Why is it called a puffer jacket?

"Puffer jackets get their name from the specific pattern stitched into sections that get filled with insulation to give it that 'puffy' look," says Newberger.

How can you refluff a puffer jacket?

Puffer jacket feeling a little flat? Newberger says to throw it in the dryer on the lowest setting, along with a few tennis balls. "The tennis balls will bounce around while the jacket dries, hitting the jacket the same way you would a pillow on your couch you want to re-fluff," she says.

Can you wash a puffer jacket?

Many puffer jackets can be tossed into the washing machine to be cleaned, but some can only be dry cleaned at home or require special care. Always check the care label of your jacket or coat to be certain. If you can machine wash your puffer jacket, Newberger suggests doing so before fluffing. "Try throwing your puffer into the washing machine at a normal setting, making sure not to reverse the sleeves, and keep the outside you want to be washed facing outward," she says. "After, re-fluff your jacket using the steps above."

What’s the difference between a down jacket and a puffer jacket?

"Not all puffer jackets are down, but almost all down jackets are puffers," says Newberger. The big difference, she explains, is the material that's used to insulate the stitched sections to create extra warmth. Down, derived from duck or geese, refers to the soft layer of feathers located under the bird's outer feathers, whereas puffers can use anything from down to synthetic fibers like polyester. "While down may be considered the preferred choice of many, it's also known to be a material responsible for allergies," she says. "Though, little known fact, those allergies more often come from down bedding than coats, as it's the dust mites that get into down bedding and not the down itself that cause respiratory allergies like wheezing and coughing." If you're going to opt for down, consider choosing from a brand that sources it responsibly or chooses only to use recycled down.

The 27 Best Puffer Coats in 2023

Winter is upon us, which means—depending on where you live—things are about to get very cold. On days when temperatures hit below freezing, and our camel coats or leather trenches just won't cut it, there's no better option for staying warm and toasty than a good puffer jacket. Typically quilted and insulated with down feathers or synthetic alternatives, puffers help trap in heat to make winter weather more bearable, whether you're commuting to the office or hitting the slopes. While they're certainly functional, today's options are equally as stylish, available in various colors, quilt patterns, and silhouettes. Not to mention, many on the market now boast sustainable materials like recycled plastic or vegan down alternatives without sacrificing design or function.

Ahead, we rounded up the best puffer coats of the season that'll get you through the frigid days to come. From longline to cropped, oversized to metallic, keep reading to check out our favorites.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Everlane The Duvet Puffer at Everlane.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

H&M Short Puffer Jacket at Hm.com

Jump to Review

Best Cropped:

Nike Sportswear Therma-FIT City Series Jacket at Nike.com

Jump to Review

Best Plus Size:

Mango Quilted Buttoned Coat at Mango.com

Jump to Review

Best Metallic:

Tna The Super Puff at Aritzia.com

Jump to Review

Best Longline:

Good American Long Belted Puffer at Nordstromrack.com

Jump to Review

Best Maternity:

Modern Eternity Gianna 3-in-1 Hybrid Puffer Jacket at Apeainthepod.com

Jump to Review

Best Fleece-Lined:

BDG Marlow Puffer Jacket at Urban Outfitters

Jump to Review

Best Diamond-Quilted:

Nap Loreleli High Collar Puffer Coat at Naploungewear.com

Jump to Review

Best Velvet:

Banana Republic Velvet Puffer Jacket at Gap.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

4.5

Everlane

View On Everlane.com

We're giving top honors to this stylish puffer from Everlane because it truly checks all the boxes. It's stylish without being too flashy, made with sustainable materials and dyes, features a removable belt and hood, and comes in an array of cute neutral hues—perfect for those into camel coats or similar styles. Fashion stylist and author Heather Newberger also approves, noting that the longer length and oversized fit make it a great pick for winter weather.

Material: 100% recycled nylon shell; 100% recycled polyester lining; recycled down fill | Size Range: XXS-XL | Care: Machine wash

H&M

View On Hm.com

For a budget-friendly pick, we're pretty big fans of this cropped style from H&M, which features a stand-up collar and a drawstring hem that can be cinched at the waist for extra warmth. Available in light beige and shiny black, this one's a must-have for any wardrobe.

