We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Style Reviews Clothing Reviews The 10 Best Puffer Coats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Bundle up with our tried and true favorites. By Marisa Petrarca and Elizabeth Loomis Elizabeth Loomis Elizabeth Loomis is a writer who has covered a number of lifestyle topics, including interior design, fashion, and lifestyle for publications including The Zoe Report, Well + Good, InStyle, and The Spruce. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 17, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Real Simple / Kevin Liang When the weather drops to a winter chill, puffer coats are a staple for braving the cold. From city dwellers facing brisk winds to adventurers seeking comfort on winter hikes, a puffer coat is a reliable companion to keep you warm in even the most frigid temperatures. "When the temperature drops, and it's time to layer up, puffer coats are a good staple in your wardrobe," says Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook. "Puffers are no longer just trendy but a must-have layering piece that is also functional for warmth." To find the best puffer coats, we tested 26 options in real-world conditions over several weeks while evaluating fabric, design, fit, comfort, warmth, breathability, and durability. We also assessed the insulation's effectiveness in temperatures ranging from mild to freezing, how our jacket resisted the elements, and our ease of movement while wearing it. This final list has a puffer coat for every style and need, whether you're braving mountain slopes or heading out for dinner on a snowy winter night. Our Top Picks Best Overall Puffer Coat: lululemon Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket at Lululemon ($278) Jump to Review Best Budget Puffer Coat: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket at Uniqlo.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Stylish Puffer Coat: Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer at Aloyoga.com ($198) Jump to Review Warmest Puffer Coat: Aritzia The Super Alps Puff₂O at Aritzia.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Long Puffer Coat: Everlane ReNew Long Puffer at Everlane.com ($278) Jump to Review Best Parka Puffer Coat: Halfdays Wheeler Parka at Halfdays.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Lightweight Puffer Coat: L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Puffer Hooded Jacket at L.L.Bean ($119) Jump to Review Best Performance Puffer Coat: On Challenger Jacket at On-running.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Cropped Puffer Coat: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket at Nordstrom ($330) Jump to Review Most Comfortable Puffer Coat: Ugg Cropped Puffer Jacket at Amazon ($198) Jump to Review Best Overall Puffer Coat lululemon Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket Lululemon View On Lululemon $278 Our Ratings Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 4/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 What Stands Out This cute jacket offers an ideal balance of style and functionality. What Could Be Improved We could use more warmth for extremely cold conditions. Lululemon’s Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket strikes a rare balance between a stylish design and practical features for winter warmth. We liked that it wasn’t excessively short, hitting just at the waist, making it a versatile choice for various body types. The sizing is also spot-on, allowing room for layering without restricting movement, which is a plus for those chilly days when you need an extra sweater. We loved this jacket's thoughtful design details, including zipper and snap closures, neoprene cuffs, and the detachable hood, which adds flexibility for different conditions. It also boasts handy pocket placements, including a mesh pocket for essentials like headphones or keys. We were particularly impressed with the jacket's quality—the filling is plush yet lightweight, ensuring the jacket remains puffy and cozy without becoming too bulky. It’s durable, too—we easily cleaned accidental spills to maintain the jacket's look and feel over time. While it excels in most areas, if you need a puffer coat for extreme cold climates, this might not be the warmest option. However, for everyday use and transitional weather, it's a stellar pick. Despite its higher price point, the jacket's combination of style, comfort, and durability make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable yet fashionable winter coat. Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Fill: White goose down | Size Range: 0-14 Real Simple / Phoebe Sklansky Real Simple / Phoebe Sklansky Best Budget Puffer Coat Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket Uniqlo View On Uniqlo.