Baby, it’s cold outside, and we’re ready to throw on a puffer, whether it’s cute or not. We’re here to tell you staying warm doesn’t mean you need to look drab, at least not on our watch. Get a fashionable women’s coat without looking like a marshmallow that’s fit for splashing through the rain and snow.
We’ve found Monclers for drinking champagne in the Alps and chic Aritzia puffer jackets that make you look adorable while protecting your behind from wind, ice and snow.
As New Yorkers, our coats are our shields. We recommend long, midi-length coats for your long subway or bus commutes, which provide coverage and warmth. However, if you’re a car commuter, you may hate all that length and lean into the Sabrina Carpenter of jackets: Short n’ Sweet. That way, you won’t feel trapped under a duvet with a seatbelt.
- Best Overall: lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Jacket
- Best Cropped: Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer
- Best Lightweight Puffer Jacket: Women’s Fleece-Lined Primaloft Coat
- Best Faux Fur: THE NORTH FACE Women’s Arctic Insulated Parka
- Best Budget: GUESS Women’s Midweight Puffer Jacket
While at it, consider stocking up on sweaters or long underwear (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it) to pair underneath said puffers. It’ll help with layering this winter, which hasn’t even begun to show its nasty, icy little face, so bundle up while you still can.
What are the best puffer coats for women?
Best Overall: lululemon Women’s Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Jacket
Pros:
- We found lululemon to be very transparent about the materials used
- Long length to block the elements
Cons:
- Not very cute but is very practical
For its value, cropped appeal, quality, and fit, the lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Jacket is our top pick. Whether you’re running errands or commuting, it offers excellent warmth without feeling bulky, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear, While it might not be your go-to for a formal event or gala, it excels at keeping you cozy and comfortable as you move from A to B, and its sleek, modern design will leave you still looking stylish while braving the cold.
Size Options: 0-14 | Material: Cuff: 57% Nylon, 24% Polyester, 19% Lycra Elastane, Filling: 80% White Goose Down, 20% White Goose Feathers, Hood: 100% Recycled Polyester, Trim Filling: 75% Recycled Polyester, 25% Polyester, Lining: 100% Polyester, Hood Lining: 100% Recycled Polyester, Pocket Lining: 100% Polyester, Body: 100% Recycled Polyester | Color Options: 2
Best Lightweight Puffer Jacket: L.L. Bean Women’s Fleece-Lined Primaloft Coat
Pros:
- Available in regular, petite and plus sizes
- Long for extra warmth and coverage
- An excellent hooded puffer jacket with a ultra-plush high-loft fleece
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Its length can make it difficult to move when the coat is fully buttoned and zipped
This cozy, lightweight hooded puffer has super soft, high-loft fleece in the lining to keep you warm. Plus, it’s machine washable, so it’s easy to clean.
New York Post Review: “My parents gifted me an L.L. Bean puffer coat (I know, sweet) two or three winters ago, and it still looks like new! It’s roomy enough that I can wear the thickest sweater beneath without looking bulky, and the hood fully covers my head to block the wind. I’m close to 5’6, and its length can be a bit much, but it’s lightweight yet warm and my go-to coat most chilly days.” – Holly J Coly, editor, commerce updates
Size Options: XXS-XL in Regular, Petite and Plus | Material: 100% recycled polyester, lining: 100% recycled polyester fleece, insulation: 100% recycled polyester | Color Options: 5
Best Cropped Puffer Jacket: Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer
Pros:
- Added black as a limited-time color in addition to its four standard shades
- Easy to wear while driving
- Very flattering to your body
Cons:
- Colors are selling out fast
If you like puffer jackets but dislike how they can swallow your frame, try something like this. Its cinched bottom gives structure and highlights the silhouette. Available in three colors, the jacket is lightweight enough to layer over a sweater without making you overheat. It also has hidden zippered pockets!
Size Options: XS-L | Material:100% Nylon and weather-resistant recycled ripstop | Color Options: 5
Best Faux Fur: THE NORTH FACE Women’s Arctic Insulated Parka
Pros:
- A large variety of colors is available
- Sizing reaches up to XXXL
- The hood is removable
- Faux fur didn’t harm any animals
Cons:
- Several colors and sizes are already sold out
- Creating faux fur adds to our environmental problem
- Hand wash only
The standard fit women’s parka hits at the mid-thigh with a V-shaped drop-tail hem that offers extra coverage in the back. Its convertible design includes a removable hood and removable faux-fur trim, allowing you to adjust the style and warmth to your liking.