Price at time of publish: $50

Material: 100% recycled polyester shell and lining; 100% polyester fill | Size Range: XXS-XL | Care: Machine wash

Nike

View On Nike.com

This Nike coat may be cropped, but its down insulation makes it extra toasty and warm, plus it's slightly oversized, meaning you can easily layer any cardigan outfits underneath when needed. Bonus points for its water-repellent shell, which makes it ideal for whatever weather winter throws our way.

Price at time of publish: $255

Material: 100% polyester shell and lining; down filling | Size Range: XS-2XL | Care: Machine wash

Mango

View On Mango.com

We must say, Mango has been killing it this season with its size-inclusive outerwear offerings. We love this quilted puffer, which is available in a gorgeous sage green and light brown. It's just as functional as it is stylish, too, designed with a hood and mid-length coverage to ensure warmth.

Price at time of publish: $150

Material: 100% polyester shell; 100% polyamide lining; 100% polyester filling | Size Range: 1XL-4XL | Care: Machine wash

Tna

View On Aritzia.com

Simply put, we're obsessed with The Super Puff from Aritzia's Tna brand. The ultra-warm cropped style is insulated with 100 percent responsible down and is engineered to keep you warm in temperatures as low as negative 22 degrees—quite impressive. It's available in a pretty wide range of colors, from poppy and muted mattes to high-gloss jewel tones, but Newberger is especially fond of the iridescent metallics—and we'd have to agree, we want all three.

Material: Polyester/nylon lining and shell; responsible down filling | Size Range: 3XS-XL | Care: Machine wash

What Our Editors Say

"I don't know how I endured New York winters before getting this coat. I have the men's matte black version, and I purposely ordered a size up to ensure I can layer over my blazers, chunky sweaters, and in-office jackets. Plus, my boyfriend is able to wear it, too, which makes it well worth the investment." —Erika Reals, Associate Commerce Editor

Good American

View On Nordstromrack.com

Good American may be known for its size-inclusive collection of jeans that fit like a dream, but you definitely shouldn't sleep on the rest of the Khloé Kardashian co-founded brand's offerings. Case in point? This gorgeous belted puffer, which is long enough to shield your calves from the cold and is filled with a recycled polyester down alternative. It comes with a removable belt, which can be used to create a flattering cinched silhouette and is available up to size 5XL.

Material: 100% nylon shell; 100% polyester lining; 100% recycled polyester fill | Size Range: 0-8 (XS-5XL) | Care: Dry clean

Modern Eternity

View On Apeainthepod.com

When it comes to maternity outerwear, this hybrid puffer from Modern Eternity takes the cake. "It even comes with a place for the baby!" says Newberger. The design boasts a patented removable 3-in-1 extender panel that allows it to be worn during pregnancy, post-pregnancy, and even while wearing your baby around your chest in a sling or carrier.

Price at time of publish: $179

Material: 100% polyester shell and lining; 100% polyester filling | Size Range: XS-XL | Care: Machine wash

Urban Outfitters

View On Urban Outfitters

There's nothing like slipping into a cozy, fleece-lined coat to make winter feel a little less gloomy. This pick from Urban Outfitters boasts an ultra-soft fleece lining and slightly oversized fit, and it comes in a handful of cute colors, like neon yellow and dusty rose.

Material: 100% polyester | Size Range: XXS-XXXL | Care: Machine wash

Nap Lounge Wear

View On Naploungewear.com

Diamond quilting is having a moment this season, and this pick from Nap is high on our list. Designed with a tall stand-up collar and extra-wide sleeves, it's the casual-chic coat we're planning to live in all winter long. It looks so comfy that we'd, dare we say, nap in it?

Price at time of publish: $289

Material: 50% nylon, 50% Tencel shell; 90% white duck down, 10% feather fill | Size Range: S-L | Care: Dry clean

Banana Republic

View On Gap.com

Velvet clothing, and velvet jackets in particular, instantly elevates any style of outerwear, and Newberger is especially a fan of this cropped puffer from Banana Republic. Available in classic black and gorgeous deep green, this coat is super soft, cozy, and warm. The best part of all? The down insulation is 100 percent recycled, so you can feel good wearing it, too.

Material: 100% polyester shell and lining; recycled down filling | Size Range: XXS-XXL

Andrew Marc

View On Andrewmarc.com View On Bloomingdales

When it comes to trudging through wintery weather, a hood is crucial for keeping you warm and dry. Newberger favors this pick from Andrew Marc, which features a faux fur striped removable hood, shiny water-resistant shell, and an inner drawcord that allows you to adjust the fit.

