The temperatures are dropping and we couldn’t be more excited! But as some of us are still dealing with unpredictable weather (and the occasional warm day), some transitional pieces are needed. So if you’re all set on shackets for the season, it may be time to consider some puffer vests too! Keep scrolling for the best puffer vests for the upcoming seasons. 

How To Shop For A Quality Puffer Vest

There are so many puffer vest options out there, but how do you know which one is worth the money? To make a worthwhile purchase, here’s what you should consider: 

• Where will you be wearing it — Are you shopping for a vest for outdoor activities, or as a transitional piece for unpredictable weather? Be realistic. If you’re just opting for something to wear while you’re running errands, you probably won’t want to splurge on something that most people will buy for camping. 
• Consider the filling material — When shopping for puffer vests, you’ll see both down and synthetic filling. Down can be expensive and tends to clump when it gets wet. But it’s also light and packable. On the other hand, synthetic retains its structure after it gets wet and tends to be less expensive. But it’s also heavier and usually only available in a single sheet, so it isn’t as warm. 
• Check the stitching and zippers — Closely inspect each puffer vest for stitching and zippers. If the seams look loose or the zipper looks low-quality, it won’t keep you as warm or last as long as a quality puffer vest. 

The Warmest Puffer Vests For Cold Weather

1. Piper Packable Vest, $98

Our favorite performance puffer style now in a cool vest design. This lightweight layering vest easily folds into itself to be packed away for when you need it.

2. Women’s Micro Puff® Vest, $199

The best warmth for weight of any vest we’ve ever built, the Micro Puff® Vest delivers ultralightweight, water-resistant, down-like warmth with PlumaFill synthetic insulation—a revolutionary featherlight down alternative. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

3. Lululemon Navigation Stretch Down Vest, $168

Your cool-weather essential. This lightweight down vest is powered by ThermoChannel™ construction to lock in heat and has a slightly oversized fit for layering extra warmth.

4. Columbia Women’s Copper Crest Vest, $69.99

You can pair this vest with just about anything thanks to its stylish diagonal baffling. The light insulation and plush, fleece-lined collar provides added warmth in cool temps.

5. The North Face Aconcagua Vest, $119

The wind-resistant Women’s Aconcagua Vest pairs natural and recycled synthetic insulations to provide a great warmth-to-weight ratio and ensure a flattering fit.

6. Blanc Noir Heat Smart Quilted Vest, $229

This innovative vest is made with technical wire conduits in key areas to offer three different temperature settings for cozy warmth.

7. Nike Aeroloft, $180

The Nike Aeroloft Vest delivers targeted warmth where you need it. Its high-shine design has pockets for easy-access storage. A shallow collar with minimal stitching keeps you running without distractions.

8. Adidas Down Puffer Vest, $160

Function, or fashion? No need to choose. This adidas padded vest erases the question from cold weather morning closet debates entirely. Throw it on under a jacket or layer it over a tee for a little utilitarian pop. Depending on the temp, maybe it’s both. The point is, options are aplenty with this one.

8. Land’s End Women’s Plus Size Ultralight Packable Down Vest, $109.95

Super light, yet oh-so warm, you’ll make up excuses to throw this vest on. All thanks to our 800 fill power down. It is one of the lightest (and warmest) chill-blockers out there. It even retains its loft and warming power when gets wet.

8. Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Vest, $51

This ultralight packable vest provides essential warmth whenever and wherever you need it. Wind-resistant nylon shell with Premium Down insulation and a durable, water-repellent finish that causes moisture to bead and roll off rather than soaking into the fabric.

Shopping for more cold weather essentials? Be sure and check out our favorite scarves for fall/winter and how to style them.