The 11 Best Puffer Jacket Brands for Winter

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Puffer jackets are one of the most important (and necessary) winter wardrobe items in your closet. Whether you live somewhere that dips into the low 50s or spend nearly all of winter in below freezing temps, a puffer jacket can keep you nice and warm all season long. But, here’s the thing: a jacket that is functional enough to provide warmth in frigid climates can set you back a pretty penny, so knowing where to buy the best puffer jackets is key—and it all comes back to the brand. 

Ahead of the winter season, we’re sharing the best puffer jacket brands—including Canada Goose, Aritzia, and Patagonia—to shop right now so you’re more than prepared for the first frost. 

The Best Puffer Jacket Brands, at a Glance

Best Overall: Canada Goose 
Best Everyday Puffer Jacket Brand: Aritzia 
Best Size Range: Amazon Essentials  
Best Value Puffer Jacket Brand: Quince 
Best For Outdoor Activities: Patagonia 
Best Sporty Puffer Jacket Brand: Nike
Best Packable Puffer Jacket Brand: UNIQLO
Most Stylish Puffer Jacket Brand: Free People
Best Timeless Puffer Jacket Brand: L.L.Bean 
Best Retro Puffer Jacket Brand: The North Face
Best Plus Size Puffer Jacket Brand: Columbia

How Do You Wash a Puffer Jacket? 

Puffer jackets are an item you’ll likely wear every day during the winter season. To keep quality intact, it’s always best to follow the instructions on the jacket’s label. If you aren’t sure, Samantha Brown, a celebrity stylist and author of Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale, recommends washing a puffer jacket inside out and zipped closed on a cool wash setting with gentle detergent. “If you can lay it flat to dry, that is optimal—or run it alone on a low/no heat cycle,” she adds. “To preserve the longevity of the jacket, spot clean as needed and launder less frequently when possible.” 

While you might not have the time—especially in the thick of winter when you need your jacket on a daily basis—dry cleaning is also an option. This is a great way to refresh your jacket at the end of a season before storing it for the next year. 

What Is the Difference Between a Down Jacket and a Puffer Jacket? 

At first glance, puffer jackets and down jackets can look a lot alike—but there is a slight difference between the two. “Down jackets are stuffed with real duck and goose feathers, while puffer is a broader term, inclusive of any puffy or quilted jacket, even if the stuffing is synthetic,” says Brown. 

The Best Puffer Jacket Brands 

The great thing about puffer jackets is there are so many to choose from across a variety of brands, including Canada Goose, Aritzia, Patagonia, and more. When shopping for puffer jackets, Brown says size and silhouette matter. “They can be quite bulky, so make sure to try one on over a thicker layer or styled as you might wear it day to day,” she notes. “Consider the silhouette of the jacket as some are belted or have a defined waist which can minimize the bulkiness,” she adds. 

When shopping for the best puffer jackets, knowing where to look is key. Ahead, we share our top picks for the best puffer jacket brands, including some more budget-friendly options like Amazon Essentials and Quince.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Canada Goose is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.