To round up the best puffers, we spent hours researching the most popular options on the market. We considered factors like materials, features, and price to narrow down our list to only the best styles. For expert advice on choosing the best puffer coat, we spoke with Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook, an online personal styling service. “When the temperature drops and it’s time to layer up, puffer coats are a good staple in your wardrobe,” says Lee. “Puffers are no longer just trendy but a must-have layering piece that is also functional for warmth.” The L.L. Bean Women’s Mountain Classic Down Parka is our top pick because it’s both compliment-worthy in terms of style and designed to keep you warm and dry in cold (and even wet) conditions. Find all our puffer coat recommendations below, and keep scrolling for expert advice on what to keep in mind while shopping for one (or two) this season. Who it isn’t for: People who want deep pockets to store their phone and other on-the-go essentials. This puffer coat from L.L. Bean is our best overall pick because it keeps you warm without skimping on stylish details like a slightly fitted silhouette and gold buttons. The longer length provides exceptional warmth and coverage, plus it’s dressed up in practical details like a removable (and adjustable) insulated hood, elastic cuffs with adjustable tabs, an internal zip pocket, and a two-way zipper. Not to mention, the price is right, especially because this down coat thrives in bad weather. Let us explain: It utilizes “DownTek” insulation that can keep you warm even in wet conditions. Unlike ordinary down that soaks up moisture and clumps together, this material absorbs 33 percent less moisture and dries 66 percent faster. Oh, and you have plenty of color options. It comes in black, burgundy, gray, green, and navy blue. Price at time of publish: $189 Product Details:
Material: Recycled polyesterFill: DownTek 650-fill down insulationSize Range: XXS-XL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a puffer coat with down fill. The best budget puffer is the H&M Hooded Puffer Coat, which looks and feels as luxe as other options on our list for less. Available in black and khaki green, the knee-length design boasts an on-trend woven fabric with a drawstring hood, stand-up collar, and a two-way zipper with a wind flap for protection. Its side-seam pockets are super discreet (to not throw off its fashionable design), and its concealed ribbing at the cuffs looks good and keeps the cold out and the warmth in. Price at time of publish: $75 Product Details:
Material: Recycled polyester Fill: Recycled polyesterSize Range: XS-XXL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a puffer coat that not many people have. It’s recognized for its six large pockets, a cozy, sherpa-lined hood, and two long zipper pulls that add an extra dose of style. While the khaki green design is the most well-known, it comes in 12 other colors as well. Price at time of publish: $150 Product Details:
Material: PolyesterFill: 650-fill-power RDS-certified duck down and feathersSize Range: XXS-5XL
Who it isn’t for: People who want an extra-long puffer. Marmot is one of the most recognizable names in heavy duty outerwear, and their Montreal Coat is a great, surprisingly affordable pick (at least compared to other heavy duty coats). It’s crafted with high-performance 700-fill-power down that’s RDS-certified, as well as a water-resistant polyester outer shell. The silhouette is slim and long, although not as long as other extra warm coats—and take note that it runs small, so you might want to go up a size if you like to wear bulky sweaters. Other great features include a removable faux fur hood, micro fleece-lined pockets, and a plush lined torso. One of the best things about Marmot coats is the lifetime warranty. If your coat has any defects (not including normal wear and tear), Marmot will repair, replace, or refund it. If you have any damages not covered by the warranty, you can still send in your coat for repairs. Price at time of publish: $300 Product Details:
Material: PolyesterFill: RDS-certified 700-fill-power downSize Range: XS-XXL
Who it isn’t for: Those looking for a matte puffer coat. Those looking for a short puffer ought to turn their attention to The North Face Nuptse Short Jacket, arguably the most popular cropped silhouette on the market. What makes it the best is, for starters, that its relaxed, boxy silhouette is the epitome of cool—and the shiny fabric doesn’t hurt either. Whether you team it with jeans or high-waisted leggings, it will garner compliments. And it has no shortage of functional features, either. It has a two-way front zip, a removable 3-piece hood that packs into the collar for days when you don’t need it, and a hem cinch cord to adjust it to your liking. It’s also incredibly warm too, thanks to the cozy down fill. Price at time of publish: $280 Product Details:
