7 Puffers for the Winter Chill
Oct 29, 2019
When I moved to Washington state, I exited the plane, and someone handed me a puffer coat. Like a Pacific Northwest party favor. Had I flown private, they would have handed me a Canada Goose coat.
When I lived in D.C., many women wore puffers to shield them from the chill of commuting. Here, in the Upper Left — where the weather is as cold, as it is wet — they wear them everywhere. So here are a few puffers that can keep you warm, and keep you from looking like the Michelin Man designed your outfit.
Bernardo Packable Puffer ($150) (also in plus)
Leopard Print Puffer Vest ($90) (also in petite)
Sam Edelman Pillow Collar Belted Puffer ($150)
Athleta Lofty Down Jacket ($198)
Cole Haan Box Quilt Puffer ($165)
Talbot’s Down Puffer ($199) (misses, plus, petite, petite plus)
And, of course, what would a puffer roundup be without the Amazon puffer coat from Orolay ($109)
{image by Jamie Street; this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}
I own and love the Cole Haan Box Quilt Puffer.
The only thing is I definitely have makeup marks on the collar. I’ve tried makeup removers (I think at Abra’s suggestion actually) as well as soap/water to no avail. If anyone else has tips on how to clean I’d appreciate it!
Ha ha ha ha, live in Portland, can confirm: the PNW puffer coats are inescapable. And I’m part of the problem, I have three. Plus a puffer vest. Sigh.
Would you consider doing a similar post for wool/wool-blend coats? I’ve been searching for a replacement for my dress-length, suit-friendly black wool coat for weeks to no avail. I love the warmth of puffers, but they don’t quite match the professionalism of wool or pea coats for court and client-meeting days. (Or maybe that’s just in my head, and it’s simply personal preference.)
Sure! Check back next week.
I’m spending my first winter in NYC sand would really appreciate this post! Would love more color options if possible and notes on fit/ length.
I purchased this coat in black a few years ago and love it: https://www.ralphlauren.com/women/wool-cashmere-wrap-coat/409815.html?cgid=women&dwvar409815_colorname=Moda%20Cream&webcat=Women. I’ve seen it at Macy’s and Nordstrom as well. It’s mostly wool with a bit of cashmere, so it’s super warm, and it looks really put together and flattering. My only complaint is that it doesn’t really look good unbelted and open, so there’s no middle ground, so to speak, but mine is also a little big.
I just moved to Seattle and got my parents to buy me an Eddie Bauer waterproof trench with a removable insulated liner (Girl on the Go) as an early birthday gift that feels verrrry PNW. I didn’t mind wearing my puffy winter coat in DC when it got really cold or on the weekends, but felt sooo out of place here in a wool coat when I visited in January when the temps were too warm for my big puffer, but too cold for a light jacket. I’ve been wearing the crap out of this coat now that the chill and rain has started.
+1 on Eddie Bauer coats! The first puffer I had from them lasted 10 years and made it through multiple Midwestern winters, including four years of college where I was walking 20+ minutes to class in below freezing temps. Other brands are trendier, but I find them comfortable and, if you buy on sale, much more reasonably priced.
Thank youuuu!! Love the Bernardo. I live in Seattle and my puffy coat is teal and not suitable for day to day.
I fought the puffer coat for so long, but when I finally got one I felt like a new world of warmth had been opened up to me. I have a Patagonia, which is decidedly less fashionable, but I live in Portland (so they’re very common) and it’s so light and packable I’m willing to make it work!
After traveling with a parka last winter I decided I needed to find a warm but packable coat. I found a nice selection of puffers at Everlane and went with the lighter weight one in olive. I live in a mild climate, but it is very warm for my needs and looks stylish and can be thrown in a carry-on easily. I’m bummed they only have a few colors in a few sizes left of last years model, but if you wear smalls and like lavender and pink I highly recommend that jacket!
https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-renew-ltwt-puffer-rose?collection=womens-outerwear
I had really good luck last year with a very reasonably priced puffer with a big faux fur collar, in a chic black & light blue, from Nordstrom Rack. They end up with a lot of discounted name-brand coats.
… That being said, I am eyeing the Amazon coat…
I know. I am finally pulling the trigger this week.