With long days of winter ahead across the United States, you know you need a puffer jacket, especially if you live in the arctic metropolitan area that is New York City. Living in NYC and having to endure 30-degree weather and snow almost every two weeks, I will always have a puffer jacket on my body at all times (until I suddenly sweat from walking too fast or walking up a bunch of stairs).
Anyway, this article will not just show the same puffer jackets; instead, it will show different puffer jackets with different types (lightweight, regular, hooded, non-hooded, etc.). If you want to know which puffer jackets you would like to wear before the popsicles and sunset at 8 PM time period rolls in, read the guide to find out.
Regular Puffers
If you’re curious about what the puffs in a puffer jacket are, they are insulation material, made from down feathers or synthetic material, and then they are sewn into small pockets called “baffles,” which trap air, creating the puffs. Puffer jackets are sufficient garments for going well with any winter outfit, shielding your body from extreme cold weather, snowstorms, heavy wind, and rain.
Lightweight Jackets
The type of weather outside determines what kind of jacket you wear. If you’re stepping out the door and it’s not so chilly but not so hot either (like 50-60°), then you would need a lightweight jacket. Lightweight jackets are basically regular puffer jackets but thinner and weigh less than a heavy parka, with an average lightweight jacket weighing about 1-2 pounds, compared to the parka, which is 4-6 pounds.
Hooded Jackets
These are the type of jackets you wear when you have to urgently be somewhere, but unfortunately, it is raining or snowing, so instead of wearing the non-hooded puffer jacket you like, you opt for the hooded puffer jacket instead. Depending on the type of hooded jacket you buy, hooded jackets always work best for any type of weather situation and are highly recommended if you want to look stylish (if paired with faux fur).
Non-hooded Jackets
Most people don’t like hooded jackets because it’s probably not necessary for their fashion needs; that’s why they go for non-hooded puffer jackets. In my opinion, non-hooded jackets give a sophisticated look, an abundant fashionable appeal, and unparalleled comfort for people’s necks.
Sleeveless
Now, sleeveless is the type of jacket you wear when you’re living in a place where it is 30 degrees today but 60 degrees tomorrow or when you just don’t want the heavy sleeves from a regular puffer jacket sweating up your arms and stuff (or that’s just me, probably). For my recommendation on how to style a sleeveless jacket, pair it with a white or other lighter-colored sweater, green or black cargo pants, baggy pants, loose pants, etc., and sleek Vans or Nike shoes (but you can style it however you want!).
Best Lightweight Jacket: Down Sweater Hoody
Patagonia introduces a simple, yet fashionable, lightweight jacket that brings comfort and warmth while protecting you from the rain and wind. The jacket goes well for those wanting to not carry an extra bulky jacket with them when they’re traveling or for those who want to easily layer the jacket. Whether you are going through the cold weather in New York City or strong, gusty winds while you’re walking on a beach, this jacket is made for you.
Best review: “This jacket is great! It’s incredibly warm for how little it weighs and how easily it packs down, making it very convenient for travel and layering. On its own, it doesn’t perform very well in strong wind or rain, but when paired with a shell, it’s great for almost all Western Canadian weather.” – Jacob P.
Colors: 7
For North Face Lovers: Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Where do I even begin with North Face’s wonderfully crafted puffer jackets? The North Face proves its testament of warmth and style right by creating this insulated puffer jacket with an endless number of colors that pair perfectly with any outfit. Offering an array of eight sizes, the North Face Retro Nuptse jacket is perfectly made for anyone and can be styled by anyone, no matter their size.
Best review: “I love this jacket. I usually wear a small or a medium in women’s, and I got this in a men’s XS, and it fits perfectly!! Considering I live in California; it keeps me warm. I like to wear it over a crew neck sweatshirt!” – Jurmay
Colors: 7
Unmatched Hooded with Top-Tier Comfort: Hooded Puffer Jacket
I have an obsession with oversized puffer jackets that I just can’t seem to explain. Not only does this product from the high-quality fashion house Zara excel at offering unmatched comfort with its moderately sized hood and huge puffer jacket that looks like you’re wearing a cloud on your body, but it also provides a relaxed and warm fit that will make you feel like you’re lying down next to a fireplace.
Best Non-hooded Jacket: Responsible Down Puffer Jacket
Quince provides us with a flawlessly sewn, non-hooded jacket that showcases its fine silhouette and a cool black finish. They also make sure that every buyer is pleased and protected with their product by adding water repellency and wind resistance, as well as warmth in up to -48 °F/-44 °C. I can say, as a person who loves wearing black for everything, this jacket is nicely done.
Best review: “Excellent jacket. Warm. Material in one pocket not sewn correctly with bunching of material—not a major problem/not worth returning over. Wish it was longer. Not a perfect jacket, but perfect for the price. It’s very warm! Buy a size up for layering.” – Henry H.
Colors: 5
For Sleeveless Vest Lovers
If you’re a vest and North Face lover at the same time, you’re going to love this one. They have an excellent breathable material, water-repellency, and a relaxed fit. Just like the Nuptse puffer jacket, they offer eight sizes and unique two-tone colors.
Best review: “I ordered this for my boyfriend for Christmas this year because he loved the Nuptse Jacket I got him last year. The two-tone color is very nice and it’s of good quality. I will be ordering one for myself soon.” – Johnathan
Colors: 3
