Equal parts (affectionately) daggy, cosy and stylish, the puffer jacket has become an unexpected winter fashion hero these past few years.
Women’s puffer jackets have gone from a utility piece reserved for braving the chill or holidays in colder climates, to a versatile wardrobe staple that can be worn to the gym or the office. They are also great as a trans-seasonal piece when the weather can’t make up its mind. (Melbourne we’re looking at you).
Whether the best puffer jacket for you is a lightweight cropped style or you are after a heavy-duty coat with down insulation suitable for the coldest conditions, here are our top picks of functional and fashionable styles to add to your wardrobe. We’ve got you covered from long impressively warm coats to cropped puffer jackets and plenty of budget friendly options too.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST WOMEN’S PUFFER JACKETS
Cotton On The Recycled Mother Puffer Jacket 4.0, $55.99 -$79.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Affordable cropped puffer jacket
What to consider: These cropped puffer jackets are popular and sell out quickly
Material: 100 per cent polyester | Size: 2XS to 5XL | Colour: Black, Beige and Sage Green
What you need to know
Cotton On Body releases an updated version of the much-loved Mother Puffer Jacket each year. Made from a durable water repellent fabric finish and with a removable hood, the cropped puffer jacket comes in a range of colours and sizes and best of all, it’s well under the $100 mark, with prices starting at $55.99 for certain sizes.
“THE BEST puffer ever,” said one five-star reviewer. “Lightweight but super warm. I’m a personal trainer and start outdoors in the park in Sydney in winter at 5am. I have never felt the cold in my Cotton On Puffer. It’s the bargain buy of the year.”
Puffer Jacket, $189.99 at Crop Shop Boutique
What we love about it: Zip and button front closure
What to consider: Selling fast so you have to be quick
Material: 100 per cent Polyester | Size: XS to XXL | Colour: Black, Clover, Fawn, Stargaze (mauve)
What you need to know
This stylish yet functional women’s puffer jacket from CSB will not only keep you warm and protected from the elements this winter, but looking uber stylish too. Featuring a relaxed fit with a long length that sits just below the hips, this cosy puffer jacket will suit just about any occasion – from #hotgirlwalks with your girlfriends, to running to the gym, or paired with jeans and boots at the office. It features a draw cord to cinch in at the hem and an ultra-cool oversized collar. One jacket that will have you covered (literally) this winter.
Shoppers have raved about the quality and fit on the CSB website. “I have never been a fan of puffer jackets and i absolutely love this puffer jacket so much!” said one five-star reviewer. “I got two long style and cropped style both are amazing in fit, style quality, comfort and are so warm. Perfect for the freezing cold weather in the south of Aus.”
“It fits great,” wrote another. “Very comfy and the material feels fantastic. The fabric is well made. I have had multiple comments on the look of the jacket.”
Wunder Puff Jacket, $369 at Lululemon
Why we love it: Hidden elastic drawcord to cinch in the waist and hemline
What to consider: This is an investment piece
Materials: Polyester with 600-fill-power goose down | Removable hood: Yes | Water repellent: Yes
What you need to know
This lightweight women’s puffer jacket from Lululemon is a great winter coat option for everyday warmth. It has external zippered hand pockets and two hidden internal chest pockets for storing essentials like keys and phone. There is a removable hood, internal elastic cuffs to keep the cold air out and a relaxed roomy fit, perfect to comfortably wear layers underneath. If you are looking for something a bit shorter there is a cropped version and a Wunder Puff vest.
One five star reviewer on the Lululemon site said: “I was sceptical about buying this because of the reviews but I am so glad I did. It is a great length, lightweight, warm, and has an amazing hood for Melbourne winters!”
