This Puffer Trend Is So 2018, But These Ones Are So Right-Now


In 2018, it seemed like all anyone wore, talked about, or posted was really big puffer jackets. It was almost as if the puffier your jacket was, the more street cred you had. Influencers, celebrities, and fashion girls alike took to the trend with ease and excitement as they proudly walked down the street, nearly knocking everyone over in the process. This extra-large puffer trend emerged at the peak when coat trends felt more like a shock factor than a way of dressing. I mean, back in 2018, this look was probably styled with micro sunglasses and chunky Balenciaga Triple S sneakers, and that was something we considered normal? Luckily (depending on who you ask), the fashion industry has shifted away from all the frills and gimmicks toward a more stylized and wearable set of collections and trends that won't get you weird stares as you walk around outside.
But to bring it back to puffers—an extremely relevant topic considering we are now in the coldest time of the year—if the oversize puffer was 2018, the tonal plain puffer you can wear with literally anything is so right-now. We aren't even that far into winter, and already the fashion set is whipping out simple puffers and styling them in ways that are actually approachable. Complete with warm color palettes of creams, tans, browns, and more, all those crazy-colored, patterned puffers that fit in no closet I've ever seen suddenly feel obsolete. This new wave of puffers also includes puffer vests, which I personally feel will be a fresh update to my all-too-often-repetitive winter wardrobe.
Ahead, see exactly what this new wave of puffer dressing and styling is all about, and shop 16 of the best ones on the market from the best coat brands.
Top 5 Puffer Coats for Women of 2025
- Best Overall: Aritzia The Super Puff₂o Jacket ($350)
- Best Cropped: H&M Short Puffer Jacket ($40)
- Best Long: Gap Big Puff Coat ($170)
- Best Packable: Free People We the Free Joanna Maxi Puffer Jacket ($198)
- Best Splurge: Agolde x Shoreditch Ski Club Tate Padded Bomber ($417)
Now this is how you wear black on black in the winter.
This look is proof you can still wear your summer clothes in the winter so long as you style them with a warm puffy coat.
A colorful puffer is a great way to amp up the volume on an otherwise everyday look.
Embrace winter whites by styling a neutral puffer with a matching turtleneck sweater, jeans, and ankle boots.
A winter look doesn't have to require a tailored coat in order to be polished. Throw a plain puffer over trousers and a cardigan and you'll still look just as sleek.
If the inner hypebae in you is sad to see the decline of the oversize puffer, swap it out for a puffer vest. Clearly, the look reads hype vibes all around.
Best Puffer Coat for Freezing Temperatures
City commuters will appreciate the extra-long collar on this coat.
Materials: 100% Recycled Nylon
Sizes: XS-L
Pros: Plush microfiber-lined pockets, machine washable, keeps you warm
Cons: Have to put it on and take it off over your head
Use your puffer coat to add a pop of color to your winter ensembles.
Make your white puffer coat pop by styling it with printed trousers and bright rain boots.
One more sleek and extremely wearable puffer outfit for good measure. You know, since you'll be wearing one for months on end.
This post was originally published on an earlier date and has since been updated.

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
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