These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (2024)

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (1)

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We updated this guide in December 2022 based on recent testing from the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. GH analysts added new picks from Uniqlo, Lululemon, Eddie Bauer, The North Face, Aritzia and Abercrombie as well as a shopping guide at the end of this article.

When it's not cold enough for a thick winter coat but you still need more warmth than just a leather jacket, puffer vests are the perfect transitional piece as the temperature drops. A stylish puffer vest is easy to throw on when walking the dog, running errands or even on a fun night out. And it's sleeveless, so it offers much-needed warmth without weighing you down, and it works with a variety of cute fall outfits — just add a pair of jeans, a cozy sweater and a pair of functional fall boots, and you're good to go. And when temps dip even lower in the winter, you can use your quilted vest as a layering piece under a heavier coat.

Just like with puffer coats, puffer vests come in a variety of styles, materials and prices. Whether you prefer down or down alternative fill, something heavier or a lightweight vest that's easy to pack, a neutral color or a statement pattern, the pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab analyzed over a dozen puffer vests in the Lab, then had testers wear them to get feedback on fit, comfort, style, warmth and more to find the best puffer vest for women.

Our top picks:

After shopping through our top puffer vests for women, continue reading to learn more about our testing process and answers to your puffer vest FAQs.

1

Best Overall Puffer Vest

Columbia Women's Heavenly Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (8)

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (9)

Columbia outdoor wear is known for keeping you warm with the brand's Omni-Heat technology, a metallic dot pattern inside the fabric that's designed to retain your own body heat while still being breathable and lightweight. GH analysts appreciated the super soft lining around the neck for added comfort. Made with polyester and synthetic down, it is water-resistant with a slim, classic fit.

Outer material100% polyester
Fill100% polyester
SizesXS-3X

2

Best Value Puffer Vest

Fuinloth Women's Quilted Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (10)

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (11)

Now 18% Off

Starting at just $30, this quilted puffer vest from Fuinloth has over 16,000 perfect five-star Amazon reviews. Available in 19 colors, reviewers especially love the lightweight polyester material and flattering fit with big pockets that can fit even large cellphones. It's on the thinner side, so it's ideal for fall and spring. One reviewer says, "Get it! You won't be disappointed."

Outer material100% polyester
Fill100% polyester
SizesXS-XXL

3

Best Cozy Puffer Vest

Wantdo Women's Insulated Puffer Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (12)

With a sweatshirt material as the inner lining and a spacious built-in hood, this vest from Wantdo offers maximum coziness. The polyester outer shell has a Durable Water Repellent finish to keep you dry while the lining is a super soft fleece material. Over 1,000 Amazon reviewers gave it a perfect five-star review and one says it's an ideal puffer vest for colder temperatures, as it's "extremely warm."

Outer material100% polyester
Fill100% polyester
SizesS-3X

4

Best Puffer Vest for Travel

UNIQLO Ultra Light Down Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (13)

When heading on a vacation, the space in your suitcase is limited, so prioritize items that are easily packable. This puffer vest from Uniqlo easily packs into an attached travel bag for easy transport, taking up as little space as possible. One tester loved that "it's both lightweight and warm, which is rare" in a puffer vest. GH analysts in the Lab found the zippers to be a bit tough to use.

Outer material100% nylon
FillDown (Minimum 90% Responsibly Sourced Down)
SizesXXS-XXL

5

Best Versatile Puffer Vest

Lululemon Wunder Puff Cropped Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (14)

Testers were absolutely blown away by this Lululemon vest. It converted even those who thought they couldn't pull off a puffer vest! It has a cropped fit that makes this pick super versatile. It's easy to style for errands and dog walks or wear under a thicker coat in lower temps. With 600-fill-power goose-down insulation, it's thick without being too bulky. One tester especially loved that the hood is removable so they can wear it exercising outdoors.

