7 Best Puffer Coats for Women to Keep You Cozy All Winter Long

Best overall puffer coat

WenVen Thicken Puffer Coat

There’s no shortage of women’s coats on Amazon, but this classic-cut WenVen puffer won our top spot for a few reasons. First, it’s a timeless design that will look just as cool a decade from now as it will this winter—all while keeping you exceptionally warm. The fleece-lined hand pockets and detachable faux-fur lined hood are features you’ll appreciate when the temperature drops. The insulated design also has a double closure (a zipper and buttons), plus windproof ribbed cuffs for optimal warmth.

Pros

• Windproof design that keeps cold out
• Affordable price
• Waterproof
• 14 color options
• Available in sizes S to 3XL

Cons

• No interior pockets

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Best budget puffer coat

Amazon Essentials Lightweight Puffer Jacket

When those first chilly days of fall kick in, you’ll want a lightweight puffer to grab for morning walks and grocery store runs. This Amazon Essentials puffer comes in just about every color of the rainbow and will become your go-to grab ‘n’ go coat. It might not be suitable for bitter temps, but it’s an easygoing option for those just-cold-enough days, and an exceptional layering piece you’ll use all winter long. We appreciate the inclusive size range (XS to 6X), and the contoured seams that create a flattering fit for all. Even more to love: The packable design folds into the included pouch, making it the perfect travel companion.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Machine-washable
• Available in sizes XS to 6X
• Travel-friendly design packs down into a pouch

Cons

• Only water-resistant (not waterproof)
• No hood
• Too lightweight for sub-zero temperatures

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Best splurge-worthy puffer coat

Canada Goose Alliston Parka

Canada Goose puffer coats might be pricey, but if you choose to make the investment, you’ll be rocking this coat every winter for decades to come. A lifetime warranty ensures you can! The Alliston Parka means business, with its full length and 750 fill-power duck down that can withstand sub-zero temperatures (-13 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact). Its lightweight construction makes it wearable and comfortable, while still offering maximum warmth.

Another feature that will come in handy on the coldest of days: The thermal hood and down-filled brim can cinch around the face to block out gusty winds. We love the interior backpack straps that allows you to carry the jacket hands-free over the shoulders when the temperature rises (or you enter a heated building).

Pros

• Keeps you warm even in negative temperatures
• Thermal hood cinches around the face to block out freezing winds
• Available in sizes 2XS to 2XL
• Lots of pockets: Two interior and four exterior (including two fleece-lined hand warmer pockets)

Cons

• A serious price tag
• No trim on hood and not detachable

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Best value puffer coat

Everlane The ReNew Long Puffer

Leave it to Everlane to create a cool, responsibly-made puffer coat. The brand is always transparent about their prices and practices, so you know exactly how much it costs to create a garment. They are also thoughtful with their materials too, like this ReNew puffer coat, which is made of recycled polyester from 60 plastic bottles.

There’s plenty more to love, including its water-resistant durable shell and the oversized front pockets, perfect for stashing hand warmers. It also features a hidden drawstring waist, so you can create a flattering, cinched-in look. Keep the eco-conscious shopping going with more sustainable fashion brands.

Pros

• Transparent pricing and great value
• Made with recycled materials
• Double closure (zipper and buttons)
• Sizes XS to XL

Cons

• Limited colors
• Customers say it runs large
• Boxy fit might not suit all styles

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Best short puffer coat

Alo Yoga Stunner Puffer Jacket

Like its name suggests, this short puffer is a stunner for all shapes and sizes. Seriously, whatever notions you may have of puffer coats being unflattering for curvy women, forget it. This Alo Yoga jacket is proof that all women can rock a puffer and still look cute. The brand takes their fittings very seriously. An in-house team wear-tests each piece to ensure a perfect appearance for every size.

The silhouette leaves plenty of room for layering your favorite sweaters. And the bungees at the hood, waist and sleeves promise a customized fit, too. This one also proves that puffy coats can be fashionable, with its high-gloss fabric, dropped shoulders and overall elevated look.

