Penny Goldstone
I used to hate puffer jackets. Misguidedly, I thought they were the sartorial way of saying, “I can't be bothered”. But I have come to see the errors of my ways. In France, we have a proverb, “Il n'y a que les imbéciles qui ne changent pas d'avis”, meaning (in a not-so-polite way), that only the narrow-minded never change their minds.
And so I've come to love puffer jackets so much that I now wear almost no other winter coats, especially when I'm out and about with my daughter and I want to be comfortable as well as stylish. Make no mistake, puffer styles are nothing if not chic. Thanks to designers such as MaxMara, Gucci and Soft Goat, and high street stores like Arket, H&M and Uniqlo, padded jackets have been given a luxe upgrade.
When it comes to which styles to shop for this season, the quiet luxury trend withstands — think rich hues of burgundy, brown and olive, and no sign of a logo. Unless, of course, you're after bold and branded, in which case, a Burberry check or instantly recognisable The North Face stitching stand strong as fan-favourites.
Styling-wise, the trend is much easier to wear than you think. The street style set are big fans of dressing up a puffer with a knitted dress and chunky biker boots, or with jeans and riding boots for an equestrian style edge.
Below, a curated edit of the very best puffer jackets to invest in this season that are sure to keep you cosy and looking effortlessly chic.
Best puffer jackets
Mango is one of our go-to High Street brands for outerwear that feels elevated. This padded coat in chocolate brown with faux fur trim, will make dressed down moments feel stylish.
Burgundy shades are particularly popular this season and this Massimo Dutti find is right on trend. It's also water-repellant and comes with a hood, making it great in all winter weather.
The White Company knows polished outerwear. Case in point is this puffer in a soft shade of stone.
There is a reason why Arket brings back this padded down coat every winter - its a no brainer for style and price.
For a truly luxurious touch, turn your attention to this wool and cashmere blend puffer jacket from Soft Goat, making for an even softer and cosier coat.
If you're worried about being swamped by an oversized padded coat then a belted style is for you.
Max Mara are well-versed experts when it comes to outerwear and this water-repellant shell puffer is excellent proof of why. Simple yet sleek.
Switch up your black padded coat for a warmer shade of moss green.
Plenty of puffer coats come complete with feather and down filling, although not everyone is a fan of animal-based materials. Offering somewhat of a middle ground, Arket sources its down from pre-existing fashion finds, reducing the need for new feathers.
Prada's classic puffer coats instantly elevate even the most casual of outfits.
This alpaca trim Jil Sander puffer jacket is for those truly chanelling a retro ski chic look, made only more striking with an oversized shape filled without down.
Made from 100% virgin wool, this padded coat is as warm as it is luxe.
Print lovers rejoice - you can wear print in winter too and stay warm.
Without the classic Michelin Man–style quilting, this Givenchy jacket isn’t a traditional puffer — but it is padded, so it earns its place in this edit. With an elasticated waist and a double collar, this style is all about creating shape.
