Lightweight men's puffer jackets, long or sleeveless

Which men's puffer jacket to choose?

Thin enough to fit in a backpack, the light men's puffer jacket is primarily for mid-season. The hooded puffer, which is more padded, covers winter in the city. The long puffer, which goes down to the thighs, is aimed at the coldest temperatures.

The sleeveless puffer, or puffer gilet, slips under a jacket or over a sweatshirt and keeps the arms free.

Duck down or synthetic filling?

Goose or duck down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio and compresses well; it loses its effectiveness when wet. A synthetic filling still insulates when damp and dries faster.

On the label, the fill power, expressed in cuin, indicates the quality of the down: the higher it is, the more heat-trapping air the puffer jacket holds.

Which puffer for which cold?

For cool days, a thin puffer is enough over a sweater. For a winter men's puffer jacket in the city, choose a model with a hood, high collar, and fitted cuffs. Below freezing or in the mountains, a long and thick puffer protects the lower back.

How to wear a men's puffer jacket?

Over a men's sweatshirt or a sweater, with men's jeans and trainers, the puffer jacket keeps a casual look. A black puffer also goes well with chino trousers and a shirt.

The sleeveless puffer can be layered under a bomber or coat to gain warmth without bulk on the arms.

How to wash a puffer jacket?

In the machine at 30 °C, on a delicate cycle, with special down detergent and no fabric softener. Dry flat or in the machine at low temperature; two drier balls in the drum break up the clumps of feathers.

Which puffer jacket brands to choose?

These puffer jacket brands range from French down to streetwear.

• Goose and duck down, label Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant: Pyrenex, from Saint-Sever in the Landes, specializes in down.
• Logo in the shape of a scooter: JOTT, from Marseille, built its name on the lightweight puffer.
• Project X Paris, a Parisian brand, brings its streetwear right into its puffers.
• Puffers with an American vintage style: Superdry adds its Japanese-inspired graphics.
• Ragwear, a vegan German brand, offers down jackets without animal feathers.

What other warm jackets to consider?

For rain, coats and parkas protect better than a puffer; for layering, check out the men's gilet and sleeveless puffers.

When to find puffer jackets at reduced prices?

November and January frame the peak cold season: Black Friday and then the winter sales are the two times to look for a men's puffer jacket on sale.

Puffers marked down in November can be found on the page puffers from the Black Friday. For sales, head to the page men's clothing sales; out of season, visit the page Promotions. Fast delivery and best price guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

How to restore loft to a puffer jacket?

Put it in the tumble dryer on low heat with two tennis or dryer balls. Shake it afterwards to distribute the down in each compartment.

Can a puffer jacket withstand the rain?

A light shower poses no problem with a water-repellent fabric. In heavy rain, the down compresses: opt for a puffer with synthentic filling or a parka.

How to store a puffer jacket in summer?

Clean and completely dry, hung on a hanger or flat, never compressed in its pouch. A compressed storage for too long damages the loft.

Light puffer: can it be worn under a coat?

Yes, this is even its most practical use: thin, it adds a warm layer without bulk. Choose it close-fitting so that it does not bunch up under the coat.

What size puffer jacket should I take?

Get it loose enough for a sweater underneath: a puffer that is too tight compresses the down and insulates less. Also check the sleeve length by reaching out your arms.