8 Long Puffer Coats That *Actually* Hold Up in Sub-Zero Degrees, According to a Person Who’s Lived in the Coldest Regions in the U.S.

18 years in Chicago, four years in Wisconsin, and two years in Boston: I can safely say that I’ve lived in some of the coldest (and snowiest) regions of the U.S., where temperatures frequently dip below zero during wintertime. While layering and bundling up with scarves and gloves has helped a ton, there’s no layer more important than a long puffer coat, which can help you get through frigid temperatures (brrrrr). Compared to regular puffers, the best long puffer coats insulate more areas of the body, retaining more warmth in the legs (yes, protecting your legs does matter) and shielding out the cold from your bum. That’s why they’re constantly in my winter wardrobe.

The best long puffer coats, at a glance:

• Best overall: The North Face, Women’s Arctic Parka, $350
• Best extra long: Lands’ End, Down Maxi Winter Coat, $290
• Best sport: Lululemon, Wunder Puff Long Jacket, $398
• Best eco-friendly: Tentree, Cloud Shell Long Puffer, $328
• Best luxury: Canada Goose, Byward Parka Pastels, $1,295
• Best fit: Aritzia, Super Puff Long, $350
• Best stain-resistant: L.L. Bean, Ultrawarm Coat, $299
• Best non-boxy: Patagonia, Down With It Parka, $350

What to look for in a long puffer coat

When looking for a puffer coat, watch out for the fill number, which usually ranges between 500 and 700. The numbers matter because the higher the number, the loftier the jacket and the more efficient the feathers are at retaining warmth. You’ll also want to look for a water- and resistant-fabrics like polyester and nylon to shell out snow and rain for when things get slushy.

We know there is a plethora of jackets on the market, so we researched and tested some of the best long puffer coats. Ahead, you’ll find our top picks that’ll prepare you for bone-chilling, sub-zero days.

The best long puffer coats

Best overall

The North Face, Women's Arctic Parka — $350.00

Sizes available: XS-2XL, also available in Plus 1X-3X

A tried-and-true outdoor recreation brand, the North Face always brings its A-game when it comes to outerwear, and this long parka is one durable coat that will last across multiple winters. The Arctic Parka is insulated with 600-fill recycled down, which is dispersed throughout to keep you nice and toasty. It has internal and external pockets and a waterproof finish for when the snow strikes. Even more, it features a two-way front zipper (so you can unzip your coat from the top or bottom), an adjustable hood, and an adjustable waist.

Colors: 8

Pros:

• 600-fill down
• Waterproof
• Wide variety of sizes and colors

Cons:

• Sleeves may be long on some

Best extra long

Lands' End, Down Maxi Winter Coat — $290.00

Sizes available: XS-XL

Lands’ End Down Maxi coat is a quality and durable puffer. Hitting the mid-calf and filled with 600-fill down, the Maxi winter coat will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -25 degrees. While very long, the jacket features zippered vents to make it easy to move around and cuffs to further lock in warmth. It’s the best long puffer for the price.

Colors: 5

Pros:

• 600-fill
• Removable hood
• Water-repellent

Cons:

• May be too long for some
• Limited sizing

Best sport

Lululemon, Wunder Puff Long Jacket — $398.00

Sizes available: 0-14

If you’re “wundering” around, we’d recommend Lululemon’s Wunder Puff long jacket. Insulated with 600-fill responsible goose down, the Wunder makes cold weather not as much of a biggie. Puffer coats can lack form, but this one comes with a cinch-able waist and is constructed out of a polyester shell that makes for a water- and wind-resistant barrier. Plus, it’s machine washable, so you can throw this in the washer when things get sweaty. No walk or stroll is too cold with this jacket.

Colors: 6

Pros:

• 600-fill
• Relaxed fit
• Water-repellent

Cons:

• Runs large

Best eco-friendly

Tentree, Cloud Shell Long Puffer — $328.00

Sizes available: XS-XL

For an eco-friendly purchase, Tentree’s Cloud Shell Long Puffer keeps the environment in mind. Each jacket is made and insulated with recycled polyester (it’ll keep you warm down to five degrees Fahrenheit), and for every item purchased, Tentree plants ten trees, so you know your purchase is being used for environmental good. The two-way front zipper makes zipping and taking off the coat a breeze. Plus, it fits on the roomier side, so you can layer with sweaters, knits, and turtlenecks for extra warmth.

Colors: 4

Pros:

• Made of recycled materials
• Two-way zipper
• Roomy fit

Cons:

• Limited sizes

Best luxury

Canada Goose, Byward Parka Pastels — $1,250.00

Sizes available: 2XS-XL

Say goodbye to shivering for good with Canada Goose’s Byward Parka. Each coat is filled with a whopping 750-fill, responsibly-sourced duck down, making it ideal for temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit. While on the pricier end of long puffer coats, high-abrasion areas of the jacket are constructed out of Cordura—a synthetic and cotton blend—rendering the jacket durable and resistant against friction, so the jacket will last for winters to come.

In total, the jacket boasts seven pockets, five exterior and two interior, to store your essentials (no purse needed). What’s neat? The interior has two straps, so you can wear the coat like a backpack when indoors. All of these features make this coat worth the dollar bills.

