When it’s sub-zero outside – on those cold winter days that make you feel like you’re limbs are literally going to freeze solid and snap off – it’s at this very moment that we say – thank you, Mr Eddie Bauer, for creating the puffer! You’re a bloody legend.
There have obviously been a few modern variations over the years but the concept pretty much remains the same. The key is understanding where you want to wear it, and what for.
First, there are a few things you’ll want to consider, such as how your puffer’s insulation performs in the conditions you’re going to use it in. If you’re buying goose or duck down, then be aware that moisture such as rain and snow can quickly turn you into a shivering wreck without the right exterior shell – so water resistance is really important.
If you’re using your jacket to explore the great outdoors, synthetic insulation offers great movement, warmth and breathability on climbs, slopes or altitude treks. They’re also great for transitions in varying conditions and generally easier to store. Synthetic is less green in an ever more eco-conscious world, however, strides have been made to change this recently, and you can even buy synthetic-down hybrids.
There are also other things to think of, such as do you need a hood to protect yourself from winds? Do you need a hip cut to free up leg movement or something longer if you plan to be less mobile?
Whether you’re out for a statement winter piece or something for your next mountain adventure – here we’ll help you find the perfect puffer to keep you snug and stylish throughout the cold season.
The North Face
US outerwear giant, The North Face, has been specialising in climbing outerwear since 1966 when Douglas and Susie Tomkins opened their first retail store in San Francisco. They’ve put their years of experience in some of the world’s most inhospitable climates to great use, and now create pieces for that can be used by mountaineers and city slickers alike, such as their HUGE range of men's puffer jackets.
Most of The North Face's puffer jackets use 100% duck down but also feature a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) shell that offers great protection from the wind and rain.
Uniqlo
Japnese high-street giants Uniqlo have made their name from simplicity, getting the basics right and creating well-made clothing for those with a tighter budget.
Their fantastic range of puffer jackets will keep you warm when you’re on the go, whether you’re on your way to meet mates or you're on that chilly morning commute. Insulated by 90% down and 10% feathers and featuring water-repellent (for light rain) nylon shells, Uniqlo have puffer jackets in an array of colours and styles that will all keep you warm in effortless style.
Mountain Hardware
Californian brand Mountain Hardwear has been inspiring outdoor enthusiasts with their clothing solutions since 1993. They’re not super expensive and produce some real quality garments, such as their range of men's puffer jackets.
Incredibly stretchy, perfect for treks and climbs, as well as being light and easy to pack. Mountain Hardware's puffers are made with a knit fabric that offers more comfort than standard down alternatives and retains maximum loft even when wet. For an allrounder puffer jacket, you can't go past Mountain Hardware.
ASOS Design
ASOS, the British online retailer was founded in 2000, and since then they have primarily aimed their clothing at young adults, but they do have clothing appropriate for older adults too. They are extremely committed to creating clothing that allows people to have total freedom, to experiment, and to feel confident with their fashion choices.
ASOS Design has a huge range of puffer jackets; from long lengths to short, and in every colour imaginable. If you’re after a puffer jacket that’ll give you a cool street-style edge but will also let you stay warm in colder temperatures, ASOS Design is the brand for you.
Arc'Teryx
Arc’teryx has been at the forefront of Canadian technical outdoor apparel since 1989 from their native North Vancouver home. They’re closely associated with climbing, snowboarding and hiking related activities so they definitely know a thing or two about the cold.
Their Cerium LT Jacket is a versatile, lightweight puffer with exceptional warmth. It can be worn as a mid-layer or on its own whether you’re trekking cross-country or popping into town for a spot of shopping. Arcteryx has used down composite mapping to give a trimmer, insulated fit without losing out on warmth - all protected by The Arato 10 shell.
Outerknown
Kelly Slater’s Outerknown label may have only been around a couple of years but they’re making big strides with sustainable clothing. Their light and stylish puffer is for those who are neither rich nor cheapskates, as it sits, price-wise, somewhere comfortably in the middle. Outerknown's mid-layer jacket is ideal to use outdoors and as a fashion piece thanks to its small baffles and the stylish two hues it's available in. As you would expect, its insulation is made up of recycled polyester with a natural DWR coating. It’s also super compact and easy to throw in a backpack or carry-on for a weekend away.
