When I moved from San Francisco to New York City back in 2013, I found myself faced with my first hardcore winter. Suddenly, my eyes were watering from icy winds and slushy puddles flooded my rain boots. Investing in the best puffer jackets I could find became my saving grace that first year, and every winter since.
What I’ve come to realize is that there is no one-style-fits-all puffer. There are sporty designs I wear for winter workouts, fashion-forward styles that I wear to work, long and cropped iterations, lightweight and heavy duty. Buzzy collaborations like Gucci x The North Face and Pierpaolo Piccioli’s dramatic puffer gowns for Moncler Genius have helped to lift this practical outerwear to a new stylish status, but at the end of the day, it’s warmth that’s always matters most.
According to Yukari Shimizu, senior manager of Snow Peak Apparel, heat retention, temperature regulation, and garment construction are all the technical aspects found in the warmest winter coats. Most puffer jackets are filled with down or synthetic down, which expands to create that signature marshmallow look. “As a general rule of thumb,” Shimizu notes, “the higher the fill power, the warmer the insulation.” Look for jackets labeled with a fill power rating of 550 or above for the best quality. For lighter jackets, “warmth can be also enhanced by the base layer or mid-layer worn inside.” Don’t be afraid to layer a merino wool sweater or a cozy sweatshirt underneath.
Our Picks for the Best Puffer Jackets in 2024
Best All-Around Puffer Jacket
Pangaia FLWRDWN Reversible Jacket
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Best For The Slopes
Snow Peak Graphene Puffer Jacket
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Best Statement Puffer Jacket
Burberry Beige Check Down Jacket
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Best Celeb-Approved Puffer Jacket
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
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Best Packable Puffer Jacket
FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
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Best Puffer Jacket for Skiing
Moncler Lamoura Short Down Jacket
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Whether your puffer personality is après-ski sporty or city sleek, the 25 best puffer jackets ahead will make you want to bundle up this winter. If you’re like me, you’ll soon find yourself with a closet of puffers that cover every winter activity you could bundle up for.
A jacket that's reversible, warm, and filled with biodegradable flower down (instead of feathers)? Pangaia's puffer jacket isn't just innovative, it's essential. We also love the bright pink and purple hues.
Size: XXS-XXL
Color: Pink, green, black, navy
Material: 100% Polyamide fabric, 80% Polylactide 20% Cellulosic Fiber filling
Sleek, simple, and cozy, this down jacket is the perfect pick for casual everyday use. Throw it on over sweats as you head to the gym, or wear it with jeans and a sweater.
Size: XXS–XXL
Color: Off white, grey, black, green, purple
Material: 100% Polyester fabric, down filling
What reviewers are saying: "Tried it on in store to find a good fit to buy online. It was so warm i didn't want to take it off, material is great and it's just the right amount of puffy."
Best For The Slopes
Snow Peak Graphene Puffer Jacket
Best For The Slopes
Snow Peak Graphene Puffer Jacket
This Snow Peak jacket utilizes graphene for both waterproof properties and heat retention. "It provides excellent temperature regulation," says Shimizu. "At room temperature, it retains heat, and at the time of perspiration, it expels excess warmth."
Size: S–XL
Color: Grey, black
Material: 100% Polyester fabric and filling
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Best Statement Puffer Jacket
Burberry Beige Check Down Jacket
Best Statement Puffer Jacket
Burberry Beige Check Down Jacket
Stand out with a down jacket designed in Burberry's signature plaid print. A detachable hood means that you adjust the look based on your needs.
Size: XXXS–XL
Color: Multi
Material: 100% polyester fabric, 90% goose down, 10% goose feather filling
Best Celeb-Approved Puffer Jacket
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Best Celeb-Approved Puffer Jacket
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
The North Face's puffer jackets are tried-and-true options that have earned a stable of celebrity fans like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Justin Bieber. This is my go-to jacket throughout the entire winter—it's reliably warm and works both in the city and out on hikes.
Size: XXS–3XL
Color: Brown, navy, white, black, brown, faun, pine needle
Material: 100% nylon fabric, goose down filling
What reviewers are saying: "Protects me so well in super windy and cold weather. So glad I bought it for Alaska!"
Best Bomber Puffer Jacket
Gucci Padded Nylon Bomber Jacket
Best Bomber Puffer Jacket
Gucci Padded Nylon Bomber Jacket
It's not from The North Face x Gucci collab, but it's a bomber jacket that's just as good. Padded for extra warmth, it's going to get you through all the brutal weather ahead.
Size: IT 38–46
Color: White
Material: 100% Polyamide fabric, duck feather and goose-down filling
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Best Packable Puffer Jacket
FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
Best Packable Puffer Jacket
FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
Packing for winter travel just got so much easier. This down puffer folds up and stows into its own back pocket. I brought this jacket on a trip to Yellowstone and it was easy to stash when I got warm on the trails.
Size: XS–XL
Color: Black, pink, afterglow, and 19 more
Material: 100% Nylon fabric, 100% polyester filling
What reviewers are saying: "The jacket was perfect for a chilly day (around 40 degrees F). It kept me warm with just one layer underneath. It is also super light so being physically active in it was no issue. The quality and durability of this jacket made the purchase worth it!"
Best Sporty Puffer Jacket
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Best Sporty Puffer Jacket
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Patagonia's Nano Puff is a popular pick for outdoor enthusiasts in need of a layering puffer that still keeps them warm. If you prefer to buy secondhand, you can also find this jacket pre-loved from the brand's Worn Wear program.
