Soon we’ll be in that liminal space where a full-on jacket might feel suffocating, but you’ll be glad to have a puffer vest on hand as an extra layer of warmth. After all, puffer vests are an ideal choice to help you transition seamlessly from summer to fall. They run the spectrum from chic cropped vests to windproof and waterproof options that are perfect for outdoor activities. To help us find the best options this fall, we asked stylists and other fashion experts to share their favorite puffer vests.
Best puffer vests
Complete with front slant pockets, sustainable water- and wind-resistant nylon, a flattering curved hem and a cool quilted effect, it’s not hard to see why this puffer vest is expert approved. “My current pick is this 100% recycled puffer vest from Gap,” says Rayne Parvis, a style coach and personal fashion stylist. “It comes in different neutrals, lengths like petite, regular and tall; has the perfect size pattern; and as a bonus, it's sustainable.”
"My go-to vest is from Free People, and it has lasted me years," New York City-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López says of this style. "It’s perfectly oversized and feels trendy and current, not finance bro." The sporty style can fit right in on the trail or as a part of an athleisure ensemble in the city. It comes in eight cute colors, from bright pink and sky blue to ultra-versatile military green and black.
"This puffer is such an effortless and sleek look," says celebrity stylist and TV personality Cindy Conroy. "This natural blush color is a standout for sure." The insulated style features a generous fit for layering, a high collar, slant pockets, plus a bonus secure inner pocket. And with a Fabletics VIP membership, you can snag it for $22 — that's 80% off.
This bestselling puffer vest from Alo — that both López and Conroy recommend — is worth it for the massive, plush wraparound hood for added warmth alone. It’s made with a durable water-repellent ripstop fabric for ultimate resilience during high-intensity activity and features a cinched bungee cord waist for a flattering and comfortable fit that’ll keep the breeze off your skin. Side zip pockets complete with a fleece layer make the vest a total joy to wear from every angle.
Parvis says she tends to gravitate toward longer puffer vests that cover your bum since “the shorter ones that hit above your waist tend to leave women feeling exposed if they’re wearing leggings and add way too much bulk up top, creating an unbalanced look.” The tapered hip-length fit of this puffer vest makes it both a flattering and functional option this fall, whether you’re taking it on an outdoor run or just running errands. It’s filled with 700-fill-power goose down for core warmth and features zippered pockets and a hidden phone sleeve for next-level convenience.
Cropped, faux leather and zipped at the front, this puffer vest hits every high note. “My favorite puffer vest pick for this fall and winter is this black faux-leather cropped puffer vest,” says Sophie O’Neil, senior stylist at Pretty Little Thing. “We’ve seen an increase in searches for black puffer vests since they’re great transitional pieces for both fall and winter and work with most colors, so no matter your outfit, you’ll have the perfect puffer vest for that extra-warm layer that doesn’t cause a distraction." She prefers a cropped fit and says that if you feel like you're "being swallowed up by the puffer vest", it's the best option to avoid that.
A seasonal take on the bow trend that's been everywhere this year, López says this vest is "seriously so cute." The quilted style comes in an eye-catching poppy red and features decorative ties and an oversized cut.
López also loves this feminine take on the utilitarian puffer vest. It has an Ikat floral print and a slightly shorter cut, making it a great pairing for high-waisted jeans and ankle boots.
As a fall-friendly take on the brand’s cult-favorite Super Puff coat, this puffer vest makes for a great in-vest-ment when you need just a touch of insulation. It features an on-trend glossy, weather-resistant taffeta sheen; comes in numerous versatile hues; and features the coziest goose-down insulation for warmth where you need it most. A stand collar allows you to forgo a scarf while roomier arm holes than those of its predecessor allow you to comfortably layer it over your chunkiest sweaters. It also comes in a bunch of matte colors too.
"If you want to dip your toe into the puffer vest game but want to be more fashionable, opt for a thinner silhouette, collarless style and some fun details like buttons, a waist tie or prints," López says. This option has a roomy fit so you can layer it with your favorite sweater, but the belted detail keeps a stylish silhouette.
It’s no surprise this Patagonia puffer vest is the bestselling option at REI. With its windproof and moisture-shedding ripstop shell, its narrow horizontal quilt lines and drawcord-adjustable hem for strategic insulation, and its packable design ideal for bringing in your suitcase or carry-on, this puffer vest is as practical as it is stylish.
It can be tempting to grab the trendiest hue for a pop of color, but Parvis says it’s best to opt for a “neutral color that you can pair with most of your closet." This lightweight puffer vest comes in several earth tones like beige, gray and off-white, and I personally use the black one all season long. Contributing to its practical qualities is its 750-fill-power down material, antistatic lining, water-repellent finish and secure pockets to store belongings.
If you happen to be petite, Parvis says “you want to look for a quilted puffer vest with a medium-sized pattern or one that complements your frame, [since] a vest that has a huge pattern will swallow you up.” Complete with medium-sized baffles, a trendy removable fur hood and elegant gold-toned hardware, this waterproof puffer vest is a great way to jazz up any outfit while staying warm and dry.
For next-level insulation in a laid-back nostalgic style, you can’t go wrong with the puffer vest rendition of The North Face’s iconic Nuptse jacket. It’s made with the brand’s warmest goose-down insulation and windproof shield, has oversized baffles for a sporty look and enough pockets to keep your belongings safe and secure, and can be stored in its own right-hand pocket for ultimate portability.
Between its luxuriously puffy baffles, flattering long hemline, drawcord removable hood, front zip pockets and weatherproof shell, this puffer vest — available in four colors — looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is.
Thanks to the brand’s thermal reflective Omni-heat technology, you’ll stay nice and toasty in this bestselling puffer vest. Secure zippered hand pockets keep your belongings secure while the option of solid colors makes your look easy to style.
What to look for in a puffer vest
“Puffer vests are one of the most utilitarian pieces of outerwear,” says Laura Kinman, product line director of W’s Sportswear at Patagonia. “When looking for puffer vests, it’s important to consider what type of activity you’ll be doing and how you want to layer.”
For active pursuits, she recommends a lighter-weight insulation that sits close to the body for ample temperature regulation and mobility. For chill days, whether you’ll be enjoying the final days of patio season or looking to take a ’fit pic, a higher-loft insulation to keep your core warmer will do just fine, she explains.
Next, you want to consider a lightweight material that’s easy to clean like nylon, polyurethane or polyester, as you’ll likely get caught in wet weather or snow at some point in the season, according to O’Neil, who says she’s seen a 79% increase in puffer vest searches on her site over the last 30 days in comparison to the previous period.
Finally, Kinman says to think about how you plan to layer your puffer vest with a bulky sweater and then size up or down accordingly. And arguably most importantly, “make sure the vest has plenty of pockets for stashing your favorite treats for puppies or people.”