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The 11 Best Puffer Jackets for Women to Wear This Winter, According to Experts

From shearling-trimmed to cropped, there’s a puffer for everyone this season.

Olivia Cigliano, Stacia Datskovska

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January 2, 2026, 12:12pm

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model wearing white puffer jacket

Courtesy Manufacturers, Canva

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The holidays are officially over, which means you’re likely feeling the full extent of Jack Frost’s wrath as we speak. And while you might’ve already overhauled your cold-weather wardrobe with new cashmere jumpers or sweater dresses, there’s a good chance your arsenal of warm layers has escaped one crucial upgrade: a puffer jacket. According to our editors-cum-fashion experts, a puffer makes for a wise style investment every winter, so shopping for one while the most in-demand silhouettes are still in stock is a decision that will pay dividends.

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The best puffer jackets for women — from ultra-warm longline coats to streamlined bomber styles — can work for every occasion. Whether you’re taking an alpine trek or simply want to keep warm during your morning commute, investing in an insulated, durable puffer jacket is key to protecting yourself (and your outfits!) from slush, rain, wind, and chilly temperatures. With so many options in 2026, you can rest assured there’s a made-for-you puffer out there on the market, ready to breathe new life into your outerwear rotation.

Need some inspiration before you shop? The fall and winter 2025 runways were brimming with fresh and fashionable puffer jackets. According to WWD reporters, during Milan Fashion Week 2025, “puffers were given a couture-like, mood-boosting treatment, with a round-shaped jacket ruched on the front and crafted from nylon taffeta paired with a puffy skirt, or a glossy red padded overshirt with waist drawstrings to style a peplum coming with a matching balloon skirt.” Proportions were also toyed with, whether this meant going floor-length and larger-than-life or else unexpectedly cropping puffers to give the spotlight to a collection’s other layers instead.

Lori Harvey, Amelia Gray Hamlin, Emily Ratajkowski, Charli XCX, and Camila Mendes seen wearing various puffer jacket styles in the past few years. Courtesy Getty Images

While puffer jackets are often considered the most utilitarian and least attractive of the outerwear options (at least as compared to form-fitting trench coats, wool coats, and the like), luxury designers have recently been on a mission to add some much-needed oomph to this clothing category — vis-à-vis touches like shearling trims, exaggerated collars, wrap silhouettes, and the aforementioned “mood-boosting” color palettes that put a kidcore spin on the still-trending “wrong coat theory” styling hack.

As for how the fashion set has been styling their women’s puffer jackets over the years? At Stockholm Fashion Week 2025, we’ve observed checkered puffers paired up with pointed-toe pumps that were an exact match when it came to patterning. So too have fashion insiders stepped out in color-happy puffer jackets layered over subtly flared, dark-wash jeans, as well as intentionally oversized jackets thrown on overtop a hoodie, knit scarf, and slouchy denim combo that screamed (erm, whispered) “casual-chic.”

Can’t wait to invest in your own top puffer jacket for 2026? Our editors recommend the below selections, which we sprinkled with expert tips on what to consider when shopping around for this closet staple.

(Read to the very end to catch some WWD-exclusive women’s puffer jacket outfit ideas that you’re bound to fall in love with.)

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Columbia Women’s Amaze Puff Mid Hooded Jacket

$260

Buy Now at columbia

We have good news and bad news; naturally, we’ll start with the bad. After the holiday shopping and gifting rush, most sizes and colors of this recent Columbia arrival are out of stock. The good news? It’s one of our editors’ most prized possessions, and we’d be remiss not to urge you to snag its remaining versions for yourself while there’s still time. Boasting 650-fill-power down, the already-viral jacket is moisture-repelling, stain-proof, and can be carried on your shoulders with the help of interior straps. Every last component of the Amaze Puff feels elevated, from the snaps to the zippers to the diverse color choices, and, should you want to own more from this Columbia line, there are also Amaze Puff vests, long jackets, plus-size jackets, and regular-length jackets from the taking.

Editor testing review notes: “As an experiment of sorts, I poured a cup of water directly onto the surface of the coat and was reminded of ducks (you know, per that famous saying “like water off a duck’s back”) because the drops trickled down without ever permeating the fabric. It was a wondrous sight to behold, and I can only imagine how well the coat will perform in an upcoming rainstorm. Its down fill, too, felt insulating without making me break out into a sweat. The front of my body didn’t feel cold around the jacket’s zipper area during chillier mornings, as its front closure has a flap cover. If I wanted the coat to look more streamlined on my body (especially if I was wearing it with skinnier bottoms styles), all I had to do was adjust the drawcord at the hem. Similarly, I found myself taking off the drawcord-equipped hood a lot when A) it wasn’t necessary weather-wise and B) it interfered with my outfit du jour. You better believe I’ll be absolutely inseparable from my Columbia Amaze Puff in the next few months of 2026.” — WWD Senior Commerce Writer Stacia Datskovska

