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Oct 05, 2023

The 18 Best Cropped Puffer Jackets to Keep You Warm and Stylish This Fall and Winter

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

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We all can agree that an oversize puffer is a great way to stay warm in the winter. A more stylish option, though? A cropped puffer jacket. Paired with Gen Z’s Y2K renaissance and balancing our wide-leg jeans and cargo pants, a cropped puffer is a no-brainer this coming fall and winter.

“I think with everything being so oversized the last few seasons, we were due for a change of silhouette,” celeb stylist Liz Tiech says. “We've seen cropped puffers creep onto the runways the last few seasons and especially with the Prada re-Nylon Cropped Puffer becoming one of the it jackets last fall.”

However, you don’t have to go full designer to take on the trend. Whether you’re opting for the athleisure feel of the Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer Jacket ($198) or you're vibing with the latest Amazon jacket ($75) that’s a little more budget-friendly, there’s a cropped puffer jacket there for you.

Depending on the cropped puffer you chose, you can go daring or casual, according to Berlin. “The cropped puffer is cute and fun and is not for the coldest weather but keeps the puffer trend more fashionable especially when pairing it with cargo pants or wide-leg jeans,” she says. If the rest of your look is more minimal, she also suggests going for a bolder jacket that’s colorful or has a metallic shine.

For a good balance of fashion and function, Berlin highly recommends shopping for a cropped puffer that has a hood. “Because it’s short, it naturally caters to fashion over function,” she says. “You can certainly wear it when it's 45 degrees out, but I would look for one that is a down/down combo.”

Teitch also recommends checking the material and down sourcing. “I'd opt for recycled materials because most puffers are made with fabrics that aren't easily biodegradable,” she says. “Nylon can take up to 40 years to decompose and polyester up to 200! Even the down or synthetic down is best sourced sustainably and ethically”

To pick the best cropped puffer jackets we both relied on expert recommendations and focused on trending pieces that were all over social media. We've included a variety of brands, styles and price points to fit tons of looks and budgets. We also paid attention to the down-fill power, with anywhere from 700 to 900 recommended for warmer jackets—but we also have some lighter options. Material was also at the forefront of our search, with fabrics like polyester and nylon prioritized. As for the length, we chose options that fell to the waist or shorter.

If you’re going for the athleisure look, Alo and lululemon have some great puffer jackets. Berlin also recommends Aritzia for all things puffer, but you can also shop at ASOS, BlankNYC and Amazon for more affordable options.

Jackets are meant for layering, which is why both Berlin and Teich recommend sizing up a bit. An oversize puffer also lends itself to that trendy, slouchy look. But if you're petite, you may want to go with your size or even size down.

Cropped puffer jackets can keep you warm, but only a certain point of your body, which is why they’re ideal for chilly but not freezing temperatures. “Cropped puffer jackets are great for keeping you warm—until the coldest of winter days, as they don't keep your bum and legs warm,” Teich says. “I personally will be sticking with my long puffer for those days.”

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Bloomingdale's

This is a cropped puffer that you can wear to and from the gym and to date night (just be sure to wash it in between). It falls right at the lace and features that classic puffy silhouette that will keep you warm. The cinched waist is adjustable for easy layering and there are secret zippered pockets to stash your phone and whatnot. The black is a classic look but we also like the bold limited hues it comes in seasonally.

Buy It ($198)

Amazon

Teich defines this coat as the new it “Amazon coat”—and we can see why. The oversize puffer has some fun detailing like a large zipper and ribbed knit cuffs, and there's enough room for a bulky sweater underneath. Plus, it comes in nearly 20 colors, so you can experiment a bit with gold or hot pink.

$75 at Amazon

Nike

The large bell sleeves of this puffer balances out the cropped length for the perfect balance of warmth and style. The roomy fit makes it great for layering and the large hood and high collar will keep your head and neck warm in the case of a chilly breeze. It's also features a toasty water-resistant synthetic-fill insulation that's been made from recycled plastic bottles for a sustainable option.

Buy It ($250; $159)

Patagonia

For a more outdoorsy look that you can feel good about wearing, Teich adores this option from Patagonia. “It's made from all recycled materials and will keep you nice and warm, not to mention stylish,” she says. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, the brand claims it uses both recycled polyester and down material. It's more fitted and falls below the waist, but it’s still a great, shorter puffer that will last you years.

