27 Puffer Jackets to Get You Through Winter

The weather is officially moving into cold-enough-to-make-your-face-hurt territory, which raises the matter of where to find the best puffer jackets this season. Thanks to their lightweight insulation and oftentimes layer-able designs, these jackets can make spending time outside this winter delightful (even when the weather is frightful).

What to look for in a puffer jacket?

When shopping for outerwear, comfort is key (and that applies to how the jacket will fit and how warm it’ll keep you when you head out into the chill). Consider the length of the sleeves and the jacket’s body—they should be long enough to cover you and keep the wind and cold out. Some jackets hit at your hip, but other coats and parkas reach down to your thighs or ankles (which is great if you don’t want a cold butt). You should also note how the jacket fits around your body. If you’re planning to use it as a mid-layer under a heavier coat, it can be on the snugger side and fit closely to your body. On the other hand, if you want a jacket that you can wear over a chunky sweater or hoodie without feeling like the little brother from A Christmas Story, a roomier, oversize puffer might be the better choice.

Your jacket’s material is another contributing factor to its overall comfort. Both down fill and synthetic insulation will keep you warm, but the former doesn’t perform well in wet conditions, as down can clump and lose its puff when dampened. Luckily, some down puffer jackets are made with a water-resistant treatment to prevent said clumping—you wouldn’t want them to get soaking wet, but they can handle some drizzle. Jackets that use synthetic materials or down alternatives as insulation are better suited to rain and wet snow, but their hardiness may come at the cost of the alluring puffy fluffiness of a down coat.

Whether you’re looking for a cropped puffer jacket with major style points or a performance-driven down parka that packs in heat, there is, indeed, a coat out there that meets your criteria. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the very best puffer jackets available to shop online right now, from top retailers like Amazon, REI, Nordstrom, The North Face, and more. Read on to upgrade your cold weather gear—then don’t forget to refresh your snow pants and snow boots, too.