Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications
While puffer jackets were traditionally used by only the outdoorsy folks, over the past couple of decades, they’ve made their way down from the mountains and onto the backs of regular city dwellers. However, just because they’re popular doesn’t mean it’s easy to find a good one. Whether you want something a little longer to keep in the heat or you have your heart set on a puffer with a hood, there are many options to think about.
Men's puffer jackets are more about function than style, so don’t expect one to set your wardrobe alight. That said, these garments don’t have to be the boring fitted navy option you have stuffed in the back of the wardrobe either. Our buying guide will cover the features you should look for when shopping, and we'll share with you our top recommendations for the best puffer jackets for men from popular designers such as Ellesse and The North Face.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
So, without further ado, let’s look at the different features that separate the many variations of puffer jackets. We’ll be considering materials, fit and stitching patterns, and looking at the positives, negatives and aesthetics of each.
The type of insulation used for a puffer jacket is one of the most important decisions in the buying process. After all, the point of any jacket is to keep you warm, right? This section will look into the pros and cons of both down and synthetic fillings so that you can make an informed decision.
The organic option comes in the form of either goose or ducks down. If you’re wondering, down is the smaller, softer feathers that are found closest to the bird’s skin. Many consider goose to be the warmer of the two, but unless you’re hiking up the K2, the chances are you won’t recognise the difference.
Either way, jackets filled with down tend to be much lighter than synthetic fillings. This makes them easier to pack and offer more movement when worn, which is why these are excellent for hiking. Be warned, though, puffer jackets filled with down can be expensive!
If you prefer not to use animal materials for your clothing, or you’d just like to keep the cost down, take a look at synthetic fillings. While many would think these would be inferior, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, that usually isn’t the case - they’ll keep you just as warm as down.
However, the difference is that these fibres break down quicker, resulting in you needing a new jacket sooner. Plus, to get the same level of warmth, you need more fibres, which gives these jackets a boxier look.
If you decide to opt for a traditional down jacket, you might want to learn some additional information. Firstly, when companies receive their insulation, they’re unable to remove all the feathers from the down. Therefore, many jackets will have a down to feather ratio. Generally, they’re either 90:10, 80:20 or 70:30, with 90:10 being the warmest.
As we mentioned earlier, though, many elite jackets are created to take on extreme conditions. For regular folk, even a 70:30 jacket should provide more than enough warmth for you to wander the Christmas markets or take on snowy winter walks.
Another fact the company may provide is the down fill. This is a measurement of the down quality, and the higher the rating, the less amount of down required to catch the heat. Therefore, a down jacket with 550 fill will be bigger and bulkier than a 900 fill. Although, they will both keep you nice and toasty!
Puffer jackets come in two different fits – boxy and regular. A boxy fit is a bit more casual and is a certified favourite for street style fashion. However, while these might be good when wandering, their chunkiness can be a bit of a pain when carrying bags, helmets or whatever else you carry on your commute.
On the other hand, regular fit jackets are a little more manageable. These are cut closer to the body and are much less puffy. The obvious downside is that these might not be as warm as a boxy fit jacket. Many smaller regular fits are frequently worn as an underlayer for another coat, but they work perfectly fine when the weather isn't too harsh.
Finally, it's worth considering the stitching pattern on the jacket. As far as we know, this makes no difference to performance, but it will slightly change the aesthetics, so if you're into fashion, you might want to bear this in mind.
The most common stitching pattern is a horizontal design. These come with either thick or narrow padding sections. The wider, chunkier compartments provide a more casual and fashion-focussed look, whereas the narrower segments look much more outdoorsy.
Other than horizontal, you will find either diamond or the occasional abstract pattern. Both of these looks are more informal and better suited to everyday jackets rather than expedition attire.
When it comes to the puffer jacket, few companies are as synonymous with the design as The North Face, and, their Stretch Down Hooded Jacket is a jewel in their crown. The design incorporates a trusty 700 down fill, with a 70:30 split, guaranteeing you a toastiness no matter the weather.
Add to that the fitted hood, adjustable hem, elasticated cuffs and the robust ripstop fabric, and you've one hell of a functional jacket. The thing is, you'd be just as likely to bump into someone wearing this in the Northern Quater in Manchester as you are at the top of Ben Nevis, so it really is a versatile piece of kit.