Price at time of publish: $220

Material: 100% polyester shell, lining, and filling | Size Range: XS-XL | Care: Machine wash, dry clean hood separately

Zara

View On Zara.com

This shiny style from Zara is as functional as it is stylish. It's lightweight and breathable yet still super warm, and the water-resistant shell will keep you nice and dry in any inclement weather. It's also equipped with an adjustable hood, an elastic drawstring, and toggles, and snap button cuffs, allowing you to style it in multiple ways. For the price, this one can't be beat.

Material: 100% nylon shell and lining; 100% polyester fill | Size Range: XS-XXL | Care: Machine wash

Farm Rio

View On Theyes.com

When it comes to prints, Brazilian brand Farm Rio can do no wrong. This reversible style is a favorite of Newberger's, which boasts a pineapple print on one side and a jungle floral on the other. Needless to say, this longline puffer will instantly transport you to a tropical vacation, even when it's near-freezing outside.

Material: 100% polyester | Size Range: XS-XL | Care: Machine wash cold or dry clean

Free People.

View On Freepeople.com

When you need something lightweight with just a bit of added warmth, reach for this duvet puffer from Free People. The wrap-front silhouette and dolman sleeves, like a cozy, soft robe, make for a laid-back yet stylish choice for chilly days.

Material: 100% polyester | Size Range: XXS-XXXL | Care: Machine wash cold or dry clean

ACNE STUDIOS Belted padded cotton-blend shell coat

Net A Porter

View On Acnestudios.com View On Net-a-Porter

Puffer coats are notoriously bulky, but a tied waist can instantly add a flattering shape to even the most voluminous styles. Newberger recommends this dreamy option from Acne Studios, which features a tie waist belt with a padded removable buckle. It's splurgy, yes, but an investment worth making if you're looking to navigate winter weather while looking effortlessly cool.

Material: Cotton/nylon shell; 100% cotton lining | Size Range: XXS/S-L/XL

DEADWOOD Denver quilted leather down jacket

Net A Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

This chic little number is also sustainable: The shell is made from repurposed leather panels, while its insulating filling is made from recycled plastic bottles. We also love that you can draw in the hem for an extra-snug (see: extra-warm) fit.

Material: Repurposed leather shell; recycled polyester lining; recycled down filling | Size Range: XS-L | Care: Specialist clean

Farfetch

View On Nanushka.com View On Net-a-Porter View On Saks Fifth Avenue

If you're into vegan leather outfits, no one does it better than Nanushka, and Newberger agrees. This cult-favorite jacket from the Hungarian fashion label features its signature buttery-soft leather alternative in an array of neutral tones and bubblegum pink, all lined in silky-smooth satin.

Material: 65% polyester, 35% polyurethane shell; 100% polyester lining and fill | Size Range: XXS-XL | Care: Dry clean

Shopbop

View On Apparis.com View On Shopbop.com View On Verishop.com

For a puffer that makes a statement, opt for a wintery print like plaid. This fuzzy, quilted style from Apparis is peak cozy, featuring an extra-tall collar to keep you nice and toasty.

Material: 100% polyester shell and lining | Size Range: XXS-XL | Care: Dry clean

The North Face

View On The North Face

It's crucial to stay warm when skiing as a workout, and iconic outerwear brand The North Face has designed the perfect ski puffer. This slim-fit, waterproof jacket is designed to keep you extra warm without restricting your range of motion and features a storable hood and secure-zip pockets for keeping your essentials safe. Plus, we love that it's made with responsible materials.

Material: Mix of recycled and regular polyester shell; responsible down fill | Size Range: XS-XL

Patagonia

View On Backcountry.com View On Patagonia.com View On REI

When it comes to functional attire for exploring the great outdoors, Patagonia can't be beaten. The Nano Puff Jacket is warm, windproof, and water-resistant—making it ideal for climbing in all weather—and because it's lightweight and compressible, you can easily pack and store it away mid-hike when needed. Also nice: It's made from 100 percent recycled materials and comes in 11 different colors.

Price at time of publish: $229 for medium

Material: 100% recycled shell and lining; 100% recycled fill | Size Range: XXS-XXL

Uniqlo

View On Uniqlo.com

Puffers are, well, puffy, which means they can take up quite a bit of precious closet and suitcase space. That's why Newberger loves Uniqlo's packable styles, which come with storage bags that can be used to compress and pack away your coat for travel, storage, or for when the weather suddenly changes mid-day. We're fond of this shorter style, which comes in a pretty array of muted colors.

