Cute, comfy and oh-so-warm, puffer jackets are the MVPs of any winter wardrobe. But when it comes to finding the right puffer, the options can be overwhelming: Do you go for down-filled or synthetic? Black or brightly colored? Cropped or full-on wearable blanket?
To help get you started, we talked to professional stylists about their favorite puffers for men and women in a variety of lengths, fills and price ranges. Shop their picks below to stay toasty and stylish no matter how cold it gets.
Long puffer jackets for women
Whether you need a new coat or are looking for something to add to your collection, Susan Eskew, director of merchandising for buying RTW at Macy’s, says you'll need to select a style that suits your lifestyle and can be worn to multiple occasions. "Long wool coats or trenches can provide a more elevated look," says Eskew. "While a down coat is better suited for colder climates." This DKNY coat is a great middle ground with a long, sleek silhouette made cozy with a polyester fill.
This BCBGeneration jacket comes equipped with long-sleeved knit cuffs to help keep your hands protected with or without gloves on. It also has a removable snap belt for keeping the warm fill that much closer to your body.
Fashion stylist Liz Rundbaken says that Canada Goose coats, while expensive, are “worth every penny” and calls her own Canada Goose “one of the smartest closet investments I ever bought. It’s the No. 1 reason I don’t dread New York winters anymore.” She particularly recommends the Alliston Parka because “it’s more fashion-forward than technical-looking,” adding that “all Canada Goose products now adhere to the Responsible Down Standard.”
"Hoods, inner bibs, longer lengths and texting cuffs are all great features for warmth," says Eskew. With a luxe faux fur collar and a hood, this DKNY jacket makes sure that your head and face stay just as warm as the rest of your body. Plus, the waist-defining rope belt helps give a more flattering shape to this puffer.
Crop puffer jackets for women
On the hunt for a more trendy winter jacket? This Michael by Michael Kors jacket is the ideal mix of playful and professional with a high-shine finish and faux fur trims.
Uniqlo dominates the world of affordable winter wear, and Rundbaken says that the brand’s “super-light” puffers are “perfect for layering to instantly winterize any jacket or sweater.” This particular parka model is offered in five colors and comes with a convenient storage pouch for travel.
Aritzia’s super-popular Super Puffs come in a huge range of colors and fabrics. New York City-based wardrobe stylist Gloria Cospito especially likes the “liquid shine finish,” which transforms the coat into “an interesting statement piece.” All the Super Puffs are also very, very warm, with responsibly sourced goose down and a temperature rating to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you really want to stand out in a sea of black winter coats, Rundbaken recommends this shorter, more colorful version of Gap’s heavyweight puffer. In addition to neutral tones, this puffer also comes in stunning navy, pink and dark olive shades. And as with most of Gap’s clothing, this coat comes in regular, petite and tall sizing.
This ultra-portable Free People jacket folds into its own pocket, meaning you can easily stash it in your suitcase (or even use it as a travel pillow) when you’re not wearing it. With vivid color options like Magenta Disco, Cospito calls it “an eye-catching layering piece that will work through early spring and in autumn as well.”
Need a happy medium between a motorcycle jacket and a traditional puffer? Fashion director, stylist and online vintage shop owner Loredana Buonopane loves the vibe of a faux-leather puffer like this one from Aves Les Filles. Available in caramel, black and aloe green finishes, the cropped length of this jacket also makes it great for wearing with high-rise jeans.
Available in 11 different colors, this BCBGeneration jacket can be a simple or statement addition to your closet. Grab it in vibrant hues like kelly green, cobalt, fuchsia or liquid emerald for a vibrant pop in the bleak winter weather or opt for a neutral like black, latte or white for a coat that won't clash with the rest of your winter wardrobe.
Mid-length puffer jackets for women
Cassandra Sethi, a personal stylist and image consultant with Next Level Wardrobe, loves that the design details of this hip-length puffer “are executed so well to keep the cold out. It includes thumb holes, an adjustable hood and zippered pockets.” Outdoor Research's sizing runs from XS to 2XL and comes in three different colors.
Reviewers love how comfortable and cozy this Eddie Bauer parka is. Plus, it comes in regular, tall and plus sizes up to 3XL for whoever you're looking to help stay warm.
Beautifully made and warm thanks to 600-fill recycled down, this North Face jacket also comes with a removable, oversized collar that can double as a scarf when you need more shielding from the cold.
Puffer jackets for men
With a timeless cut, this DKNY jacket fits perfectly into the wardrobe of any modern man. Made with faux down fill insulation, a hood and a polyurethane coating for water resistance, this coat is designed for maximum protection and warmth.
Rundbaken recommends this classic parka from L.L.Bean, a brand known for quality cold weather gear and excellent customer service. This parka is one of the warmest the company makes, with 650-fill DownTek Insulation and a wind- and rain-resistant shell. It comes in three colors and both regular and tall sizing
Buonopane loves that this Alpha Industries coat features lots of handy pockets and an adjustable hood that’ll help “get you through any winter storm.”
“A fleece-lined hood puts this puffer in winter wear staple status,” Cospito says. The puffer also features a neoprene trim on the cuffs to trap warmth.
For outdoor adventures on the coldest days of the year, Rundbaken recommends Fjallraven’s ultra-warm Expedition Parka. It combines the unbeatable insulation of ethically sourced down with the water resistance of synthetic fill, and also features an adjustable hood, pockets with both side and top openings and a two-way zipper.
Short puffer jackets for men
Uniqlo has tons of great puffer options for men too. This down jacket is perfect for seasonal layering. Plus, it's water-resistant and soft with an easy-to-move in, relaxed fit and a great deal at just $50.
For the guy who enjoys a statement jacket, this Lacoste puffer comes in vibrant shades of blue, green and red, all made with duck down filling for warmth.
Rundbaken likes that this wind-resistant, quick-drying jacket comes in several colors and features a soft eco-teddy lining for added warmth and coziness. She also praises Save the Ducks for making coats that are animal- and planet-friendly without compromising on cold weather performance.
A versatile 2-in-1 jacket, this Brooks Brothers option has a solid black side that matches any outfit and a guncheck pattern side when you're ready for something more eye-catching.
For warmth without the bulk, try this lightweight option from L.L. Bean. "The Primaloft Gold insulation has great performance properties as an alternative to down,” says Sethi. Water and wind-resistant, this quilted jacket also comes in regular and tall sizes up to 3XL and an array of nine colors.
While absolutely a splurge, Buonopane loves that this bold Burberry jacket features the brand’s “iconic plaid” and is super warm while also making “a statement.”