PUFFER jackets have become the hottest winter staple, keeping you warm or helping to make a fashion statement.
Their oversized silhouette creates the perfect cocoon shape to hide in when the weather turns colder. It’s the winter coat of all winter coats.
From Burberry’s rainbow numbers to Balenciaga’s off-the-shoulder styles, the high fashion world has embraced this element-resistant jacket.
A range of celebs frequently don them as a street style staple, from reigning influencer Kim Kardashian to worldwide superstar Rihanna.
It doesn’t need to be raining or freezing to have an excuse to rock one – now they’re considered more stylish than simply a practicality.
There’s meme-triggering duvet designs, velvet statements and easy lightweight numbers too… just take your pick out of our edit of the best puffer jackets.
How do you wear a puffer jacket?
A lot of people fear looking like the Michellin Man when playing around with a puffer jacket.
These padded numbers do add volume to your body, so you need to style them in the most flattering way possible, and try before you buy.
Balance out the thickness with skinny jeans or a tighter dress or skirt.
Think about what colours you wear most, and if unsure stick to a classic black or brown.
If you want to stand out, go for a bold colour to ensure all eyes are on you.
1. Best corduroy puffer jacket: Topshop Navy Corduroy Padded Puffer Jacket
Corduroy is having a moment, so naturally Topshop jumped on board with this jacket – proving, in turn, how the puffer trend has gone beyond practicality into a realm of fashion statements.
Made from 100% cotton, the deep navy tone and circular zip pull really nods to the 70s trend.
It's practical too, obviously – with a funnel neck and padded silhouette to keep the chills out.
Navy Corduroy Padded Puffer Jacket, £59 from Topshop – buy here
2. Best hourglass-shape puffer jacket: PrettyLittleThing Mara Black Puffer Jacket
PrettyLittleThing have managed to make the puffer super feminine – cutting it into a flattering hourglass shape.
The drawstring collar and detachable hood make this a practical piece, but the blingy gold zips and satin finish give it a hint of glam.
Black puffers are the most popular of all, because they go with absolutely everything and anything.
- Mara Black Puffer Jacket, £30 from PrettyLittleThing – buy here
3. Best puffer jacket with faux fur hood: River Island pink padded faux fur hood belted jacket
Whoever thinks puffer jackets can't be glam hasn’t seen this baby from River Island.
Giving us serious Mariah Carey on the slopes vibes, it's detailed with a belted waist and trimmed with faux fur around the hood.
Now all you need is a monogram Fendi bag…
Pink padded faux fur hood belted jacket, £78 from River Island – buy here
4. Best puffer jacket brand: Moncler Grenoble Maglia slim-fit shell jacket
Considered the 'Rolls Royce' of puffer jackets, Moncler's high quality designs can take you to the top of a mountain (they're seriously well-made to keep out the elements) – or to the top of the fashion pack.
This standout pink jacket combines a padded shell with a hood and fleece sleeves for a look that says chic city dweller… or designer ski bum.
- Moncler Grenoble Maglia slim-fit shell jacket, £475 from Selfridges – buy here
5. Best weather-resistant puffer jacket: The North Face Nuptse 1996 Jacket
This list would be incomplete without a puffer from The North Face – the brand that puts avid hikers and world famous rappers in the same ballpark.
Inspired by an OG ‘96 design, this black and pale blue Nuptse 1996 jacket is made from durable, water-resistant fabric and comes with a hidden hood (should you actually want to go hiking).
Filled with goose down, this one is worth the investment.
- The North Face Nuptse 1996 Jacket, £230 from Next – buy here
6. Best sporty puffer jacket: Nike Swoosh Padded Jacket
This Nike jacket has a standard fit and padded poly fabric to keep you warm, plus an adjustable hood.
Printed with the brand's giant tick logo on the chest, it will look perfect with your gym kit.
It doubles as good rain protection, and fans like how 'cosy' it is.
If your teen wants it, the jacket is smart enough to work as a school coat.
- Nike Swoosh Padded Jacket, £85 from JD Sports – buy here
7. Best cropped puffer jacket: Missguided Red Cropped Overhead Puffer Jacket
Ever since Demna Gvasalia sent models down the runway wearing giant red puffers – the world's been obsessed.
Missguided pays homage to that fashion moment with this jacket – it has the same oversized cocoon shape, of-the-moment cropped silhouette and head-turning scarlet hue, plus a standout front pocket.
Wear this with an all black ensemble in the day or night to make the scarlet-red pop like it should.
- Red cropped overhead puffer jacket, £40 on Missguided – buy here
8. Best longline puffer jacket: Principles Khaki 'Superlight' Longline Jacket
Longline puffers don't need to be hefty to keep you warm because they cover more of your body – we love this streamlined style from Principles.
Made from satin shell, it's dyed in an on-trend khaki hue and quilted in chevron shapes throughout – guaranteeing warmth.
Principles have created a long khaki dream of a puffer jacket.
In this, you’ll be dry, cosy – team it with neutral colours and high heeled boots, and you’ll even look chic too.
- Principles – Khaki Super Light Longline Jacket, £55 from Debenhams – buy here
Are puffer jackets warm enough for winter?
Puffer jackets are designed for winter wear.
They're typically made of a durable and waterproof polyester shell and filled with synthetic materials (or feather down, if you're splashing out on a Moncler), to ensure you stay dry and warm in the cold-weather months.
Puffer jackets are designed to insulate and retain body heat within the jacket – no matter how brutally cold it is outside.
How do you style a puffer jacket?
Puffer jackets have come a long way in recent years, and despite their padding and warmth-maintaining qualities, nowadays, they're considered the height of fashion with hi-shine finishes and cropped silhouettes.
A cropped puffer jacket looks great with everything from denim to leather trousers. Balance out the puffiness of the puffer with something form-fitting.
Longline puffers are perfect over skirts and dresses.
Also – do mix textures and prints with your puffer jacket. It's fun – and can look really good.
How long do puffer jackets last?
A puffer jacket is always a good investment because it never goes out of style.
Puffer jackets also last – through any element. They're durable enough to handle daily wear in the autumn and winter months.
Buy one now and it will easily see you through the next five years or more.
Whether you want to upgrade your wardrobe, find some new gym kit or get some gift-buying inspiration, Sun Selects is here to help you out. Click the link to find more of our recommendations.
Planning a shopping spree? Check out our latest fashion recommendations in Sun Selects’ dedicated section.
Or if you are looking for some extra warm underwear, take a look here.
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