This Winter’s Puffer Jackets Are Getting a Fashion Upgrade

These cozy pieces don't skimp on style.

Lauren Tappan's avatar
Emma Childs's avatar
By ,
last updated
in Buying Guides
a collage of women wearing puffer jackets and coats
(Image credit: Getty Images, Launchmetrics)
Jump to category:

A legitimately warm and insulated winter jacket or coat is one of the most critical items in a cold-weather capsule wardrobe. Historically, fashion tends to take a back seat when the temperature hits below zero—but that doesn't have to be the case for this winter's versions. This season’s crop of puffers proves that it’s not always an either-or situation (either you're bundled up to oblivion and look like the Michelin Man or stuck shivering in a barely-there but trendy layer). In fact, there are a ton of offerings—including versions from designers like Fforme and Alaïa and, of course, the Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat— that balance comfort and style.

If you’re searching for a no-frills, no-fuss puffer, consider brands like Canada Goose and Everlane, which champion streamlined technical pieces that will boost the warmth factor of any winter outfit. Brands like Ganni and J.Crew offer cropped extra-long versions that warm your bottom half. You can also opt for sleeveless or belted options from labels like Moncler and Gap, which have excellent layering capabilities. If you’re looking for a puffer with a twist, you can find hybrid styles at Stand Studio and Madewell that keep you warm but resemble leather bombers and barn jackets.

We've found 24 investment-worthy puffers that you'll reach for repeatedly. They’ll keep you safely protected from Mother Nature's wrath while earning you lots of compliments.

Standard Puffer Jackets

woman wearing puffer jacket, hoodie, jeans, and loafers

With an easygoing puffer jacket, there’s no need to overthink your outfit. Stick to the basics with a hoodie, straight-leg jeans, and loafers.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You can keep it simple with a straightforward puffer jacket with a classic billowing shape and a hip-skimming hemline. Canada Goose and Everlane embrace versatile shades of black, while Guest In Residence and Varley shake things up with bright hues and fun patterns and prints.

Cropped Puffer Jackets

woman wearing cropped puffer jacket, striped shirt, pants, and boots

Choose a puffer with a hiked-up hemline to show off your favorite pair of bottoms.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cropped puffers from Banana Republic, Alo Yoga, Ganni, and Quince offer a more fashion-forward flair. Team these layers with high-waisted pants to balance out your look's proportions.

Long Puffer Coats

woman wearing long puffer coat,, skirt, and boots

Pull on a floor-sweeping puffer, and you’ll undoubtedly serve a dose of drama.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

During those dreary winter days that are too frigid to bear, slip into a full-length puffer coat that will make you feel as though you’re wrapped up in an insulated sleeping bag. These coats from Aritzia,The North Face, J.Crew, and Mango will have you covered—litereally.

Hybrid Puffer Jackets

woman wearing puffer jacket, fringed dress, and boots

A puffer that cosplays as a leather bomber? We’ll take two!

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Investing in a hybrid puffer jacket allows you to experience the best of both worlds. With the pieces ahead, you can achieve the trendy style of a chore coat, a shearling jacket, a leather bomber, or a lady jacket without sacrificing warmth.

Puffer Vests

woman wearing puffer vest, turtleneck, and pants

Your trans-seasonal wardrobe isn’t complete without an arm-baring puffer vest.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Throw on a breathable puffer vest as the weather shifts to breezy spring-like temperatures. Choose a standard length from Moncler, Lamarque, and Vuori, or elongate your look with an oversized vest from Veronica Beard. Whichever puffer you choose, it’ll look great layered over a cozy sweater or a skin-tight turtleneck.

Belted Puffer Coats

woman wearing belted puffer coat, pants, and boots

A belted puffer coat will pull any look together, quite literally.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In the mood for a sculpted construction? The coats below from Gap, Mackage, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Sandro are all equipped with removable belts that tie at the waist for a cinched look. Needless to say, these puffers practically style themselves.

Emma Childs
Emma Childs
Fashion Features Editor

Emma Childs is the fashion features editor at Marie Claire, where she explores the intersection of style, culture, and human interest storytelling. She covers zeitgeist-y style moments—like TikTok's "Olsen Tuck" and Substack's "Shirt Sandwiches"—and has written hundreds of runway-researched trend reports. Above all, Emma enjoys connecting with real people about style, from designers, athlete stylists, politicians, and C-suite executives.

Emma previously wrote for The Zoe Report, Editorialist, Elite Daily, and Bustle, and she studied Fashion Studies and New Media at Fordham University Lincoln Center. When Emma isn't writing about niche fashion discourse on the internet, you'll find her shopping designer vintage, doing hot yoga, and befriending bodega cats.