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out This jacket has exceptional value for the price. What Could Be Improved We noticed occasional feather leakage. The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket is a standout for its affordable price, offering a remarkable blend of functionality and style on a budget. We loved the fit of this puffer coat and found the jacket roomy enough to accommodate layers for colder days while retaining a sleek profile that doesn’t feel bulky. This jacket's slightly cropped design adds to its aesthetic appeal. The internal pockets are an added bonus, making this jacket an excellent choice for travel or commuting. In terms of quality, this jacket surpasses expectations for its price point. We found that despite its thin appearance, it provides impressive insulation for winter weather. Lightweight and easily compressible, it maintains its puffiness and has shown durability over time, with the exception of occasional feather loss. We also loved the jacket's warmth—it provided excellent insulation during testing, making it suitable for cold weather, though it might not be the most breathable option. We found the placement of the side pockets slightly awkward, although they remained functional and easy to zip. All in all, this Uniqlo jacket is an excellent stylish, everyday coat that won’t break the bank. Material: Nylon | Fill: Down | Size Range: XXS-XXL Real Simple / Taylor Fox Real Simple / Taylor Fox Real Simple / Taylor Fox Best Stylish Puffer Coat Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer Alo View On Aloyoga.com $198 View On Shopbop.com $198 View On Bloomingdales $198 Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 5/5 Quality 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out This puffer coat has a trendy cropped design and a relaxed fit. What Could Be Improved It could provide more warmth. The Alo Gold Rush Puffer is perfect for those who want to prioritize style without compromising comfort. We adored its true-to-size fit, giving it a casual, relaxed feel that didn't restrict movement. This makes it perfect for everyday wear because it's roomy enough to fit layers underneath on chillier days. The cropped length resembles your favorite moto jacket, adding a stylish edge suitable for less formal settings. We also found it surprisingly flattering—it avoided the common pitfall of bulkiness that some puffer jackets have. Despite its style, we liked that this jacket was highly functional with its high collar, inside pocket, adjustable drawstrings, water-repellent materials, and lightweight yet warm filling. The deep navy blue color adds versatility to any wardrobe and can pair easily with many outfits. Unfortunately, this jacket might fall short of providing adequate warmth for the coldest winter days, mainly due to its cropped length. We think it's perfect for transitioning from fall to winter, low-intensity outdoor activities, or nailing the athleisure trend. Material: Nylon | Fill: Not listed | Size Range: XS-L Real Simple / Chantelle Williams Real Simple / Chantelle Williams Warmest Puffer Coat Aritzia The Super Alps Puff₂O Aritzia View On Aritzia.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 5/5 Quality 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out This puffer offers exceptional warmth and a lightweight design. What Could Be Improved The sleeves could be slightly longer. This cozy puffer coat combines extreme warmth with a surprisingly lightweight feel. During testing, we were impressed by its true-to-size fit, enhanced by a belt that can cinch your waist for added silhouette and warmth (it can minimize the airflow in blustery weather). We also found the jacket's length, hitting the upper thigh, ideal for core warmth, which is crucial in colder climates. The puffer's lightness and full range of motion are notable, especially considering its substantial insulation capabilities. The Aritizia Super Alps Puff also has thoughtful design features, including two fleece-lined, zippered pockets and an additional internal pocket suitable for a phone or wallet. The soft fleece lining and tightly fitted wrists ensure maximum insulation against the cold. Perhaps the most striking aspect of this puffer is its deceptive lightness paired with ample insulation. It kept us warm in temperatures as low as -22°F without additional layers, making it an exceptional choice for those willing to splurge on a high-quality winter jacket. Its versatility extends to various activities, from trekking to everyday wear in freezing temperatures. Although the price tag is steep, the jacket's quality, design, and longevity justify it as a worthwhile investment that excels in warmth, design, and quality. Material: Nylon | Fill: Goose down | Size Range: 3XS-XL Real Simple / Heer Chaudri Best Long Puffer Coat Everlane ReNew Long Puffer Everlane View On Everlane.com $278 Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Design 5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Warmth 4.5/5 What Stands Out This puffer offers spacious dual-access pockets and adjustable features. What Could Be Improved It could be more lightweight for easier carrying and packing. Everlane's ReNew Long Puffer is a compelling blend of style and functionality that is particularly well-suited for those who want a longer jacket. During testing, it provided ample mobility for various activities like walking, sitting, and squatting. We also liked the thoughtful design elements, including the dual-access large pockets that offer substantial storage, making it convenient for daily errands or dog walking. Adjustability is another plus, with drawstrings at the hood and waist allowing for a customizable fit and look. Despite its fashion-forward design, the jacket's thickness and weight posed some challenges, with substantial warmth coming at the cost of breathability and convenience. We became slightly overheated during active use, though the jacket kept us cozy and warm during more stationary periods. While it might not rival other jackets' weight and water resistance, it's a solid option for cold, dry, and windy conditions. Material: Nylon | Fill: Goose down | Size Range: 3XS-XL Real Simple / Yuansi Li Real Simple / Yuansi Li Best Parka Puffer Coat Halfdays Wheeler Parka Halfdays View On Halfdays.