Regatta Women’s Keava Ii Puffer Jacket, from $64.35 at OZSALE
Why we love it: Slimline fit, silver colour
What to consider: This shiny puffer will never go unnoticed
Material: Polyamide, Polyester with velour lining | Size: 10 to 18 | Water repellent: Yes
What you need to know
This women’s puffer jacket from well-known brand Regatta is padded, lightweight and breathable. It uses “Atomlight technology”, which the brand says gives it lightweight insulation that is easily compressible for packing.
Kathmandu’s Epiq Women’s 600 Fill Hooded Down Jacket, $399.98 at THE ICONIC
What we love about it: Will keep you warm in the coldest of conditions adventuring fun
What to consider: Pricy (but well worth it if you want a serious winter coat)
Material: Recycled polyester, 80 per cent duck down fill and 20 per cent duck feathers | Size: 6 to 18 | Water repellent: Yes
What you need to know:
We’re fairly sure every single person in Melbourne owns this puffer jacket in black so it’s not just for outdoor adventures. This will keep you warm on chilly early mornings and when you’re out and about on the weekends.
This puffer jacket features an adjustable hood with drawcord and internal elastic cuffs to keep out cold and wet. There are inner pockets to keep your essentials safe and dry, as well as a chin guard, inner collar, adjustable hem for extra weather protection, and 600 fill power duck down insulation. To further improve the jacket’s water resistance, Kathmandu recommend giving it a spray with Granger’s Performance Repel.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY WOMEN’S PUFFER JACKET
Why we love it: Budget-friendly price, made from recycled plastic water bottles
What to consider: This will definitely sell out fast
Material: Polyester (92 per cent recycled) | Sizes: XXS to XL | Colours: Black, light grey, light beige
What you need to know
This is a versatile puffer jacket with a stand-up collar and a convenient length – not too cropped, yet still a good match for high waisted pants or jeans. And thanks to a loose fit and dropped shoulders, it sits as easily over winter layers as it does a t-shirt. Best of all, it’s under $60, making it one of the most affordable puffer jackets around this season.
BEST CROPPED PUFFER JACKETS
Cropped Puffer, $119.95 at Stax
Why we love it: Chic cropped puffer jacket that comes in a range of colours and is perfect for wearing with high waisted pants, jeans, trackies or leggings
What to consider: It features a high collar
Material: Polyester blend | Sizes: 2Xs to 4XL | Colour: Black, Grey, Brown, Navy
What you need to know
This casual puffer jacket offers a cute cropped length that is versatile and easy to wear. The high collar and full puffy style offers plenty of warmth, despite the short length. It comes in a wide range of sizes so something to suit everyone – and at an affordable price, especially as it gives you free shipping.
The Mother Puffer Cropped Jacket, $59 at Cotton On
What we love about it: Ideal for casual wear
What to consider: No hood
Material: Polyester | Size: 2XS to 5XL | Colour: Black, White, Riverside Blue
What you need to know
This cropped puffer jacket is water repellent, has fleece lined pockets and there’s a choice of fun colours. The cropped style is easy to wear with either high waisted or mid-rise pants – and although shorter in length, the signature warm Cotton On filling will still keep you snug as a bug.
Cropped Signature Logo Hooded Puffer, $295 at Aje Athletica
Why we love it: Fuller style
What to consider: According to one customer, sizes run a little large
Material: Recycled polyester | Sizes: 10 to 18 | Colour: Beige and Black
What you need to know
Although presented as a cropped style, this versatile puffer jacket from Aje Athletica is not too short, sitting just down past the waistline. It features a wide cosy hood and both zipper and studs on the closure so bound to keep you snug over the winter months – not to mention super stylish.
One five star-reviewer uploaded the comment, “Great puffer, always getting compliments. Great colour and keeps me very warm.”
BEST MID-LENGTH WOMEN’S PUFFER JACKETS
Keep Toasty Puffer Jacket, $224 (down from $280) at Lorna Jane
Why we love it: Ideal for popping over active wear on chilly early mornings
What to consider: A more expensive option
Material: Polyester | Size: XXS to XXL | Colour: Teal and Black
What you need to know
Lorna Jane produces fantastic activewear and this cosy yet super chic puffer jacket completes the picture. With extra warm plant-based Sorona filling, it’s great for adding a layer of winter comfort when the weather turns.
One five-star reviewer updated the comment, “I love everything I have bought from LJ but this is hands down THE bestest ever!! It is so warm and so comfortable and I am so in love with everything about it!”
All About Eve Cali Cord Puffer, $139.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: A staple piece that is super warm and cosy for winter.
What to consider: A unique design made from cord material
Material: Cord | Sizes: 6 to 14 | Colour: White
What you need to know
If you’re looking for a different style of puffer jacket, this design is a great choice.
The point of difference? It’s made from gorgeous white cord material that’s sure to keep you warm and make a statement in your wardrobe.
Seamless Down Parka, $199.90 at Uniqlo
Why we love it: Slim fit puffer jacket with premium down that will keep you toasty without the bulk
What to consider: Colours shown may not always be available
Material: Polyester, minimum 90 per cent duck down fill and 10 per cent feathers | Size: XS to XXL | Colour: Black, Off-White, Grey, Olive and Purple
What you need to know
Uniqlo is a go-to store for winter jackets and their women’s puffer jackets are always a hit. A lightweight puffer, this version has at least 90 per cent duck down fill. It’s also windproof, water repellent and comes in range of stylish tones that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
There are plenty of positive reviews online with one customer uploading the comments, “Really good quality puffer for a good price. I especially like how the pockets have fur to keep my hands warm and there’s an additional pocket inside the jacket as well. I also love thats its water resistant.”
“I have literally worn this jacket every single day this winter and it has gotten me through this frosty season,” said another happy customer. “Nothing better than a thick and cute puffer. Love it and might even get more colors! So worth the money.”
Patagonia Down With It Jacket, $379.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: A super wearable puffer jacket made from recycled materials
What to consider: Only available in one colour
Material: 100 per cent polyester, filling of 75 per cent minimum recycled duck down & 25 per cent feathers | Size: XS to XL | Colour: Black
What you need to know
Patagonia makes great jackets for women. The brand is all about using sustainable fabrics and technologies, and this puffer coat is no exception. It’s made from recycled polyester and recycled down insulation to keep you feeling warm and cosy. There’s also loads of hand pockets and interior chest pockets to keep your belongings safe and there is a removable hood.
BEST LONG PUFFER JACKETS
The North Face Metropolis Parka, $500 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: This long puffer coat is perfect for cold winter months
What to consider: The exy price tag and the extreme warmth it offers
Material: Polyester, 600 fill goose down | Size: AU6 to AU14 | Water repellent: Yes
What you need to know
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors in the winter chill, you may want to invest your money in this long puffer coat from trusted brand The North Face. It has a two way front zip, removable hood and internal elastic cuffs. Available in either black or white and with a slim fit profile, it will give you plenty of protection from the cold.
Winterburn Women’s 600 Fill Longline Down Coat, $599.98 at Kathmandu
Why we love it: Slimline fit. Removable hood
What to consider: A long puffer coat rather than a jacket
Materials: Recycled polyester, filling of 80 per cent certified Duck down, 20 per cent Duck feather | Size: 6 to 18 | Water repellent: Yes
What you need to know:
This long puffer coat is not cheap but well worth the investment. There’s a two-way front zip, fleece-lined collar, adjustable and removable peaked hood, internal elastic cuffs to keep the cold out, an inner chest pocket with cord port to keep your phone safe but accessible, and fleece-lined pockets for toasty hands. It is also wind resistant.
“This coat is warm like wearing a sleeping bag, except well fitting and stylish,” commented one five-star reviewer. “It gives me a nice shape it doesn’t just hang. It’s very lightweight and perfect for travel and can be rolled up without creasing.”
Steve Madden Women’s Long Chevron Quilted Outerwear Jacket, from $131.71 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: If you’re travelling to the snow, or somewhere cold, you’re going to want to have this jacket in your collection
What to consider: Prices vary on size and colour choice
Material: Polyester | Size: S, M and L | Colour: Ivory, Titanium. Merlot, Olive, Black
What you need to know
With more than 1200 five star ratings on Amazon, this Steve Madden outerwear jacket has been named a “great winter coat” by happy customers. The trusted brand has created this super soft puffer jacket that promises to be comfortable, insulated and water-resistant.
One reviewer left the comment, “Beautiful coat, dressy and comfortable and very stylish”. Another said, “The coat is stylish and keeps me very warm during my long walks. The price point is reasonable too.”
BEST SIZE-INCLUSIVE PUFFER JACKETS
Ambition the Label Recycled Puffer Coat, $220 at Myer
Why we love it: This comfy cosy unisex jacket is so snug with a relaxed fit that suits all shapes and sizes
What to consider: It features a tie belt
Material: Cotton terry towelling | Size: XS to 3XL | Colour: Black
What you need to know
This unisex puffer coat is ideal for anyone looking for extra insulation in the chilly months. Made of quilted terry towelling with a detachable waist tie belt, this puffer is soft, warm and so easy to throw over any outfit and create a truly winter chic look.
ASYOU Curved Collar Oversized Puffer Jacket, $63.50 (down from $97) at ASOS
Why we love it: Super cool puffer jacket comes in a range of sizes to suit everyone
What to consider: Discounted so selling out fast
Materials: Polyester and Polyamide | Sizes: AU4 to AU18 | Colour: Chocolate Brown
What you need to know
ASOS always release a line of fab over-sized puffers to suit a range of different bodies. This one has a cropped length, a roomy fit, over-sized collar and zip fastening to lock in the winter warmth.
BEST WATER RESISTANT PUFFER JACKETS
The North Face Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, $550 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: North Face is famous for its high quality puffer jackets
What to consider: It will keep you maybe too warm
Material: Nylon, filling 700 fill goose down Size: AU6 to AU14 | Water repellent: Yes
What you need to know
You will have seen plenty of celebrities wearing North Face puffer jackets. The jackets may have been designed to keep you extra warm in cold conditions but they look just as good as streetwear. This one is water repellent and has a 700 fill goose down to keep you nice and toasty warm.
All Day Puffer Jacket, $230 at LSKD
Why we love it: 100 per cent recycled nylon shell and liner
What to consider: You might need to size up
Material: Polyester | Size: 2XS to 3XL | Colour: Black
What you need to know
This women’s puffer jacket has 3D thermal synthetic insulation to keep you warm as well a two-step system to keep you dry in rain that includes durable water repellent.
Customers rave about this puffer with comments such as “super warm and comfy” and “amazing jacket”.
“The best puffer jacket!” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I tried on many different brands, but none fitted like the LSKD puffer. It’s not too thick, yet still so warm and is tapered slightly with plenty of room in the chest, waist & hips to make it also more flattering on. A great investment.”
Another said, “This puffer is super warm and comfy, the soft lining around the neck is great!”
Heli R Women’s novaLOFT Jacket, $90 (down from $199.98) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: A water resistant puffer from Kathmandu that is ready to face the cooler (and wetter) weather.
What to consider: Filling is made of recycled and non-recycled polyester
Material: Recycled polyester | Size: XXS, XS and S | Colour: Black
What you need to know
When it comes to staying warm in the cooler weather, Kathmandu has got to be one of the first brands that springs to mind. If you are looking for a lightweight puffer this jacket is worth considering.
The Heli R jacket is 35 per cent lighter than the previous version but just as warm and with the added benefit of a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. It is also insulated with novalOFT 60 recycled synthetic fill that dries quicker than down.
Other features include elastic cuffs, storm flap, reliable YKK zip and two front pockets.