Boohoo Man
"Fashion's best kept secret", Boohoo Man combines cutting edge design with an affordable price tag. Pushing boundaries to bring you the latest styles but with less of a strain on your wallet, Boohoo Man's philosophy is to not take fashion (or life) too seriously; and the result is menswear that is playful and trendy yet surprisingly affordable.
Boohoo Man’s range of men’s puffer jackets has stylishly reinvented the winter wardrobe staple, with sharp shoulders, fashionable finishes, and contemporary colourways. Boohoo Man’s puffer jackets will allow you to stay warm while staying on trend.
Stone Island
Stone Island was founded in Italy by Massimo Osti in 1982 and has become a leader in high-quality sports casual wear - made for dapper chaps in jeans and sneakers.
Their take on the puffer jacket slightly reinvents the classic puffer style and is somewhere between a bomber and a ski jacket. Either way, Stone Island's puffer jackets look great, and with most featuring a full down fill with a nylon shell, they will definitely keep you warm and cosy.
Belstaff
Belstaff is a British brand with a real heritage going back to 1924 that has recently become popular with hip motorcyclists.
With water-repellent technologies, Belstaff's puffer jackets are designed to hold their own whether you’re commuting to work or hiking in the great outdoors, Belstaff’s puffers all exude style and substance.
Fjallraven
If you want to brave the winter in Sweden you’ve got to have a jacket that’s up to the task. Stockholm brand Fjallraven has been on the go since 1960, producing expedition level outerwear made to withstand those cutting Scandinavian chills.
Fjallraven's men's puffer jackets will keep you feeling super warm thanks to duck downs and feather fills, nylon DWR shells (free from PFC), and a zip closures with storm flaps for those cutting winter winds.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a standard-bearer in the world of winter outerwear. For nearly 50 years they have been producing innovative layers for some of the planet’s most testing conditions. Their Nano Puff jacket is all the best things the brand offer rolled into one nice, compact package.
The ripstop shell is made from 100% recycled polyester with DWR properties and a brick quilted pattern. Excellent warmth is assured thanks to 60g Prima-Loft Gold Insulation, which is a blend of highly compressible, recycled fabrics that also offer water resistance. It’s also bluesign and fairtrade certified, meaning it’s not only made from sustainable fabrics but it’s also ethically produced.
River Island
At River Island, great design is at the heart of everything they create. Founded in 1948, the UK brand is one of the best known on the High Street, and prides itself on producing stylish yet affordable fashion. Catering to men, women, and kids, River Island also sells exquisite footwear and accessories.
River Island has a small range of puffer jackets in modern urban styles as well as classic quilted styles. Available in timeless blacks, navys, and khakis, River Island’s puffer jackets will keep you warm in sleek style.
Canada Goose
Canada Goose has been at the top of its game in the outerwear industry since 1957. The Ontario-based company creates men's puffer jackets that literally feel like you’re wearing a duvet, due to their softness, warmth, and just the right amount of weight. Available in different styles and colours, Canada Goose make some of the best puffer jackets, in terms of both style and quality, on the market.
Moncler
Founded in 1952 by René Ramillion and André Vincent, Moncler is an abbreviation of Monestier-de-Clermont, the town in which they came from near Grenoble in the French Alps. They initially started making jackets to protect walkers from the cold and have pretty much stayed at the top since.
Moncler’s puffer jacket range is nothing short of extensive, and all are just as capable as the next; exuding Moncler style in spades and all filled with down insulation, a Moncler puffer jacket will keep you warm in style.
RAINS
Danish outerwear and rainwear specialist RAINS is an example of what can be achieved when you want to combine slick, minimalist style with high-performance clothing. Stocking true to its Scandinavian roots, RAINS jackets offer clean lines, neutral colours and substance in spades.
Their Trekker jacket performs best during transitional periods between Autumn and Winter, although unfortunately it might not hold up against sub-zero temperatures. But as a breathable, waterproof layer that benefits from synthetic insulation that will indeed stand up against inclement weather, it’s one of the best currently available.
