Puffer Coats With Personality (And Mostly Under $100)

Secondhand shop your new winter staple

I’m a longtime puffer apologist.

Practically speaking, there’s no way to survive winter in a majority of the US without one. They’re a pain to pack, horrible to store, but in the middle of a rain/wind storm, crossing three avenues, there’s no other tenable option. I look for a hood, in most cases, lots of pockets, and super long sleeves.

90s Prada puffer

But wait a minute: just because it’s practical doesn’t mean it’s boring! A puffer can exude personality. Just give it a chance. You’ll want to opt for something you don’t mind being seen in multiple times per season—it’s a fine line between novelty and wearability.

A savvy follower on Tiktok suggested I start wearing a slim puffer under my wool coats for added warmth—a very clever suggestion—but sometimes, you need the water repellent component of a puffer more than the warmth it provides.

@erikaveurinkReplying to @tomato queen im indebted AF!! #winter #puffer

Tiktok failed to load.

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Enter: this list of dozens of puffers cool enough for you to leave your wool coat at home. Some are short. Most are long-ish. And the majority of them are secondhand and under $100. If you’re a person who thinks “investing” in coats is a real thing, a strong puffer would be a great place to start. So I’ll include some new options that I’d consider, too.

I’ve been wearing this one from Big Rock Candy Mountaineering all winter long

Let’s get into it.