Price upon publish date of this article: $260

Aritzia The Super Puff Shorty Jacket in Liquid Shine

$247.50 $275 10% off

Buy Now at Aritzia

There’s a reason everyone on Instagram and TikTok is obsessed with Aritzia’s Super Puff. Packed with responsibly sourced, 800+ fill-power premium down, this jacket has all the toasty warmth you need for cool winter temps — packaged into a classic and timeless puffer silhouette. Although it’s designed to deliver insulation in subzero temps, the cult favorite still feels lightweight. Available in many on-sale colors swathing Aritzia’s signature Liquid Shine fabric, which not only doles out covetable gloss but is also water-resistant and stretchy, the Super Puff will work overtime to enhance your year-round aesthetic.

Editor testing review notes: “I finally get the hype around this puffer — it’s been my secret style weapon all season long. I’ve worn it through rain and snow and even on New Year’s Eve atop a little black dress. It always keeps me warm no matter the conditions: Like magic, I feel zero windchill when I wear this puffer, especially as I’m walking through one of New York City’s wind tunnels. I also have a bad habit of losing the mates to my mittens, so I especially appreciate the cuffs and thumbholes present here, not to mention the jacket’s brushed pockets that provide a cozy shelter for my paws. Plus, I love that it comes in a shorter length, as my stature is a mere five foot one, and winter coats tend to swallow me up. The ‘Shorty’ style fits perfectly below my hips and doesn’t feel too bulky or restrictive. Its glossy finish makes it just as stylish as it is warm, and I can already tell it’s going to last me for many winters to come.” — Former WWD Commerce Writer and Producer Olivia Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $247.50

Mercer Collective Faux-Shearling-Trim Down Puffer Coat

$385 $550 30% off

Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

Remember how we talked about shearling being quite en vogue in the universe of designer puffer jackets? This faux-shearling puffer from the contemporary, exclusive-to-Saks outerwear brand Mercer Collective is proof of concept. It’s made plusher and more visually interesting via its faux fur, which not only levels up the coat’s warmth by being found inside the hood but also trims its front patch pockets. The item’s perennially attractive Cognac hue, stand collar, two-way zip closure, and external glossiness come together to marry practicality with a picture-perfect appearance. It’s a marriage we very much approve of.

Price upon publish date of this article: $385

Orolay Cloak Puffer Down Coat

$144.99

Buy Now at orolay

Avant-garde and high-fashion as can be, the Cloak Puffer Down Coat from founded-in-2012, made-for-city-dwellers label Orolay is everything you need to make a true style statement in the Year of the Horse. Unlike any other product in this roundup, the coat has a wraparound, cloak-like design (very “in” right now), which does its best work in conjunction with that sumptuous, Wine Red shade. Fear not, though: The jacket doesn’t cheat on utility, what with its 700+ duck down fill, ability to insulate against temperatures as low as -4 degrees, and more-than-accommodating hood.

Price upon publish date of this article: $144.99

Canada Goose Grandview Cropped Jacket

$995

Buy Now at canada goose

We came for this jacket’s looks and stayed for its impressive protection. In terms of the former, Canada Goose’s Grandview Cropped Jacket is your shortcut to mastering this season’s puffer jacket trends. It exemplifies the cropped hem (and sculptural collar) we saw all over runways, teamed with a minimalist aesthetic that reads modern and city-girl chic.

This top puffer jacket also features serious insulation without feeling too bulky, courtesy of the brand’s unique and durable Recycled Organic Arctic Tech, a heritage textile made from organic cotton and recycled polyester. It traps heat, feels flexible, and gets better with age. Just like a leather jacket, its exterior also develops a soft patina over time. You can rest assured you’ll stay toasty in temps as low as five degrees Fahrenheit, which leads us to recommend this Golden Goose bestseller for your daily schlep through the snow or bone-chilling breeze.

Price upon publish date of this article: $995

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

$330

Buy Now at the north face

Grab The North Face’s beloved 1996 Nuptse Jacket if you want to tap into some retro flair with your sartorial choices in the new year. Available in a range of colorways, from the pictured dark navy to the no-less-popular, two-tone Slate Moss, the hip-length beaut is something you’re bound to spot on city streets every time you step outside in the next few months. It’s insulated with 700-fill waterfowl down, is highly packable for winter travels, has an adjustable drawcord at the hem for finding your perfect fit, and features an outer shell that’s been optimized for water repellency. The boxy silhouette has been donned by athletes and A-listers alike (we see you, Emily Ratajkowski), which is no surprise at all considering the women’s puffer is easy to style, grants maximum protection, and has trendy details like the “oversize logos of the original ’96 jacket,” according to the brand.

