The 15 Best Puffer Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Why We Love It: Alo Yoga’s jackets are a favorite among InStyle editors thanks to their versatility. We wore this puffer in temperatures as cold as 35 degrees, and it kept us perfectly cozy—which surprised us considering how lightweight the jacket is. The filling is made of a vegan down alternative, and it had no trouble shielding us from the cold. The large, removable hood did a great job of protecting our entire heads and necks. We ordered a size small and found the fit delightfully relaxed without looking bulky. The interior was also surprisingly soft, and although it lacked pockets in the lining, the two zippable exterior pockets made up for it. 

Who It’s For: We found this jacket great for hikes, commuting, walking our pup, and running errands in the city. It’s truly a great everyday puffer jacket for the masses.

Material: Ripstop fabric, down alternative | Size: XS–L

Danielle, tester: “Due to the light cinching on the bottom hem, I found it to be just slightly cropped in the best way. It hits at the perfect length on my torso,” she says. “I super love this jacket’s removable hood and the overall fit. It’s the softest and most flattering short puffer jacket I think I’ve ever worn.”

Why We Love It: The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket hits the trifecta of puffer perks: quality, price, and warmth. As a bonus, its lightweight properties and packing pouch make it travel-friendly. We had an easy time rolling it into the pouch, and it wasn’t wrinkled when we took it out again. We were blown away that a jacket priced below $100 could be so soft and insulating. Despite its ultrathin design, we sweated while wearing it on mild winter days in New York. 

Who It’s For: Stylish people and travelers. Its slim cut is refreshingly sleek compared to the larger puffer jackets. Still, it packs a warm punch.

Material: Nylon, down | Size: XXS–XXL

Taylor, tester: “This is a great everyday coat. It’s nice enough I’ve worn it to the office, yet casual enough I can run to the grocery store and not look out of place.”

Why We Love It: This jacket is pretty luxurious. Every feature felt first-rate, from the soft, grippy zippers to the cozy fabric wrist gaiters. The exterior is also waterproof, and during testing, the filling provided an impressive amount of warmth during a downpour. The brand’s claim that the jacket protects wearers against temperatures as low as 5 degrees held up well, and somehow, it managed to not look ridiculously puffy. It also travels well. After packing it into a suitcase for a long travel day, it came out looking crisp and wrinkle-free. Its surprisingly lightweight nature also made it more portable. We used the backpack straps inside the jacket to hang it off our back instead of carrying it with our hands. 

Who It’s For: We know a jacket priced over $1,600 is a considerable investment, but we do believe it’s a one-and-done, once-in-a-lifetime piece. This jacket’s elegance, superior warmth, waterproof finish, and sleek beauty make it stand out from the bunch.

Material: Pima cotton, responsibly sourced down, feathers | Size: 2XS–2XL

Anna, tester: “This is the most luxe jacket I’ve ever owned. Every piece of material feels incredibly high-quality, from the soft and grippy zippers to the cozy and warm fabric wrist gaiters,” she says. “It was also really nice for traveling since I could be hands-free while going through security and also didn’t have to pack the jacket in my suitcase.”

Why We Love It: L.L.Bean offers this jacket in regular, petite, and plus-size. The petite one measures 25 inches from the neckline to the hem, compared to 26 inches on the regular one. It’s slimmer than the other jackets we tested. We also noticed that it’s much more lightweight, making it easier to pack and bring on trips. When we zipped it all the way up, it was very insulating. When we wore it open, it was super breathable, so we deemed it the perfect puffer jacket for hiking, running, and cold-weather adventures. 

Who It’s For: This jacket’s slim fit doesn’t leave much room for layering. We could put fitted sweaters and shirts underneath, but crewnecks and hoodies were too bulky for the jacket. We could, however, wear this jacket layered under another more oversized puffer jacket. Consider it a great jacket to wear in between seasons.

