How to Wear a Puffer Jacket

Co-authored by Candace Hanna and Amber Crain

Last Updated: May 20, 2021 References

Puffer jackets are made to protect you from very cold temperatures. The quilted design creates the jacket’s trademark “puffy” look. Puffer jackets in slim-fitting cuts and dark colors can help you streamline the silhouette. The jacket can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on what you choose to wear underneath. Details like faux fur-lined hoods, fitted waists and shawl collars make fashionable accents to this practical garment. Accessories can add a splash of color and polish the overall look.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Puffer Jacket

1
Select a puffer jacket with a sleek silhouette. In the past, most puffer jackets were thick, bulky and cumbersome. These days, puffer jackets come in a range of stylish silhouettes and cuts. Look for jackets that are nipped at the waist, since these will be more form-fitting.^{[1]
X
Research source} Consider a cropped, bomber-style cut instead of the more traditional coat-length version. Bomber cuts fall just below the belt and tend to be more slim-fitting.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For an even sleeker silhouette, check out puffer jackets that have belted or fitted waists.
2
Choose a neutral color. There is no shortage of neon colored puffer jackets out there, but try to avoid these. Puffer jackets in classic neutrals will look more stylish and can be worn with almost anything in your closet.^{[3]
X
Research source} Go for classic and neutral colors like black, brown and khaki. If you want something a little more colorful, choose navy blue, deep maroon, dark grey or army green.

Advertisement
3
Try a hooded puffer jacket. A hood can look very stylish on a puffer jacket, and it will also offer more protection from the cold. The most fashionable ones typically feature hoods lined with faux fur. Look for faux fur that is black, brown or cream colored. Avoid faux fur that is dyed in bright colors.
- If you don’t like faux fur but want to get a similar effect, look for plush materials that are soft to the touch.
4
Pay attention to stitching, material and other details. Puffer jackets with vertical stitching tend to be the most form-fitting.^{[4]
X
Research source} Look for other stylish accents like shearling collars, leather accents, fitted waists, shawl collars, asymmetrical zippers and interesting button designs. The ones with goose down insulation will keep you the warmest, but they are also the most expensive options. The upside is you can get several years’ worth of wear out of them.
- The synthetic fiber options are far more affordable and there’s no shortage of styles to choose from.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Wearing Complimentary Clothing

1
Choose slim-fitting pants in dark colors. Puffy jackets, even the most stylish ones, have a very utilitarian vibe. Baggy, light-colored pants tend to emphasize this in an unflattering way. You can dress up your puffer jacket by pairing it with stylish dark-colored pants, skinny jeans or leggings.
2
Wear sporty pieces under your puffer jacket. You can dress down a puffer jacket with casual athletic gear and still look fashionable. Choose sporty pieces, like hoodies, knit sweaters, longline t-shirts and trainers, with clean lines and flattering colors.^{[5]
X
Research source} Top it all off with a knit hat in a fun color. The end result is casual, effortless and polished.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Wear your puffer jacket over dress clothes. A dark-colored puffer jacket with a sleek silhouette can look great over business suits, dress pants and dresses in similarly neutral colors. Make sure the color of your jacket ties in neatly with your clothing – this is the key to making this look work.
- Try your puffer jacket with a mid-week, business casual outfit. You can keep warm on your way to work without having to wear tons of layers.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Selecting Accessories

1
Wear your jacket with boots or sneakers. The puffer jacket’s utilitarian vibe works best with dark-colored rugged boots, ankle boots and heeled boots. It also pairs well with almost any kind of athletic footwear, especially sneakers and trainers. Add a dash of color by wearing a pair of fun, bright trainers.
- Vintage-style sneakers in muted colors also go well with puffer jackets.
- Avoid wearing formal footwear, like high heels, with a puffer jacket.
2
Dress your puffer jacket up with a bright beanie and nice scarf. Perk up your dark puffer jacket with a brightly-colored or patterned knit hat. A nice scarf can also jazz up your look. Wear a scarf with a simple design and arrange it around your neck neatly. A dark-colored pair of leather or wool gloves can help you complete this polished look.
- Winter is the perfect time to play around with layers and accessories.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Candace Hanna
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.}
3
Wear it with a belt and monochrome accessories. Puffer jackets with belted or drawstring waists can help streamline the jacket's puffy silhouette. Choose a dark-colored jacket with a matching belt. Add sleek accessories, like scarves, hats, gloves and sunglasses, in the same dark color to go with it. The overall effect is polished and trendy.
- To maintain a streamlined appearance, avoid puffer jackets with belts that aren’t the same color as the jacket itself.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I look thinner in a puffer jacket?

Candace Hanna
Professional Stylist
Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA.

Candace Hanna

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Slim cuts on the bottom will help you create a sleek silhouette that flatters the figure and balances out the puffiness of the jacket.