With the seasonal chill fast approaching, it’s likely that most guys are desperately rummaging through the back of their wardrobe in the hopes that their winter kit hasn’t been devoured by moths or accidentally dumped in a charity bin.
If the worst has happened, then it might be time to hit the shops. Men’s puffer vests sit in the middle territory between autumn and winter, where it’s not cold enough to re-introduce your sentimental anorak, but a lightweight cardi just doesn’t bring the heat.
These winter wonders have quite a history. Washingtonian outdoorsman and all-around tough guy Eddie Bauer revolutionised the puffer vest in the closing days of the 1930s. He had spent enough time in the unforgiving cold of Washington State to know that you needed as much thermal firepower as you could get if you wanted to survive a frosty night out.
After a risky weekend in the snow that nearly ended his adventurous life, Bauer put his inventor hat on and got cracking. He stuffed a quilted jacket full of down feathers (ensuring they were proportionately deployed inside the jacket for optimal insulation). The puffer jacket, and by extension men’s puffer vest, was born.
Men’s puffer vests and their jacket siblings became popular among outdoorsmen, athletes, and soldiers who had to hike, climb, and machine-gun their way through relentless arctic conditions and come out the other side hypothermia free.
While it’s likely you’re not heading to the DMZ in Korea or the coldest fringes of Oregon this weekend, a puffer vest is a sensible addition to your wardrobe for those encroaching nippy mornings. These vests both fit right into a smart casual corporate look and won’t land you at the bottom of the style bin over the weekend.
Outerknown
1/19
Pros
- They use organic materials
- Signing up for the newsletter gives you 15% off your first order
- They have a varied collection of puffer vests
- They can be scrunched up into a bag when you don’t wear them
Cons
- You must pay more than $135 for free shipping
Understanding that surfers can catch a chill too, Outerknown, the surf brand has a comprehensive range of puffer vests and gilets to its name. As with everything else in the label’s collection, sustainable and recycled materials are used as much as possible, so you feel extra cosy knowing you’re doing good for the environment.
Outerknown’s puffer vests are filled with responsibly-sourced down, which also makes them incredibly light and malleable, so they can be scrunched up into a bag when not needed. Every style and colour in Outerknown’s puffer vest men’s range looks damn fine, and will be the perfect top layer for you this winter.
Uniqlo
2/19
Pros
- They have more affordable vests
- The designs are simple and appealing
- You can get them in multiple bold colours
- Very lightweight and warm at the same time
- They have a water-repellent coating
Cons
- They may not last that long
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing company that produces high quality, functional, and affordable clothing. They design and manufacture every item in-house to ensure it meets their high quality standards. Their unique, unfussy designs are typically Japanese yet have international appeal thanks to this simplicity.
Uniqlo has a great range of men’s puffer vests in a variety of neutral and bold colours. All feature a water-repellent coating and are extremely lightweight despite a fill power of 640 or greater, meaning you’ll stay toasty warm.
The North Face
3/19
Pros
- You can choose from different colours and styles
- Great for all men regardless of the style
- They’re lightweight but don’t sacrifice warmth and comfort
- They’re made from recycled materials
Cons
- Some of them run large
For decades, The North Face has been producing exceptional outwear to suit any condition. Not only have they captured the outdoor lifestyle market, but their clothing has become increasingly popular with hype beasts and dads alike.
The North Face has a huge range of high performance puffer vests in a variety of styles and colours. No matter which one you choose you’re guaranteed a lightweight puffer vest that’ll keep you warm no matter the conditions.
Patagonia
4/19
Pros
- High-quality vests that will not deteriorate easily
- They’re resistant to water and wind
- Made from traceable down that makes them compressible and lightweight
Cons
- Not all colours are attractive
Founded by American explorer Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia has adventure running through its veins. Not only do they create ultra-high quality gear, but their products are ethically made and environmentally conscious. Built to perform in any conditions, even the board room, Patagonia’s a brand you definitely need to check out.
Patagonia has a few men’s puffer vest styles on offer in multiple colours, that are all wind and water-resistant. Made with traceable down, any one of Patagonia’s vests will keep you extremely warm while being lightweight and compressible.