Material: Polyester, recycled polyester | Size: XXS–3X

Samantha, tester: “I like the style and the ability to wear it in warmer and colder weather,” she says. “It’s more comfortable than other coats I’ve tested”

Why We Love It: Ditch the black coat and opt for something colorful, like this Cotopaxi jacket, which comes in a ton of bright hues and a wide range of sizes (up to 4X). We picked the Maritime colorway, and it lifted our moods every time we put it on. Beyond just being cute, the jacket was light as a feather, and we could roll it into a tiny pouch. It also protected us against winds in cold temperatures, and it was warmer than some heavier coats we wear on a daily basis. It has a water-resistant fabric, an adjustable drawcord at the hem, and elastic binding at the hood and cuffs. In other words, it stayed put and didn’t flail around as we ran.

Who It’s For: This lightweight jacket is great for transitional weather, but you can also use it in heavy-duty conditions. Ebba Forsgren, a Sweden-based winter sports influencer, says she frequently uses these types of puffers as base layers under bigger puffers when she’s snow-trekking in the mountains in extremely cold conditions. It’s also size-inclusive, as it extends up to 4X.

Material: Responsibly sourced down, nylon | Size: XXS–4X

Jackie, tester: “The colors are so bright and beautiful, the material feels soft (and also water-resistant!), and the down is very, very lightweight, but with a little bit of a puffy texture to it.”

Why We Love It: Short puffer jackets are a stylish way to cozy up in the winter without looking like the Michelin man. Although a more cropped style does mean less coverage and warmth overall, we found that the body parts this Alo Yoga jacket did cover were extremely toasty. As far as style is concerned, this jacket is a winner. It looked and felt great as we ran errands and headed to the yoga studio (truly, it paired well with any athleisure outfit). The exterior is also water-repellent, making it practical on top of being chic. You’ll still need an umbrella while wearing this puffer since it has no hood, but its high collar protects our necks from strong winds. The fit wasn’t too bulky, and the arm length was just right.

Who It’s For: Overall, we found this Alo Yoga puffer to be a great choice for trend-focused shoppers who are equally concerned with style and warmth. However, the lack of a hood may be a hindrance to some people.

Material: Recycled ripstop, nylon | Size: XS–L

Chantelle, tester: “I highly recommend this puffer jacket. It’s an excellent choice for fashion-conscious individuals,” she says. “The trendy design and distinctive navy color set it apart.”

Why We Love It: This jacket is puffy yet lightweight—almost airy—which was surprising given the warmth it offered us in the late fall (a.k.a. when we tested it). It has everything we could imagine being in a long puffer jacket: thumb holes, an interior breast pocket, a luxurious exterior, a removable hood, a high collar, and buttons on either side of the hem to open the jacket.

Who It’s For: Anyone who truly fears the cold can appreciate this long puffer from Quince. We also recommend it for those seeking a lightweight, stylish, and warm jacket that doesn’t break the bank.

Material: Recycled polyester, nylon, goose down, goose feathers | Size: XS–XL

Lily, tester: “The inside wasn’t scratchy at all, but instead provided optimal coziness. Considering that once winter hits I live in a puffy jacket until April, that’s a huge win.”

Why We Love It: Have a ski trip planned? You won’t want to leave without this parka. It’s packed with PrimaLoft Thermoplume fill, which keeps you warm in temperatures as low as negative 30 degrees. With a hood that completely wraps around your face and large lapel collars that you can button around your neck, there’s no chance for winter wind to reach your skin. We wore this parka to the gym (with nothing underneath except a sports bra) and were very warm. But don’t get us wrong, it’s definitely roomy enough for thick sweaters. It’s so spacious that you could size it down for a more fitted look.

Who It’s For: This is a fantastic ski jacket that keeps you warm, especially with all the room for layering. Plus, you have enough mobility to do rigorous movements while wearing it. One downside is that the pockets didn’t zip. Although a little flap covers the pocket opening, we’d be careful not to place any valuables in it if you’re wearing this puffer on the slopes.