Size: XXS-XXL
Color: Periwinkle, birch, black, and seven more.
Material: 100% recycled polyester fabric, 100% recycled polyester filling
What reviewers are saying: "This jacket is perfect for those chilly days even with a cold north wind. Warm and lightweight, quality zippers, good color selection. I find myself reaching for this jacket frequently when a fleece is not warm enough but a parka is too warm."
Best Puffer Jacket for Skiing
Moncler Lamoura Short Down Jacket
Best Puffer Jacket for Skiing
Moncler Lamoura Short Down Jacket
Here's a ski jacket that's designed to look just as good when you sit by the fire and relax post-slope. Details like a ski pass pocket and powder skirt mean you don't have to stress the small stuff while you fly down the hill.
Size: 00–5
Color: Black
Material: Nylon fabric, down filling
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66° North's puffer jackets can go from casual weekend errands to winter hikes and back. With these lightweight coats, it's what's on the inside that counts. They're insulated with upcycled clothing and bedding.
Size: XS-L
Color: Mars, grey, black, bus
Material: 100% Recycled Polyamide fabric, 80% recycled down, 20% feather filling
Best Athleisure Puffer Jacket
Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer
Best Athleisure Puffer Jacket
Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer
Alo Yoga's cropped puffer is the perfect style to throw on post-flow when you want to grab coffee or run errands in style. Espresso is a cool neutral alternative to classic black.
Size: XS–L
Color: Black, espresso, navy, and three more
Material: 100% nylon
What reviewers are saying: "Warm and really well made. I loved that the sleeves were long enough for my 5’8” frame. There are pockets on the inside and a bungee cords also on the inside to draw in the jacket at the waist."
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Best Whimsical Puffer Jacket
Selkie The Love Letter Hooded Puffer
Best Whimsical Puffer Jacket
Selkie The Love Letter Hooded Puffer
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Size-inclusive label Selkie has the most whimsical puffer jackets we've seen, including this heart-printed version. The cinched sleeves add a flare of drama to your outfit.
Size: XS–5XL
Color: White
Material: 100% Nylon
Best Pastel Puffer Jacket
Canada Goose Junction Parka
Best Pastel Puffer Jacket
Canada Goose Junction Parka
A winter coat roundup is not complete without Canada Goose making the list. You can't go wrong with the Junction parka, which gives all-around warmth and comes in a collection of soft pastels.
Size: 2XS–2XL
Color: Pink, white, lilac, orange
Material: Enduraluxe fabric, duck down filling
Best Aritzia Puffer Jacket
Aritzia The Super Puff₂o Long
Best Aritzia Puffer Jacket
Aritzia The Super Puff₂o Long
You can't walk a block in SoHo in the winter without seeing the Super Puff, and this is a worthwhile case for following the crowd. Though you probably won't have to test its claim of withstanding -40-degree temperatures, the fluffy down lining and waterproof fabric are all the coverage you need on the chilliest days.
Size: 3XS–XL
Color: Brown, black, grey, and six more
Material: 100% polyamide fabric, goose feather filling
What reviewers are saying: "100% recommend if you live where winters at -40 and it’s super light. I traveled on a plane with it and carried it though the airports and it was like carrying air. So fluffy but also it easily compressed into a small space or shopping bag."
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Invest in a great jacket and you'll use it for years to come. This classic style from J.Crew is one you'll come back to repeatedly, thanks to its versatile neutral colors and a relaxed fit.
Size: 3XS-3XL
Color: Sand, green, navy, black
Material: 100% recycled nylon fabric, primaloft filling
Customers say: "A bit oversized but perfect for layering."
Best Athletic Puffer Jacket
Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket
Best Athletic Puffer Jacket
Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket
You don't have to be a runner to appreciate this puffer jacket. Still, it's engineered for staying active even in December, with features like a hidden phone sleeve and waterproof fabric.
Size: 0–14
Color: Trench, white, pink, and six more
Material: 100% Recycled polyester fabric, 80% white goose down, 20% white goose feather filling
What reviewers are saying: "This jacket is so soft and plush, and so far seems warm! I haven’t tested it in very cold temps yet but it’s really cozy and is oversized in just the right way."
Best Puffer Jacket for Snow
Perfect Moment Houndstooth Puffer Jacket
Best Puffer Jacket for Snow
Perfect Moment Houndstooth Puffer Jacket
Does your après-ski style include actually skiing? You'll want this houndstooth-printed puffer from Perfect Moment for hitting the slopes. It has dedicated pockets for stashing a lift pass, small snacks, and goggles, plus a powder skirt to keep snow out.
Size: XS-XL
Color: Multi
Materials: 100% Polyester fabric, 90% goose down, 10% goose feather fill
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Best Faux Fur Puffer Jacket
Apparis Billie Puffer Jacket
Best Faux Fur Puffer Jacket
Apparis Billie Puffer Jacket
Faux fur permeates the puffer market with this Apparis cropped jacket. It's sophisticated enough that you could wear it to dinner or out to drinks without compromising on warmth.
Size: XXS–XXL
Color: Noir, oat, camel
Material: 100% Polyester
This pull on quilted puffer is a unique alternative to your traditional zip-up design. Oversized flap pockets draw the eye while keeping you toasty.
Size: XXS–XXL
Color: Blue
Material: 100% polyester fabric, 100% down filling