These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks
These Trendy Puffer Vests are Perfect for Winter Walks
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) Women's Heavenly Vest
Columbia
amazon.com
$91.55
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.
2) Women's Quilted Vest
Fuinloth
amazon.com
$29.99
Starting at just $24, this quilted puffer vest from Fuinloth has over 23,000 (!!) Amazon reviews. Available in 19 shades, 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 raves to "get it! You won't be disappointed."
3) Ultra Light Down Vest
UNIQLO
uniqlo.com
$49.90
When heading on a vacation, the space in your suitcase is limited, so items that are easily packable are travel necessities. 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 found the zippers are a bit tough to use.
4) Wunder Puff Cropped Vest
Lululemon
lululemon.com
$228.00
Testers were absolutely blown away by this Lululemon vest – 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 when exercising outdoors.
5) Downlight 2.0 Hooded Vest
Eddie Bauer
amazon.com
$114.99
Fitted to the body, this sleek puffer vest from Eddie Bauer has a roomy hood with a Durable Water Repellent finish to keep you protected in all types of weather. GH analysts love that the zippered side pockets have a soft fleece lining. The whole jacket easily compacts into itself for easy storage and toting. With 800 fill power Responsibly Sourced Down interior, this pick is on the warmer side, perfect to wear this winter.
6) Nuptse 1996 Packable 700-Fill Power Down Vest
The North Face
nordstrom.com
$220.00
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 jackets that are a favorite among GH analysts. Testers loved the fit, saying that "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 goose down that's certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The brand offers more color options too.
7) Down Sweater Vest
Patagonia
rei.com
$229.00
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, ideal for chillier days, with a water repellent recycled nylon outer. Hiking enthusiasts rave that this vest is perfect to wear when hitting the trails.
8) The Super Puff Shorty Vest
Aritzia
aritzia.com
$178.00
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 shades including pastels and bright hues.
9) Women's Insulated Puffer Vest
Wantdo
amazon.com
$54.97
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 say it's an ideal puffer vest for colder temperatures, as it's "extremely warm."
10) Mossbud Insulated Reversible Vest
THE NORTH FACE
amazon.com
$98.95
You don't need to pick between a puffer or fuzzy vest: this reversible vest from The North Face has a puffer and fuzzy side. For rainy days, use the water repellent puffer side. 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 hold valuables.
11) Ultra Mini Puffer Vest
Abercrombie & Fitch
abercrombie.com
$100.00
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 to close.
12) Downtown Vest
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$74.97
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 shades. Perfect for commuting or running errands, this thicker puffer vest from Athleta has a trendy collar for extra warmth. One tester adored that its "tapered at the waist, which looked flattering on compared to many boxier vests I’ve worn." This sustainable 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, definitely size up.
13) Down For It All Vest
Lululemon
lululemon.com
$148.00
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 in the colder months. Testers especially loved that it's longer than other styles to keep your hips covered and its "extremely flattering fit." With 700 fill power and Responsibly Sourced down, the fill is held in place with water resistant fabric for a vest designed to stand up to continued wear.
14) Women's Hooded Longline Puffer Vest
Avec Les Filles
nordstrom.com
$89.99
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 with a large hood. Featuring zipper pockets, this vest can also easily be worn on its own. GH analysts love that this pick features snap closure side vents and a removable hood.
15) In a Bubble Puffer Vest
FP Movement
freepeople.com
$148.00
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.
Shop the best puffer vests for women perfect for cold weather. We have down or synthetic picks including popular brands like Columbia and The North Face.