BEST STYLISH WOMEN’S PUFFER JACKETS
Unreal Fur Phaedra Jacket, $269 (down from $349) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: A cute jacket in a vibrant hot pink – what’s not to love?
What to consider: You will definitely be noticed
Material: Polyester | Size: AU6 to AU 14 | Colour: Hot Pink
What you need to know
Made by Unreal Fur, an independent, PETA-certified Australian label, this unique jacket is fun, chic and, at the moment, heavily discounted. Snap it up to stand out this winter.
Unreal Fur Close Knit Puffer Jacket, $349 (down from $499) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: This jacket from Unreal Fur is made from knitted fabric that crosses a stylish puffer jacket with a cosy sweater
What to consider: Not suited to wet weather
Material: Polyester | Size: AU6 to AU 14 | Colour: Drizzle Grey
What you should know
This puffer jacket alternative is like a cosy cardigan but with the weight of a jacket. Super snug and ideal to grab and throw over any outfit on your way out the door.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WOMEN’S PUFFER JACKET
When choosing puffer jackets for this list, we considered several factors:
Cut: Is it a cropped, mid-length, or a long puffer coat?
Warmth: Puffers, particularly down jackets, are famous for being among the warmest jackets available. Their warmth comes partly from the internal insulation filling. This fill can be made of lots of different materials from recycled polyester and synthetic fill through to down fill. When choosing a jacket consider if you live somewhere that gets cold enough or you do cold weather outdoor activities that require a down fill insulated, heavyweight puffer jacket, or if a lightweight puffer will be the best jacket for you. You could also look for a fleece lined puffer jacket for extra warmth
Colour: Colour puffers will be more of a statement piece while an all-rounder neutral or a dark colour won’t show marks
Budget: Do you want to splurge on a durable, high-quality puffer, or a more budget-friendly option?
Waterproof level: Puffer jackets that are water repellent or water resistant are usually coated in a DWR, which stands for durable water repellent. These will keep out some rain and water and the water should bead and run off the fabric. Waterproof is the next level up and provides greater protection from the elements
Sleeves: The warmest jackets will have features like internal elastic cuffs that keep out of the wind and rain
Jacket Features: Does it come with a removable hood or is it a helmet compatible puffer jacket you can wear while cycling? An internal chest pocket is handy for keys and phones
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best puffer jacket for your needs and budget, we asked THE ICONIC’s Head of Style, Nicole Adolphe, for her expert advice and recommendations. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and spent hours on TikTok and Instagram (tough job, we know) on the lookout for the latest fashion trends so you can find the best puffer jacket from premium to budget for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A GOOD BRAND OF PUFFER JACKETS?
The best puffer jacket brand will depend on what you are looking for.
If you are looking for a warm and stylish options check out the women’s puffer jackets from:
Cotton On
Uniqlo
Aje Athletica
Lorna Jane
Lululemon
If you are into serious outdoor activities look at puffer jackets from:
The North Face
Kathmandu
Mountain Hardwear
Patagonia
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR WITH A PUFFER JACKET?
THE ICONIC’s Head of Style, Nicole Adolphe, has dubbed puffer jackets “a key street-style fashion statement”.
Although most of us gravitate towards black, navy and moody maroon colours in winter, Nicole says the puffer trend is a great way to experiment with colours too.
For styling inspiration, Nicole advises shoppers to dress down the voluminous jacket with a “sweater or turtleneck knit, partnered with straight, wide or mom jeans”. For a dressier occasion, she suggests something like a long knitted dress with a pair of ankle boots.
IS A PUFFER JACKET WATERPROOF?
Not all puffer jackets are waterproof. Some options on this list have a durable water repellent finish, which means they are designed for water to bead off the surface, making them water-resistant – but most puffers aren’t totally waterproof. Just be sure to read the descriptions to double check before you take yours out on a rainy day.
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Originally published as Best women’s puffer jackets to buy in winter 2024