Filson
5/19
Pros
- They offer extra comfort
- The vests are water-resistant
- Ideal for people who like to spend their time outdoors
Cons
- They’re on the pricier side
Filson, founded in 1897, has become renowned for its reliable products and is highly praised by outdoor enthusiasts for its tough yet comfortable clothing. Filson has one puffer vest on offer, but it is available in three different colours. Insulated with responsibly sourced goose down for ultimate warmth, Filson’s puffer vest is made with an ultralight ripstop shell, meaning it’s highly compressible and will take up little room in a pack or bag. Plus, the puffer vest is water-resistant, meaning it’ll keep you protected in light rain or snow.
Arc'teryx
6/19
Pros
- Clothing recommended by both amateurs and professionals
- Puffer vests that use a DWR-treated shell
- They offer great warmth and insulation
Cons
- They’re quite expensive
Named after one of the first known birds, Arc’teryx makes a range of outdoor gear with the ultimate aim of being disruptive and evolutionary in the outdoor clothing market. Their clothing is globally renowned and highly recommended by outdoor and skiing enthusiasts; both professionals and amateurs alike.
Their Piedmont puffer vest is made with 750 fill down for ultimate insulation and warmth, and features a DWR treated shell so the vest will repel light rain and snow.
RAB
7/19
Pros
- They use innovative technology to make sure their vests meet the highest standards
- Very lightweight
- They are windproof, breathable, and weather-resistant
- They can easily fit under ski or alpine shells
Cons
- Some vests run small
RAB is a British outerwear brand that specialises in making both clothing and equipment for climbing and mountaineering. They use cutting edge technology in all of their garments to ensure they perform to the highest standards, and their puffer vests are no exception.
RAB’s men’s puffer vests are lightweight as well as extremely insulated and warm with featherless down. RAB’s puffer vests are also quite tailored for a snug fit.
Fjallraven
8/19
Pros
- Durable designs that won’t need to be replaced easily
- They are DWR-coated to keep you protected from snow and rain
- The 700 fill down keeps heat trapped
Cons
- They’re not the cheapest vests
From the cold climate of Sweden, Fjallraven makes a range of outdoor clothing and accessories. Most famous for their Kånken backpack, a bag that is both durable and stylish, Fjallraven places an emphasis on quality with all of their products.
Fjallraven’s puffer vests are made with 700 fill down which traps heat for efficient, lightweight warmth. All of their puffer vests are also DWR coated to protect you from light rain and snow.
Canada Goose
9/19
Pros
- They can make any man look stylish and feel confident
- Spacious pockets to store your possessions
- They offer more warmth thanks to the down insulation
Cons
- They’re not for people with lower budgets
Canada Goose and their iconic patch has become a symbol of both status and quality. Filled with exclusively selected Canadian goose down, jackets and vests made by Canada Goose are some of the best performing around.
Canada Goose’s puffer vests for men are lightweight, water-repellent, warm yet lightweight thanks to goose down fill, and feature ‘thermal mapping’ which places insulation where you need it most. Available in a variety of styles and colours, while Canada Goose is on the expensive side, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better puffer vest than the ones Canada Goose offers.
Stone Island
10/19
Pros
- They have distinct stylish patch buttons on their left sleeve
- They use feather down to maintain warmth
- The vests are available in multiple styles and colours
Cons
- It may be hard to find your perfect size
Stone Island is a luxurious Italian outerwear brand that combines typical Italian style with functionality. Their distinct patch that buttons onto the left sleeve of all of their clothing has become an icon in its own right. Stone Island is a favourite in British football culture as well as a favourite of rapper, Drake, who has helped make Stone Island increasingly popular in hip-hop culture.
Stone Island has an extensive range of men’s puffer vests in different colours and styles. All lightweight but extremely warm with feather down, if you’re after a high performing yet stylish puffer vest, you can’t go wrong with Stone Island.
Marine Layer
11/19
Pros
- Made for comfort
- They use RDS-certified down without harming animals
- They have reversible puffer vests for more versatility
Cons
- There aren’t a lot of colour options available
Marine Layer was founded to put comfort, fit, and softness at the forefront of everyday essentials – tees, sweaters, pants, hoodies, etc. – resulting in clothing that’s exceptionally well-made, comfortable, and stylish.
