my luggage.”
Bungalow Jacket
Metallics this, metallics that. Yes, the trend is still in full swing, and all you need to do is look at this puffer. Just envision how good this will look on you (and on the streets).
Size Range: XS-XL
Material: 100% nylon
Insulation: 90% duck down, 10% feathers
Customer Review: “Beautiful jacket with stunning detailing.”
Re-Nylon detachable-sleeve padded jacket
Opt for a cropped puffer for your nights out, and never let your jacket ruin your outfit with this Prada pick. (And yes, this puffer is as practical as it is cute.) Bonus: It can be transformed into a vest. A great two-in-one deal, if you ask us.
Size Range: 36-44
Material: 100% Recycled nylon
Insulation: 100% Feather down
Customer Review: “You’ll never have to give up style for warmth again.”
Ribbed Velour Gold Rush Puffer
Maybe we’re just millennials living out our early aughts phase once again, but tell us this is velour, and it’s in our carts.
Size Range: XS-L
Material: Ribbed velour puffer
Customer Review: “Beautiful jacket—the fabric is of high quality and looks classy & unique. I love the inside pockets, and it will definitely keep you warm. It is a little heavy when on however worth it because not only is it warm but looks expensive.”
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