Price upon publish date of this article: $330

Amazon Essentials Lightweight Packable Puffer Jacket

$30.90

Buy Now at Amazon

The Amazon Essentials Lightweight Packable Puffer is the best-rated puffer jacket on Amazon, due in no small part to the fact that it’s a budget-friendly option with over 15 shades to pick from (our editors are partial to this jewel-toned green, which pays homage to the bright puffer jackets seen on fall/winter 2025 runways). Fully lined, quilted, and instantly cozy, the puffer is also machine-washable and comes with a special bag for effortless storage come spring. Its water-resistant shell will be your best friend during untimely wintertime showers, and you’ll also have peace of mind thanks to the purchase’s 3,000-plus five-star reviews. Need it at your door faster than the speed of light? Become a Prime member today, and quit wearing less-than-ideal coats at once.

Price upon publish date of this article: $30.90

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Jacket

$150

Buy Now at Quince

Our readers are mad about Quince, so we have a good feeling you’ll come to adore the brand’s Responsible Down Puffer Jacket in no time. Wrapped in the deep purple hue that made appearances in the winter 2025 collections of McQueen (which used it to color bomber jackets), Valentino, and Gucci, it would be easy to assume the puffer is all looks. Nothing could be further from the truth, as it scores high marks in the functionality department: engineered to brave temperatures as low as -48 degrees, flaunting a wind-resistant fabric, and coming to you with 700+ fill-power goose down. What’s also great about this coat is that you can totally ditch its hood for days on which you’re already wearing a warm hat or don’t want to ruin your going-out blowout. Other features of note are the Responsible Down Puffer Jacket’s bungee drawcord, fleece-equipped pockets, interior chest pocket for storing your moisturizing lip gloss, and storm cuffs for added coverage when you need it. Simple in design and optimal in warmth, this is one jacket you can rely on for years to come.

Price upon publish date of this article: $150

Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket 600-Down-Fill Jacket

$348

Buy Now at Lululemon

Made for bundling up without sacrificing an ounce of your head-turning style sensibilities, this top seller from Lululemon has been “puffed to perfection,” per the label. Its relaxed fit makes it a match for your chunkier knits, and that SoftMatte fabric is not only a high achiever when it comes to standing up to water and wind but also feels buttery-soft to the touch. New to this style is the pictured Porcelain Pink colorway, which will bless your look with major coquette energy (and serve as a carte blanche for darker accessories, like a pitch-black shoulder bag).

Price upon publish date of this article: $348

Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer Vest

$188

Buy Now at Alo Yoga

Live in a place that lets you get away with wearing only a puffer vest (versus a full-scale, full-coverage jacket) during the chilliest time of the year? This Alo Yoga puffer vest is a warm, sporty, and luxe take on the attire. Despite its low profile, the vest comes with all the bells and whistles one expects from top-rated jackets — like a wraparound hood, heat-preserving bungees, and fleece pockets. Layer it over turtlenecks or thermal, long-sleeve tees, and be sure to keep the piece by the door at all times (for when you need to wrap yourself in insulation and style before heading to a workout class, of course!). Bonus points: The puffer vest’s fabric is machine-washable, and reviewers say it fits true to size.

Price upon publish date of this article: $188

Nike Sportswear Windpuffer

$375

Buy Now at Nike

Finally, a shin-length puffer for extending the perks of this outerwear category. The Nike Sportswear Windpuffer, a parka through and through, is one of the best puffer jackets for cold-weather activities and winter sports. It benefits from Nike’s element-resistant Storm-FIT technology, has a two-way zipper that stops unexpected drafts from touching your bod, and highlights the brand’s historic chevron design through its down-filled baffles (chambers within the lining that hold insulation). This time, the bungee toggles live at the hood, and our editors appreciate the fact that, despite its substantial length, the coat bypasses both girthy looks and any feelings of stuffiness.

Price upon publish date of this article: $375

What to Look for in the Best Puffer Jackets for Women

Insulation: When it comes to a warm puffer jacket, proper insulation is the most important thing to look for. “Different insulations such as 800-fill-power and 700-fill-power down, recycled down, and high thermal conductivity fillings (which are excellent at rapid heat absorption and release) are used depending on the intent of wear,” says Shai Peyser, founder of the co-ed outerwear line The Very Warm and vice president of David Peyser Sportswear, Inc., which owns leading brands like 32 Degrees. “The best insulation for a puffer coat remains goose down. However, with the current climate, both literally and figuratively, there are new options that are cruelty-free and make a difference by repurposing plastics that might otherwise end up in landfills.” Alternative downs are more than sufficient for non-arctic environments, which luckily includes most of the globe. For traditional goose-down fills, many brands will indicate the insulation level of the coat, like 650-fill-power. The higher this number, the more warmth the fill is capable of exuding. For a down alternative, look to synthetics, polyester, or eco-friendly recycled plastic materials. Some of these are nearly as warm as goose down, depending on the blend.

