Outerwear that won’t let you down.
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As winter rolls in and temperatures drop, you're going to need some seriously warm outerwear to get you through the cold months ahead. Each year, we look forward to zipping into a cozy puffer jacket for peak insulation without sacrificing style. With seemingly endless options, how do you know which puffer jacket is right for you? First and foremost, protection from the elements is key. Look for outer materials that have been treated for water-resistance or waterproofing, as well as wind protection. Length is also a factor to consider. While cropped or waist-length jackets may be ideal for that fabulous winter outfit you have in mind, a mid or longer length may offer coverage you'll need for the coldest of days.
While outer protection is key, you'll also need to decide what fill is right for you. Are you exclusively searching for responsibly sourced goose down jackets, or do you prefer down-alternatives and eco-fills? Do you need a light-to-midweight fill for everyday commuting, or a heavy fill for more serious conditions like hiking or hitting the slopes? Take both the type of fill as well as the volume into consideration: Most entry-level outerwear starts around 500-fill power, while luxury garments run up to nearly 1,000. (Most people likely won't need this high a number, unless you live in an environment with extreme weather or are planning an Arctic expedition in the near future.)
We've curated selects from Oprah's Favorite Things list over the years, leading outdoors brands like The North Face and Columbia, affordable finds from Amazon and Uniqlo, and conscious brands like Save The Duck. With options covering extended sizes and price ranges, keep reading to discover the best puffer jacket for you.
This lightweight, water-repellent jacket was a top pick on the 2020 Favorite Things list. A longer length protects from the elements, while a responsible down standard fill keeps you extra warm.
Colors: Rose, black, chateau gray, citadel blue, dark rose, darkest spruce, moonlit ocean, and irises
Our editors swear by Uniqlo's winter offerings for staying warm during chilly months. Its Powder Soft down jacket is made from Japanese tech that allows for a soft, pillowy touch and elegant luster, while premium down keeps you incredibly warm.
Colors: Black, off-white, gray, and yellow
There's a good chance you already own (and swear by!) a North Face down jacket. We've been eyeing this longer-length style made with cozy 550-fill-power down as well as water and wind protection.
Colors: Gardenia white and black
Sizes: XS - 3X (Also available in Plus Size)
We didn't expect this Hollister coat to impress us as much as it did. We love the cocoon hood, as well as the zipped inner layer and the outer that can be buttoned below the knee for extra coverage. It's surprisingly warm and weatherproof for an even more surprising price.
Colors: Black, cream, and light brown
Save the Duck is celebrated for its quality outerwear made from Plumtech—its signature animal-free alternative to down feathers. The Ines long puffer coat is made with a shiny technical shell, offers a roomy built-in hood, and serious Canadian-backed warmth.
Colors: Black, poppy red, and brown black
As featured in the 2020 Favorite Things list, Land's End's 100 percent waterproof and 600-fill power down parka offers warmth without adding bulk.
Colors: Rich red, ivory, blackberry, black, teal shadow, cobalt, deep woodland green, evening blue, mulberry, grape, and rich camel
These days it seems we can't go anywhere without spotting an Aritzia Super Puff winter jacket—and we can understand why. Its latest Super Puff₂o is made with a specialized Japanese waterproof performance fabric that lends a luxuriously soft finish. Premium details like sealed seams and 700+ responsibly sourced down fill is optimized to keep you warm in up to -20°F (!) settings. Tried-and-tested, the Super Puff feels like hugging a cloud, and is one of the top performers on our list through rain and freezing temps.
Colors: Black, marble gray, modern taupe, rich mocha brown, elegant charcoal gray, army green, darkest teal, cool gray, and admiral blue
Lululemon's bestselling Wunder Puff jacket is designed for workouts, errands, commuting, and everything in between. We love the longer, bum-covering length, as well as the waterproof, soft matte fabric.
Colors: Roasted brown, meadowsweet pink, trench beige, white, black, heather ivory, and medium forest green
A highlight from this year's Oprah's Favorite Things list: “A packable little shacket—part shirt, part jacket—will be just the thing for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. And at this price, the definition of outdoors might include lots of indoors folks on your list.”
Colors: Moonlit ocean blue, forest wood green, and black
Oprah Daily contributing editor Holly Carter says, "I am always hot, so not a big puffer lady. But I do love this Athleta one for working out outside." With a 100 percent responsible down standard fill inside and a wind-resistant and water-repellent recycled nylon fabric outer layer, we can see why!
Colors: Nightfall purple, dark lapis blue, sequoia brown, and black
Nobody does winter wear like the Canadians. Families will adore this Heather Cooper botanical print puffer jacket that's been designed for women, men, kids, and even toddlers. Crafted with responsibly sourced 700-down fill and a water-repellent coating, each puffer is lab-tested to withstand below-freezing conditions.
Abercrombie's bestselling puffer comes in an extensive range of sizes, materials, and colors. Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas says, "It's so warm but lightweight. I consider it the LBD of puffers because I can wear it with almost anything, and it looks chic and timeless."
Colors: Dark brown and black
Beloved active brand Vuori is now in the outerwear game. Tried and tested by our editors, the Hudson jacket kept wind out and warmth in thanks to a midweight layer of Thermoplume eco-insulation.
Colors: Black and bluff pink
Contributing editor Holly Carter says she always gets compliments when rocking her Farm Rio puffer jacket. Take this newly released, cheerful collaboration with Adidas that's sure to turn heads.
We can't think of a more thoughtful gift for your favorite dog mom than coordinating fleece-lined puffer jackets for her and the pup. Match the convertible puffer and printed puffer jackets for keeping them both warm in style.
Colors: Black and light-blue print
PXG's stylish lightweight and striped puffer is ideal for outdoor workouts when you don't want to overheat. It's moisture-wicking and water-resistant, while stretch vented-back detailing lets you move freely.
Colors: White with black and green stripes
Mackage offers premium outerwear that's expertly designed to keep you warm in below-freezing temperatures. We love this gorgeous puffer from its ski collection that features an illuminating reflective shell ideal for outdoor activities and hitting the slopes. Look out for luxurious details like knit storm cuffs and insulated zip pockets to keep your hands warm, too.
Color: Reflective Sizes: XXS - XL
Moose Knuckles' Salteaux jacket is as practical as it is attractive thanks to a water-repellent shell and a heavy down fill that seriously protects from the elements. An oversized hood and stand-up collar keep you insulated from your head to down below the knees. If you're spending significant time outdoors this winter, consider investing in a high-quality coat that will last for years to come.
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.
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