Outer material100% polyester
Fill80% White goose down, 20% White Goose Feathers
Sizes0-14

6

Best Hooded Puffer Vest

Eddie Bauer Downlight 2.0 Hooded Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (15)

This sleek puffer vest from Eddie Bauer is fitted to the body and uses the brand's StormRepel Super Durable Water Repellent finish to keep you protected in all types of weather. GH analysts love that it has a roomy hood and zippered side pockets with a soft fleece lining. The whole jacket easily compacts into itself for easy storage and toting. With an 800-fill-power Responsibly Sourced Down interior, this pick is on the warmer side, so it's perfect to wear this winter.

Outer material100% recycled polyester
Fill90% goose down, 10% waterfowl feathers
SizesXS-3X with tall and petite sizing

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7

Warmest Puffer Vest

The North Face Nuptse 1996 Packable 700-Fill Power Down Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (16)

Ideal for hikes or long walks outside, this classic puffer vest from The North Face is a best seller for a reason. The North Face jackets are notorious for being long-lasting, warm and a favorite among GH analysts. Testers loved the fit, saying, "This vest is boxy yet still stylish and flattering. It's honestly so cute." GH analysts appreciate its excellent construction, featuring nylon treated with a durable water-repellent finish and 700-fill-power goose down that's certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The brand offers more color options too.

Outer material100% nylon
Fill100% down (Responsible Down Standard)
SizesXS-XXL

8

Best Puffer Vest for Hiking

Patagonia Down Sweater Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (17)

This pick from Patagonia uses 100% goose down (Global Traceable Down Standard) as the insulation instead of a mix of down and feathers or synthetic alternatives. Featuring 800 fill power, it's on the thicker side, so it's ideal for chillier days. A water-repellent recycled nylon outer keeps you dry. Hiking enthusiasts rave that this vest is perfect to wear when hitting the trails.

Outer material100% recycled nylon
Fill100% virgin goose down (Responsible Down Standard)
SizesXXS-XXL

9

Best Cropped Puffer Vest

Aritzia The Super Puff Shorty Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (18)

This pick from Aritzia is the puffer vest version of the brand's best-selling Super Puff jacket. GH analysts love just how warm Aritzia jackets are without sacrificing style. This puffer vest has a cropped fit, making it more flattering than longer ones. Unlike most puffer vests with only neutral options, this one is available in 20 different colors including pastels and jewel tones. Aritzia also offers the vest in a longer style in even more colors.

Outer material100% nylon
Fill90% goose down, 10% goose feathers (Responsible Down Standard)
Sizes2XS-2XL

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10

Best Reversible Puffer Vest

THE NORTH FACE Mossbud Insulated Reversible Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (19)

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (20)

Now 38% Off

You don't need to pick between a puffer or a fuzzy vest: this reversible vest from The North Face does double duty. For rainy days, use the water-repellent puffer side or flip it to the fleece side for a super-cozy feel. This vest features the brand's Heatseeker Eco insulation for increased warmth, even in inclement weather. Reviewers love the versatility of this vest and the large zippered pockets to keep your belongings secure.

Outer material100% recycled polyester
Fill100% recycled polyester
SizesXS-3X

11

Best Stylish Puffer Vest

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra Mini Puffer Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (21)

Designed for fashion over warmth, this chic Abercrombie puffer vest uses faux leather materials for a stylish look that'll elevate your winter wardrobe. Available in three neutral shades, testers loved its "soft feel" and "easy-to-style design." One tester especially liked the elastic bottom for a more flattering look. Note that the pockets don't have a button or zipper closure.

Outer material100% polyester
Fill100% recycled polyester
SizesXXS-XL

12

Best Puffer Vest for Tall and Petite

Athleta Downtown Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (22)

Now 53% Off

Many puffer vests aren't available in different lengths, but this style from Athleta is available in regular, petite and tall sizing from XXS to 3X in three sleek colors. Perfect for commuting or running errands, this thicker puffer vest from Athleta has a trendy collar for extra warmth. One tester loved that it's "tapered at the waist, which looked flattering on compared to many boxier vests." This pick uses recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles with a Durable Water Repellent finish and responsibly sourced down interior. Testers note that it's "very true to size," so if you want a looser fit, size up.