Price at time of publish: $20

Material: 100% nylon shell and lining; down filling | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Care: Hand wash

Girlfriend Collective

View On Girlfriend.com

Girlfriend Collective is famed for its inclusive offering of eco-friendly activewear and loungewear, so we're not surprised that they created the perfect sustainable puffer. Each coat is made from 78 water bottles diverted from landfills and boasts a water-repellent and wind-resistant shell. What we love is its impressive size range, which spans sizes XXS up to 6XL.

Material: 100% recycled plastic shell and fill | Size Range: XXS-6XL | Care: Machine wash

Calvin Klein Women's Chevron Quilted Packable Down Jacket (Standard and Plus)

Zappos

View On Amazon View On Zappos

You can snag this sleek hooded puffer from Calvin Klein on Amazon, which features chevron quilting and a cinched back for an extra-flattering fit. It's insulated with down for added warmth and available in a pretty wide range of sizes. We also love that it's packable and includes its own storage bag.

Price at time of publish: $130

Material: 100% nylon; 90% down; 10% feather filling | Size Range: XXS-3XL | Care: Hand wash only

Ganni

View On Ganni.com View On Net-a-Porter

We love everything Ganni does, but this puffer is one of our favorites of the season. Made from 100 percent recycled polyester and filled with high-quality down, this ultra-warm pick is nicely oversized, roomy enough to be styled over your favorite chunky knits or snood scarves without feeling restrictive or looking too bulky.

Material: 100% recycled polyester; down filling | Size Range: XXS/XS-L/XL | Care: Dry-clean only

& Other Stories

View On Stories.com

Puffer coats have a tendency to feel casual, which is why we're loving this padded trench coat from & Other Stories for a fancy night out. It's sleek—not at all bulky—yet still super functional and cozy. The lining is quilted rather than the shell, packing in extra warmth while still looking sharp.

Material: 100% recycled polyester | Size Range: 0-12 | Care: Machine wash

MONCLER Bellevalia quilted shell down coat

Net A Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Is there a more iconic puffer brand than Moncler? This luxury pick is super warm thanks to its down filling, and the quilted panels create the illusion of a cinched waist for an ultra-flattering fit.

Price at time of publish: $1,795

Material: 100% nylon, down; goose feather filling | Size Range: 0-5 | Care: Hand wash or dry clean

The Very Warm

View On Theverywarm.com

Hitting mid-thigh, this coat is the perfect mid-length option for when temperatures drop, and you don't want to wear anything too long or restrictive. As the brand name suggests, this pick is very warm, and we love that it comes in a variety of colors like this pretty sage green. Did we mention it's also carbon neutral and made from eco-friendly materials, like recycled plastic and a water-resistant down alternative?

Material: 100% nylon; down-alternative fill | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Care: Machine wash

What to Look for When Shopping for A Puffer Jacket

Occasion

The first thing Newberger says to consider when shopping for a puffer jacket is the occasion you're buying it for: "Are you living in a city and purchasing it to get from place to place, or are you looking for something to take you high into the mountains?" Your morning commute to the office may not require the same level of warmth and water resistance as a hike or ski trip, while many of today's more fashion-forward options just wouldn't be practical for any kind of intense outdoor activity in the snow.

Location

Newberger also says to consider your current location and its climate, as there are many different weights of puffer jackets to choose from. If you live somewhere with a mild winter, you may only need a lightweight jacket for chillier evenings, whereas someone who lives in a city where it often drops below freezing and sees a lot of snow should opt for something extra warm and waterproof.

Bulkiness

Puffer coats are notoriously on the bulkier side, so Newberger says to ask yourself how bulky you're actually comfortable being and choose a design that best suits your preference. "It sounds silly, but one can easily feel out of body in a giant jacket designed to cover your shape, so if you're one of those people (like me!), you may be more interested in a belted puffer than a duvet one," she says.

Newberger mentions, "I'm not a huge fan of puffers, as I like to keep my winter look sleek and sexy, but since most coats aren't as warm as I'd like them to be, I often put a medium to thin puffer under my coat(s) to add an extra layer of warmth."

FAQ

Why is it called a puffer jacket?

