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Unlike our Northern Hemisphere counterparts, it’s never just a case of investing in one heavy coat to see you through the cold months. In fact, it’s not unusual to see an Australian with bare arms in the autumn, sometimes even winter.
With weather like ours, there are days when a long-sleeved tee won’t cut it, but a coat is too warm. Enter: the puffer vest.
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“Puffer vests are the perfect trans-seasonal staple,” Nicole Adolphe, the Head of Style at THE ICONIC, explains. “It’s essentially your go-to piece when it’s not quite cold enough for a full puffer jacket, but you still want some extra warmth.”
Best of all? “It’s great for mixing and matching layers, season after season.”
BEST PUFFER VESTS FOR WOMEN
Whether you’re looking for a classic black puffer vest to take you from sport to street, or a coloured option to make a statement, we have the top functional and fashionable options below.
P.E. Nation Stadium Puffer Vest, The Iconic, $269
When it comes to finding the perfect puffer vest for your wardrobe, you’re going to want to decide on what kind of fit and style you want. The Stadium Puffer Vest from P.E. Nation is a great example of the oversized, cool-girl puffer vest.
It’s long and padded with a quilted shell, plus we love the look for the concealed zip. There’s also two pockets to store your belongings or keep your hands warm.
This P.E. Nation puffer is available in sizes XXS to XXXL – if The Iconic is sold out of your size, you can always shop directly from P.E. Nation.
Champion Rochester Puffer Vest, Myer, $109.99
From the activewear label Champion comes the Rochester Puffer vest. It hits the nail on the head when it comes to that laid-back sporty style. The Champion logo is printed boldly on the front, complementing the quilted black finish.
The neckline of this puffer is very funnel-like, so it will keep your neck warm when the wind starts to pick up. On either side of the vest, Champion have included toggle fasteners so you can bring the vest in to show off your shape.
Pack It Down Vest, Lululemon, $179
The Pack It Down Vest – available in this serene green fern and a classic black – has been specifically designed by luxury athleisure label, Lululemon, for women on-the-go. Accompanied with a stuff sack for easy packing, this lightweight puffer vest is rainproof, and fitted to the torso for ease of movement. Feature to love? Its front pockets are fitted with an interior card sleeve, perfect for popping down to the shops with nothing in hand.
Women Ultra Light Down Vest, UNIQLO, $79.90
Since coming to our shores less than a decade ago, UNIQLO has become the ultimate destination for quality basics. Case in point? Their Ultra Light Down Vest, available in a thoughtful seven hues. Featuring a durable, water-repellent outer; drawstring to hem for a customised fit; and a carrying pouch for easy storage during travel, this is an excellent investment at its affordable price point.
Atmos & Here Sleeveless Short Puffer Vest, The Iconic, $99.99
The Iconic exclusive brand, Atmos & Here, offers a great sleeveless puffer vest for the winter season. The best part? It’s under $100.
The vest has both zipper and button closures, as well as a hood to shield your hair from the rain. This is a great pick to wear with a warm jumper, because it’s going to do a fantastic job at keeping you warm and toasty.
Calvin Klein Down Filled Drama Collar Puffer Vest Black, Myer, $149.95
Looking for something a little unique? This puffer vest from Calvin Klein is sure to turn heads. The quilted pattern is designed to give you shape and show off your curves, which can especially be hard when wearing a puffer vest.
The vest has racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Myer, with customers loving the fact that it’s “stylish and warm” and “not bulky and boxy”.
Take your pick from black or white; whatever you think will match most with your closet.
Huffer Women’s Block Down Vest, THE ICONIC, $279.90
I don’t know about you, but if I read a brand comes from either end of the Tasman, I want to know more. This Kiwi label, Huffer, was founded by a 20-something snowboarder, merging a know-how of technical fabrics and graphic print inspired by the streets on which they are worn. Boasting a water-resistant outer and classic silhouette that suits both snow slopes and cityscapes, it is filled with pure Repreve plume – recycled plastic bottles – meaning you won’t only feel good, but do good with this purchase, too.
Epiq Women’s 600 Fill Down Vest, Kathmandu, $299.98
Another Kiwi brand is giving back to nature, and don’t we love to see it? Iconic outdoor wear label, Kathmandu, has always been about getting people out and among nature, and their Epiq Down Vest is one of their most enduring styles to do so. This latest iteration of the signature style is constructed from pure recycled ripstop polyester; the filling from Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified duck down. Available in lavender, succulent green and black, it comes with a compact sack for easy storage.
Cotton On Body Active Recycled Puffer Vest, The Iconic, $49.99
Add a pop of colour to your collection of puffer vests with this affordable pick from Cotton On Body Active. The bold green shade is super on-trend at the moment, but of course there’s other colours to choose from if you’re not feeling it.
The vest is made from recycled materials, offers a cute cropped design and is also reversible – so it’s basically two vests in one.
Recycled Cropped Puffer Vest, Glassons, $69.99
Another great affordable puffer vest is this one from Glassons, and it just so happens to already be in my closet. I’ve worn this so many times since I purchased it a few months back. It’s comfortable, cosy and looks great with all sorts of streetwear outfits.
There’s loads of colours to choose from, plus it’s made from recycled materials.
ARE PUFFER VESTS IN STYLE?
“For men, it’s a great way to elevate and layer a button up, without looking too clunky,” Nicole shares. “While for women, the vest is a key layering piece that can be worn over more casual looks.”
“It’s a close second to the outerwear piece of this season, the puffer jacket, and we can see it being worn with everything from dresses to activewear.”
RELATED: Our picks for the best puffer jackets of the season
HOW DO YOU STYLE PUFFER VESTS?
The way you dress your puffer vest will vary, depending on your personal style. “For a classic style, opt for a lightweight long sleeve or turtleneck underneath, paired with tights, jeans or even your favourite track pants,” Nicole advises.
“For an edgier look, I love pairing an oversized puffer vest over a sweater or knit, with straight pants or jeans,” she concludes. “The puffer is also perfect for styling over this season’s long sleeve knit dress trend, with boots or sneakers.”
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Originally published as 10 best puffer vests for women to buy in Australia in 2022
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