Material: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester, PrimaLoft filling | Size: XS–2X

Morgan, tester: “While I joked I was wearing my duvet, this jacket actually has a great range of movement despite the bulky shape. I love the thick neckband when putting the hood up, which is like a built-in scarf, so only my eyes and nose peek out.”

Why We Love It: After Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski wore this classic jacket, shoppers were in a frenzy trying to get their hands on it (yes, we’re included in that group). The first thing we noticed was how warm and comfortable the jacket is. Despite being filled with dense goose down, it’s lightweight and breathable—a masterful combination we rarely find in jackets. And although it was bulky, it still allowed us a full range of motion. The jacket’s other features include Velcro cuffs, an adjustable bungee cord at the hem, and a removable hood that you can tuck away in a roomy interior pocket. It’s worth noting that the hood is not puffy like the rest of the jacket, which we thought made it look a little silly. Still, the beloved North Face label didn’t disappoint, giving us a sleek jacket that’ll prove useful for years to come.

Who It’s For: This jacket is both trendy and timeless. No matter when you wear it, it’ll always look cool and keep you warm.

Material: Recycled nylon ripstop | Size: XXS–3XL

Tatiana, tester: “I wore this jacket out on multiple walks, on errands, to work, and on a trip to Minnesota. One thing I hate about puffers is how hot I can feel in them, even when it’s cold out. I never got overheated in this one! It kept my body at a very comfortable temperature.”

Why We Love It: Appearances may be deceiving here, but trust us: This puffer is the lightest jacket we’ve ever tried on. It’s like wearing a cloud, but that’s not to say it’s not insulating. We wore it in temperatures as low as 30 degrees and were surprised at how toasty we felt in the jacket’s embrace. The length, which is neither too long nor too short, is perfect for layering hoodies and sweatshirts underneath without anything poking out at the bottom. The reflective lining on the hood and the chest helps you remain visible at night, and a drawstring cord at the hem prevents cool air from seeping in. We were impressed by the number of pockets as well. Because of the jacket’s interior zipper chest pocket, interior mesh pockets, and exterior zippered hand pockets, we didn’t need a bag. There’s also a neoprene thumb hole, which we always appreciate, and a unique air vent that unzips down the spine to reveal a mesh panel for breathability.

Who It’s For: Crazy about thoughtful details? You’ll love this jacket as much as we did. It’s truly an all-in-one jacket fit for both everyday use and more rigorous activities, such as running and skiing.

Material: Polyamide, elastane | Size: XXS–XXL

Tara, tester: “The jacket is super light. Compared to all my other puffer jackets, this one looks puffier, so you might assume it to be heavier, but it’s truly feather-light.”

Why We Love It: On any given day, you’ll find the InStyle team members decked out in the Aritzia Super Puff jacket. We want to highlight the waterproof Super Puff, which comes highly recommended by Michelle Blashka, a New York City-based digital creator and stylist. This jacket’s exterior is waterproof to protect the goose down filling from getting soaked. Although you should still have a good raincoat on hand during the warmer months, this coat will keep you dry and warm in the winter. The lightweight down is also incredibly insulating. I wore this piece to snowboard in Canada and stayed delightfully toasty in the snow and wind. Others who have tested this coat also share a love for its fleece-lined pockets.

Who It’s For: The Aritzia Super Puff is a fan favorite for a reason: You can wear it from the streets to the slopes and look cute doing it.

Material: Responsibly sourced goose down, polyamide, polyurethane, nylon, elastane, goose feathers | Size: 3XS–2XL | Colors: 10

Heer, tester: “Of all the winter gear tests I have participated in, this is one of the best quality products I’ve tested. The warmth, durability, fit, and design are all stellar across the board. If you invest in this jacket, there is no need to buy any other winter jackets or layering pieces, it’s just that good.”

