Cosy, Chic, Classic – Puffer Coats Are A Winter Staple For A Reason (2024)

Ever since Demna Gvasalia reintroduced the padded jacket as a veritable fashion piece in his autumn/winter 2016 Balenciaga collection, they've been a must-have in any wardrobe, imbued with a new contemporary spirit. No longer is this timeless style reserved for Alpine slopes or harsher climes, but instead intended to be worn to all winter long.

Plus, who can resist the duvet-like cosiness of a puffer? It makes the ritual of putting away the trenches and trans-seasonal jackets nothing short of a pleasure. These coats – whether worn long or short – are a practical way to navigate the winter months, achieving optimum snuggly comfort while ticking fashion boxes too.

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You see, the nature of their padded fabrication means that your chosen style – whether from H&M or Prada – can offer up a play with proportion that feels entirely directional without requiring much (if any) effort. It's something Rick Owens has long understood, with his remaining among the fashion set's favourite voluminous coats.

And when it comes to party season, a padded jacket is the ultimate plus one, its sporty perception providing a fresh contrast for your razzle-dazzle ensemble. Think a Molly Goddard skirt poking out of a padded style from Cos, or a slinky 16Arlington gown worn with Alaïa's off-the-shoulder option.

Here, ELLE chooses the best padded coats to wear this winter, looking both to the catwalk and the high street for the best standout styles.

18 Best Puffer Coats to Shop Now:

This high-gloss Herno jacket is definitive proof that form and function can triumphantly co-exist. Its lacquered exterior will elevate any outfit, while also being water-resistant and luxuriously padded.

You just know you can trust Danish favourite Ganni to deliver a great puffer coat. This navy iteration provides the ideal alternative to black, while still feeling neutral enough to wear with everything.

The padded jacket, but make it Alaïa. Sitting just off the shoulders, this will look just as good over slinky evening wear as with jeans. Adore.

Effortlessly stylish, this long puffer from Arket is the type you actually look forward to returning to every winter. Its warming down-feather lining and hood make it a winner.

Long a staple of the Rick Owens wardrobe, this is the ultimate investment coat. It's exceptionally cosy and cocooning (as all great puffers are) but also has a slim leather belt for waist cinching.

Sometimes, you just need a classic puffer coat that's going to make you look and feel impeccably put-together – and warm, of course. This Reiss coat does exactly that, with a hood for extra protection from the elements.

The shade du jour (and, we strongly suspect, a sartorial stalwart that's here to stay), brown is the fashion set's favourite choice for everything, including outerwear. This H&M coat is a purse-friendly way to channel the trend.

Oversized and A-line, this COS number is a cool-girl take on the classic black puffer. The cotton blend shell is suitably cosy, as is the recycled down and feather padding. There's also a hood, but it packs away into the funnel neck.

Prada's glossy style is something of a 90s throwback. Its detachable sleeves are a big win – you could slip them off and wear this under a trench or lighter jacket when the weather starts to turn.

Liquid metallics are a great choice for a statement puffer coat, especially in enduringly on-trend silver. This Maje iteration is one of our favourites out there at the moment.

London-based L. Cuppini is the new name to know in elevated outerwear. This one is as versatile as puffers get, with a detachable collar and sleeves that can also be removed.

There's no reason a black puffer coat has to be plain; add a little drama to proceedings with this brilliant Sacai coat. Its exaggerated sleeves are more than enough to give you some fashion points while staying warm.

Holzweiler hails from Oslo in Norway, where a good puffer is nothing short of an essential. Little wonder, then, that the brand is known to make some of the best around, and in fashion-forward colours and fabulously supersized fits too.

A classic in the puffer realm, The North Face is a go-to for anyone looking to stay warm – and stylish – in all circumstances.

The pastel pink-meets-ecru shade of this Mango puffer makes for a surprisingly versatile and flattering choice. It will go with everything, but looks particularly good with all-white winter looks.

M&S always have a strong selection of puffer coats, and this year is no exception. Diamond quilting and a drawstring shape adds some interest to this wear-with-everything jacket.

Who says a puffer coat has to be neutral? Invest in this brilliantly bold red jacket from Varley and you'll get a little mood lift every day of the autumn/winter.

& Other Stories' padded jacket is foolproof. It can be easily dressed up or down, and is filled with recycled down to keep you warm in even the unfriendliest of weather.