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Getting dressed during the winter is no easy task, with temperatures fluctuating daily and unpredictable rainfall. Parkas can sometimes feel like overkill, but sweaters just aren’t enough. On top of that, you still want something that feels stylish and fashion-forward, which is no easy feat when you’re talking functionality first. Here’s where down and puffer jackets come in.
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At a Glance: The Best Down and Puffer Jackets of 2024
“I think the puffer jacket is the icon of winter outfits! Forget the idea that it’s only for skiing or all about being super technical – I’m all about how versatile and cool it is,” Marzia Bellotti, founder and creative director of luxury outerwear brand, Khrisjoy, tells Rolling Stone. “You can rock a puffer with anything, anywhere, and totally make a style statement.”
The Best Down or Puffer Jackets of 2024
There are a lot of down jackets out there, and not all of them are worth their price tag. If you don’t have a puffer jacket in your rotation — or need a new one — we’ve rounded up some of the best down and puffer jackets to buy right now, including technical down jackets for rugged adventures, affordable options, and stylish, office-friendly puffers to warm up your commute.
BEST OVERALL DOWN JACKET
Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket
$279.00
$279.00
A great down jacket’s real talent is versatility: you can wear it backpacking in the rain, or over your office attire. And no down jacket does this better than the Patagonia Down Sweater. It’s as warm and durable as it is slim and lightweight, and the clean look makes it easy to pair with just about anything in your wardrobe. It also keeps out rain thanks to a water-repellent finish, and you get a good selection of colors to choose from. (Currently available in men’s S-M, XL-XXL)
BEST LUXURY DOWN JACKET
Canada Goose Alliston Packable Down Jacket
$1,050.00
$1,050.00
Canada Goose has long been a testament to high-quality outerwear, and this Alliston Packable Puffer Jacket is proof. Designed with a two-way zip closure with a snap storm placket to protect from the outside elements, articulated sleeves, and underarm gussets to enhance fit and range of motion, and reflective details to enhance visibility even on the darkest of nights make this one a hard sell to pass up. (Currently available in women’s 2-6, 12-14).
BEST VERSATILE DOWN JACKET
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
$295.00
$295.00
Looking to add a little color to your transitional wardrobe? Check out this Fuego Hooded Down Jacket from Cotopaxi. The brand’s masterful use of color is put on display, but there’s more than meets the eye with the best-selling jacket. Its 800-fill down is enough to keep you comfortable in a huge range of temperatures, and a DWR finish ensures protection from rain and snow, too. (Currently available in men’s S-XXXL)
BEST BUDGET DOWN JACKET
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket
$129.00
Down jackets can get pricey, but you don’t have to drop a few hundred dollars to get a good one. This Co-op 650 from REI gets you all the cozy warmth and versatility of the best down jackets for $100, and comes in a range of colors to suit your style. It boasts 650-fill-power down for warmth and a DWR finish for rainy hikes or commutes. (Currently available in women’s XS-3X)
BEST EVERYDAY PUFFER JACKET
Aritzia The Super Puff
$235.00
If you’ve ever been on social media (and if you haven’t, what are you doing?), then you know that the Aritzia Super Puff is a viral sensation—and for good reason. Perfectly cropped and filled with lightweight insulation, it’s not only beautifully crafted but it will keep you warm as well. It also comes in a range of colors and styles to suit anyone’s individual taste (Currently available in women’s XXXS-XXL)
BEST DOWN JACKET FOR SKIING
Norrona Tamok Down750 Jacket
$399.00
If you want serious warmth for skiing or any other chilly outdoor adventures, this Norrona Tamok is a great pick. The jacket’s 750-fill down is plenty warm, and the water-repellent shell is one of the most durable that we’ve used. We’re also big fans of the retro-inspired look, complete with color-blocked shoulders and muted colors. (Currently available in men’s S-XXL)
BEST RUGGED DOWN JACKET
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket
$330.00
$329.00
The Ghost Whisperer from Mountain Hardwear is another excellent down jacket for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities where you don’t want a big puffy parka but still need all the warmth. The jacket is slim and very lightweight, staying out of the way while setting up camp or climbing, but still plenty weather resistant with 800-fill hydrophobic down and a DWR coating. (Currently available in men’s S-XL)
BEST STYLISH DOWN JACKET
Moncler Bady Slim Short Down Jacket
$1,870.00
$1,870.00
The price of this Bady Slim Short Down Jacket might seem a bit scary but trust us when we say it’s well worth it. Not only does the down-filled puffer look timeless, meaning it will have some longevity in your wardrobe, but it’s designed with a slimming silhouette so although it will keep you warm, you won’t have the traditional bulk that most puffers do. (Currently available in women’s XXS-XXL)
How We Chose the Best Down and Puffer Jackets
To find the best down jackets, we tried on options from all the best brands and took many of them out in the field for testing. We felt how the jackets fared well in serious cold, but we also wore them in slightly warmer temperatures, as you should be able to wear your down jacket in a range of temperatures. After testing, we also poured over other expert reviews of our favorites to make sure they loved the jackets as much as we did.
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