Why We Love It: What’s on the inside is just as important as what’s on the outside, which is why we love this fleece-lined jacket (we give it maximum cozy points). The hood and pockets have a knitted interior, making the jacket all-around comfortable. Beyond feeling like a warm embrace, the material was evidently high-quality. It never snagged, ripped, or frayed—even when our dog jumped on us. The zipper glided up and down smoothly, and the puff never deflated.

Who It’s For: Although this jacket is a little too bulky for high-intensity activities, like running, it’s the perfect jacket to wear on errands. It runs a little large, so if you want it to feel more snug, we recommend sizing down.

Material: Nylon, polyester, synthetic down | Size: XXS–XL

Riddley, tester: “This jacket is much cozier than I expected. I’ve worn it on 25-degree walks and felt exceedingly comfortable. Its fuzz-lined hood and thick fabric thumb holes add to its warmth, too.”

Why We Love It: Wearing this long coat felt like wrapping ourselves in a big blanket before stepping out in the cold. We wore it to soccer games, where standing outside for hours was unavoidable, and it kept us snug. The generously sized hood covered our heads, while the puffy collar protected our necks from the wind. Make no mistake, the Helly Hansen coat is very lightweight—it felt as though there was no weight on our shoulders. We didn’t love the asymmetrical closure that wraps onto the left side, especially since the zipper was difficult to align and hook. Criticism aside, we’re grateful for how warm it kept us through the winter.

Who It’s For: This coat is for people living in extra-cold climates. The neck coverage, long hem, and large hood properly keep the cold out.

Material: Polyester, polyamide, duck down, duck feathers | Size: XS–XL

Jill, tester: “The extra neck protection is a nice touch, in addition to the substantial hood. The luxury design elevates this warm coat.”

Why We Love It: Heading to the mountains? You’ll want a light, breathable, and movement-friendly jacket, and this one from Lolë is all of the above. We found it most comfortable in temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees. In our experience, it’s not thick enough for colder temperatures, and it’s too insulating for warmer weather. Because it’s a little oversized, we still had our full range of motion while wearing it. We liked the little scrunch in the back which gave the jacket some shape. There were also two very deep inner and outer pockets that were big enough to fit all of our hiking essentials (minus a water bottle). If we got too hot, we could easily fold up the garment and place it in a backpack without it taking up much space or feeling too heavy.

Who It’s For: This jacket is ideal for adventurers who don’t let the cold stop them from hiking up a mountain.

Material: Nylon, polyester, down | Size: XXS–XXL

Kat, tester: “At no point did I feel restricted at all. It’s super lightweight and weighs less than a pound, so it’s definitely not bulky. I was able to layer clothes under this jacket very easily, and I imagine I could add many layers underneath it, and it would still fit fine.”

Why We Love It: Our tester was so impressed with this jacket, she named it as her favorite (and the highest quality one she’s ever owned). For starters, it’s incredibly insulating yet breathable and lightweight. In fact, it barely weighs a pound. She wore it outside during a football game in 30-degree temperatures without feeling a chill. She also wore it on hikes and cross-country ski outings without worrying about a limited range of motion. Inside the left pocket is a clip to secure items like keys or a ski pass. A handy chest pocket keeps cell phones safe as well. There’s also one large pocket on the jacket’s interior that’s big enough to hold gloves. Is there anything this jacket’s designer didn’t think of? A drawstring closure for the hood? Check. Smart stitching for a cinched effect? Check, check.

Who It’s For: Outdoorsy people. This jacket may not be your first choice for a fashion show, but it certainly should be for hikes, trips, and ski vacations.

Material: Nylon, responsibly sourced down | Size: XS–4X

Kristin, tester: “I did wear the jacket mountain biking last weekend and loved how I had ease of movement in the jacket. It kept me warm while temps were in the 40s, and I unzipped the vent as needed. I also felt it had good wind protection, which is great while biking in colder weather.”