News

May 12, 2024

The 15 Best Puffer Jackets of 2023

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket is our top pick. Jump to a Section We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket is our top pick.

Jump to a Section

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Amazon / Columbia

The moment the first snowflake hits the ground, it seems as though half the world resurrects their trusted puffer jacket, and that makes total sense: these stylish quilted coats are filled with highly insulated materials like synthetic polyester or down animal fill and feathers, and contain plenty of air in each pocket to both lock in warmth and make them easy to compress and stow away at the end of the season or while you travel. Some are more minimalist and function for transitional weather (like those nebulous weeks from fall to winter or winter to spring), while others are more heavy-duty and appropriate for arctic-level temperatures (as represented by their fill power). Plus, it certainly doesn’t hurt that puffer jackets serve as an essential part of a celebrity or off-duty model wardrobe.

If you haven’t jumped on the puffer jacket bandwagon yet, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the best puffer jackets on the market to keep you looking bundled up yet chic wherever the season takes you. While our top pick is The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket for its respectable fill power and classic silhouette, take a look at which other puffer jacket(s) might be the missing piece in your winter wardrobe.

North Face

It’s the warmest puffer jacket The North Face makes with its signature 700-fill goose down fabric.

While it’ll surely keep you toasty, it’s not as wind-proof or water-proof as other models of the same brand.

From its detachable three-piece hood that packs into its own collar to its bungee-cord cinch waist, this North Face puffer jacket with a cult following features some pretty impressive specs. As a re-edition of the iconic 1996 style, it features a timeless boxy silhouette with oversized baffles that’s at once flattering and practical (those layers underneath need to fit somewhere). Its original shiny nylon ripstop fabric with an added weatherproof treatment repels water and snow, it features zippered hand pockets for extra security, and it stows into itself in its own right-hand pocket for easy portability. It comes in 10 unique colorways from wasabi to dark oak in sizes XS to 3XL.

Price at time of publish: $320

The Details: XS to 3XL | Recycled nylon ripstop | Goose down | 10 colors | 700 insulation fill power | 1 pound

Amazon

It’s made of warm polyester down, which keeps the price down, and comes in extended sizing.

Some shoppers report the zippers are a little tricky to get the hang of.

If you’re not looking to spend an arm and a leg (you’ll need those for snowshoeing) in the name of staying warm this winter, look no further than this highly rated Amazon Essentials puffer coat. We love how its lightweight yet warm polyester fabric packs down into a carry-on friendly package, and it can go in the wash without getting damaged. It features a lovely mid-length silhouette that covers your bum while highlighting the waist. From the chic dark toffee brown to the charcoal heather option, you’ll look like you paid far more for this puffer coat than you actually did.

Price at time of publish: $65

The Details: XS to 6XL | Polyester | Polyester down | 21 colors

Nordstrom

Its high-gloss nylon material stands out from the dreary snow, and it features several customizable elements for the perfect fit.

While it has several things going for it, there are many similar models on the market at a more affordable price point.

Rocking a Moncler logo on your puffer jacket has become something of a badge of honor. Not only is the Moncler Maire puffer coat incredibly on-trend with its glossy lacquered nylon material inspired by an ‘80s youth subculture in Milan, but it’ll keep you nice and warm with its high stand collar, down fill, fully lined interior, snap cuffs and cinched hood to keep the wind from blowing it off. The hood is also detachable with snap buttons so you can change it up depending on the weather, and it includes deep zippered pockets to keep your belongings (and cold hands) safe from the elements.

Price at time of publish: $1,630

The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyamide and nylon | Down and feather down | 2 colors | 710 insulation fill power

REI

With its 800-fill-power down material, it’s one of the warmest puffer coats money can buy.

Its long length might compromise range of motion when walking.

If you want to make a wise investment for your winter wardrobe, let this sustainable puffer jacket from Cotopaxi be your choice. The brand prides itself on its Responsible Down Standard certificate ensuring transparent and ethical sourcing of their materials and fair conditions for their workers. This popular parka-length puffer jacket will do you well in even the chilliest of temperatures with its water-resistant nylon shell, scuba hood that stays put, and warm 800 down fill. It also has a discrete inner pocket perfect for traveling or walking around crowded areas, and an internal drawcord to customize your fit. Its two-way zipper allows you to create your own ventilation, making it an ideal year-round puffer coat. Each of its six models features a unique and interesting color block that’s sure to make your outfit pop.

