We Tested Dozens of Stylish and Warm Puffer Jackets, and These Were Our 9 Favorites (2024)

Alo’s cropped puffer jacket offers the perfect balance of sporty and stylish, making it one of the most versatile coats we tested. While the jacket has a shorter cropped design, the synthetic down fill and ripstop fabric exterior provides the upper body with plenty of warmth. On extra chilly days during our two-month test, we were grateful for the removable hood and cinched hem that prevents wind from seeping in. Plus, the synthetic down fill kept us perfectly warm without overheating on less cold days, too. One of the warmest jackets Alo offers, this puffer is perfect for running errands or going out to dinner in the winter months. We found that the jacket runs true to size, but if you want a tighter fit, consider sizing down if you’re not into the oversized look.

The Details: XS to L | Ripstop fabric, down alternative fill | Water-resistant

This Uniqlo jacket costs a fraction of the price compared to other jackets we tested, and it performed just as well. Made with real down fill, this mid-length puffer is warm and cozy without feeling too warm and restrictive for various activities like commuting, hiking, or walking outside. It runs true to size, but we found that the material has a bit of stretch so it can accommodate layers underneath on extra chilly days. While some of the feathers poked out of the jacket during testing, the materials feel high-quality and made to last. During our two month test, we preferred this jacket for mild winter days or even hiking during the cold.

The Details: XXS to XXL | Nylon, polyester, down fill | Water-resistant

Designed to be worn in below-freezing temperatures, this Halfdays parka is a seriously warm jacket. It’s filled with PrimaLoft synthetic down fill with a DWR water-repellent finish so you can wear this cozy jacket in all types of weather conditions. We love how the jacket is extra warm in the cold, but we didn’t easily overheat it when wandering between being indoors and outdoors, and the jacket is slightly oversized so we could comfortably wear a thick sweater underneath. One of our favorite features of the jacket is the unique hood and collar that boast built-in neck gaiter flaps that wrap around the neck for even more warmth. The jacket comes in an orange spritz, lilac, and oat milk colors, but just remember that white can get dirty easier. Still, during our two months of tests, we were able to spot clean the coat without issue.

The Details: XS to XXL | Recycled nylon, polyester, synthetic down fill | Water-resistant

One of the many jacket styles included in Aritzia’s Super Puff collection, this stylish belted puffer is the perfect jacket to put on when the weather takes a serious turn. Waterproof, windproof, and made for -22-degree conditions, this piece of outerwear will keep you warm and dry. The jacket runs true to size, and it comes with a removable belt to cinch a jacket at the waist for the desired fit and style. This coat is made with some seriously hardy materials, but we were shocked at how lightweight the jacket is, which makes it easy to pack and wear for long periods of time. The 750 goose down fill means the jacket might be too warm for transitional seasons (we first tested the jacket in the fall), so you may overheat if the temps aren’t low.

The Details: 3XS to XL | Nylon, down fill | Waterproof

Whether walking the dog, running errands, or traveling in the winter, this lightweight puffer from lululemon is the ideal jacket for versatility. The Wunder Puff jacket has a relaxed fit and is made with a durable nylon fabric with a down fill interior that feels super lightweight. We found that the jacket runs true to size with some extra space to layer underneath for added warmth, which you will likely need on cooler days since the jacket might not be warm enough for extra cold weather. Hands down, our favorite feature of this jacket is the detachable hood, which is easy to add and remove, and we’re also big fans of the zippered pockets, cinchable hem, and wrist gaiters.After two months of testing, we especially love the sleeve liners and the puffy collar that helps to keep the neck warm.

The Details: 0 to 14 | Nylon, polyester, Lycra, down fill | Water-resistant

On is known for making impressively lightweight running shoes, and its puffer jacket is just as light. We were blown away by the featherlight feel of the fabric exterior and synthetic fill while wearing the jacket for various outdoor activities. It has an athletic design with a hip-length hem, so the jacket isn’t the most versatile for wearing on a fancier occasion. However, those partaking in hiking, biking, or walking outdoors will appreciate the special features like the adjustable hood and hem, two-way zipper, and back ventilation for superb breathability on warmer occasions. All of the materials feel extremely high quality, comfortable, and made to last, so we’re confident in the durability of this jacket.

The Details: XS to XXL | Polyamide, elastane, synthetic fill

Canada Goose makes all kinds of parkas and puffers, and we deemed this cropped version as splurge-worthy. Although this jacket costs a pretty penny, it’s made in Canada with premium Pima cotton and goose down fill, so we’re confident that it’s made to last pretty much an entire lifetime. It’s both water- and wind-resistant, and extremely warm in cold weather so it’s ideal for winter adventures to cities since it’s also undeniably stylish and trendy. Boasting unique features like backpack straps for carrying the jacket hands-free and a thick puffer collar to keep your neck warm, this jacket has a high value for anyone looking to invest in a once-in-a-lifetime puffer purchase.

The Details: XXS to XL | Pima cotton, down fill | Water-resistant

The North Face’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket certainly delivers in the puffiness factor, so it scored highly for comfort and warmth during testing. Made with 700 down fill insulation, this hip-length puffer kept us perfectly warm without overheating in the fall when temperatures weren’t quite freezing. The jacket runs true to size with some room to add a layer or two for chillier weather conditions. We love that the puffer has various zippered pockets, an adjustable hem, and a hidden hood that folds into the collar. Although this jacket is on the bulkier side, it folds up to fit in a stuff sack for better packability if you don’t want to wear it on an airplane or in the car.

The Details: XXS to 3XL | Ripstop nylon, down fill | Water-resistant

Plush, cozy, and soft, you’ll never want to take off this cropped puffer jacket from Ugg. We wore it in freezing temperatures and it was impressively warm despite the short length of the hem. Some of our favorite features include the fleece wrist gaiters to prevent wind from creeping up the arms and the faux-shearling-lined hood that keeps the head just as warm as the rest of the body. This is a seriously fluffy puffer jacket, but the materials are still very lightweight, and the jacket doesn’t feel bulky when it’s on. One thing to note is that it runs slightly big, so consider sizing down for a more fitted style.

The Details: XXS to XL | Nylon, polyester, synthetic fill | Water-resistant

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a down jacket and a puffer jacket?

  Down jackets feature down fiber from geese or ducks, while puffer jackets can use either down or a synthetic material. That means puffer jackets can also be down jackets unless they are made with polyester insulation or another synthetic material.

• How do you wash and dry a puffer coat?

  It ultimately depends on the materials used to make the jacket, so it’s crucial to read the cleaning instructions for each individual jacket. More often than not, a puffer jacket must be air-dried or even dry-cleaned professionally so you don’t ruin the synthetic fill. However, you should not let a down coat air-dry because the feathers could potentially mold if they do not dry properly.

• Are puffer coats waterproof?

  It’s fairly common for a puffer jacket to only boast water-resistant and not fully waterproof materials. If a jacket is water-resistant, it can keep you dry up to a certain point, but then you’ll likely feel dampness after the wetness threshold has been reached.

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