For running errands, hiking, playing in the snow, or whatever else you’re up to this winter.
Courtesy of brands/Wesley Hall
When it’s cold enough outside to make your face hurt, having a super warm coat is a must. If you’re on the hunt for one, let us point you toward the best puffer jackets for this season. Thanks to their lightweight insulation and oftentimes layerable designs, these jackets can make spending time outside in the winter actually delightful (even when it’s frigid).
What to look for in a puffer jacket
When shopping for outerwear like a puffer jacket, comfort is key (and that applies to how it fits and how warm it’ll keep you). You can go with a jacket that’s more snug if you’re planning to layer it under a heavier coat (and use it on its own in warmer months). But if you want to wear a chunky sweater or hoodie under it without feeling like the little brother from A Christmas Story, an oversized puffer might be the best choice. Either way, you should pay attention to how the arms fit (you don’t want wind going up your sleeves) and choose a length that works for you, whether that’s something that hits right at your hips or a longer parka style to cover your butt.
You’ll also want to think about the conditions you’re most likely to use the jacket in, which will help you pick out the right material. Both down puffer jackets and ones that use synthetic insulation will keep you warm, but the former won’t insulate well if it gets too wet, and can even get mildewy if it doesn’t dry right. Synthetic materials or down alternatives are better suited for rain and wet snow.
Now that you know how to narrow down what’s out there, check out these 12 puffer jacket options to find your new favorite cold-weather companion.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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1
Amazon
Essentials Lightweight Packable Puffer Jacket
Best Value: A nice jacket can cost a lot, which is why we appreciate this more affordable option. It has 14,359 five-star reviews, with many noting that it’s lightweight but still warm enough for chilly days. Others mentioned that it’s probably not suitable for super cold weather, though, so you’ll probably only want to consider this one if you’re ok with layering it underneath another coat for truly frigid days.
Available in sizes XS to 6XL.
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2
Patagonia
Tres 3-in-1 Parka
Best Splurge: This is definitely the most versatile and customizable jacket on this list—you can wear the inner insulation layer or the outer waterproof shell on their own, or pair the two together for an ultra-warm coat. It also has a removable hood.
Available in sizes XS to XXL.
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3
Arcteryx
Thorium Parka
Best Long Jacket: This long puffer will keep you extra warm on particularly nippy days. And even though it should reach past your knees and is filled with fluffy goose down, reviewers say it’s surprisingly lightweight.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
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4
Columbia
Puffect Mid Hooded Jacket
Best Mid-Length Jacket: This is the Goldilocks of winter coats—not too long, not too short, but just right. It’s water-resistant to keep you dry on nasty weather days and comes in several pretty colors, like a rich brown and a light lavender.
Available in sizes XS to 3X.
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5
Alo Yoga
Aspen Love Puffer Jacket
Best Cropped Jacket: This short puffer is made with a warm down alternative and tough ripstop shell (meaning it shouldn’t tear even if it gets snagged on, say, a branch while hiking). The oversized, slouchy fit and cropped length make it a cute option to pair with leggings, jeans, or sweats.
Available in sizes XS to L.
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6
Abercrombie & Fitch
Sherpa Mini Ultra Puffer
Best Sherpa Jacket: I own two Abercrombie jackets and love how high-quality and sleek they look. This is a great puffer if you’re into sherpa, and it’ll keep you cozy thanks to fleece-lined pockets and storm cuffs that prevent air from getting in the sleeves.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
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7
Cotopaxi
Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
Best Packable Jacket: You can easily toss Cotopaxi’s down hoodie into your hiking backpack or suitcase because it packs into the jacket’s interior pocket. In a sea of black parkas, you’ll stand out with this one—it only comes in vibrant color combos that have a retro feel.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X.
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8
Aritzia
The Super Puff Long
Best Shiny Jacket: Aritzia’s Super Puff comes in several lengths and finishes, but we need to draw your attention to this luxe glossy one. Along with classic black and taupe, it comes in a few limited-edition colors, like smoked eggplant and mocha brown, that are straight-up gorgeous.
Available in short, regular, and tall in 3XS to 2XL.
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9
L.L.Bean
PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket
Best Lightweight Jacket: This quilted puffer is thin enough to layer under another coat or stuff into your bag, with one reviewer saying it’s “light as a feather” and “surprisingly warm for its very light weight.” It’s a great option if you’re looking for something without too much heft, but some reviewers warn that you may need a thicker jacket for actual freezing temps.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
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10
The North Face
1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket
Best Down Jacket: It’s a streetwear hit for a reason—well, several reasons, actually: The North Face’s 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket comes in a range of trendy colors; it features a stowable hood and the brand’s warmest level of insulation (down filling); and it conveniently packs into its own pocket.
Available in sizes XS to 3XL.
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11
Canada Goose
x Reformation Mila Puffer
Best Style: Canada Goose may have risen to prominence with its down parkas that would look right at home in an Arctic expedition, but we can’t resist the retro charm of the Mila puffer, released as part of the brand’s collaboration with Reformation.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
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12
Lululemon
Wunder Puff Cropped Vest
Best Vest: Vests are clutch for dressing between seasons. This Lululemon one is cropped right at the hips—you can wear it as-is or cinch the bottom for a tighter fit. Bonus: It’s water-repellent and windproof for added protection during wintery weather.
Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Sara Coughlin is a writer and editor with ample experience covering health and wellness trends. As SELF’s senior commerce writer, she’s taken a special interest in skin care, outdoor recreation, sleep, fitness gear and apparel, and more.
Jessica is a writer on SELF’s commerce team and covers beauty, health, and fitness products. Previously, Jessica was the beauty editor at USA TODAY’s product review website, Reviewed, where she wrote and edited stories about the best makeup and skincare products and practices. Jessica earned a B.S. in journalism from… Read more
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