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out We love the unique, oversized hood design. What Could Be Improved It's only available in one neutral shade. Halfdays Wheeler Parka has a roomy design perfect for layering and a thick hood band that snaps up to cover the neck and lower face. During testing, we appreciated the inclusion of the thick neckband, which acts like a built-in scarf and provides excellent coverage and warmth. The four external pockets (two snap pockets and two side slip pockets) offer practical storage solutions, and the combination of a zipper and snaps is versatile for different temperatures, adding to the jacket’s practical appeal. We think this jacket's warmth is its most significant selling point. During testing, it was suitable for even the coldest climates—it kept us warm in frigid temperatures without overheating during active use. We appreciated the synthetic fill, which maintained its puffiness without shedding feathers. This parka is ideal for chilly outdoor environments, from apres-ski to urban settings. While the Wheeler Parka is on the pricier side, the quality and warmth it offers justify the cost. The chic color options, like the neutral 'Oat Milk', add to its appeal, although the spot-clean-only care and lack of a darker shade might require extra caution. Overall, this parka is an excellent investment for those seeking a stylish, warm, and functional winter coat. Material: Nylon | Fill: Recycled polyester | Size Range: XS-3XL Real Simple / Morgan Ashley Parker Real Simple / Morgan Ashley Parker Best Lightweight Puffer Coat L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Puffer Hooded Jacket L.L. Bean View On L.L.Bean $119 Our Ratings Fit 3.5/5 Design 4/5 Value 5/5 Quality 4/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out This jacket offers versatile warmth and packability. What Could Be Improved We wish there was slightly more room for layering. This jacket was a standout selection in the lightweight category, making it ideal for those who want a streamlined puffer coat without sacrificing warmth. We loved the soft material, and its thin, lightweight design contributes to breathability, making it suitable for milder weather. The jacket also has a slim hood, enhancing its sleek profile and making it a stylish choice for various winter activities. During testing, this jacket allowed for a full range of motion without being overly bulky. It also truly excels in its insulation—when zipped up, it provides more warmth than its profile might suggest, making it a versatile choice for different climates. It's ideal for outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or even running, and its easy packability makes it great for traveling. We also like that the jacket holds up well to washing. It maintained its texture and appearance, though air drying may slightly reduce its puffiness. The main downside to this jacket is that thicker layers like sweatshirts may pose a challenge. While it may not be as robust as other options, its comfort and versatility make it a strong choice for those seeking a packable, adaptable jacket. Material: Polyester | Fill: Polyester | Size Range: XXS-XL Real Simple / Samantha Aronson Real Simple / Samantha Aronson Best Performance Puffer Coat On Challenger Jacket On Running View On On-running.com View On Bloomingdales $225 Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 5/5 Quality 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out The lightweight design has superior functionality for active use. What Could Be Improved Only one colorway is available. On’s Challenger Jacket is designed for those who lead an active lifestyle. The jacket’s design prioritizes movement and breathability, making it a top choice for runners, hikers, and outdoor activities. We liked the jacket's lightweight construction, which doesn't compromise on protection or warmth. During testing, it protected us from the elements while ensuring maximum mobility. In terms of practicality, the jacket has essential features for performance wear, like secure pockets and adjustable elements for a customized fit. Overall, we think the On Challenger jacket is a high-quality, versatile option for those who need a puffer that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Material: Polyester | Fill: Polyester | Size Range: XXS-XL Real Simple / Tara Massouleh Real Simple / Tara Massouleh Best Cropped Puffer Coat The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket The North Face View On Nordstrom $330 View On Zappos $320 View On The North Face Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Design 5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out The jacket is lightweight yet warm, with adjustable features for customization. What Could Be Improved This isn't the most sleek option on our list. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and functionality. We found that it fits true to size, allowing for comfortable layering with shirts or sweaters underneath. Despite its puffy appearance, the jacket maintains a lightweight feel, making it supremely wearable. Design-wise, the Retro Nuptse has two external pockets, a secure interior zipper pocket, velcro cuffs, and adjustable bungee cords at the bottom for a customized fit. During testing, we appreciated that we could tuck the hood into the neckline and adjust its fit with the bungee cords. In terms of performance, this jacket impressively balanced insulation and breathability. It's versatile for many activities and environments, from casual walks and errands to icy outdoor settings in colder climates. We loved how the jacket prevented overheating, making it comfortable for extended and activewear. While its bulky appearance may detract slightly from its style, its comfort and breathability make it a prime choice for practical, cold-weather wear. Material: Nylon | Fill: 700 fill goose down | Size Range: XXS-3XL Real Simple / Tatiana Kennedy Real Simple / Tatiana Kennedy Most Comfortable Puffer Coat Ugg Cropped Puffer Jacket Ugg View On Amazon $198 View On Ugg.com $198 Our Ratings Fit 3/5 Design 5/5 Value 5/5 Quality 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out This jacket offers a cozy fleece-lined hood and pockets What Could Be Improved We would like more color and fabric options. Ugg’s Ronney Cropped Puffer Jacket offers a cozy and functional design for everyday wear. We found that the jacket allows for a full range of motion, making it a practical choice for daily activities and movement. Its soft, fleece-lined hood and pockets further enhances the jacket's comfort, adding a touch of luxury and added warmth to its design. We especially liked the adjustable sides and thumb holes, which improved fit and functionality. The high-quality construction of the jacket is evident in its durability—we found that it remained as puffy as it was at the start of testing, showcasing its ability to withstand regular use. The jacket also exceeded our expectations for warmth. This pick was suitable for temperatures ranging from 25 to 45 degrees, offering a cozy warmth without being excessively heavy. The fuzz-lined hood and fabric thumb holes contribute to its warmth, making it ideal for chilly weather. While it may not be the best choice for high-intensity activities due to its bulkiness and breathability, it's perfect for low-impact activities like dog walking. The only drawback we noticed is the limited color and fabric options are limited. Overall, the Ugg Ronney Cropped Puffer Jacket is a great option for those who want a mid-priced, comfortable, and warm jacket. Material: Nylon | Fill: Polyester | Size Range: XXS-XL Real Simple / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm Real Simple / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm Final Verdict Our top choice is the Lululemon Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket for its impressive warmth, functionality, and style. For those shopping on a budget, the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket offers plenty of comfort and comes in a range of stylish neutrals to pair with any outfit. Our Testing Process To find the best puffer coats, we acquired 26 products and tested them over several weeks in real-world conditions and weather. First, we put the puffer on and zipped it up, evaluating its comfort, fabric, and design features like zippers, pockets, hoods, and any adjustable components. After our initial assessment, we wore the jacket at least twice for two hours each. We went about our daily lives, running errands, walking, traveling, and hiking. While wearing the puffer coat, we noted its fit, warmth, breathability, and durability. We took extensive notes on each quality, recommending what kind of weather the jacket was suitable for and whether we could layer other clothing under it. We also noted our range of motion and any signs of wear after our tests. How to Shop for Puffer Coats 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 Fast becoming one of the most popular styles of winter coats, puffers 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.” More to Consider Jack Wolfskin Women's Routeburn Pro Insulated Jacket: This jacket is an excellent option for outdoor activities, especially in cooler conditions. We found the side panels to be a standout feature that provided much-needed breathability and flexibility. In terms of warmth, the jacket was lighter than we expected yet offered adequate insulation for mild fall weather. While the jacket might not be the best choice for formal settings or office wear, it's an excellent everyday coat for active lifestyles. Girlfriend Collective Ballerina Cropped Puffer: This puffer is a stylish, sustainable jacket. The fit is oversized yet not excessively puffy, ensuring a comfortable range of motion even when layered over a sweater. We found the jacket's warmth notable, making it suitable for cooler temperatures. Bungee cords at the bottom add functionality, and the plush fleece-lined pockets offer a cozy spot for hands. Questions You Might Ask What's the difference between a puffer coat and a down jacket? The difference between puffer coats and down jackets comes down to 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 and Elizabeth Loomis, a writer who has covered a number of lifestyle topics, including interior design, fashion, and lifestyle for publications including The Zoe Report, Well + Good, InStyle, and The Spruce. To find the best puffer coats, we tested 26 options in real-world conditions while evaluating their fabric, design, fit, comfort, warmth, breathability, and durability. For expert advice on choosing the best puffer coats, she spoke with Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook, an online personal styling service. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit