Baby, it’s cold outside, and we’re ready to throw on a puffer, whether it’s cute or not. We’re here to tell you staying warm doesn’t mean you need to look drab, at least not on our watch. Get a fashionable women’s coat without looking like a marshmallow that’s fit for splashing through the rain and snow.
We’ve found Monclers for drinking champagne in the Alps and chic Aritzia puffer jackets that make you look adorable while protecting your behind from wind, ice and snow.
As New Yorkers, our coats are our shields. We recommend long, midi-length coats for your long subway or bus commutes, which provide coverage and warmth. However, if you’re a car commuter, you may hate all that length and lean into the Sabrina Carpenter of jackets: Short n’ Sweet. That way, you won’t feel trapped under a duvet with a seatbelt.
While at it, consider stocking up on sweaters or long underwear (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it) to pair underneath said puffers. It’ll help with layering this winter, which hasn’t even begun to show its nasty, icy little face, so bundle up while you still can.
Pros:
- We found lululemon to be very transparent about the materials used
- Long length to block the elements
Cons:
- Not very cute but is very practical
For its value, cropped appeal, quality, and fit, the lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Jacket is our top pick. Whether you’re running errands or commuting, it offers excellent warmth without feeling bulky, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear, While it might not be your go-to for a formal event or gala, it excels at keeping you cozy and comfortable as you move from A to B, and its sleek, modern design will leave you still looking stylish while braving the cold.
Size Options: 0-14 | Material: Cuff: 57% Nylon, 24% Polyester, 19% Lycra Elastane, Filling: 80% White Goose Down, 20% White Goose Feathers, Hood: 100% Recycled Polyester, Trim Filling: 75% Recycled Polyester, 25% Polyester, Lining: 100% Polyester, Hood Lining: 100% Recycled Polyester, Pocket Lining: 100% Polyester, Body: 100% Recycled Polyester | Color Options: 2
Pros:
- Available in regular, petite and plus sizes
- Long for extra warmth and coverage
- An excellent hooded puffer jacket with a ultra-plush high-loft fleece
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Its length can make it difficult to move when the coat is fully buttoned and zipped
This cozy, lightweight hooded puffer has super soft, high-loft fleece in the lining to keep you warm. Plus, it’s machine washable, so it’s easy to clean.
New York Post Review: “My parents gifted me an L.L. Bean puffer coat (I know, sweet) two or three winters ago, and it still looks like new! It’s roomy enough that I can wear the thickest sweater beneath without looking bulky, and the hood fully covers my head to block the wind. I’m close to 5’6, and its length can be a bit much, but it’s lightweight yet warm and my go-to coat most chilly days.” – Holly J Coly, editor, commerce updates
Size Options: XXS-XL in Regular, Petite and Plus | Material: 100% recycled polyester, lining: 100% recycled polyester fleece, insulation: 100% recycled polyester | Color Options: 5
Pros:
- Added black as a limited-time color in addition to its four standard shades
- Easy to wear while driving
- Very flattering to your body
Cons:
- Colors are selling out fast
If you like puffer jackets but dislike how they can swallow your frame, try something like this. Its cinched bottom gives structure and highlights the silhouette. Available in three colors, the jacket is lightweight enough to layer over a sweater without making you overheat. It also has hidden zippered pockets!
Size Options: XS-L | Material:100% Nylon and weather-resistant recycled ripstop | Color Options: 5
Pros:
- A large variety of colors is available
- Sizing reaches up to XXL
- The hood is removable
- Faux fur didn’t harm any animals
Cons:
- Several colors and sizes are already sold out
- Creating faux fur adds to our environmental problem
- Hand wash only
The standard fit women’s parka hits at the mid-thigh with a V-shaped drop-tail hem that offers extra coverage in the back. Its convertible design includes a removable hood and removable faux-fur trim, allowing you to adjust the style and warmth to your liking.
Size Options: XS-XXXL | Material: Hand Wash Only | Color Options: 17
Pros:
- Also available in two alternative fabrics
- Cropped is a major trending style
Cons:
- Sell-out risk
- Fit does not allow for extensive layering under the coat
Cropped coats are having a major moment, and this herringbone puffer is the ultimate sophisticated alternative to your standard sporty gear. It delivers a polished, Ivy League aesthetic without sacrificing warmth. Meaghan Roche, our Senior Manager of SEO Commerce, snapped up an earlier version of this coat back in 2022 and still wears it to the office on repeat. It’s held up beautifully—she loves it just as much today as the day she bought it.
Size Options: XXS-XL | Material: Filling:100% Recycled Polyester Fibers / Lining:100% Polyester / Shell:54% Recycled Wool, 46% Polyester | Color Options: 3
Pros:
- Great value
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Some of the colors are selling out fast and may not be in stock for much longer
If you’re going for cool, this chic zip-up puffer is cropped at the waist and features multiple colors. The high collar provides extra protection against the wind, making you glad you bought this coat, especially on the coldest days.
Other brands to consider for budget buys are Old Navy and Calvin Klein.
Size Options: S-XL | Material: 100% Polyester | Color Options: 11
Pros:
- A wide variety of shades to choose from
- Chin guard protects your neck from the cold
Cons:
- Runs small, consider sizing up
With the built-in soft chin guard built into Columbia’s quilted puffer jacket, there’s no need for a scarf. Made from synthetic materials, this puffer stays dry even when soaked, ensuring warmth and comfort in all conditions.
If you enjoy Columbia, you may also like Patagonia for its sustainable mindset and ability to equip you for outdoor adventures.
Size Options: XS-XXXL | Material: 100% Nylon; 100% Polyester | Color Options: 5
Pros:
- Using 750-fill-power down means you get incredible warmth without the crushing weight of a traditional heavy parka
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Sellout risk is high
- Light color gets dirty faster
If you’re walking around a city, this is the coat you need to survive winter — especially if you live in New York or Chicago. Forty-nine and one-half inch length provides essential full-body coverage against the biting drafts with material that is unfazed by temperatures as low as negative thirteen degrees Fahrenheit.
Size Options: XS-XL | Material: Lined, with 750-fill-power 90% down, 10% feather fill | Color Options: 2
How we tested
To find the best puffer jackets on the market, we tested several options based on four essential criteria: warmth, durability, weight, and price.
- Warmth: We tested jackets in varying temperatures, from mild fall days to freezing winter conditions, to assess how well each puffer trapped heat and protected against cold. Jackets were rated on their insulation material, fill power, and performance in sub-zero temperatures.
- Durability: Durability was tested by wearing the jackets during regular activities such as commuting, hiking, and outdoor chores. We also assessed the jacket’s resistance to wear and tear, such as fabric abrasions and zipper functionality. Some did not pass the test and didn’t make our list.
- Weight: The weight of the jacket was considered based on comfort, activity and practicality. Lightweight jackets were tested for their ability to pack down without compromising warmth, while heavier options were evaluated on how much they protected against cold without feeling too cumbersome.
- Price: We evaluated jackets across a range of prices, considering whether each jacket’s features justified its cost. A higher price doesn’t always equate to better performance, so we considered factors like brand reputation, warranty, and overall value for money.
What is the best puffer jacket for very cold weather?
There are a variety of outerwear brands that make exceptional puffer jackets for women. Some of them include:
- Canada Goose: Known for premium and durable puffer jackets, Canada Goose is considered the best of the best by many. The brand’s coats feature downfill and lots of functional features, and are amazingly warm, even in frigid temperatures.
- Moncler: If you like luxury, you like Moncler. It’s known for its high-quality and fashion-forward puffer jackets, each sleek and functional.
- The North Face: The North Face has a large selection of puffer jackets that are well-suited for outdoor activities. They’re durable, high-quality, warm and offer a fit many enjoy.
- Columbia: Featuring a variety of insulated jackets, Columbia makes wonderful coats for everyday, as well as cold weather outdoor activities.
Are North Face puffers still in style?
Absolutely. North Face never goes out of style. Just ask Kim Kardashian, who recently collaborated with the brand for a SKIMS collection that sold out immediately. North Face jackets are designed for outdoor adventures while maintaining a stylish edge, making them a go-to choice for fashion enthusiasts and ski lovers alike.
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post’s office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from designer launches, sales and dupes to the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to luxurious silk pajama brands, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.
