A staple for every winter wardrobe!
Feel warm, stay cool. Image: Getty ImagesSource:BodyAndSoul
You might think Australia isn’t cold enough to warrant a puffer jacket, but the functional appeal of this classic piece of outerwear has made it a hero staple for many local labels. Here’s how to find the right one for you.
There was a time when puffer jackets were reserved for mountain climbers or people who lived in legitimately cold climates (ie, not Australia). But the past few years have seen a surge in popularity for this practical piece of outerwear – and it’s got as much to do with fashion as it does function, says Katia Santilli, co-founder of Nimble Activewear.
“Australia was never considered cold enough for puffers, however, the past few years have seen brands reimagine the humble functional puffer into silhouettes and styles that suit our weather, way of living, and unique aesthetic,” she tells Body+Soul. “As a result [of their rise in popularity], we’ve expanded our category mix by offering more sustainable options as well as different styles, from reversible to full-coverage.”
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With so many options, how do you find a puffer that will suit your needs and most importantly keep you warm, too? Jen Tisley, a buyer for women’s clothing and accessories at outdoor adventure and sporting retailer Anaconda, says it’s all about the type of insulation used. “A good place to start is with [goose or duck] down jackets as they have the best warmth-to-weight ratio, so they’re lightweight and super comfortable,” she tells Body+Soul.
“[Jackets] have a loft/fill rating which helps you work out how warm it will be; this is often embroidered on the sleeve. This measures how much air the down will trap, and the higher the number, the more air is trapped [and the warmer you’ll be].”
Robert Fry, general manager of product at Kathmandu, says it’s also important to check where the down is sourced from.“The vast majority of our insulated styles [at Kathmandu] use certified ‘responsible down standard’ 600 fill power duck down. This means that the down used in the jacket was sourced responsibly with animal welfare in mind.”
Can't get excited about winter? Opt for a bright hue to colour your day. Image: Getty ImagesSource:BodyAndSoul
As for wet weather and snow? Fry says that “for everyday use, go for a jacket with ‘durable water repellency’ (DWR). The Pertex Shield fabric we use in many of our Kathmandu puffer jackets and vests are treated with a DWR finish, which helps to bead water in light rain. “To make sure you stay warm and dry even in the rain or snow,” he continues, “wear a puffer as a mid-layer underneath a waterproof coat for protection.”
Finally, Tisley notes that “many puffers also pack into their pockets or a separate bag”, with such handy pack-away features making them more compact for travel.
Katia Santilli of Nimble Activewear has two styling tips to help your jacket look flattering
If you’re wearing an oversized puffer, pair it with something form-fitting such as a high-neck, half-zip top and leggings.
Opt for either a longline puffer (mid-to-high-calf length) or a cropped puffer; this elongates your shape no matter how tall you are. If you choose a puffer that hits your midline, make sure it has a cinch at the waist so that your shape isn’t completely lost
Robert Fry at Kathmandu says yes, if you know how…
Puffer jackets are a staple piece in every winter wardrobe and [if] properly cared for they will last for ages. Machine-wash your jacket on a gentle cycle at 30°C, and use a down-specific soap or detergent, like Grangers Down Wash Concentrate. But skip the spin cycle. It’s better for your jacket to drip dry, or use a tumble dryer.
Nimble Activewear Brave The Brrr jacket,$249, nimbleactivewear.comSource:BodyAndSoul
Kathmandu NXT-Level BioDown jacket, $599.98, kathmandu.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul
The North Face women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket, $450, thenorthface.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul
Uniqlo ultra light down jacket, $129.90, uniqlo.com/auSource:BodyAndSoul
P.E Nation Direction jacket, $349, pe-nation.comSource:BodyAndSoul
P.E Nation Layback jacket, $399, pe-nation.comSource:BodyAndSoul
Viktoria & Woods Interstellar jacket, $650, viktoriaandwoods.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul
Mountain Designs Crest down jacket, $349.99, anacondastores.comSource:BodyAndSoul
Aje. Athletica cropped hooded 711 jacket, $295, ajeworld.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul
LSKD Roasted 22 jacket, $220, lskd.coSource:BodyAndSoul
Glassons recycled funnel neck cropped jacket, $79.99, glassons.comSource:BodyAndSoul
Frankie Shop Tignes hooded quilted recycled shell down jacket, $502, netaporter.com/en-auSource:BodyAndSoul
Stand Studio Aina quilted shell down jacket, $758, netaporter.comSource:BodyAndSoul
Y-3 tonal logo jacket, $520, farfetch.com/auSource:BodyAndSoul
Lululemon Wunder Puff jacket, $289, lululemon.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul
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