Material: Recycled nylonFill: 700-fill-power RDS-certified goose downSize Range: XS-XXL
Who it isn’t for: Those looking for a more fitted silhouette. The water-repellent, matte-textured Lululemon Wunder Puff Long Jacket is the longest in our curated edit, landing at the calf. It features a cinchable waist, so you can customize its shape to a flattering fit while retaining heat; just note that you may have to size down if you prefer a slimmer fit over a relaxed fit. As for other notable details, it boasts a removable hood, zippered hand pockets with a hidden phone sleeve, a two-way zipper, and interior cuffs to trap heat. Plus, it comes in a great array of color options, featuring super-saturated hues like royal blue and emerald green, as well as neutrals like black and brown. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention that it’s machine-washable! Price at time of publish: $398 Product Details:
Material: Recycled polyesterFill: 600-fill-power RDS-certified goose downSize Range: 0-14
Who it isn’t for: People who want a puffer coat with zippered pockets. One of the buzziest puffer coats to date is the Aritzia Super Puff. It has the most extensive array of color options by far, with 58 to choose from. Not only that, but it’s also designed to keep you warm in the most frigid temperatures—as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact. Its warmth comes from its 700-fill-power goose-down fill (which is RDS-certified to boot), and it has soft-feel storm cuffs with a thumbhole, so your hands are protected, too. If this specific style isn’t your favorite, it comes in several others: Shorty, Mid, Long, and Bomber. Price at time of publish: $250 Product Details:
Material: NylonFill: 700-fill-power RDS-certified goose down and feathersSize Range: 3XS-2XL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a puffer that’ll keep you warm in extreme temperatures. Looking for a lightweight puffer coat? Turn your attention to the Girlfriend Collective’s Hooded Packable Puffer, which can be folded up and packed into a small, light bag in the jacket’s inner pocket. (Genius, right?) It’s designed for chilly hikes, backpacking trips, and other outdoor adventures in which you might need an extra layer. It comes in a total of six colors, and, as always, the brand’s extensive size range is hard to beat. Price at time of publish: $158 Product Details:
Material: Recycled plastic bottlesFill: Recycled plastic bottlesSize Range: XXS-6XL
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a down puffer coat. As its brand name implies, Universal Standard is well-known for its commitment to creating size-inclusive essentials, and a high-quality puffer coat is no exception. Enter the Rainier Short Hooded Puffer, thoughtfully designed to be comfy and stylish for all. It’s made for layering—aka perfect for wearing a sweatshirt underneath—and boasts deep fleece-lined pockets, a removable hood, and a two-way zipper so you can open it from both ways. Choose from four colors: dark teal, lilac, beige, and steel blue. Price at time of publish: $248 Product Details:
Material: NylonFill: PolyesterSize Range: 4XS-4XL
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a puffer suitable for very harsh winters. Quilted puffer coats are having a moment, and there’s no better option than the J. Crew Quilted Cocoon Puffer Coat. It features a high-standing collar for wind protection, patch pockets, and stylish gold hardware. And it’s not new: It’s been a customer favorite since 2011, and remains a best seller to this day. One of the standout details is its PrimaLoft fill, a down alternative material made from recycled water bottles. It’s not the warmest puffer on the market, but it’s tougher than it looks, and should you keep you nice and cozy at non-extreme cold temps. The quilted puffer comes in five colors, as well as regular, petite, and tall sizes. Price at time of publish: $198 Product Details:
Material: Recycled polyesterFill: PrimaLoft down alternative polyesterSize Range: XXS-XL
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a long puffer coat. Don’t need a hood? Let us introduce you to the Patagonia Silent Down Jacket, which countless shoppers have described as super soft and warm. It’s filled with duck and goose down recycled from down products, and features a stand-up collar, interior pockets, and cozy hand warmer pockets. It’s a great option for everyday use as well as travel, as it’s not overly bulky and packs down nicely to store away as needed. Finally, it comes in five colors: black, blue-gray, green, red, and orange-brown hue. Price at time of publish: $269 Product Details:
Material: PolyesterFill: Recycled duck and goose down from reclaimed down productsSize Range: XS-XL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a brightly colored puffer coat. Taking the title for best belted puffer coat is the Abercrombie & Fitch Down Air Cloud Long Puffer, which is true to its name in that it boasts a comfy, cloud-like nylon finish. The long, waist-cinching silhouette is ideal for bearing the elements in style. It features a hood and side pockets, and its matte nylon fabric promises protection against wind and water. It comes in two neutral hues: black and dark brown, and in three lengths to ensure the perfect fit: petite, regular, and tall. Price at time of publish: $260 Product Details:
Material: NylonFill: RDS-certified duck down and feathersSize Range: XXS-XL
How to Shop for a Puffer Coat Like a Pro
Materials
When choosing a puffer coat, it’s important to consider the material. In terms of fill, most puffer coats are “usually made of down or a synthetic fill,” says Lee. While down is traditionally seen as the warmest, there are synthetic fills like PrimaLoft that can compete with their natural predecessor. If you do purchase a down puffer, look for the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification, which ensures that the down and feathers are ethically sourced. As for the outer layer of a puffer coat, it’s “usually something light and durable, examples being nylon or polyester,” says Lee. Be sure to consider the environment you’ll be wearing your puffer coat in (such as those with lots of snow or rain) to determine whether your material of choice is suitable for the conditions.
Occasion
You can wear puffer coats for just about every occasion, especially since there are so many takes on the style on the market, ranging from activewear to fresh-off-the-runway pieces. “I personally love wearing puffer coats with most of my outfits for winter,” says Lee. “Puffers look great over a simple sweater and jeans. You can dress up a puffer with a dress and boots. Also, puffers are great for outdoor activities in colder months, such as camping, skiing, and snowboarding.”
Features
Puffer coats have no shortage of special features, but some are more important than others. “The special features I look for depend on the occasion,” says Lee. “If I am traveling, I want the jacket to be packable with lots of pockets for functionality.” Whereas, “if it is more for everyday wear, then I look for pockets (at least for my hands), and make sure it’s warm without feeling too heavy. A removable hood is always a nice option so that you not only get two looks in one but also have the option of a hood in case it’s needed.”
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the difference between a puffer coat and a down jacket?
The difference between a puffer coat and a down jacket comes down to its insulation material, says Lee. “Down jackets are usually more expensive due to the duck or goose plumage used to make the jacket extremely warm, whereas synthetic insulation is usually more cost-effective than insulation used for down jackets.” Puffer coats can also be down jackets if they are made with a down fill. The expert says down jackets are better for “those bitter cold temperatures because they’re also heavier.” However, if you’re an outdoorsy person looking for a warm and waterproof option, synthetic puffers generally hold up longer in wetter conditions than down jackets.
Do puffer coats keep you warm?
In short, yes! But how warm it keeps you depends on the materials used. “Puffer coats will keep you warm because the insulation from the materials used to make the jacket traps the heat generated by your own body,” says Lee. “How warm will depend on the materials used, with down being the warmest.”
Are puffer coats waterproof?
Puffer coats aren’t always waterproof. “If the puffer is made of down materials, rain or any wet conditions can cause the fluff to flatten out,” explains Lee. “Usually, puffers made with synthetic materials do better in wet conditions. Since not all puffer coats are waterproof, it is crucial to read whether the coat is water resistant before purchasing one.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Marisa Petrarca, a contributing writer for Real Simple. She has over five years of editorial experience, and her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, SELF, and more. To write this article on the best puffer coats, she considered the factors like materials, features, and price. For expert advice on choosing the best puffer coats, she spoke with Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook, an online personal styling service.
