Say hello to the new MVP of your winter wardrobe.
Lightweight, versatile, cosy and fashionable, we’ve rounded up the best puffer vests for women that’ll provide you with an extra layer of warmth and style.
If you’re wondering if puffer vests are in fashion, the answer is a big yes. No longer considered daggy, women’s puffer vests (aka a gilet, padded vest or bodywarmer) are one of the biggest trends of the season.
They’re loved for their simplicity, versatility and functionality given that the trans-seasonal jacket can be worn as a lightweight layer during the warmer months or as extra padding during winter.
But not all puffer vests are made equal and finding the perfect one can be quite the challenge. So, we’ve done the work for you and rounded up the best women’s puffer vests on the market that cater to a range of lifestyles, fits and budgets.
Columbia Women’s Heavenly Water Resistant Insulated Vest, $116.67 at Amazon
Columbia Women’s Heavenly Water Resistant Insulated Vest. Image: Amazon Australia.Source:BodyAndSoul
With a 4.8 star average rating and over 1k five-star reviews on Amazon alone, this vest from Columbia tops the ranks and ticks all the boxes you want in a reliable gilet. It’s made with the brand’s signature Omni-Heat technology to keep you warm without overheating. Plus, it features water-resistant fabric, a plush-lined full collar to keep the wind out without needing to wear a scarf and plenty of zippered pockets to stash your valuables. And despite all of these stellar features, it’s priced very reasonably.
One five-star reviewer summed it up, saying: “This is the holy grail of vests. It's matte, long enough to skim my hips as a tall person, and has huge pockets (unlike most women's clothing, which have tiny or fake pockets). On top of that the stitching is in a really flattering design, it's not too puffy, and the omniheat technology is warmer than down!"
It comes in six different colourways including a classic black, refreshing blue and an elegant maroon, plus, it's available in sizes XS to XXXL to cater to a range of body shapes. Versatility doesn't get much better than that in the world of puffer vests.
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest, $350 at The Iconic
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest. Image: The Iconic.Source:BodyAndSoul
Given the recent drop in temperature, you'll be hard pressed to go out and about and not spot someone in a North Face puffer. Equipped with a premium 700 fill-down insulation certified by the Responsible Down Standard, a durable water repellent finish, a genius stow away hood that packs down into the collar and a bungee cinch cord to the hemline to lock in warmth, you can understand why this is, and will continue to be, the best overall puffer vest on the market. Yes, it does come at a premium price but that’s what you pay for an exceptional vest that will last you years and years.
Calvin Klein Down Filled Drama Collar Puffer Vest, $149.95 at Myer
Calvin Klein Down Filled Drama Collar Puffer Vest. Image: Myer.Source:BodyAndSoul
Don’t let this vest fool you — although it’s not bulky, boxy or too puffy, it’s incredibly warm thanks to the luxury down fill. It also features a contoured back to give your body some shape.
As one five-star reviewer commented: “Seriously, the duck down in this is heavenly warm, super-light, easy to clean and that magnificent collar zips all the way up to keep your neck warm.”
Another person wrote: “Stylish and warm puffer vest that’s not bulky and boxy.”
Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Vest, $188.49 at Amazon
Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Vest. Image: Amazon.Source:BodyAndSoul
The longline design of this Columbia puffer vest makes it feel like you’re enveloping yourself in a cosy big blanket without being too claustrophobic. Keep it at your front door so you can quickly throw it over your outfit whenever you need to head out.
P.E Nation Stadium Puffer Vest, $269 at The Iconic
P.E Nation Stadium Puffer Vest. Image: The Iconic.Source:BodyAndSoul
The fact of the matter is, it’s pretty difficult to beat P.E Nation when it comes to athleisure wear. The brand prides itself on being the “epitome of an active-meets-urban lifestyle”, which is directly reflected in this ultra-chic puffer vest. It has an oversized and long cool-girl cut and a nifty concealed zip-through front.
Miss Shop Recycled Puffer Vest, $69.95 at Myer
Miss Shop Recycled Puffer Vest. Image: Myer.Source:BodyAndSoul
Although quality normally comes at a cost, this one from Miss Shop is the exception. With a smart and clean design, functional pockets, stylish cropped length and zip and button closure, it’s the vest that will be with you all winter long. It’s also a great pick if you’re unsure if vests are your style and you want to test it out without spending too much money.
Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Vest, $229.95 at The Iconic
Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Vest. Image: The Iconic.Source:BodyAndSoul
For the perfect puffer vest that can withstand the harshest of climates, Patagonia’s Nano Puff Vest is a great option. Regardless of if you’re hiking through the mountains in single-digit temps or bearing the cold on your early winter morning runs, this vest is crafted with the brand’s PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulated lining, which is lightweight and breathable but oh-so warm. It also features a breathable and waterproof mock neckline, adjustable drawcord at the hem to seal in warmth and last but definitely not least, you can pack the entire vest down into the interior pocket for easy travel. Pretty genius.
Under Armour UA Cgi Down Vest, $260 at The Iconic
Under Armour UA Cgi Down Vest. Image: The Iconic.Source:BodyAndSoul
We love this vest from Under Armour as it’s made for performance yet stylish enough to wear out to brunch with the girls. Plus, with twin zip chest pockets and twin button hand pockets, there’s plenty of space to store your valuables when out on your adventures.
Deus Ex Machina Zou Liner Vest, $179 at The Iconic
Deus Ex Machina Zou Liner Vest. Image: The Iconic.Source:BodyAndSoul
All the vests in this roundup are considered “outerwear” but if you want a mid-layer that no one will notice if you choose to keep it on all day under other layers, this one hits the sweet spot. Simply slip this Deus Ex Machina liner under a hoodie, blazer, denim jacket, coat or snow jacket, and you can warmly walk around without needing to find the nearest heater.
Regatta Straight Quilted Vest With Removable Hood, $79.95 at Myer
Regatta Straight Quilted Vest With Removable Hood. Image: Myer.Source:BodyAndSoul
Tossing up whether you need a vest with a hood or not? Well, with this Regatta vest that features a removable hood, you can have the best of both worlds. Other notable features include the soft, quilted design for an extra touch of style and lightweight design for easy wear and travel.
What is the best women’s puffer vest?
The perfect puffer vest will vary between each individual. To choose the best puffer vest for you, consider the following factors:
How do women wear puffer vests?
There are countless ways you can dress up or down a puffer vest. You can easily wear it with any activewear or for a casual day-to-day look, opt for a long sleeve or turtleneck underneath, paired with jeans, tights or track pants and finished with boots or sneakers.
You can even throw a large coat, blazer or an oversized denim jacket over your puffer vest for even more warmth. The possibilities are really endless.
What is the warmest puffer vest?
When purchasing a down-filled puffer vest, you may notice numbers like 550FP and 900FP. The ‘FP’ refers to fill power and is a measurement that determines the ‘fluffiness’ of down. The higher the fill power, the better quality down that’s capable of trapping more air and providing more warmth (without being heavy). Generally speaking, the higher the fill power, the higher the price of the jacket. While 900FP is as good as it gets, the best fill power for you will depend on how warm and compressed you need your jacket to be.
Looking for more warming winter gear? Make sure to check out our roundup of the best women’s track pants and sweatpants and the most stylish puffer jackets. Plus, you can head over to our coupons page for all the latest deals.
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