11 Best Puffer Coats for Women to Keep You Cozy All Winter Long
Updated: Sep. 08, 2023
Snow, wind and freezing temperatures are no match for these puffer coats.
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Ever heard the Norwegian proverb “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”? It’s true. The key to surviving winter so you can embrace the season and enjoy all the fun activities that come with a fresh coating of snow is proper winter gear—and that starts with a puffer coat.
These winter wardrobe staples are known for their distinct pattern of stitched sections that create a puffy look. They’re seriously warm winter coats guaranteed to keep you dry and comfortable, even when the temperatures dip below zero. Puffer coats are an investment that you’ll wear for years to come. That’s why we shopped for the best styles in a variety of lengths, price points and designs. Pair your puffer with a dependable pair of gloves (maybe even heated ones), a scarf to wrap around your neck and a winter coat for the men in your life (or even your four-legged friends).
The best puffer coats
- Best overall puffer coat: L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Puffer
- Best plus-size puffer coat: Lane Bryant Puffer Coat With Hood
- Best budget puffer coat: Amazon Essentials Lightweight Puffer Jacket
- Best splurge-worthy puffer coat: Canada Goose Alliston Parka
- Best value puffer coat: Everlane The ReNew Long Puffer
- Best short puffer coat: Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer
- Best long puffer coat: Lululemon Wunder Puff Long Jacket
- Best fashion-forward puffer coat: The North Face Women’s Printed 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
- Best packable puffer jacket: Free People Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
- Best petite puffer coat: Eddie Bauer Sun Valley Down Parka
- Best waterproof puffer coat: Patagonia Frozen Range 3-In-1 Parka
Best overall puffer coat
L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Puffer
There’s no shortage of budget-friendly coats online, but the Mountain Classic puffer from L.L. Bean takes our top slot for the best women’s puffer coat. L.L. Bean is a trusted brand that offers consistent top-notch quality in all its clothes.
The puffer coat offers five color block patterns in petite to plus sizes. It’s easy to launder thanks to machine washable materials. A durable polyester shell resists water and rain, so it’s ready for any weather. Need more coverage? The longer version may be a better fit.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Comes in sizes petite to plus
- Machine washable
- Under $100
- Comes in attractive color block patterns
- Light enough for transitional seasons
- Easily layered
- Packable
Cons
- Not suitable for subzero temperatures
- Boxy shape may not be flattering for all
Best plus-size puffer coat
Lane Bryant Puffer Coat With Hood
Subtle shine, a flattering length that hits at the hips and ample insulation make the Lane Bryant puffer coat our favorite for plus-size ladies. An attached hood keeps frigid temperatures away from the face, and we appreciate the inclusion of covered elastic cuffs on the sleeves for better insulation.
It’s difficult to find a plus-size women’s coat with both functionality and style, but this pick proves that it’s certainly possible.
Pros
- Comes in sizes 10-40
- Flattering short length
- Attached hood
- Stylish shiny exterior
Cons
- Comes in only three colors
- Spot clean only
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.
This Amazon fashion find 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
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°F, 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 allow 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
- Lifetime warranty
- Thermal hood cinches around the face to block out freezing winds
- Available in sizes XXS-XXL
- 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
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 its 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-XL
Cons
- Limited colors
- Customers say it runs large
- Boxy fit might not suit all styles
Best short puffer coat
Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer
When we say “short,” we mean it. The Alo Yoga Gold Rush puffer hits at the waist and features myriad details that make it our favorite pint-sized puffer. Hidden zippered pockets on the interior keep personal items safe, and the inclusion of machine-washable materials ensures it’s easy to care for.
Despite being warm enough for the middle of winter, it’s still entirely packable thanks to lightweight insulation. Even better, the silhouette leaves plenty of room for layering your favorite sweaters.
Pros
- Short length that hits at the waist
- Elevated, fashionable details
- Cinched drawstring bottom
- Machine washable
- Packable
Cons
- No hood option
- Limited colors
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
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 of 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
Best packable puffer jacket
Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
When it’s time to jet off on winter holidays, having a packable jacket makes planning outfits so much simpler. The oversized Pippa packable puffer jacket stuffs into its own pocket, making it easy to toss into a suitcase for travel. Apart from the enormous 16-color selection, we love that the oversized fit offers plenty of room for layering.
Pop it on for a water-resistant walk during light snow, or wear it over a sweater to walk your pup in lower temperatures. Make sure to snag a doggy winter jacket for Fido, too!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fits into its own pocket for packing
- Huge selection of 16 colors
- Water-resistant
- Roomy for layering
Cons
- No plus size option
- Reviews mention it’s very oversized
Best petite puffer coat
Women’s Sun Valley Down Parka
Petite women who can’t find the perfect mid-length puffer, listen up! Eddie Bauer’s Sun Valley down parka is ideal for those who are on the smaller side. This pretty parka comes in a huge selection of sizes, ranging from plus to petite. Apart from a flattering silhouette that works for every woman—even those over 50—a good-sized color selection and water-repellent finish make this our go-to petite puffer.
Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified down insulation ensures that this coat is guilt-free. We also love that the hood is removable to work for a variety of outfits.
Pros
- Comes in petite, regular and plus sizes
- Flattering mid-length
- 11 different colors
- Suitable for freezing temperatures
- (RDS)-certified down insulation
- Fleece-lined zip pockets
- Snap-off hood with detachable faux fur ruff
Cons
- Those with broad shoulders should size up
- Pricey
- Zipper can stick with rough use
Best waterproof puffer coat
Patagonia Frozen Range 3-in-1 Parka
Can’t decide between a rain jacket, puffer coat or something that offers the features of both? Patagonia’s Frozen Range 3-In-1 parka is the perfect solution. This convertible puffer coat comes apart into two separate coats: a light puffer that’s ideal for winter weather, and a waterproof outer rain jacket shell for downpours. Zip them back together to enjoy the best of both worlds!
As if that’s not enough, generous inner pockets, an attached hood and a useful lifetime warranty round out this frigid weather find.
Pros
- Perfect year-round coat
- Zips apart to reveal a parka and raincoat
- Waterproof outer shell
- Attached hood
- Lifetime warranty
- Trusted Patagonia brand name
Cons
- Only comes in size XS-L
- Runs large
What to look for when buying a puffer coat
Durability and warmth should be your top two priorities when shopping for puffer coats. 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.
Pair your favorite puffer coats with some fleece-lined leggings for a toasty outfit that’s ready for the incoming frigid temperatures.
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 (who offer a lifetime warranty on their coats), outline exactly which temperature ranges their coats can ensure. However, 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. Those who need more coverage may want to layer a warm cardigan underneath, and most down and puffer jackets offer ample room to do so.
Both options keep you dry and warm, but down is more expensive. However, it may also 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. Looking for a good pair of rain-resistant boots to go with your new puffer? Spring for some Blundstone boots for a waterproof pick.
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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