We had our first major snowfall here in CO two weeks ago now, and it’s safe to say winter has officially entered the chat. And you know what else has entered the chat?! My search for a cool puffer coat (plus size, of course!).
puffer (2x)
Every year when winter rolls around I start feeling quite giddy about finding a new puffer coat. I’ve worn a puffer coat for as long as I can remember. Long puffer coats, cropped puffers, patchwork puffercoats, and basic but warm puffers, you name it, I’ve worn it. Puffers are truly an absolute staple for my winter wardrobe.
Cool AF Puffer Coats For Plus-Size Babes
This year’s priorities for puffer coats are: something unexpected, cool AF, and, of course, warm. Whatever puffer coat I decide to add to my – already extensive – winter collection, has to be something exciting. This puffer coat needs to make me feel like the cool girl I am, and its gotta be able to get me through the hella cold climate here in Colorado.
TBH, all the puffer coats I found this year give me cool girl vibes! They’re on trend for the season and are the exact serotonin boost I want for the colder months of the year. ps. picking one of these cool af puffers as my absolute fav feels impossible... but if I had to pick one, it would be this gorgeousness.
Let’s get into it…
1. The North Face Hydrenalite Puffer: A Twist On An OG Classic
puffer (3x) | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
I’ve said it in the past, and I will say it again, I am not the biggest fan of TNF. TNF’s selection for plus-size is limited, and the majority of what they design only comes in black. While I’d love more variety, they do have puffers that are ultra light weight yet surprisingly very warm.
puffer (3x) | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
This year, I happened to find a much cooler take on the OG black puffer. This North Face Hydrenalite puffer comes in a stunning, shiny black. It’s slightly cropped and sits perfectly at the bottom of my waistline. It’s truly one of the best fitting puffers I’ve tried.
puffer (3x)
FIT NOTES: TNF tends to run small for me, and the same was true for this puffer. I am wearing a size 3X.
2. Old Navy Water Resistant Shiny Puffer: For the Penny-Saving Cool Girl
Like the look of a shiny puffer, but not interested in the price tag of TNF?! Then you need to snag Old Navy’s shiny puffer. I was so surprised by the price tag of this affordable winter puffer and if you keep an eye out on Old Navy’s website, you might be able to score it at an even more discounted price like I did!
puffer (2x) | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
If you are going for the cool girl factor of finding a coat that just makes you feel good, then this jacket is 100% it! The icy blue color is stunning, and the overall aesthetic of the jacket is perfectly on trend for the season. However, if you want something that is ultra warm and insulated, then I’d recommend the TNF puffer. While I love the color so much more than the shiny black TNF, this jacket was a bit longer than I would have liked and I personally preferred the overall fit of the TNF puffer in comparison to this one. That being said, the Old Navy jacket is still really, really good!
FIT NOTES: The jacket fits slightly oversized, which is perfect for wearing over chunky sweaters. I am wearing a size 2X.
3. Anthropologie Sherpa Cropped Puffer: Orange You Glad its Winter?
cropped puffer (2x) | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
The moment I saw this oh-so-gorgeous cropped Sherpa puffer on Anthopologie’s website, I literally screamed. The color, the cropped design, the pop of Sherpa on the collar?! Are you kidding me, it’s so good! When it arrived at my door, it was an immediate yes. It fits perfectly, and is 100% my vibe.
cropped puffer (2x) | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
The one downfall, that honestly made me consider returning it… is that it doesn’t have pockets!!! Like what a freaking let down to try and put your hands into a toasty Sherpa-lined pocket, to realize there aren’t any?! Even though the jacket was designed sans pockets, it does have a few secret pockets in the lining of the coat. I really do love the jacket so much, but the lack of pockets… what a bummer.
cropped puffer (2x) | hat | pants (3x petite)
FIT NOTES: fits TTS, and I am wearing a size 2X.
4. Marina Rinaldi Puffer Trench: It’s Totally Worth It
puffer trench (33) | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
Well, this is my cue to never buy another thing from Marina Rinaldi, because, my friends, I will go broke! I was fully expecting that this jacket would just be okay, but it is f*cking fantastic. It quite honestly might be the best jacket I have ever tried in my life and it gave me all the giddy butterflies I was hoping for in this year’s search for an unexpected and cool af puffer. I’ve been a huge fan of Marina Rinaldi for quite some time, and think this designer creates the best of the best when it comes to plus size. Which is no surprise considering the brand has always designed clothes for all size ranges.
Shop puffer trench: Saks | Nordstrom | Marina Rinaldi (full size range) | Nieman Marcus
puffer trench (33) | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
The color is a luscious caramel laté and the material feels silky smooth on my skin. While most long puffer coats feel overwhelming, this coat is lightly padded, yet so incredibly warm. It’s made of a water-resistant duchess satin and, according to the website, the padding imitates real down. The color, the drape, the design – everything about this puffer trench coat is absolute perfection.
puffer trench (33)
FIT NOTES: I am wearing a size 33 and love everything about how this fits my body.
5. Universal Standard Kanda: Unexpectedly Cool
puffer | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
I’ve got to say this puffer was the most surprising to me. Shana suggested it, and TBH I wasn’t totally sold based on the photos. But it’s freaking amazing, and a million times better IRL than what the photos suggest. The jacket feels reminiscent of a kimono and the deep teal color is stunning. I rarely find jackets that fit well over my bum, and am impressed with the fit and the feel of this coat.
puffer | tee (xl) | pants (3x petite) | sneakers | hat
The one element I don’t love is that the jacket is designed sans zipper, and while it is warm, I fear that it wouldn’t be a great jacket for walking Murphy. A good gust of wind, or too vigorous of a walk and I am sure I’d be fighting to keep it closed. That said, it’s still a gorgeous puffer coat and a great option for those of you who like full bum coverage.
FIT NOTES: Universal Standard’s sizing is quite different than other brands, and I def recommend you measure yourself before ordering. I am wearing a size L, which is equivalent to 22/24 in plus sizes.
okay, I’m dying to know… which puffer was your fav?!
XX – Kat
Hi, hi, friends! If you’re looking for even more tea from me, give my podcast, “Big Girls Gone Wild!” a listen! Follow me on Instagram for more of my day-to-day shenanigans (think lots of Colorado hiking, dog stories, food creations and all the tea on celebs). And if you feel so inclined, pop over to my YouTube channel, The Katrina Nichole, where I share plus-size fashion hauls, body positivity convos and all things inclusive movement. Byeeeeee!
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