Marine Layer’s puffer vest has a completely water-resistant coating to keep you dry and is made with RDS-certified down from animals that aren’t subjected to unnecessary harm or cruelty. Plus, the puffer vest is reversible so you can either rock the retro side with navy, white, and green colours or wear it inside out for a simple solid navy blue.
L.L. Bean
12/19
Pros
- Incredible comfort maintained
- The vests are durable and will not deteriorate easily
- You get 10% off your first order when signing up to the newsletter
Cons
- Some vests are too big
Founded in 1912, L.L. Bean is a leading manufacturer of quality outdoor gear and apparel. L.L. Bean believes that the more time you spend outside, the better, which is why they design high-quality and comfortable products that make it easier for you to enjoy the outdoors, no matter the activity or the weather.
L.L. Bean has a huge puffer vest men’s range that includes lightweight down options as well as classic and PrimaLoft styles. Available in a variety of colours and prints, no matter what weight or style of puffer vest you’re after, L.L. Bean will have it.
Mountain Hardwear
13/19
Pros
- They’re very easy to pack
- They maintain their shape even when they get wet
- They’re very lightweight
Cons
- The product range is not too large
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 vests.
Incredibly stretchy, perfect for treks and climbs, as well as being light and easy to pack. Mountain Hardware’s puffer vests for men are made with a knit fabric that offers more comfort than standard down alternatives and retains maximum loft even when wet.
RAINS
14/19
Pros
- Made from synthetic insulation
- They come in classic colours
- Minimalist styles for men who like simple outfits
Cons
- They are on the pricier side
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 vest is breathable and waterproof and is made with synthetic insulation for warmth. Available in three classic colours, this is a puffer vest to most definitely add to your wardrobe.
ASOS Design
15/19
Pros
- An affordable brand
- Great for men who like the street style
- They have spacious pockets for storing your belongings
Cons
- You can only return items within 14 days
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. Under their own label, ASOS Design, the retailer is 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 men’s puffer vests in every colour imaginable. If you’re after a puffer vest 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.
Columbia
16/19
Pros
- The vests are great for hiking
- They have a comfortable stretch that offers freedom of movement
- There’s a chin guard that is abrasion-resistant
Cons
- They may be on the larger side
You should be familiar with the Columbia brand name. Famed for its range of outdoor technical gear, covering everything from clothing to footwear to equipment, the Oregon-based company produces apparel and equipment to go up against any challenge (and win).
Columbia has a great range of men’s puffer vests all of which are insulated with down for ultimate warmth. Some offer waterproof shells while others can be packed up into the smallest fold, so no matter what type of puffer vest you’re after Columbia will have it; in a variety of colours, we might add.
Boohoo Man
17/19
Pros
- They’re very affordable
- Stylish designs for all men
- Ideal for chilly days
Cons
- They aren’t the best for cold weather
“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 vests are contemporary and affordable; meaning these vests aren’t suitable for extremely cold weather but will keep you looking good on days where it’s a little bit chilly.
Mackage
18/19
Pros
- Made from sustainable down
- You can get them in various colours
- They mix fashion and function perfectly
Cons
- They’re a bit pricey
Founded in 1999, Mackage has grown into one of the most prestigious contemporary outerwear brands worldwide. Renowned for their outerwear that has a unique balance between fashion and function, Mackage combines the finest leathers, down, and wool to create garments with outstanding quality and style.
Mackage has a few styles of men’s puffer vests on offer. All are lightweight and made with sustainable down. Available in multiple colours, these puffer vests are sure to keep you protected in style.
AETHER
19/19
Pros
- Ideal for casual days or hiking
- They use PrimaLoft silver insulation
- They’re wind and water-resistant
Cons
- They don’t have many vests in stock
AETHER was founded in 2009 with one goal; to create a men’s collection that looked at home in the city but was built to withstand the outdoors. Founded by city dwellers with a passion for the outdoors, AETHER’s clothing is extremely functional but stylish; meaning you can wear their gear whether you’re hiking up a mountain or going for lunch in the city.
AETHER’s puffer vests are filled with PrimaLoft silver insulation making them suitable for wear in any kind of cold weather and are water and wind-resistant. AETHER’s vests are available in a few different styles and colours too.