The Warmest Puffers and Parkas for Bundling Up This Winter

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Cold weather — like really cold weather — demands a big-ass coat that will keep you warm. We’re talking parkas and puffers, specifically. This can mean down (as in the controversial undercoat feathers from geese, ducks, and swans) or something synthetic. Either way, you’ve got a ton of choices at a ton of different price points, which we’ll help you navigate in a minute.

But first, another thing you should know about these outerwear heavy hitters: they’re just about the hottest winter wardrobe staple you can toss on right now. As everyone from NBA ‘fit icon Kyle Kuzma to a one Frank Ocean will tell you, it can be the difference between a stellar snow-ready look and six more weeks of poorly dressed winter.

Below, we’ve gathered our favorite heavyweight winter styles for your perusal. All of these jackets can handle themselves in some single-digit temps, though some will do even better than others. Most are waterproof, all are handsome as hell. Really, there’s bad wrong choice here.

So have at it. Browse our picks for the warmest, most durable and generally best puffers and parkas to keep you nice and snug, wherever you go this winter.

Best Overall: The North Face Gotham Jacket III

Just what makes a good winter coat? Typically, three ingredients are crucial to parka quality: insulation (how warm you stay), weatherproofing (how dry you stay) and style factor (how much you can avoid looking like the Michelin Man). Most great coats have two of the three. The Gotham Jacket has them all. Dressed up in a striking, high-vis yellow that manages to lean interesting, not obnoxious and finished with 550-fill down insulation, an adjustable hood, stormflap and ribbed trim, it’s Dryvent technology provides waterproof protection, moisture permeability and durability. Seriously, what more could you want?

Buy here: $300

Budget Pick: Everlane The ReNew Long Parka

Clocking in at just over 200 bucks, the Everlane ReNew Long Parka is our top choice for a jacket that’ll get the job done without breaking the bak. In terms of raw pound-per-pound value to quality, Everlane’s as good as it gets. Fleece-lined pockets, a storm hood, 100% recycled PrimaLoft insulation, the list goes on and on.

Buy here: $228

Best-Dressed: ERL Sun Bomber Puffer Jacket

Eli Russell Linnetz’s namesake brand, ERL, is of the hottest around — so hot, in fact, that the emerging menswear label was nominated for the prestigious CFDA Award this year. And it’s glaringly obvious as to why: the Sun Bomber Puffer Jacket is just one piece in a whole lineup of cleverly incorporated graphics, daring cuts and a fresh sense of what’s actually cool. The jacket doesn’t just take the fashionista cake on style points alone — quilted and insulated with a full taffeta lining, it’s the perfect combo of best-dressed and comfy-cozy.

Buy Here: $865

Warmest Wear: Taylor Stitch Whitney Parka

There’s a level of “screw it” cold that many are lucky to avoid, where the water freezes on contact, fingers turn purple, then white. Well, the Whitney Parka is built to handle those very conditions. The 3oz nylon lining adds some serious heft to the jacket, and classic quilt construction with 650 fill power down insulation provide all warmth you could ask for. Elastic cuffs and an internal drawcord at the waist ensure a snug fit to keep cold air out, too.

Buy Here: $398

The Eco-Conscious Choice: COS Short Puffer Jacket

COS’ promise is simple: to become a fully sustainable brand with 100% sustainably sourced or recycled materials. They’re edging closer to that goal; 86% of the materials in their collection were sustainably sourced in 2021, and the Short Puffer has certainly contributed to the cause. Despite ‘gram-worthy levels of flex, the jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester, meaning you can worry just a little bit less about further screwing up the planet and a little more about getting some damn ‘fits off.

BUy Here: $285