Honestly guys, I’m tired of talking about how hot I get these days. Lol. I mean, it’s still true but gahhhh. Boring. But I can’t move on. And lighter weight puffer jackets and coats are my go-to right now in my late 40’s for just this reason. They provide a great comfy top layer that’s cute, that isn’t too puffy, that layers easily over sweatshirts and sweaters, that travels easily AND that doesn’t make me too hot.
Alas, here I am delving into this topic, yet again, but I hope it’s helpful for the rest of the friends out there also dealing with perimenopause. Funnzies, all around, eh?
The Best Quilted Packable Puffer Jackets (A Try-On)
The puffers that inspired this entire try-on: a hooded quilted Bernardo puffer and I live in my Free People Pippa Puffer. Those two favorites prompted me to order a few more to compare and try out for ya. I wanted to see if a few more of the popular options out there stood up to my favorites. And I’ve narrowed it down to 5 top picks.
Puffer (M) | Jeans (29) | Boots
My criteria here is…updated. I am tired of all the horizontal channel-style puffers of old, lol. So none of those made the cut. I blame living in the Pacific Northwest for almost 15 years now. Those things are everywhere all the time and I mean, fashion. I instead prefer the updated quilted looking versions that have a boxier fit than in years past. And bear with me on the swapped up photo locations here…I’m chasing the good light. It’s so dark here in December!
1 | Athleta Evergreen Jacket
Puffer (M) | similar hat
WHERE TO BUY: Athleta
Ok so this little gem of a jacket won out as my actual favorite! I’ve loved my Pippa puffer for a couple of years, but this one might be even beter?! The color is stunning (also comes in black and ivory) and the fit is great. It’s a perfect in-between weight, not too thin not too thick (still packable) and has a little cinch option at the bottom of the jacket so you can stave out the chill if you want.
PRICE: $219, but currently $100 off or more with Athleta card
SIZING: XXS – XL, Tall + Petite
MATERIALS: 100% Nylon
OTHER DETAILS: water repellant
Puffer (M) | similar hat
2 | Free People Pippa Packable Puffer
Puffer (M) | Jeans (29) | Boots
WHERE TO BUY: Nordstrom | Free People | Zappos | Bloomingdale’s
This beauty of a jacket is what started it all. Many of us here have loved the Free People Pippa Packable Puffer (say that a bunch of times fast) for years. It’s thin enough to bring with you just about anywhere but moderately warm for adding that easy top layer. I love that this doesn’t have a hood because I can easily layer hoodies underneath. I love the shirttail hem, the quilting, and the colors it comes in.
PRICE: $198 (but on sale in some colors at Nordstrom + Zappos)
SIZING: XS – XL
MATERIALS: 100% polyamide with PrimaLoft insulation
OTHER DETAILS: Water-resistant
Puffer (M) | Jeans (29) | Boots
3 | Bernardo Ashbury Diamond Quilted Liner
WHERE TO BUY: Bernardo
I’ve had this cute soft puffer in this beautiful sage green for a couple of months now. It’s a nice option when I want something a little longer AND with a hood (good for Portland rainy.) I like that it covers my butt BUT I do like the shape of the boxier, shorter other versions better on me as far as looks go.
PRICE: $200, but currently 35% off at both stores above
SIZING: XS – XXL
MATERIALS: 100% recycled polyester
OTHER DETAILS: Water repellent
4 | Zella Quilted Packable Jacket
Puffer (M) | Jeans (29) | Boots
WHERE TO BUY: Nordstrom
This Zella jacket was the thinnest of my favorites included here, but it’s still a great option. It’s really comparable to the Pippa but for a fraction of the price. It’s thin but not as thin as two others I tried that didn’t make the top favorites.
PRICE: $99
SIZING: XS – XXL
MATERIALS: 100% nylon
OTHER DETAILS: Collar can be worn up or down
Puffer (M) | Jeans (29) | Boots
5 | Halfdays Nellie Packable Puffer
Puffer (M) | Jeans (29) | Boots
WHERE TO BUY: Nordstrom | Halfdays
I really liked this Halfdays puffer…until I tried the Athleta option at #1. This one is great and a tiny bit thicker than the Athleta, but at a much higher price point. I do love how high quality Halfdays coats are, so if you need more warmth I would imagine this might be your best pick, but for my purposes it was a little too small and the color was almost too dark of a green (since it reads black here.)
PRICE: $228
SIZING: S – XL
MATERIALS: 55% nylon, 45% recycled nylon
OTHER DETAILS: Packs into a travel pillow
Puffer (M) |Jeans (29) | Boots
And if you’re interested in the packable puffers I didn’t like, here are a few of the styles I rejected for various reasons listed in the comments:
Hope this is helpful if you too are a hot mama these days…or you just need a cute packable puffer in your life. Until next time…
xo,
L
See ya over on Instagram if you wanna…