Price at time of publish: $295

The Details: XXS to XXL | Ripstop nylon | Down | 6 colors | 800 insulation fill power

Farfetch

Its down and feather insulation will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit while its pastel colorways are sure to put a spring in your step.

It’s on the pricey side, but it’s an investment you’re sure to have for years to come.

When rocking this fan-favorite Canada Goose puffer in sub-Arctic temperatures, you’ll soon realize the brand lives up to the hype. Its 750 down fill power along with its long silhouette provides next-level warmth, while its reinforced seams provide extra durability in high-abrasion areas. Adding to its convenience is a detachable thermal hood, side zippered pockets, a stand collar for an extra bit of warmth, and reflective details for low-light areas. It comes in pastel colorways like orange haze and sunset pink that are bound to bring good vibes to dreary days. Unlike other models, the Byward parka does not feature coyote fur at the trim — a practice that has stirred recent controversy.

Price at time of publish: $1,250

The Details: XXS to XL | Nylon | Duck down and feather down | 6 colors | 750 insulation fill power

Amazon

It features a sleek body-hugging silhouette that’s universally flattering and super warm, comfortable, and practical.

It runs small, so be sure to size up.

In freezing weather, a puffer jacket without a hood is like a car without a seatbelt. You need that extra layer of protection to feel secure. This water-repellent hooded Marmot Montreal Coat is the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe with its humane faux fur trim, two-way zipper to prevent bunching and promote ventilation, discreet on-seam hand pockets, high-pile fleece lining for an all-day toasty feel and internal wind flap for extra support. Between its 11 stunning colorways from crocodile to midnight navy, you’re bound to find a Marmot puffer coat that’ll actually make you look forward to braving the outdoors.

Price at time of publish: $300

The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester | Goose down and synthetic fill | 11 colors | 700 insulation fill power | 2 pounds

Triple F.A.T. Goose

It features wide quilted baffles for a full-body hug, it’s filled with ethically sourced white duck down, and it’s treated with non-toxic water-resistant coating.

The waistband isn’t adjustable so you can’t customize your fit.

If your torso’s warm but your lower half gets left in the dust, you’re unlikely to last long outdoors. Enter this long Triple F.A.T. Goose puffer jacket made for arctic temperatures, as its acronym suggests. It hits just above the knee for most people, offering full-body warmth, and it has four generous outer pockets to omit the need for a purse. Its inner chest pocket with a zippered closure and fleece-lined vertical entry pockets offer protection for your valuables and frozen fingers. Its removable and adjustable hood surrounds your most prized extremity with warmth. Its soft nylon material is treated with a non-toxic water-resistant solution for all-weather comfort and a longer-lasting puffer coat.

Price at time of publish: $400

The Details: XS to 3XL | Polyester | Down and feather down | 4 colors | 750 insulation fill power | 1.95 pounds

Ugg

Its double-stitched chevron quilting draws the eye downward for a sleek elongated look despite its cropped length.

The hood is not removable, so it may appear bulky for warmer transition weather.

We trust Ugg to keep our feet warm in mounds of snow and on sheets of ice, and their puffer coats are no exception. This ultra-warm 24-inch (for size small) cropped jacket delivers the same insulated warmth as their longer counterparts with a trendy cropped fit that’ll help you show off your outfit (or matching snow pants). Adding to the puffer jacket’s allure are ribbed cuffs with a thumb hole, dual snap and zipper closures for easy wear, a polyester fleece lining, and a bungee waist cord to trap heat. Its side pockets also act as hand warmers with their fleece lining, and its nylon shell repels water and snow. Colors like relish and ignite (a bright cherry red) make it an exciting and vibrant option to rock this season.

Price at time of publish: $198

The Details: XXS to XL | Nylon | Recycled polyester down | 4 colors

Columbia

The brand’s Omni-Heat technology is thermal reflective, which traps heat.

While warm, it’s still a relatively cropped length at 25 inches, so you’ll want to pair it with thicker pants.