Pros

• Short length with elevated, fashionable details
• Designed to flatter all shapes and sizes
• The warmest of all of Alo Yoga’s jackets
• Five color options

Cons

• Pretty pricey
• Must lay flat to dry

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Best long puffer coat

Lululemon Wunder Puff Long Jacket

For those living in the coldest climates, you’ll want a puffer coat that keeps you warm from head to toe. This calf-length Lululemon jacket checks that box, with smart features and a flattering shape, too. While it’s cut in a relaxed fit—so you can make all the snow angels you want—it also includes an interior waist drawcord and a removable hood so you can customize your fit and look.

Also nice: The 600-fill-power goose down is responsibly-sourced. The only hard part is picking a color. There’s no going wrong with classic black or khaki, but there’s also a highlighter green and bold red if you prefer something more eye-catching. Complete your winter ensemble with the best snow boots on the market.

Pros

• Calf-length hem will keep you warm from head to toe
• Two-way zipper and removable hood
• Includes interior pockets and a hidden phone sleeve
• Machine-washable

Cons

• If you’re allergic to goose down, this isn’t for you
• Some say sizing runs big

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Best fashion-forward puffer coat

The North Face Printed 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

Sure, puffer coats are practical, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Like it or not, styles from the ’90s are back in a big way, including The North Face’s redesign of their 1996 Nuptse jacket. The tie-dye and graphic prints are sure to stand out amongst a sea black coats—not only for their unique pattern, but for their durability, too. Whether you’re walking around town or hitting the slopes, this puffer coat will keep you warm while out in the cold for extended periods of time.

The boxy silhouette allows you to wear chunky layers underneath, yet the jacket itself is anything but bulky. In fact, its goose down fill is extremely compressible (it packs down into a hand-held pouch!), making it great for travel or storing during the summer. Looking for comfy things to wear around the house, too? Check out these loungewear sets.

Pros

• Three fun prints to choose from
• Stowable hood packs into the collar
• Lightweight and compressible

Cons

• Cropped length will only keep your top half warm
• Allergy sufferers beware: It’s filled with goose down

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What to look for when buying a puffer coat

Durability and warmth should be your top two priorities. The colder the climate, the more coverage you’ll want—including a longer length, hood and high-quality insulation. Small details matter, too. Double-closures (snaps over a zipper), ribbed hems and elastic cuffs can also help keep frigid temps at bay.

Evaluation Criteria

To narrow down the best puffers to add to your coat closet, we shopped retailers we respect and brands that have a long history of selling quality outerwear. We selected a variety of well-reviewed puffers in an assortment of styles, all of which are sure to keep you cozy all season.

FAQs

Do puffer coats keep you warm?

Yes! The whole point of a puffer is to keep you warm—that’s why they’re a wardrobe essential if you live in a frigid climate. How warm they’ll keep you depends on the quality of the filling and its construction. Some retailers, like Canada Goose, outline exactly which temperature ranges their coats can ensure, but you can feel confident that most puffers will keep you toasty through freezing temperatures.

What’s the difference between a puffer jacket and a down jacket?

It all comes down to the stuffing. Down jackets are filled with down, of course. Puffer jackets, meanwhile, can be filled with down, but many are stuffed with a lightweight synthetic filler. Both options keep you dry and warm, but down will be more expensive. However, it may aggravate allergy sufferers.

Is a puffer coat waterproof?

Most puffer coats are water-resistant or water-repellent, but very few are fully waterproof. They’ll keep you warm in moderate rain for a short period, which is usually sufficient for a winter coat.

How do you wash a puffer coat?

Before washing your puffer coat, be sure to read its care label carefully. You’ll want to follow those directions step-by-step to keep your coat in the best, cleanest condition. In general, most puffer coats can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold water. To dry, use a low heat setting and don’t forget to add dryer balls. They’ll prevent the filling from clumping. Don’t be surprised if it’s not fully dry after one cycle, it may require a few rounds in the dryer.

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