16 Ways to Maximize a Puffer Jacket While Layering for Winter

When it starts freezing during winter, try wearing a puffer jacket. It’s a lovely choice when you’re layering for winter outfits. Winter clothing has many layers to it. And a puffer jacket is one such useful part of the winter layering system.

This guide takes you through the ways to maximize a puffer jacket in winter. I’ve compiled this post to ease your job while shopping in winter.

Choosing a Puffer Jacket for Layering for Winter

First things first, you must know what you’re looking for. Your puffer jacket is an excellent addition to the winter collection. But if you’re using this piece for layering for winter, keep a few things in mind.

Here are few quick pointers you should consider while layering for winter with a puffer jacket:

1.Select a Sleek Silhouette

Earlier, most puffers were thick, bulky and cumbersome. But today, puffer jackets are available in many stylish silhouettes and cuts.

Your best puffer jackets will be available in form-fitting sizes. So look out for jackets that are nipped at the waist.

You can also consider a cropped, bomber-style cut for your puffer. These versions will add something different to your winter collection.

It’s a welcome change compared to the traditional coat-length version. Bomber cuts fall below your belt and tend to be slim.

Apart from this, look for belted or fitted waists. It gives your jackets and outfits a sleeker look while layering clothes for winter.

2.Choose a Neutral Colour Palette While Layering Clothes for Winter

Colour plays a crucial role in any winter wear you pick. So you should look for a suitable shade for your winter puffers too.

It would be ideal if you pick neutral colours, to begin with. There’s no shortage of bright and bold puffer jackets in the market. But neutrals are your safest as well as most versatile options.

Puffer jackets in classic neutrals look more stylish on winter outfits too. You can wear them with anything from your winter collection. So don’t hesitate when your layering clothes for winter with a puffer jacket.

So wear classic and neutral colours if you’re layering for winter with puffers. Pick colours like black, brown or khaki.

If you want something colourful, navy blue, deep maroon, dark grey or army green. These colours are reliable and look great in winter too.

3. Try Hooded Puffer Jacket While Layering for Winter

Any winter jacket that comes with a hood is a bonus. You get to cover and protect your head and the rest of your body.

And don’t underestimate the value of a hood in puffer jackets. Hoods have the potential to look stylish and will also offer protection from the cold.

You get some variety in the hood’s design as well. Here are those that are plain and simple. But some hoods come with a faux fur lining.

Look for faux fur that’s black, brown or cream-coloured. Avoid linings dyed in bright colours. Don’t like faux fur but want a similar effect? Look out for plush materials that are soft to the touch.

4. Focus on Stitching, Material and Other Details

The puffer jackets with vertical stitching tend to be form-fitting. Look for additional features like shearling collars, leather accents, fitted waists and shawl collars. You could also look out for asymmetrical zippers and attractive button designs.

The ones with goose-down insulation are the warmest. They’re also the most expensive options in the market. But you should treat it as a long-term investment.

The quality allows the product to last long. Synthetic fibres tend to be more affordable compared to goose down.

How to Wear Puffers While Layering for Winter

Puffer jackets are a great choice for winter layering. Your winter looks with a puffer jacket can be cute, stylish and elegant too.

1. Slim-Fitting Pants in Dark Colours

Puffer jackets look great with slim-fitting pants in dark colours. Baggy, light-coloured pants tend to give the jacket a utilitarian vibe. Wear your puffer jacket by pairing it with dark-coloured pants, skinny jeans or leggings.

You can wear sporty pieces under your puffer jacket. You can also dress down a puffer jacket with casual athletic gear. It can still look fashionable if you style it well.

You could pair it with hoodies, knit sweaters, and casual tees. Accessorize the look with a knit beanie in a fun colour. The result is often a casual, effortless and polished outfit.

2. Over Dress Clothes

You can also choose to give your puffer a dressy vibe. A dark-coloured puffer jacket in a sleek silhouette looks excellent over business suits. You can wear it along with trousers, chinos or dresses in neutral colours.

Maintain a neutral colour theme throughout the outfit. And make sure that the colour looks neat on the outfit. It’s vital to make this look work.

Accessorize While Layering Clothes for Winter With Puffers

You should also wear accessories while layering for winter. It’s part of a three-plus-one layering system you can follow. It involves three layers: base, mid and shell layer, and accessories.

1. With Boots and Sneakers

Footwear has a massive role to play from the practical as well as style viewpoint. A puffer jacket looks excellent with dark-coloured rugged boots, ankle boots and heeled boots.

You can also wear it with sneakers for a casual vibe. Vintage sneakers in muted colours go well with puffer jackets too. Apart from this, formal footwear like high heels doesn’t look ideal with a puffer jacket.

2. With a Beanie and a Scarf

When it’s chill outside, your head and neck need good protection. You will need a few beanies and scarves to help you out here. A dark puffer jacket with a brightly-coloured or patterned beanie would be a nice combo.

