The weather is officially moving into cold-enough-to-make-your-face-hurt territory, which raises the matter of where to find the best puffer jackets this season. The lightweight insulation of these jackets and their often-layerable designs can make wintertime outside enjoyable (even if the weather is bad).
What to look out for when buying a puffer coat
The comfort of the outerwear is paramount (and this applies to how it will fit). The following are some examples of how to get started: how warm it’ll keep you when you head out into the chill). Consider the length of the sleeves and the jacket’s body—they should be long enough to cover you and keep the wind and cold out. Some jackets hit at your hip, but other coats and parkas reach down to your thighs or ankles (which is great if you don’t want a cold butt). Also, you should consider how the jacket fits on your body. If you’re planning to use it as a middle layer under a heavier coat, it can be on the snugger side and fit closely to your body. You can also choose a jacket to wear over a chunky sweatshirt or hoodie, without feeling like you are the little brother. A Christmas StoryA puffer that is larger and more spacious might be a better option.
Your jacket’s material is another contributing factor to its overall comfort. Both down fill and synthetic insulation will keep you warm, but the former doesn’t perform well in wet conditions, as down can clump and lose its puff when dampened. Luckily, some down puffer jackets are made with a water-resistant treatment to prevent said clumping—you wouldn’t want them to get soaking wet, but they can handle some drizzle. Jackets made of synthetic materials or alternatives to down are better for wet and rainy weather. But they can’t have that fluffy, puffy down feel.
Whether you’re looking for a cropped puffer jacket with major style points or a performance-driven down parka that packs in heat, there is, indeed, a coat out there that meets your criteria. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the very best puffer jackets available to shop online right now, from top retailers like Amazon, REI, Nordstrom, The North Face, and more. Read on to upgrade your cold weather gear—then don’t forget to refresh your snow pants and snow boots too.
All Products Featured on SELF Editors independently select each item. We may receive an affiliate commission if you purchase something via our retail links.