Outer material100% recycled polyester
Fill100% recycled polyester
SizesXXS-3X with tall and petite sizing

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13

Best Exercise Puffer Vest

Lululemon Down For It All Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (23)

A bulky winter jacket will just slow you down on your outdoor runs, so opt for a sleek puffer vest instead. This fitted vest from Lululemon is designed specifically for outdoor exercise. Testers especially loved that it's longer than other styles to keep your hips covered and found it to have an "extremely flattering fit." The 700-fill-power Responsibly Sourced down is held in place with water-resistant fabric for a vest designed to stand up to continued wear.

Outer material90% Nylon, 10% Elastane
Fill85% White goose down, 15% White Goose Feathers
Sizes0-20

14

Best Long Puffer Vest

Avec Les Filles Women's Hooded Longline Puffer Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (24)

Now 45% Off

If your winter coat just isn't keeping you warm enough in low temperatures, try pairing your coat with this long puffer vest from Avec Les Filles. This puffer vest goes past your knees to keep you fully covered. GH analysts love that this pick features snap-closure side vents, zipper pockets and a large removable hood.

Outer material100% polyester
Fill100% polyester
SizesXS-XL

15

Best Oversized Puffer Vest

FP Movement In a Bubble Puffer Vest

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (25)

While most puffer vests end before your hips and fit closer to your body, this pick from FP Movement has a longer, oversized design to accommodate layers underneath. With a lower fill power of 200g, this pick is lightweight enough to throw on after a workout. Some reviewers were worried that the pockets were fake, but they have stitching that you can easily remove to access them.

Outer material100% Nylon
FillDown alternative
SizesXS-L

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How we test the best puffer vests for women

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (26)

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fabric and fashion experts who have reviewed and tested all types of apparel including rompers, workout leggings, travel dresses and more. To evaluate puffer vests, GH analysts had testers with a variety of body types try popular styles before completing a survey to give feedback on fit, warmth, comfort, style and more. GH pros also reviewed each puffer vest in the Lab to rate the materials used, construction and ease of laundering.

What to look for in puffer vests

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (27)

While style and look are most important when deciding which puffer vest to purchase. Here are some key considerations GH fiber scientists recommend looking for when shopping:

✔️ Fill: Common fill materials for puffer vests include 100% down, down blends for a more affordable price or synthetic alternatives like polyester (great for allergy sufferers). For down styles, check the fill power. The higher the fill power, the warmer the vest.

✔️ Outer material: The outer material is what you'll see, so be sure you like its look. Then, consider if you want water-resistant capabilities if you plan to wear the vest for outdoor exercise, hiking or if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain. GH pros recommend looking for a Durable Water Repellent finish for better protection.

✔️ Pockets: Most of the tested puffer vests feature a pocket on each side, but some styles have many more, including inner zipper pockets. Also, some even let you pack the whole vest into its own pocket for easy storage. Check if the pockets have closures like zippers or snaps to keep your belongings secure.

✔️ Special features: Testers noted that there were a few features they especially liked, including removable hoods, elastic or drawstring bottoms and fleece linings.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (28)

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab for over three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests with fashion stories about comfortable heels, white sneakers and swimsuit brands. She studied Fiber Science and Apparel Design at Cornell University (where she was constantly bundled up in a puffer vest!) with research experience in product quality assessment. As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction.

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (29)

Emma Seymour

Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks (2024)

FAQs

Is A puffer vest enough for winter? ›

More often than not, puffer jackets and vests made from quality down is the best way to guarantee superb warmth during the winter. Down acts as an insulation layer in your outerwear, helping to defend against wind and chilly weather.

Why are puffer vests so popular? ›

The vests featured improved materials and construction techniques, making them more durable and better suited for activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. Meanwhile, by the mid-1980's in Europe, youth took notice of the technical sportswear movements happening in the US and appropriated them for casual streetwear.