"Puffer jackets get their name from the specific pattern stitched into sections that get filled with insulation to give it that 'puffy' look," says Newberger.
How can you refluff a puffer jacket?

Puffer jacket feeling a little flat? Newberger says to throw it in the dryer on the lowest setting, along with a few tennis balls. "The tennis balls will bounce around while the jacket dries, hitting the jacket the same way you would a pillow on your couch you want to re-fluff," she says.
Can you wash a puffer jacket?

Many puffer jackets can be tossed into the washing machine to be cleaned, but some can only be dry cleaned at home or require special care. Always check the care label of your jacket or coat to be certain.
If you can machine wash your puffer jacket, Newberger suggests doing so before fluffing. "Try throwing your puffer into the washing machine at a normal setting, making sure not to reverse the sleeves, and keep the outside you want to be washed facing outward," she says. "After, re-fluff your jacket using the steps above."
What’s the difference between a down jacket and a puffer jacket?

"Not all puffer jackets are down, but almost all down jackets are puffers," says Newberger. The big difference, she explains, is the material that's used to insulate the stitched sections to create extra warmth. Down, derived from duck or geese, refers to the soft layer of feathers located under the bird's outer feathers, whereas puffers can use anything from down to synthetic fibers like polyester.
"While down may be considered the preferred choice of many, it's also known to be a material responsible for allergies," she says. "Though, little known fact, those allergies more often come from down bedding than coats, as it's the dust mites that get into down bedding and not the down itself that cause respiratory allergies like wheezing and coughing."
If you're going to opt for down, consider choosing from a brand that sources it responsibly or chooses only to use recycled down.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Jenna Igneri has been working in fashion for the last decade, from running Allure's fashion closet as an assistant to now writing about the ins and outs of fashion for various publications. She considers fall and winter her favorite times of the year to get dressed, and she's pretty proud of her extensive coat collection, which ranges from affordable gems to luxury pieces she'll hold onto forever. Living in New York, she considers puffer coats a staple for colder weather, and she's planning to snag Everlane's Duvet Puffer from this list (and save up for the Acne Studios Belted Padded Coat).

Meet the Expert

Heather Newberger is a fashion stylist, fashion correspondent for NBCLX, and the author of How to Date Your Wardrobe: And Other Ways to Revive, Revitalize, and Reinvigorate Your Style. Her work and expert fashion advice can be found across publications, news outlets, and campaigns.

These Are the 18 Best Winter Coats on Amazon, According to 6 Stylists

Stay Warm and Toasty With the Best Puffer Coats

Best Overall

Everlane The Duvet Puffer

Best Budget

H&M Short Puffer Jacket

Best Cropped

Nike Sportswear Therma-FIT City Series Jacket

Best Plus Size

Mango Quilted Buttoned Coat

Best Metallic

Tna The Super Puff

Best Longline

Good American Long Belted Puffer

Best Maternity

Modern Eternity Gianna 3-in-1 Hybrid Puffer Jacket

Best Fleece-Lined

BDG Marlow Puffer Jacket

Best Diamond-Quilted

Nap Loreleli High Collar Puffer Coat

Best Velvet

Banana Republic Velvet Puffer Jacket

Best with Fur Hood

Andrew Marc Minna Cropped Quilted Puffer

Best Shiny

Zara Water Repellent Puffer Jacket

Best Printed

Farm Rio Blue Cool Leopard Long Reversible Puffer Jacket

Best Lightweight

Free People Dolman Duvet Wrap Jacket

Best Tie Waist

Acne Studios Belted Padded Coat

Best Leather

Deadwood Denver Quilted Leather Down Jacket

Best Vegan

Nanushka Hide Puffer Jacket

Best Plaid

Apparis Marianny Puffer

Best for Skiing

The North Face Women's Amry Down Jacket

Best for Hiking

Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket

Best Packable

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Short Puffer Jacket

Best Sustainable

Girlfriend Collective Cropped Recycled Puffer

Best on Amazon

Calvin Klein Hooded Chevron Packable Down Jacket

Best Oversized

Ganni Recycled Puffer Coat

Best for Dress Up

& Other Stories Padded Trench Coat

Best Designer

Moncler Bellevalia Quilted Shell Down Coat

Best Mid-Length

The Very Warm Long Hooded Puffer Coat

What to Look for When Shopping for A Puffer Jacket

Occasion

Location

Bulkiness

How We Researched

Why Trust Byrdie

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