I'm spending my first winter in New York City, and as soon as the temperatures started to drop in early November, every New Yorker's favourite thing to tell me was, "You haven't felt anything yet!" As a California girl who grew up with 60-degree winters, I knew I was going to be cold in no time. In order to get through the chilly temperatures (that still continue to drop) there was one thing I knew I needed: a real winter coat [1]. I've truly never owned one before, because I never lived in a cold climate, so I did what every shopping pro does: started my shopping journey.
My wish list entailed pretty much just wanting something cute, comfy, and warm. I took several recommendations from friends and fellow editors [2], and the more people I asked, the more I couldn't wait to find out my winning pick, and most people asked me for follow-up results on the one I choose.
After testing a handful of options, I settled on my five favourites and am here to share my results to help you shop, too. I tried a popular choices from Lululemon, Uniqlo, Aritzia, Everlane, and LifeLabs. Each one has its own unique thing that made me love it, so it was hard to pick a clear winner. Depending on your style or where you live, or the price point you're shopping [3], one might be just right for you. Keep reading to see them on me, check out all the specs, and find out why I loved them. Take a look.
Best Long Puffer: Lululemon Wunder Puff Long Jacket
The Coat: Lululemon Wunder Puff Long Jacket [5] ($348)
The Specs: Made with the brand's signature water-repellant SoftMatte Fabric, this choice is great for wet weather. It's windproof and has 600-fill-power goose down that keeps you warm. It features not one but two interior zip pockets. The front pockets have a soft fabric that keeps my hands warm, and one side even has an extra inner layer that perfectly fits my keys or phone. The hood is easily removable, you can cinch the waist with a custom drawcord for the perfect fit, and it has a two-way zip closure.
Why I Love It: If the features didn't speak enough for themselves, the only thing that I can add is that it's seriously comfortable. A lot of puffers can feel stiff and like I'm walking around with robot arms, but hands down, this one has the most tight fit while feeling lightweight, and I still have a lot of arm movement. While it's a sporty jacket with a somewhat sporty look, it's still stylish in my book. It's easy for me to throw on over an evening look and not feel underdressed. The silhouette is definitely on the longer side, but I'm also only 5'4" inches tall. I just really love the features of this jacket — all the handy pockets are a big must for me.
Who It's Good For: If you want something long and easy to move around in and that'll keep you warm on your evening walks, morning commute, or when you're headed to lunch, this is a great choice.
Best Affordable Puffer: Uniqlo Seamless Down Parka
The Coat: Uniqlo Seamless Down Parka [6] ($130, originally $150)
The Specs: Made with a durable, water-repellent coating, this parka is both lightweight and wind proof. Its contoured cut is stylish, and it has a drawstring at the bottom, so you can adjust it and keep the warmth in. The fleece-lined pockets in the front are warm for your hands, and it has a convenient pocket on the inside of the jacket with a zip closure. The hood is not removable, but it's comfy and lightweight.
Why I Love It: While I was on the lookout for something on the longer side, I wanted at least one short option for the days it wasn't freezing. This parka was the perfect option, because it's cute, and most of all, affordable. While I don't opt for this one on the coldest days, it's perfect for throwing on with jeans and sneakers when it's what I like to call only "medium cold." I love that is offers me the right amount of warmth, but it's not too thick or bulky feeling. Plus, the purple shade is just really fun.
Who It's Good For: If you don't live in an entirely freezing climate, and you're looking for something short and affordable, this is your match.
Best Sustainable Puffer: Everlane Duvet Puffer
The Coat: Everlane Duvet Puffer [7] ($148, originally $248)
The Specs: The shell of this jacket is made from 100-percent recycled nylon, the lining is 100-percent recycled polyester, and the filling is at least 80-percent recycled down, making this one of the most sustainable options you can shop. It's water-repellent, has a removable hood and belt, and has both a zipper and snap closure options down the front. The front has deep pockets that can hold a ton of my stuff for a long walk. My only hang up is I wish it had an inner zip pocket for my keys or a mask.
Why I Love It: This is my favourite choice to grab on the way to dinner, over jeans, and honestly, with pretty much anything. I have a size extra small and it's still pretty large on me, so I often choose to wear it as a wrap coat rather than zipping it, or a lot of cold air gets in. While I think this might be my most stylish option, it's not the warmest in comparison.
Who It's Good For: If you're looking for a more lightweight puffer that feels like you're wearing a blanket, but looks elevated doing so, you can't go wrong here.
Best Stylish Puffer: Super World The Super Puff Long Coat
The Coat: The Super Puff Long Coat [8] ($350)
The Specs: Made with 100-percent responsibly sourced 700 goose down fill, it's made to withstand cold temperatures up to negative-40 Fahrenheit. Both water and wind proof, it'll keep you dry and warm, even in the snow. It has a removable hood with a cinchable cord, two-way zip closure, storm hand cuffs to keep our hands warm in the wind, and even thumbholes for a cosy feel. It has a handy inside pocket to keep your phone, mask, or anything you want dry and safe.
Why I Love It: No puffer testing session would be complete without throwing in the infamous Super Puff. It's hard to walk down a street in New York City and not seeing someone wear one its one of its cool, vibrant shades. I love the way it looks, feels, and most of all, it keeps me warm. I opted for a cool grey shade that feels different than my usual black choice. This is my favourite one to grab on an extra chilly day, and I can still feel on-trend. It even withstood my first snow day like a champ. Another plus in my book is the price point. I would say it's on par with puffer jackets I've tried in the $800 and up range, but for $350, this is a great investment
Who It's Good For: This is a solid choice for anyone who wants something performance based, while still looking and feeling stylish.
Best Puffer For Cold Climates: LifeLabs MegaWarm Jacket
The Coat: LifeLabs MegaWarm Jacket [9] ($699)
The Specs: This puffer is made with the brand's patented metallized shell, it's filled with 800-fill-power down that's both light yet keeps you extra warm. Constructed with with 87-percent recycled materials by fabric weight, it's a more sustainable option, too. It has a handy two-way zip front closure that zips super high to the neck with a cord closure for extra head warmth. The hood is tailored to fit with a hat or beanie and even has a brim to help with its raining or snowing. The shape is unique with a longer layer in the back to help keep the back of your legs warm. Inside the jacket, there is even a little mesh layer that wraps around your bottom, keeping it extra warm. Lastly, it has great pockets. Two big hand ones, a chest one on the outside (perfect for a phone), and larger mesh-like pockets on both sides on the inside.
Why I Love It: The brand refers to it as the "the world's warmest jacket," and a name like that has live up to its worth. I can tell you, it does. Of all the options I tested, this one does keep me the most warm, despite having a shorter silhouette. The thicker texture makes this jacket incredibly warm. I tested it out on a day that was just 8 degrees recently and the features were truly great. Having so many large pockets, I don't need to carry my bag, and having a brimmed hood for rainy days, it's just so handy. Plus, it comes in a cute carrying bag that packs up almost like a sleeping bag, making it easy to store away. When it's freezing outside, or the weather is wetter than usual, this is my go-to.
Who It's Good For: For someone who is truly always freezing or lives in a cold climate, this jacket is a must own.