A lovely scarf can also spice up your winter looks for the season. You could go in for plain colours or patterned scarves.

And, of course, there are many exciting ways to tie a scarf. A dark-coloured pair of leather or woollen gloves can complete this polished look.

3. With a Belt and Monochrome Accessories

A puffer jacket with a belted waist can streamline the jacket’s puffy silhouette. Choose a dark-coloured jacket with a matching belt.

Add a few sleek accessories, like scarves, hats, gloves and sunglasses. You can pick the accessories in the same dark colour as the puffer.

The overall effect comes out as polished and trendy. For a streamlined appearance, avoid puffer jackets with belts that don’t match the jacket.

Taking Care of Puffer Jackets

Puffer jackets can work wonders for you while layering for winter. But you must take good care of your puffers to make the most of them.

It’s the best way to ensure your jacket lasts the whole winter season. You can follow a few simple steps and keep your jackets in good shape.

• Look Out for Sharp Objects
• Pre-Wash
• Machine-Wash
• Hand-Wash
• Dry on Low Heat
• Air-Dry
• Store

1. Look Out for Sharp Objects

Puffer jackets have a quilted design that is often the main attraction for this piece. It has a “puffed up” look. It’s due to the pockets of insulation that make the sections between the stitching puffy.

This insulation makes puffer jackets feel warm and vulnerable to snags and tears. When you wear your jacket, be alert about sharp objects. It may affect your puffer when you come in contact with them.

If the puffer jacket tears, re-stuff the area if any insulation has escaped. Do it before using a needle and thread to mend the hole that’s formed. Make it a point to mend all snags and tears before you wash your jacket.

2. Pre-Wash

Before you wash your puffer jacket, it’s important to empty all the pockets and close the zippers. It ensures that you won’t accidentally wash something valuable.

Also, it prevents unwanted materials, such as tissues, from getting stuck to your jacket while washing.

You can lubricate the zipper with gel for extra protection. It prevents it from rusting and becoming difficult to use. Turn the jacket inside out to avoid snags and tears to the delicate puffy pockets.

3. Machine-Wash

You can easily wash your puffer jackets in the machine if you like. Ideally, you shouldn’t wash your puffers more than twice a year. The detergents and washing machines can wear down the jacket’s water-protective shell.

If you’re using a washing machine to clean your puffer jackets, use a top-loading machine. These types don’t have a centre agitator that can catch and tear your jacket.

It would be best to use a gentle cycle when washing it in a machine. It will limit the time your jacket is spun inside the machine. Hence, it reduces the possibility of any damage to your puffer jacket.

A natural detergent or delicate fabric-specific detergent is advised to use while washing. A strong detergent can damage the filler that gives your jacket that puffy appearance.

It can result in the jacket getting deflated. Hence, it becomes less insulating.

4. Hand-Wash

You can also take the hand-wash route for your puffer jacket. If you’re concerned about damaging the jacket in the machine, hand wash it instead.

First, fill a sink or bathtub with cold water. It should be enough to submerge your jacket entirely in. Next up, add a teaspoon of a delicate or natural detergent. Then, dip your jacket in the water. You should gently scrub your puffers to clean each section of your jacket.

Once you’re satisfied with the washing, rinse it with fresh cold water. It’s essential to ensure that all the detergent has been removed.

Later, lightly squeeze out each section of your puffer jacket. You should do this to remove as much water as possible. And make sure that you’re squeezing and not wringing your jacket. The latter could cause tears.

5. Dry on Low Heat

Puffer jackets are made using delicate fabrics. But it’s recommended to tumble dry your jacket. So use a low heat setting and let the dryer run until the jacket’s dry.

You might consider a high-heat setting. But please don’t use a high heat setting on your tumble dryer.

It can hamper the quality of your jacket’s delicate outer shell.

6. Air-Dry

You don’t need to worry if you don’t have access to a tumble dryer. You can air-dry your puffer jacket instead.

You can lay it flat on a clean and dry towel.  Then, leave your jacket to dry. Once it dries up, use your hands to get it back into shape.

7. Store

Most puffer jackets come with handy bags that your jacket can be folded into. These bags shouldn’t store your jacket for more than a handful of hours.

Folding your puffers into a small shape can damage the jacket’s insulation. It will affect the jacket’s effectiveness.

You could hang your puffer on a hanger in a dry area after every wear. It will ensure that the jacket’s insulation remains intact. The jacket will also dry up if it’s wet.

Conclusion

Now you know what a puffer jacket has in store for you. Hence you must invest in this piece while thinking of layering for winter.

It will keep you safe and protected on the coldest winter days in the season. And yes, you will get your fair share of good looks, too, with this piece.

I hope you get yourself some lovely puffer jackets this winter season. This piece of winter wear deserves a spot in your winter closet. So do consider it while shopping or layering clothes for winter.

This post was written by Kosha team member – Shawn Mathias