When temperatures dip into minus numbers as they have today, there's only one thing for it: bring out a puffer jacket. Not only are the padded styles practical, but they also look effortlessly stylish (with minimal effort) and are arguably one of the best coats to invest in. This is presumably why Emily Ratajkowski has an entire collection, which she has been wearing on rotation over the last few weeks. And over in Milan, where Fashion Week Men's is in full swing, practically every guest at the shows has been puffer-clad.
From Miu Miu to JW Anderson's collab with Moncler Genius, the puffers on show in Italy's fashion capital have some serious fashion clout, reminding us that battling the elements doesn't have to mean sacrificing one's style.
New York is known to bring one of the harshest of winters, and celebrities like Sienna Miller, Katie Holmes, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber all swear by puffers to get them through on the East Coast. Most recently, Irina Shayk wore a black Moncler puffer to celebrate her birthday and then, over the weekend, she was spotted in a puffer so enormous and enveloping that you'd be forgiven for thinking she'd left home with her actual duvet.
In all fairness, these coats are the clothing equivalent of a duvet day, which is part of their appeal. We’re betting that one out of every four people you pass on the street over the next few days – with bitterly cold conditions expected to stay put in much of the UK - will be wearing one in a bid to keep warm.
They're XXL in size, 100% snug and totally unafraid of taking up space. Emrata's red coat (above) is from Ienki Ienki, the Ukrainian brand which is the absolute king of the fashion puffer jacket, delivering supersized coats that are as playful as they are practical. Hailey Bieber, who wore hers as part of a top-to-toe grey gym look, has a preference for Prada.
They might be considered high-fashion now, but many editors are long-time fans. ‘I’ve lived in these coats ever since I grew up in cold Montreal winters,’ says Caroline Issa, fashion director of Tank. ‘What I love is how stylish they’ve become.’ From longer-line styles to short, cropped versions, the puffer is clearly the coat of choice for the fashion set. And not just because it's so warm (and the pockets are deep enough for all manner of snacks). As much as we've seen trench coats and leather jackets make an appearance year-in, year out, looks like there's another legendary coat making a comeback. All hail the power puffer jacket.
SHOP: The Best Puffer Jackets To Shop
www.zara.com
This will keep you super warm and stylish, plus it has a hood for rainy days. It has been tested in the lab to withstand temperatures between -5ºC and -20ºC, so you'll be well protected from the cold snap.
www.net-a-porter.com
Moncler has over 70 years of experience designing serious coats that will keep you warm but which also have a design edge. Irina Shayk has this exact jacket; the nipped-in waist means it's more flattering than most puffers, plus the water-resistant glossed-shell is quilted to keep the insulating down filling perfectly distributed throughout.
www.thenorthface.co.uk
Don't mess with a classic. The outdoors outfitter The North Face knows its outerwear and does it so well. To all the lovers of the great outdoors - this one's for you. It's even on sale now, with 30% off.
Mango Hood Quilted Coat
This is selling fast and it's not hard to see why. It's a classic design in goes-with-anything black and, with its longer length, is easier to wear than its cropped counterparts. As well as that, it's under £90.
www.theoutnet.com
Whilst we love a classic black puffer, this lime green print Ganni jacket is a great fashion forward option.
www.farfetch.com
The brand loved by EmRata for surviving NY snow storms, Ienki Ienki's hooded coat also comes in blue. You will be snug as a bug in this jacket, while the hood will give you added protection from the rain (or even sleet).
www.theoutnet.com
Stand Studio have tonnes of great puffer jacket options, look for longline lengths for extra warmth.
Albaraywww.albaray.co.uk
Scarf coats are a thing this year, so you'll be ticking off two trends in one with this Albaray Khaki Scarf Padded Coat that will keep you extra cosy and warm.
H&Mwww2.hm.com
You'll never lose your friends again in this firetruck red Hooded Down Jacket from H&M. Red coats can certainly make a statement no matter the occasion.
www.lululemon.co.uk
Lululemon's iconic cropped jacket does what is says on the tin: it's stylish and ultimately practical. Whether you're on an early morning gym run or are popping into the pub on Sunday afternoon - you'll always be dressed appropriately.
www.stories.com
This is the perfect in-between length if you want something that's not too long. It is also perfectly oversized and looks far more expensive than it is. Bonus.
What Is A Puffer Jacket?
Often seen very fluffy and padded out, a puffer coat - also known as a down jacket or quilted jacket - is a type of insulated outerwear designed to keep you warm in cold weather. You'll recognize the choice by its quilted or padded appearance, created by filling it with down or synthetic insulation (making it a great winter or autumn coat).
Made with warmth in mind, these quilted coats are a great choice for those cold winter months when you'll want to throw on anything that will keep you cosy. In recent years, they've become a stylish choice so are one to invest in, whether you're planning to wear it out out or just on the school run.
What Size Puffer Coat Should I Buy?
When it comes to puffer coats, often the bigger the better. You just have to look at icons like Rihanna to see that oversized is in. With that being said, if you just want to invest in a puffer coat to wear every day, you'll want to check the sizing chart of the retailer you're buying from. We'd recommend going up a size to allow for layering thick jumpers in wintertime.
How Do You Choose The Best Puffer Jacket?
There are several question you should ask yourself before investing into a new puffer jacket. When do you want to wear your puffer coat? Are you planning on taking it with you on outdoors activities only or are you also planning on wearing it in your day-to-day life? Of course, you should also consider what pieces of outerwear you already have in your wardrobe so you can choose a style that you will get the most wear out of. Do you already own a red coat of some sort? Opt for the black puffer jacket then and buy something that’ll last you for the seasons to come. Other things to consider are hood or hood? Long or short? Patterned or plain? We’ve put this year’s offering to the test and the jackets above are the ones that have made our shortlist for a variety of reasons. Whatever your needs, you’ll find a style to suit your taste in our carefully curated edit.
Natalie Hammond is the Senior Fashion News Editor for Grazia UK.