At a certain point, puffer jackets don't have much competition. I love a handsome topcoat and a rebel-inspired leather jacket as much as the next person. But when the temperature drops below freezing, let’s face it—you need a heavy-duty puffer coat. Sure, it hogs closet space, but it does its one job flawlessly: keeping you warm.
As for the category leaders, while your favorite celebrities might still bundle up in The North Face’s trusty Nuptse, there’s a world of puffer jackets out there that go beyond the standard fare. Think fun, funky patterns and statement-making designs that turn your winter workhorse into the cherry on top of a cold-weather outfit sundae. From ultra-performance powerhouses to modern heritage labels vying for the puffer throne, we’ve rounded up the best of the best.