Size Options: XS-XXXL | Material: Hand Wash Only | Color Options: 17
Best Velvet Puffer Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Short Puffer
Pros:
- Soft yet durable vegan leather
Also available in faux fur and vegan leather
Warm without being overly bulky- Works as a shiny puffer jacket in faux leather
Cons:
- Sell-out risk
- Fit does not allow for extensive layering under the coat
- Cropped length may not be everyone’s taste
- Doesn’t have a corduroy puffer jacket as an option, but it does have velvet and faux leather to choose from
New York Post Review: “I treated myself to this vegan leather puffer from Abercrombie in 2022. The quality of this vegan leather is to die for. It’s buttery, soft yet tough, and durable enough to withstand years of frequent wear in Northeastern winters without any cracks. And most importantly, for a puffer, this coat is warm. I love the trending cropped length that’s so easy to style with all kinds of high-rise pants. The jacket is great for a night out, but can also be styled casually for everyday wear. Another unique feature is the collar that can be worn up or down to shield from the elements or show off your full outfit.” – Meaghan Roche, senior manager, SEO commerce
Size Options: XXS-XL | Material: Coating:100% Polyurethane / Faux Leather:100% Polyester / Filling:100% Recycled Polyester Fibers / Lining:100% Polyester | Color Options: 5
Best Hooded: Nike Sportswear Metro Puffer
Pros:
- The polyester helps protect against wear and tear
- Comes in 4 colors
Cons:
- Not great for city dwellers as it doesn’t cover the lower half of your body
Conquer the winter chill with this sporty Nike puffer designed to keep you warm using Nike Therma-FIT technology. It regulates your body’s temperature using natural heat. Plus, the outside has a water-repellent finish.
Size Options: XS-XXL | Material: 100% Polyester | Color Options: 4
Best Long: Canada Goose Shelburne Parka Black Label
Pros:
- Will keep you very warm all winter long
- Highly recommended for city walkers
Cons:
- Dry clean only
If you’re after warmth with a touch of street chic, Canada Goose is the brand to wear on your sleeve. It makes puffers look effortlessly cool while keeping you cozy and warm.
Size Options: XXS-XXL | Material: Shell: 85% polyester/15% cotton; lining: 100% polyester; fill: 80% down/20% feathers | Color Options: 1
Best Packable Puffer Jacket: adidas Helionic Light Down Jacket
Pros:
- Great value and affordable purchase on sale
- Lightweight and packable
- Made from 100% recycled materials
Cons:
- May not be on sale for too much longer
- Limited colors
This lightweight adidas puffer is easy to pack while still keeping you warm on the go. With a stand-up collar, you can zip up to protect your neck from the cold. It’s impressively made from 100% recycled materials and designed with pockets to hold your necessities like keys, and phone.
Size Options: XXS-XXL | Material: 100% polyester (recycled) | Color Options: 2
Best Budget: GUESS Women’s Midweight Puffer Jacket
Pros:
- Great value
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Some of the colors are selling out fast and may not be in stock for much longer
If you’re going for cool, this chic zip-up puffer is cropped at the waist and features multiple colors. The high collar provides extra protection against the wind, making you glad you bought this coat, especially on the coldest days.
Other brands to consider for budget buys are Old Navy and Calvin Klein.
Size Options: S-XL | Material: 100% Polyester | Color Options: 11
Best Quilted: Columbia Puffect II Full Zip Jacket
Pros:
- A wide variety of shades to choose from
- Chin guard protects your neck from the cold
Cons:
- Runs small, consider sizing up
With the built-in soft chin guard built into Columbia’s quilted puffer jacket, there’s no need for a scarf. Made from synthetic materials, this puffer stays dry even when soaked, ensuring warmth and comfort in all conditions.
If you enjoy Columbia, you may also like Patagonia for its sustainable mindset and ability to equip you for outdoor adventures.
Size Options: XS-XXXL | Material: 100% Nylon; 100% Polyester | Color Options: 5
How we tested
To find the best puffer jackets on the market, we tested several options based on four essential criteria: warmth, durability, weight, and price.
- Warmth: We tested jackets in varying temperatures, from mild fall days to freezing winter conditions, to assess how well each puffer trapped heat and protected against cold. Jackets were rated on their insulation material, fill power, and performance in sub-zero temperatures.
- Durability: Durability was tested by wearing the jackets during regular activities such as commuting, hiking, and outdoor chores. We also assessed the jacket’s resistance to wear and tear, such as fabric abrasions and zipper functionality. Some did not pass the test and didn’t make our list.
- Weight: The weight of the jacket was considered based on comfort, activity and practicality. Lightweight jackets were tested for their ability to pack down without compromising warmth, while heavier options were evaluated on how much they protected against cold without feeling too cumbersome.
- Price: We evaluated jackets across a range of prices, considering whether each jacket’s features justified its cost. A higher price doesn’t always equate to better performance, so we considered factors like brand reputation, warranty, and overall value for money.
What is the best puffer jacket for very cold weather?
There are a variety of outerwear brands that make exceptional puffer jackets for women. Some of them include:
- Canada Goose: Known for premium and durable puffer jackets, Canada Goose is considered the best of the best by many. The brand’s coats feature downfill and lots of functional features, and are amazingly warm, even in frigid temperatures.
- Moncler: If you like luxury, you like Moncler. It’s known for its high-quality and fashion-forward puffer jackets, each sleek and functional.
- The North Face: The North Face has a large selection of puffer jackets that are well-suited for outdoor activities. They’re durable, high-quality, warm and offer a fit many enjoy.
- Columbia: Featuring a variety of insulated jackets, Columbia makes wonderful coats for everyday, as well as cold weather outdoor activities.
Are North Face puffers still in style?
Absolutely. North Face never goes out of style. Just ask Kim Kardashian, who recently collaborated with the brand for a SKIMS collection that sold out immediately. North Face jackets are designed for outdoor adventures while maintaining a stylish edge, making them a go-to choice for fashion enthusiasts and ski lovers alike.
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