Colors: 5

Pros:

• 750-fill
• Features backpack-like straps
• Water- and wind-resistant

Cons:

• Expensive

Best fit

Aritzia, Super Puff Long — $350.00

Sizes available: 3XS-2XL, in Short, Regular, and Tall

Aritzia’s Super Puff will make you feel like you have super powers. The power: keeping extra toasty when the tundra hits. Water-repellent, wind-resistant, and filled with responsibly sourced, 700-fill goose down, the Super Puff Long will defend you from nature’s toughest elements and temperatures as low as -40 degrees. While some jackets may feel restricting, this one has a roomy fit and buttoned vents, making layering and walking actually possible. Another perk, this coat comes in a handful of colors, from sea blue to copper red to basic black.

Colors: 5

Pros:

• 700-fill
• Relaxed fit
• Water- and wind-resistant
• Lots of color options

Cons:

• May need to size up for people with wider hips

Best stain-resistant

L.L. Bean, Ultrawarm Coat — $299.00

Sizes available: XS-XL

Winter jackets stain easily, but not L.L. Bean’s Ultrawarm Coat. Constructed out of a polyester exterior, this coat holds up against wind, dirt, and debris and can easily be cleaned. Warm as it is stylish, this coat boasts 650-fill down, a paneled design, and a faux-fur trim, keeping you warm and dry all winter long.

Colors: 6

Pros:

• 650-fill
• Stain-resistant
• Snap closure

Cons:

• Limited sizes

Best non-boxy

Patagonia, Down With It Parka — $350.00

Sizes available: XS-2XL

Did you think we’d get to the bottom of this list and not include a pick from Patagonia? This fitted puffer coat is a great pick for anyone who wants puffy warmth but doesn’t want to lose sight of their silhouette. The Down With It Parka features a slim, tapered design that defies the typical puffer coat’s reputation for boxiness. It’s made from 600-fill recycled down and has a recycled polyester shell, insulated pockets, and a detachable hood.

Colors available: 6

Pros: 

• Slim tapered fit
• Made with recycled down and polyester
• Detachable hood

Cons: 

• Not as many plus size options
• Not water resistant

How to choose the right long puffer coat for you

Consider the fill

Whether the fill is made of down feathers or synthetic alternatives, the higher the count, the warmer the coat. All of the picks on our list are at least 600-fill, which makes them suitable for cold winter days (30-40 degrees Fahrenheit). If you’re going to be spending time in even colder temps, you might want to opt for a coat with a higher fill, like the Canada Goose pick on our list.

Resistance to wind and water

The only thing worse than being cold is being cold and wet (oh joy!). Consider the typical winter weather in your area. If it’s typically windy (like Chicago) or super wet (hello, Seattle), you’ll want to opt for a coat with a wind and water-resistant outer shell.

Your preferred materials

While there are plenty of companies that ethically source their down fill, folks who want to avoid animal byproducts entirely may have a tougher time finding a long puffer coat that actually keeps them warm. Luckily, there are a few brands on our list that use recycled down (Patagonia) or down alternatives (Tentree) without compromising on insulation.

Your unique body type

Long puffer coats are a big purchase, so it’s important to make sure the fit is just right. If you’re someone who regularly shops for short, tall, petite, or plus sizes you’ll want to opt for a brand with more options. On our list, The North Face and Aritzia shine in that department.

Added features

Cinched waists, deep pockets, detachable hoods, two-way zippers—all the little details add up when you’re shopping for a long puffer coat. Take stock of what each coat has to offer (and consider whether it’s something you’ll actually use) to help narrow down your options.

Frequently asked questions

Should you size up or down for puffer jackets?

Ideally, you should be able to wear the same size puffer jacket as your other jackets. But, if you tend to be between sizes, it’s always best to size up for outerwear. Long puffer coats are intended to keep you warm, but you’ll likely be wearing thick layers underneath as well. You’ll want to be able to bend down and tie your shoe with ease, or zip your puffer jacket up over a cable-knit sweater. Whether you’re shopping in a store or trying on your new coat at home, make sure you’re wearing a thick base layer so you can get a true feel for how the coat fits over warmer clothes.

Are puffer jackets worth buying?

Like all clothing purchases, whether puffer jackets are worth buying is a matter of personal preference. If you live in a place with cold winters (or just get cold easily), these fluffy, insulated coats can be a huge help. However, if you’re not keen on the look of a puffer coat, you can likely still stay warm with a wool peacoat and some warm base layers.

How can you tell if a puffer jacket is good quality?

The brands on our list sound familiar for a reason—most are leaders in the outerwear game and have been for decades. Still, there are several newer brands (Aritzia, Tentree) that have followed suit with quality designs. As a general rule, high quality puffer jackets will have a higher fill count (600 and up) and the brand will be transparent about what the fill is and where it’s sourced from. They’ll also have thoughtful details like adjustable waists and hoods—which contribute to keeping cold wind at bay—and multiple pockets for your gloves, keys, and phone. And, unfortunately, they’ll likely cost you more money. Still, if you consider the fact that a quality jacket will last several winters, it’s usually worth the investment.