This super warm Columbia puffer jacket with a classic boxy fit is your greatest asset this winter season. It uses the brand’s proprietary Omni-Heat technology that’s said to reflect and retain body heat while dissipating moisture, so you stay dry even in rain and snow. It features a synthetic polyester fill that’s at once lightweight, warm and breathable, its outer shell is completely water-resistant, it includes an adjustable hood and drawcord hem, and it features a chic glossy-matte contrast that makes its cute colorways pop (that Malbec red, though).

Price at time of publish: $200

The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester and nylon | Polyester down | 8 colors

Uniqlo

It’s lightweight enough to fit in a carry-on while also serving as a serious second layer.

Its water-repellent treatment is not permanent, so you’ll want to monitor your use of the jacket or wear it in drier climates.

Oversized luggage fees are a thing of the past with this ultra-packable and portable Uniqlo down puffer coat. Despite its malleable design — it folds up into its own pocketable carrying bag — it boasts an impressive 750-fill power down insulation and a luxurious 10-denier fabric about a tenth the width of a strand of hair, that feels weightless against the skin. Its durable ripstop fabric is treated with a water-repellent finish to help you stay warm and dry, and it’s finished with an anti-static lining. Its eight colorways are all stunning, but if you can get your paws on the Barbie pink version before it sells out, consider yourself in luck.

Price at time of publish: $90

The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyester and nylon | Down | 8 colors | 750 insulation fill power

Nordstrom

For those chilly nights you’re looking to dress up a bit, this puffer coat will add — and not detract — from your date night outfit.

Its maxi length might feel cumbersome on long walks, especially for petite folks.

A belt is one of the quickest and most effective ways to add a touch of class and style to an outfit, and a puffer coat is no different. This ballgown of a puffer coat by Karl Lagerfeld Paris features a 47-inch maxi length for full-body warmth, a chic red lining, and that ever-necessary removable belt to define the waist while trapping in some extra heat. It has two pockets with snap closures, a water-resistant polyester lining, and genius snap closures to create an impromptu slit at the sides for extra ventilation and room to walk. Each of its three colorways like gunmetal and sand are on-trend and practical.

Price at time of publish: $350

The Details: XS to XL | Polyester and nylon | Down, feather and polyester | 3 colors

Columbia

For a relatively affordable price, you get a highly insulated puffer coat available in seven fun nostalgic colorways.

It does not contain a hood, so you’ll want to pair it with a hat for all kinds of precipitation.

The combination of bold, contrasting hues for a color blocked effect and dramatic wide baffles make this Columbia puffer jacket a serious throwback look. Make no mistake: it stays modern and trendy with its chic elevated collar and matte windproof and water-resistant polyester shell. It features several helpful features like a chin guard to stay extra warm, zippered hand pockets to keep your belongings safe, and an elastic waistband and cuffs to trap heat. Each bright and bold colorway is perfectly nostalgic yet trendy enough to look updated.

Price at time of publish: $118

The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester and nylon | Polyester down | 7 colors

Lululemon

It’s roomy enough to fit several layers underneath while also being light and breathable for high-intensity activity.

It might not be warm enough on its own on freezing cold days.

If you plan on taking a puffer coat on all your winter adventures, let it be the Lululemon Wunder Puff puffer coat. It has a cinchable drawcord to define your waist and lock in warmth, and interior pockets to keep your valuables safe while you play. Its responsibly sourced goose down offers a respectable 600-fill power, which still feels light and breathable enough for high-intensity winter activity. It’s completely water-repellent and windproof, comes with a removable hood so it won’t get in the way of your sport, and features a hidden phone sleeve within its zippered hand pockets so you can check your texts in between plays.

Price at time of publish: $298

The Details: 0 to 14 | Recycled polyester | Grey goose down and grey goose feathers | 4 colors | 600 insulation fill power

Alo Yoga

It works well as both a light jacket outdoors and a thicker top layer indoors.

Of the brand’s coat offerings, this one is rated warm, but not the warmest, and its hood is not removable.

A pop of (faux) leather in your outfit lends any look an instant edge. With this popular Alo Yoga puffer coat, you’ll be dressed in the season’s most on-trend fabric while still staying warm. Its oversized silhouette with a cropped fit is bookended by ribbed cuff details, and it comes with zippered side pockets and an internal pocket for valuables. That satin lining will feel buttery soft against your skin (should you wish to wear it year-round over a t-shirt), and its three classic colorways will pair perfectly with virtually every outfit.