How do you wear a puffer vest in the winter? ›

With a sweater and wide-leg pants

This outfit combo is guaranteed to make any puffer vest look its absolute best. Opt for a more oversized sweater to compliment the wide-legged pant, which pair perfectly together with a vest on top.

What season are puffer vests for? ›

You can also wear a puffer vest any time of the year: during an early summer morning jog or on top of a thick sweatshirt during the winter. It gives just enough insulation but isn't as heavy as a traditional jacket.

Are puffers good for winter? ›

Puffer jackets are among the best options for winter jackets. “They come in a variety of insulation weights, lengths, and silhouettes, so you can always find the right one for you,” Hopkins says. She points out that they're the perfect combination of lightweight warmth and comfort for colder climates.

Do vests actually keep you warm? ›

An insulated vest is a great option when it's not quite cold enough for a jacket, but you still need a little extra warmth. Insulated vests are perfect active layers for cold weather, too. The sleeveless design vents heat much better than a full-on jacket, but the insulation over your core still keeps you warm.

Are puffer jackets still trendy? ›

In This Article

"When the temperature drops, and it's time to layer up, puffer coats are a good staple in your wardrobe," says Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook. "Puffers are no longer just trendy but a must-have layering piece that is also functional for warmth."

Are puffer vests professional? ›

In an urban setting, a puffer vest adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. It's perfect for a day out in the city or a casual business meeting.

Why do guys wear puffer vests? ›

A puffer vest is a versatile and essential piece to have in any man's wardrobe. Here are some reasons why: They provide warmth: As a sleeveless outerwear layer, puffer vests can keep your core warm without restricting movement. They are great for layering over a sweater or under a coat during cold weather.

Can I wear a puffer vest in 50 degree weather? ›

Puffer Vest + Leggings + Accessories

Not only will this layer keep you nice and toasty when styled with cashmere and a scarf, but it'll also stand out in a crowd and was essentially made for these not-too-cold, 50-degree days.

Are puffer vests still in fashion? ›

Short answer: Absolutely! Puffer vests are riding high on the wave of fashion trends in 2024.

What not to do with a puffer jacket? ›

8 Things You Should Not Do With Your Down Jacket
  • Don't buy a down jacket with less than 550 fill-power rating. ...
  • Don't wear it during a trek. ...
  • Don't wear a down jacket during rains. ...
  • Don't wash it on a regular basis. ...
  • Don't forget to air it out often. ...
  • Don't give your down jacket for dry cleaning.

What's the point of a puffer vest? ›

The beauty of puffer vests is that it's equal parts practical and versatile, ideal for keeping you warm without the bulk. And as you've probably observed on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or your preferred social media outlet, there are countless ways to style them.

Are puffer vests in style in 2024? ›

As we step into 2024, the fashion landscape continues to evolve, and quilted puffer vests have emerged as a must-have for the fashion-forward man. Stone Rose's collection, including the Black, Navy, Olive, and Silver Quilted Puffer Vests, perfectly encapsulates this trend.

Which is warmer, fleece or puffer? ›

Fleece Jacket vs.

The puffer jacket, with its plush down or synthetic insulation, is a contender in the warmth category. However, it can be bulky and restrictive. In contrast, a fleece jacket provides impressive warmth without the added weight.

How cold is cold enough for a puffer jacket? ›

20°F to 30°F: Enter the domain of mid-weight puffers, your trusty companions for daily warmth and sophistication. Below 20°F: When temperatures plummet, heavy-duty puffers become your fortress against the relentless cold.

Can you wear a puffer vest in the fall? ›

A puffer vest is a great fall layer. Here is how to wear a puffer vest with your fall outfits!

Can you wear puffer vests in the spring? ›

Really, puffer vests are one of this spring's hottest emerging trends, and I'm not mad about it at all. They give off that chic, minimalistic vibe that regular puffers do with a lighter look to them.

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