Cold-Weather Features: Puffer jackets can vary based on their additional weather-proof features. Besides insulation, Peyser tells WWD, “the other secret to guaranteed warmth is avoiding openings that allow the cold to get in.” “Always look for a coat with a good seal at the hem, sleeves, and, if applicable, a hood. These are all crucial to getting that seal around your body, trapping the warm air inside, and providing optimal warmth,” he adds. Pay attention to coats that deliver on the wind-proof front, while coming with extra features like fleece-lined pockets and removable elements that you can play around with based on the weather.

Material: If you’re planning to wear your puffer jacket in snow, rain, or intense winter conditions, you’ll want to ensure the fabric is water-repellent, waterproof, or, at the very least, water-resistant. Typical materials for the task at hand include nylon, polyamide, and recycled polyester.

Length: There are four major lengths to choose from in puffer jackets: cropped, classic/short, mid-thigh, and long. A longline puffer jacket is the way to go if you prefer optimal coverage and warmth. However, if you want something more casual or lightweight, a short or cropped puffer jacket will suit you best. ”Long and short puffers are a practical investment that can last you years, but short puffers tend to be more of a canvas for brands to [experiment] with each year, be it through colors, prints, or other interesting styling options,” shared Peyser.

Bulkiness: Puffer jackets range in levels of bulkiness and weight. If you prefer something you can layer over thick winter sweaters, try a puffer jacket that is slightly oversized or loose. And if you get hot easily, a lightweight puffer jacket is probably the wiser decision.

Women’s Puffer Jacket Outfit Ideas

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket Styled With: Skims Fits Everybody Long Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit, $70; Levi’s Baggy Dad Women’s Jeans, $54; New Balance 1906R Sneaker, $154.99; Asos Wide Jersey Headband in Leopard Print, $12.99

Aritzia The Super Puff Shorty Jacket in Liquid Shine Styled With: Staud Willow Midi Dress, $495; Larroudé Milan Flat Boot in Black Leather, $530; Khaite Blake Crossbody Bag, $4,400

Puffer jacket street-style inspiration, as seen in Stockholm, Lulea, Sweden, and New York. Courtesy Michael Campanella, Jeremy Moeller, Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

How We Selected the Best Puffer Jackets for Women

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To curate this list of the best puffer jackets for women, we conducted multiple rounds of editor testing and interviewed a style industry expert for relevant recommendations. Our expert also provided knowledge on puffer jacket construction, long-term care, and key elements to look out for when shopping for one. We selected the best women’s puffer jackets based on emerging trends, new releases, cult-favorite brands, and their top-quality insulation properties. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Expert

Shai Peyser is the founder of The Very Warm, a New York–based outerwear label that prioritizes accessibility and recycled materials. He is also the vice president of David Peyser Sportswear, Inc., which owns key apparel brands like 32 Degrees. Peyser has over a decade of experience in the fashion industry.

Meet the Authors

Olivia Cigliano was a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD, where she wrote shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. She updated this story in August 2024 with new styles and trends for fall and winter.

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on trends in the world of fashion, as well as seasonal products worth readers’ time and money.

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The 11 Best Puffer Jackets for Women to Wear This Winter, According to Experts

In this article

View More

11 Best Puffer Jackets 2026

Columbia Women’s Amaze Puff Mid Hooded Jacket

Aritzia The Super Puff Shorty Jacket in Liquid Shine

Mercer Collective Faux-Shearling-Trim Down Puffer Coat

Orolay Cloak Puffer Down Coat

Canada Goose Grandview Cropped Jacket

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

Amazon Essentials Lightweight Packable Puffer Jacket

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Jacket

Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket 600-Down-Fill Jacket

Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer Vest

Nike Sportswear Windpuffer

Related Articles

Columbia Women’s Amaze Puff Mid Hooded Jacket

Aritzia The Super Puff Shorty Jacket in Liquid Shine

Mercer Collective Faux-Shearling-Trim Down Puffer Coat

Orolay Cloak Puffer Down Coat

Canada Goose Grandview Cropped Jacket

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

Amazon Essentials Lightweight Packable Puffer Jacket

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Jacket

Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket 600-Down-Fill Jacket

Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer Vest

Nike Sportswear Windpuffer

What to Look for in the Best Puffer Jackets for Women

Women’s Puffer Jacket Outfit Ideas

How We Selected the Best Puffer Jackets for Women

Meet the Expert

Meet the Authors

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