Price at time of publish: $348

The Details: XS to L | Polyester | Synthetic fill | 3 colors

Helly Hansen

You’ll no longer re-enter the indoors drenched while wearing this water-repellent puffer coat.

At 3.2 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than other puffer coats available.

What’s better than a water-resistant puffer coat? A water-repellent puffer coat. This version from Helly Hansen gets its water-repellent properties from a PCF-free solution. This highly functional puffer coat also features an adjustable and detachable insulated hood, reflective details to keep you safe at night, side zippers for an impromptu slit, and hand pockets with a brushed lining for extra warmth.

Price at time of publish: $160

The Details: XS to XL | Polyamide | Polyester and recycled polyester down | 4 colors | 3.2 pounds

Whether you plan to take your puffer jacket on leisurely walks or use it as armor during high-intensity winter activity, there’s bound to be a perfect model on the market for you. Look for reinforced ripstop materials for winter activities like skiing or hockey, and focus on water-repellent and -resistant materials or treatments for wet weather. If your puffer jacket is coming with you on all your travels, make sure it’s packable, which is usually represented by a lighter overall weight and narrower baffles that are easier to roll up.

Weight and fill power are of the utmost importance when it comes to puffer jacket shopping since they, respectively, determine how heavy or light the jacket will feel on your body, and how warm it’ll keep you in frigid temperatures.

According to Shipping Storm, the average winter jacket weighs around 800 to 1,000 grams, which amounts to 1.7 and 2.2 pounds, a range in which most of our puffer coat selections fit. A heavier jacket might feel cumbersome for extended periods. Depending on your climate, you might not need the highest fill power on the market, but it’s definitely something to consider. According to sporting gear brand Kathmandu, fill power represents the number of cubic inches the down material occupies given its weight. That simply means the higher the fill power, the more air and insulation trapped inside the jacket. A 600-fill power puffer coat might be fine for milder weather, while you’ll want to lean towards 750 to 800 for extended periods of time outdoors in below-freezing temperatures.

You’re unlikely to get much use out of your puffer jacket if it’s uncomfortable or not your style. Let’s start with the first element: when trying on your puffer jacket, ensure the arms and waist have plenty of room for range of motion and mobility, and even a few extra inches of give for at least two layers underneath. When trying it out, be sure to sit, stand and walk so you get a sense of how it moves on your body. While puffer jackets are inherently stylish, look towards a model that speaks to your unique taste. While black is certainly a safe color option, don’t be shy about reaching for a bold pop of color or color-blocked option. Playing with lengths is also a great way to flaunt your unique style — from a cropped waist to show off your high-waisted jeans to a maxi-length that adds an element of sophistication to any outfit, there’s a puffer jacket to suit every style.

A puffer jacket features quilted air pockets or baffles that store synthetic or animal fill, offering that signature warmth and insulation we all know and love. Certain puffer jackets feature wider stitching, offering a more oversized and boxy look, while others feature baffles that are closer together for a tailored look that’s also conducive to portability.

While both a puffer and padded jacket offer ample warmth during colder temperatures, a puffer jacket will typically keep you warmer for longer. The reason is that the quilted pockets called baffles on a puffer coat hold more insulation than their padded counterparts. Those pockets of air and down also provide some extra distance between the elements and your body, ultimately leading to a warmer and drier experience.

Before popping your prized puffer jacket in the wash, be sure to read the specific instructions. As with most valuable or finicky garments, you’ll want to spot treat any visible dirt or stains with a gentle cleaning solution made with warm water, dish or hand soap and a soft cloth. Be sure to turn it inside out before popping it in the wash so as to protect any delicate hardware as well as any protective water-repellent solutions on its shell. In general, you’ll want to set your machine to a low and gentle cycle, according to Land’s End, and dry it on low and slow (you want to avoid shocking or melting the jacket’s insulation in high-heat settings).

T+L contributor Marissa Miller has been writing fashion content, covering fashion shows, and obsessively researching fashion and the best deals on the latest trends for the last dozen years. For this article, she used knowledge she’s garnered over her lifetime as a Canadian resident to showcase the best puffer jackets that can withstand sub-zero temperatures while still offering room to move and breathe. She evaluated each selection based on power fill, quality of materials, comfort level, and reviews. If she hasn’t personally tested a certain brand, she ensures it boasts a popular following.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.