So hot right now: Puffer fashion to ‘define our era’

Hot couture to haute couture: From shivering on the sidelines to busting a move on the dance floor or schlepping to the office, puffer jackets have come in from the cold. Experts say they’ll “define our era”.

Puffer jackets are now as acceptable at a restaurant as they are on the sideline. Picture: News Corp

No longer are puffer jackets for ducking to the shops for groceries on a cold day or rugging up watching on the sideline for kids sport.

They’re now a fashion statement to wear for a nice meal at a fancy restaurant, for dancing at a club and even in the office.

“The fact that puffers are durable, lightweight and easily packable mean they’re not going away and high-fashion has embraced them with its own spin,” Vogue Australia’s Alice Birrell said.

“Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs played on the jacket’s volume to create super-sized couture-like creations, while traditional technical clothing brands have partnered up with fashion houses to make sellout puffers.”

Birrell boldly noted ‘the puffer’ is “coming to be a piece that will define our era”.

Chloe Giannasca, Zoe Markell, Tess Terreiro and Poppy Aldous, wearing Puffer jackets, in Paddington, today. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“Fashion has gone the way of functionality – utility is no longer a trend but a must,” Birrell continued.

“People are looking to spend their money wisely, so pieces that perform well and look good offer that winning combination of desirability and versatility. This is why the puffer is not just a sub-trend but a wardrobe staple.”

A guest wears a brown long puffer coat, a Balenciaga fanny pack bag, a checked blazer jacket, and a white turtleneck, outside the Alexis Mabille show during Paris Fashion Week. Picture: Getty Images

Supermodel Gigi Hadid opts for a cropped puffer in New York City. Picture: GC Images)

The Daily Telegraph pulled pieces from multiple brands across different price points starting with Glassons entry level of around $60 and going through to luxury label Canada Goose, which is launching in the Australian market in September.

“From the bustling city streets to the breathtaking wilderness, puffer jackets have become a symbol of resilience and adaptability, perfect aligned with the Australian spirit,” Canada Goose General Manager Alastair Davies said.

“Embracing the timeless allure of puffer jackets, Australians can conquer any adventure in both comfort and fashion.”

Sydney Primary School teacher Poppy Aldous said she dresses for comfort and style.

Winter puffer apparel for kids this winter modelled by Lani, 3, and Maayan, 5, by kids wear brand Goldie + Ace. Picture: David Caird

“Puffers are a versatile day and night piece for me,” she said. “They’re great to wear at school on a lunch duty, and then I can pop one over a little dress for a night out.”

SuperDry is a mid-range outer jacket specialist with price points from $150 to $500 while Helly Hansen started as a technical sporting brand and is now in the fashion space also with prices from $240 to more than $1000.

“Today, puffer jackets have transcended their traditional technical origins to become a true fashion statement. We’ve witnessed a remarkable rise in customers choosing puffer jackets not just for their functionality but also as a bold style choice. The versatility of the puffer jacket allows individuals to effortlessly navigate the urban landscape while making a confident fashion statement. It’s an exciting time to embrace the puffer jacket as a symbol of both practicality and fashion-forward sensibilities”