Berghaus has been designing outerwear for inclement weather for a long time, so it's no surprise they've taken one of the top positions in our ranking. We chose the Tephra Stretch Down Jacket due to its inclusion of Nikwax - a fibre that protects the down layers, ensuring it's always effective, even when wet.
If the all-black colour is a little boring for your standards, you'll be glad to know that the company offer a few different options. From neutrals to blues and greys to more out-there reds and greens, we're sure you'll find something to suit your style.
While many folks might not instantly recognise Weekday, they're owned by the same company as H&M. With that in mind, you can get a gist of what to expect - clothes inspired by the modern youth culture that are minimalist, stylish and affordable.
This jacket comes with all the classic telltale signs of a trusty puffer, from the high collar, which zips up, to the elasticated cuffs and zip pockets. It's manufactured to withstand the cold, and we're 100% sure it will do just that. Only this time, on a tighter budget.
Patagonia is in vogue right now and has been worn by Drake, Ryan Reynolds and even Prince Harry. While what they're sporting may be slightly different, you can easily see why they like this company when you set your eyes on the Nano Puff Jacket. It's simple, sophisticated and damn good at its job.
Not only will this jacket keep you warm, dry and looking fly, but the company is also one of the most ethical in the world. Therefore, you can expect recycled materials as well as a certified fair trade piece of kit. It not only keeps you protected, but the workers who made it too.
If you're looking for that extra bit of warmth, then purchasing a longer jacket can definitely help you achieve that. The Deptford Jacket from The North Face is a perfect example, but it isn't just the length that keeps you warm. With 550 fill down and a decent 70:30 ratio, you'll be snug as a bug in a rug.
Moreover, the outer polyester material has been coated in DWR (durable water repellent), giving the jacket a little more resistance against inclement weather. Plus, this will save the down inside as well.
Tommy Hilfiger is unlike many other fashion companies on the planet. Their colour scheme is so iconic that many people will have a noticed this jacket was by them even before they read this. For those who are known for being a lover of brands, this is sure to appeal.
This puffer has a lot going for it, such as the fixed hood, iconic padded shape, funnel neck and elasticated cuffs. Not only that, but it's also made from 100% recycled materials, making it as good for mother nature as it is for you.
While this puffer from Carhartt WIP might employ synthetic material for the insulation, that's the only 'cheap' thing about this jacket. It features a taffeta lining, which is a highly luxurious fabric known for being super smooth and comfortable. It's well-known for being a favourite of many high-end designers like Chanel and Dior.
We also like the inclusion of adjustable fixtures on both the hood and the sleeves. This feature guarantees a more flexible fit to make it feel like it was tailored just for you. It's worth mentioning that many buyers find that this runs large and is naturally quite boxy, so you might want to go a little smaller than you normally would if you'd prefer a snug fit.
Ellesse (along with many other 90s sports brands) have made a massive return to the fashion world over the last few years, and the Lombardy Jacket is one of their most popular garments. It features an iconic look with both brand logos stitched onto either breast.
Furthermore, the design incorporates a fixed hood for when the weather turns and a high collar to offer you a little more protection. It might not be the warmest option on the list, but for this price, it's hard to complain!
There are multiple features we love about this puffer from AllSaints. Firstly, the large funnel neck will provide additional protection from the cold and wind and will quickly make your scarf collection obsolete. Furthermore, the design utilises large side-welt zip pockets, so there's plenty of storage.
However, the standout is that the jacket is reversible, giving you essentially two jackets in one. So, while it might seem a little expensive, you'll have more options when pairing this with the other items in your wardrobe.
Getting the ranking underway is the Windcheater Jacket from GANT. This garment can stand up to both rain and wind due to its innovative Tech Prep - the brands own technology. It's also water-repellent and comes with taped seams for additional protection.
Not only that, but the design also includes a lining on the inside. It might not be a puffer to take to the arctic, but it'll surely do a decent enough job through Autumn and work well as a mid-layer in the depths of winter.
One of the best things about winter is the cosiness! Comfortable cardigans, big winter coats and soft woollen hats to keep you warm on your winter excursions. Make sure your wardrobe is kitted out in this winter's finest by checking out some more of our winter fashion articles below!
So there you have it - our comprehensive guide to finding the perfect puffer jacket. We hope you've found this article informative and helpful, whether you're planning on taking on the mountains or the metropolis. Here's to staying toasty all year round!
Author: Lewis Clark
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications