If you don’t already have a puffer vest, let this be your sign to hop on the bandwagon. Though many outerwear brands may advertise them as ideal for hiking, they’re plenty useful as wardrobe staples for layering in that weird in-between weather.
Not all puffer vests are created equal, however. Whether you want a high standing collar to cover your neck, a cropped fit that’s on the trendier side, or a longer one to keep yourself covered and warm all over — there are puffer vests for everyone. We scoured the internet to find some of the most highly-rated options at different price points, and found a variety of vests that can help you embrace the colder weather in style.
Below, check out the cream of the crop — 10 vests that are stylish, comfortable and functional. All of them have ratings well over 4 stars to prove it.
A trendy cropped version that'll still keep your neck warm
Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Looking for something a little more fashion forward? Try this women's cropped puffer vest, the current bestseller in the women's outerwear vests category. It has a high collar and adjustable drawstring hem. The vest also has a slightly looser fit on the shoulders, if that's what you're looking for. It comes in 17 colors and women's sizes XS-XXL.
This hooded women's vest from Quince
Quince rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Though Adidas' vest only comes in men's sizes, there are plenty of highly-rated hooded puffer vests available in women's sizes, including this option from Quince which you can nab in six colors and women's sizes XS-XL. It's water-resistant, wind-repellant and is fitted without being too tight, making it a great layering piece. It's made with 90% goose down to keep you warm and cozy. The hood is also removable, so you can switch up the look depending on what you want out of the vest.
Promising review: "I got this puffy vest in the shiny black and it’s amazing. I usually do Burton or other outdoor brands and the quality of this down is as good or better than those. Very fluffy, warm, great fit, and sleek look. Like that the hood is detachable too. You won’t regret it:)" — Sam D.
A packable option with thousands of 5-star ratings
Amazon rating: 4.4 (women's) and 4.5 (men's) out of 5 stars
With high ratings across over 14,000 reviews on both the men's and women's versions of this puffer vest, this is a reliable option that's on the cheaper side among the other vests on this list. It has a regular fit with two zippered hand pockets, is water-resistant and is lightweight enough to be packable. It's available in 11 colors, and you can grab it in women's sizes XS-XXL and men's sizes XS-6XL with some tall sizing options too.
Promising review: "I had lost a Patagonia puffer vest on a long trip and while looking for a replacement came across these Amazon vests. Although a little nervouse about the price I took the plunge.... and I am glad I did. This is a super high quality puffer vest to keep you warm and stylish. I love the double inside pockets which is not on most. Get one and see." — Steve
A popular Patagonia puffer vest
Patagonia rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Patagonia's Nano-Puff vest has a unique brick quilting pattern and is made with 100% recycled insulation. It's also packable, has an interior chest pocket with a zipper and two front pockets, and you can adjust the hem with a drawstring to keep the warmth from getting out. It's available in seven colors, in men's sizes XS-3XL and women's sizes XXS-XXL.
Promising review: "I wake up to cool mornings (50ºF or lower) and then the day warms up (~70º). This vest is perfect for those days because it keeps me warm when it's cool and is easily packed away when it warms up! So happy that I decided to purchase this!" — Andrew
Or another cropped vest, this time with pockets
Amazon rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
This brand is known for its comfy basics, so we had to throw their puffer vest on this list. It's cropped similarly to the last one (though not quite as much), with the same type of stand collar, but offers the useful feature of two front pockets. It comes in 13 fun colors and women's sizes XS-XL.
Promising review: "Really like this vest. Cute and cozy to throw on over a long sleeve or sweatshirt for cooler months and has pockets deep enough to fit my phone and keys without falling out. It did puff up a little more after I took it out of the packaging but not too much. Ordered my regular M and it zips up over my DD bust and is snug like a vest should be but still roomy. Note: this vest is not as long as other vests but I would not call it a true crop. Maybe it's because I'm 5'2" but honestly I actually prefer this length as the vest is just long enough to cover my pooch but stops before my butt so it works out." — TC
A Columbia vest that offers a longer fit
Columbia rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Vests can be great protection against the cold and rain until you have to sit down outside on a wet bench. (Been there before.) That's where a longer option with more coverage like this vest from Columbia can come in handy, to keep your butt covered with a drop-tail hem. Other design features of this vest include a two-way zipper, interior security pocket in addition to the two zippered front pockets, a fleece-lined collar and a thermal reflective lining to keep you warm. Grab it in four colors and women's sizes XS-3XL.
A vest from a HuffPost reader-beloved brand
Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Though this Baleaf puffer vest has comparatively fewer ratings than some of the others we've included here sold on Amazon, we know the brand is trusted for making reliable activewear, including their extremely popular quick-dry hiking pants. This vest comes in four colors and men's sizes S-XXL. It has four pockets, is lightweight and water-resistant and, unlike the others on this list, has stretchy fabric panels on the sides so as not to restrict movement.
A Lands' End vest with a svelte fit
Lands’ End rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
This Lands' End vest falls at mid-hip, has a high collar, is made with 600-fill down designed to create an hourglass silhouette. The pockets are even fleece-lined, in case your hands get cold. It's available in a bunch of colors and patterns and women's sizes XS-3XL, with petite, tall and plus sizes available.
Promising review: "I already have two of these and I’ve found them to be excellent for warmth, I couldn’t be without one as I’m a very cold person- I need to wear one 11 months in the year.” — Mama
An Adidas men's vest with a hood
Adidas rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
If you're anticipating rainy weather, a hood can make all the difference. This hooded down vest from Adidas is insulated with 600-fill down to keep you warm, and has hidden snap buttons on the front to keep the look clean and streamlined. The hood is elastic so it can stay snug, and the vest has two front pockets with zippers. It comes in three colors and sizes XS-4XL.
Promising review: "The color matched the photo exactly. The vest keeps your core body warm and repels water very well in moderate rainy weather. The hood adds some style. Best adidas vest I’ve ever owned." — Marty1
A lightweight but cozy down REI puffer vest
REI rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
This REI puffer vest has four total pockets and a slightly less dramatic collar if you want one that's a little shorter (but still tall enough to keep your neck warm). It's made with 650-fill down, as well as a windproof and water-resistant fabric that also has a water-repellent coating to keep you dry. Get it in four colors and men's sizes S-3XL, plus women's sizes XS-3XL.