But It ($268)

Nordstrom

Although this jacket may be short, the roomy hood makes all the difference in terms of warmth. We love the rose gold hardware that elevates this brown hue just a smidge. It's also water resistant, so you can rest easy knowing it will survive a bit of rain—or snow.

Buy It ($149)

Target

We love the look of wool in colder temps, but it doesn’t always pair well with the puffer look as it gets a bit too hot. That’s why we love this faux-wool option. It comes in two different plaids with a shiny, taffeta exterior. There’s also a high collar to keep the chill off your neck without feeling like you're overheating.

Buy It ($70; $35)

Amazon

A minimalist shape and neutral hues make this a ski bunny’s dream. It’s especially warm, with 700 cotton down fill, but there’s still room to fit a sweater underneath. Falling right above the hip, it’s perfect to pair with high-waist jeans or even edgier cargo pants.

$55 at Amazon

Shopbop

Canada Goose is synonymous with warm puffer jackets, so it’s only natural the brand would have an impeccable cropped option. With a down and feather fill, it is incredibly warm and the jacket itself ensures the heat stays in with ribbed knit cuffs and a two-way zip placket. It’s both wind- and water-resistant and you’ll be happy to know the pockets are fleece lined for extra warmth.

Buy It ($1,050)

Lululemon

Heading out to the gym in the winter requires its own designated coat, which is why lululemon took its popular Wunder Puff and cut it short to add to the trend factor. Don’t worry, though. You’ll still feel warm thanks to 600-fill-power goose down and an attachable hood. Plus, it’s both wind- and water-resistant to boot.

Buy It ($228)

Amazon

With a true crop above the waist, chunky hardware and plenty of neutral colorways, this cropped puffer is meant to be worn for your next date night. It’s a bit thinner than some other puffers, so you won’t feel swallowed up by the material. But if you wanted to size up, it would still look great paired with leather pants or a black mini.

$66 at Amazon

Amazon

Here at PureWow, we are obsessed with Orolay—aka the brand behind the OG Amazon coat. So naturally we were excited to see it made a cropped puffer. It comes in exciting blue and red colors for a nice pop and we adore the extra-large hood that features a faux-fur lining for extra warmth. Plus, it’s 700-fill-power down will keep the rest of your body warm without feeling weighed down.

$130 at Amazon

FWRD

This cropped puffer sold like hotcakes last winter, so finding it in this cool coral color was a pleasant surprise. Although it’s short, it’s ideal for winter with its down and waterfowl combo for extra warmth, high collar, elastic cuffs with adjustable velcro closure and interior drawcord. And on top of that it just looks damn good.

Buy It ($280; $196)

Aritzia

Aritzia is one of our favorite brands for all things puffer—including this cropped option. Aside from being available in 18 different color options, it's made with warmth and ethics and mind, with responsibly sourced goose down. (The brand claims it will keep you warm in temps as cold as -4 degrees Fahrenheit.) Just be sure to act fast if you see a color you like, because it will sell out.

Buy It ($235)

H&M

Sometimes simple is best when it comes to a short puffer. This one falls just at the hip, making it a slightly longer option that's still super stylish with its classic quilted, relaxed fit with a stand-up collar. It comes in three colors, and at $50, it’s an affordable way to get in on the trend.

Buy It ($50)

Revolve

The large faux-fur collar on this puffer not only adds some extra warmth but also ups the style factor. Falling below the ribcage, it's a true crop to help accentuate the waistline for a (colder) night on the town. With a drawstring tie closure at the hem, you’ll be able to keep things tight and fitted no matter the weather.

Buy It ($138)

ASOS

Two trends collide with this cropped sherpa puffer. It has a casual, oversized, boxy fit that will keep you feeling warm and looking cool when paired with light-wash high-waist jeans or leggings. Whether you layer a sweater or T-shirt underneath, you can’t lose.

Buy It ($148)

Amazon

Chevron-quilted stitching and a slight sheen add some visual intrigue to the classic puffer. It balances fashion with functionality too, with a polyester plush fleece hood and sneaky fleece pocket linings. We wouldn’t expect anything less from the sherpa forward brand.

$176 at Amazon

Free People

Although this puffer might not have sleeves, the oversize, slouchy look was made for layering a sweatshirt or even another jacket underneath. It has long side-tie detailing and is ideal for those chilly-ish days when you don’t want a full heavy layer. Once buttoned up, it gives serious poncho vibes as well.

Buy It ($98)

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