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Stay warm and stylish with these tried and true picks.
Photo:Real Simple
To find the best puffer jackets, we tested 26 options of all different styles and prices.
We also spoke toJana Meister, a Kansas City-based stylist, for expert shopping tips.
Its not dressy or suitable for very cold temperatures.
PHOTO: lululemon
We tested the cropped version and were impressed by its warmth, versatility, and extra features.
If you do want a tighter fit, it comes with a cinchable hem to better trap heat.
One of our favorite features is the detachable hood, which makes it much more versatile.
PHOTO: Real Simple
We also appreciate the pocket details.
This coat is also easy to keep clean.
Its not the best option for very cold temperatures.
The most on-trend puffer coats have a cropped fit and a really puffy silhouette.
Its more cropped than the Lululemon Wunder Puff and has a puffy design thats not too bulky.
We think that its best for temperatures between 40F and 50F.
Its well made and stylish, and we get tons of compliments whenever we wear it.
The sleeves are a tad short.
Instead, we recommendThe Super Puff2O, which is exactly the same coat without the belt.
In addition to its impressive insulation, this coat comes with a few other winter-friendly features.
Its hard to find something wrong with this coatit outperformed our expectations for warmth and style.
But, we think its a true investment piece that will last for many years.
you’re able to remove some of the visual weight by detaching the hood.
One of the most impressive things about this coat is its low price, especially considering its length.
Its not machine washable, and its easy to get makeup on the hood.
A heavy parka is ideal for extreme temperatures, and our favorite is the Halfdays Wheeler.
We also love the oversized pockets, which can easily hold all your essentials.
The fit is roomy and relaxed, so you could size down for a tighter fit.
We do wish it was available in more colors, though.
The fitted silhouette means you cant layer thicker tops under it.
There are also no internal pockets, which is annoying when doing more physical activities like hiking.
Overall, though, were impressed by this jackets durability and versatility for the price.
Youll get tons of use out of it from fall to spring.
Its bulky and not suitable for dressier occasions.
PHOTO: Alo
Plus, it comes in a wide variety of colors to really make it yours.
We found that its true to size, with a relaxed fit thats suitable for layering.
Even though its puffy and warm, its still pretty lightweight, thanks to the 700-fill-power down insulation.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Unlike other hoods that fully detach, this one is packed directly into the collar for added convenience.
Still, it’s possible for you to easily make it work in just about any other setting.
Its only available in two colors.
Still, we comfortably wore it in temperatures ranging from 25F to 45F, which was a nice surprise.
We do wish it came in more than two colors.
Currently, its only available in black and lupine, an electric purple-blue thats guaranteed to make a statement.
We took all these insights, plus overall value, to determine our top puffer coat recommendations.
Both materials are known for their lighter weight, durable construction, and water resistance.
Youll also want to consider the coats fill.
Puffer coats typically have either a down or down alternative filling, and both come with benefits and drawbacks.
Down is different from feathersits the soft plumage foundunderthe feathers of waterfowl like ducks or geese.
Down has a greater warmth-to-weight ratio compared to down alternative, meaning even lightweight puffers will offer excellent insulation.
Its also highly breathable and easy to pack down.
Dont forget to consider the puffers fit.
Puffers tend to be bulkier than other coats, but thats the style.
Puffer coats are great everyday jackets, Meister says.
Theyre much more versatile than traditional parkas, which can really only be worn in very cold temperatures.
On the downside, their casual style makes them not so great for dressier occasions or business.
How much should you expect to spend on a puffer coat?
In general, though, youll likely spend somewhere within the $150 to $250 range.
We also spoke withJana Meister, a Kansas City-based stylist, for her advice on the best puffer coats.
PHOTO: Aritzia
PHOTO: Quince
PHOTO: Halfdays
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: L.L. Bean
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: The North Face
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Ugg
PHOTO: Real Simple
