Annmarie O'Connor: 10 ways to wear the classic puffer jacket

"With a fanbase that includes outdoors enthusiasts and supermodels, The North Face knows a thing or two about looking and feeling good."

Thu, 04 Jan, 2024 - 17:49

Annmarie O'Connor - @aocdotme

When it comes to big fashion energy, the puffer jacket delivers. A stalwart of 80s hip-hop and 90s rave culture, its voluminous feather-quilted silhouette is iconic.

As 2.0 iterations adopt an increasingly quieter disposition, don’t be fooled by the vibe shift. Behind the pared-back proportions is a combination of style-savvy and technical nous worth shouting about.

With a fanbase that includes outdoors enthusiasts and supermodels, The North Face® knows a thing or two about looking and feeling good.

Their prolifically popular puffers boast a high fill power rating of 550 (which determines warmth) and feather-light goose down that is ethically sourced, responsibly produced and traceable.

Styles like the 'Hmlyn' jacket also feature a durable water-repellent finish, plus WindWall™ fabric to minimise the effects of wind chill. A boon for the fickle Irish climate.

Prefer something vegan? Danish brand Rains takes an innovative approach to quilting thanks to seamless waterproof chambers filled with plant-based insulation.

Their signature ‘Alta’ puffer (built on this featherless technology) features ultrasonically double-welded seams, fleece-lined pockets, concealed storm cuffs and a winter-proof hood to protect from cold, wet and windy weather.

Eight colour choices and a clean aesthetic make it a clear everyday favourite.

For more of a mood-booster, Farm Rio’s playful Brazilian prints are unmatched. Reimagining the puffer with playful palettes and feel-good florals, their selection of belted and quilted beauties are reversible which means double the wear time.

As for me, I’ve got my eye on a metallic number from Zara’s latest ski collection.

Add a fireside hot chocolate on a snowy day, ideally nowhere near a slope. This suburban girl prefers the great indoors.

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