Look good while staying warm in one of these white puffer jackets

Once the staple of people wanting to hike and do other outdoor activities in winter, puffer jackets are now considered stylish cold-weather coats. A white puffer jacket has a fresh look that might not be practical for muddy conditions but is perfect for snowy weather or traipsing around town.

You have plenty of options when it comes to white puffer jackets, be it as a functional outdoor jacket or a trendy streetwear piece. Guess Men's Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Jacket balances a blend of fashion and function.

What to know before you buy a white puffer jacket

Jacket length

For some activities, a puffer jacket that hits at the waist is enough to keep you toasty warm. For wintry commutes or enjoying the snow, you may prefer a jacket with a longer cut that can keep more of your body insulated.

Temperature rating

Some product descriptions give the temperature rating of the jacket to help shoppers find one that’s suitable for the environment they plan to wear it. However, the warmth a jacket provides can vary depending on other factors like wind or rain, so don’t rely on this measurement to guarantee a jacket’s effectiveness in all conditions.

Fill power

When you’re shopping for a white puffer jacket, you may see its fill power in the product description. Fill power is the volume that 1 ounce of natural down fills up; it usually measures 450-900 cubic inches. The higher the number, the warmer the jacket, because it has more insulation per cubic inch. This also usually equates to higher-quality down, which better retains its shape and its warming capabilities.

White puffer jacket features

Water-repellent fabric

If you want to wear your white puffer jacket out in the snow or rain or for an activity that could make you sweat, choose fabric that’s been treated to be water-repellent. You should also look for synthetic insulation that can better withstand getting wet.

Down vs. synthetic filling

Down and synthetic fillings are both popular choices for puffer coats, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Down: Down is more expensive due to it being a natural product that must be obtained from birds, and it requires more care than synthetic insulation. However, down jackets tend to be warmer than synthetic while remaining more easily packable. With proper care, a down jacket is more durable and retains its puffiness longer than synthetic.
Synthetic: A major advantage to synthetic filling is that it's more water-resistant and can keep you warm even when wet, something down can't handle. Synthetic filling is also hypoallergenic, easier to care for and more affordable. Plus, it's a cruelty-free option for anyone who avoids wearing animal products. The tradeoff is its bulk compared to down filling and the overall lower warmth it provides.

Hood

A hood is an easy way for your puffer coat to keep you warmer. Some more stylish white puffer coats may have faux fur trim on their hoods. However, even if your puffer jacket comes with a hood, avoid wearing the jacket as a raincoat unless you’re sure the fabric can repel water. Natural down loses its insulating capabilities when wet and risks developing mildew if it can’t dry out fast enough. If you can't decide, some puffer jackets feature detachable or collapsible hoods.

White puffer jacket cost

In general, puffer jackets are a more expensive style of coat. They can be found for less than $50, but those may not be as durable as higher-end jackets. Puffer jackets featuring natural down tend to cost $90-$180, with some high-end coats costing $300 or more.

White puffer jacket FAQ

How do you take care of a white puffer jacket?

A. Always refer to the manufacturer care instructions on the label. Some can simply be machine-washed, while others may require professional cleaning. If you're worried about your jacket getting damaged in the washing machine, hand-wash it in a large sink or bathtub. Use a down-specific detergent to clean puffer jackets with natural down filling to help prevent clumps. If you machine-wash your jacket, use the delicates setting in a machine without a center agitator and be sure to get your jacket out as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew. Thinner puffer jackets air-dry quickly enough to avoid mildew, but thicker jackets should go in the dryer on low heat.

How can I keep my white jacket white?

A. Keep your white puffer jacket looking fresh as snow by treating tough stains with a laundry pretreatment spray, testing on an inconspicuous area first. You may wish to hand-wash your jacket instead of machine-washing it so you can keep an eye on how clean it's getting. Do not use bleach and make sure you choose an appropriate detergent for your jacket's filling and water-repellent treated fabric.

Which white puffer jacket should I get?

Best of the best white puffer jacket

Guess Men's Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Jacket: available at Amazon

Our take: For both cozy warmth and style, it's hard to beat this hooded puffer.

What we like: It comes in a striking bright white hue. The hood is removable for those times when you don't want it. You can machine-wash it to keep it clean.

What we dislike: It may not be warm enough for extremely cold weather.

Best bang for your buck white puffer jacket

Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Hooded Puffer Jacket: available at Amazon

Our take: With its lightweight design, this is a good choice for transitional months and for anyone who wants a slimmer fit to their jacket.

What we like: It has a slightly tapered waist for a tailored look. It's water-resistant and machine-washable.

What we dislike: It comes in an off-white that not all buyers like.

Honorable mention white puffer jacket

Nautica Women's Faux Fur Trim Hooded Mid-Weight Puffer Jacket: available at Amazon

Our take: This mid-weight jacket has a faux fur-trimmed hood and a padded puffer body.

What we like: The fleece lining in the neck and pockets is cozy. The inner cuffs with thumbholes help keep you warm, while the zippered pockets keep your belongings safe.

What we dislike: It's tough to reattach the hood once you detach it.

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Lauren Corona is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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