‘So warm’: Lululemon Wunder Puff Cropped Puffer Jacket Review 2024
As the temperature drops it’s time to layer up and investing in a puffer jacket is one of the best ways to stay warm.
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As the weather cools down two things are true.
First, it’s much harder to get out of bed in the morning (it makes no difference if you’re booked in for a 6am pilates class) and secondly, it’s officially puffer season.
Every Aussie knows that even though our summers are the stuff of dreams, winter can be crisp and cool, especially in the early morning and after dark.
This can make sticking to your usual exercise routine challenging. But fortunately (and speaking from experience) when you have a snugly puffer jacket or vest to pop on before you leave the house, it can give you that extra boost of motivation to go do that early morning coastal walk.
lululemon might be famous for their leggings but the Canadian activewear brand also make outerwear, with their Wunder Puff range of jackets and vests getting rave reviews from shoppers.
Five star reviews say the Wunder Puff Cropped Vest is “so warm and flattering at the same time” and a “winter wardrobe staple”.
Likewise happy shoppers who purchased the Wunder Puff Jacket say they are “simply in love with this puffer jacket” and it’s “a great length, lightweight, warm, and has an amazing hood for Melbourne winters”.
Here at news.com.au checkout we decided to put the Wunder Puff range to the test, with two of our expert Shopping Writers trialling the Wunder Puff Jacket and another testing out the Wunder Puff Cropped Vest.
lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket, $369 at lululemon
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Why I loved it: Super warm and comfortable, water-repellent, windproof, you can customise the shape to fit you, hood is detachable
Things to consider: Expensive
I’m a puffer jacket girl through and through so when I got the chance to review a lululemon puffer, I couldn’t say no.
Here I’m wearing the Wunder Puff Jacket in the colour Trench, in a size 12 AU or size 8 US, and it has quickly become my new go-to for the cooler seasons.
Let’s talk about the functionality, because this jacket has it all. It’s crafted from 600-fill-power goose down that works super hard at insulating from the cold, plus it’s windproof and water-repellent, so you’ll be protected no matter what the weather is.
If you also love wearing puffer jackets, you’ll know sometimes they can look “too puffy”. What I love about this one from lululemon is that it keeps you warm but is still very slimming to the body. It also offers a cinchable waist and hem so you can build some shape to it.
The Wunder Puff also comes with all the impressive details – you’ve got lululemon branding on the end of the arm sleeves and on the hood, which is also detachable.
I also love that it comes with plenty of pockets – two on the outside and two on the inside, plus they are super deep and zippered. This is the kind of puffer jacket that will get you through anything and everything – it’s easily the best I’ve tried on the market.
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Why I loved it: Very warm removable hood, drawcord at waist, longer length
Things to consider: Only water repellent, not waterproof, fairly expensive
For most people, a puffer is as essential as a good pair of jeans. But if I am being completely transparent I’ve never been a big puffer person. I do have one dark pink Uniqlo one that I got a couple of years ago and wear more as a fashion statement and when absolutely necessary but otherwise I’ve tended to stay away.
However, lululemon is my absolute go-to for all things activewear and a brand I trust wholeheartedly so I jumped at the chance to try out their puffer. The Canadian fashion brand is known for high-quality pieces that last so I knew this puffer would not let me down. First things first, it is SO much warmer than my old Uniqlo one. It doesn’t compare in the slightest. In saying this, it has almost been too warm for Sydney’s so far mostly mild autumn. But I’ve recently got into the habit of going for a walk before work so I know that coming into winter, this puffer will be my ride-or-die at the ungodly hour my friend likes to meet.
Another standout feature is the puffer’s length. It sits just below the bum ensuring to help keep as much heat in as possible. I know others who are puffer jacket experts who say they will never buy a puffer unless it has the right length. So it’s a big tick in my books. The hood is also detachable which I really appreciate. Personally, I prefer the look without the hood but I know that when it gets really cold, a warm, cosy hood makes a huge difference.
Perhaps, most importantly though, it’s actually incredibly comfortable to wear. The inside of the sleeves are fitted around the wrist to keep the cold out. But it also has a super soft fabric in the arms to keep you feeling cosy too. Plus, for those who like a more sculpted look, there is a drawcord at the waist to customise it to your body shape.
lululemon Wunder Puff Cropped Vest, $279 at lululemon
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, news.com.au checkout Social Media Producer
Why I loved it: Detachable hood for customisation, made of 600-fill-power goose down – perfect for winter, water-repellent
Things to consider: Love to see more colourway options, pricier than other puffer vests on the market however the quality should certainly be taken into consideration
I don’t know about you, but there are some mornings where I’m not bouncing out of bed to exercise. Especially in winter. Sometimes I need a little motivation to get me out of my warm cosy bed to hit the pavement, and that motivation usually comes in the form of nice activewear. Enter the Wunder Puff Cropped Vest.
While I have plenty of jumpers and long sleeve active tops, I’d never owned a puffer vest before and the idea of getting the warmth that you need on a cold winter morning without the commitment of a huge puffer jacket certainly piqued my interest.
My first impression – the colour. I opted for the Ancient Copper which resembles a burnt rust shade. It’s perfect for those who don’t often venture into the world of bright colours (me) and want to dip their toe in (also me). It also injects a nice little pop into my usual all black or all neutral workout outfits.
As for the actual fit, it runs on the bigger side – I’m a size 10/12 and went for the US 8 (AU 12) so I had the option to layer. I love the fact that the hood is removable as it changes the whole look of the outfit and enables you to customise the vest on any given day. For me, I’d keep the hood on for those icy mornings for a little extra warmth and protection of the wind.
Now for the road test itself, I love that the vest feels like a warm hug around your abdomen but allows for air ventilation around your underarms to minimise excessive sweating.
While the vest certainly falls under the ‘activewear’ category, I wouldn’t limit it to just exercise. The Wunder Puff is cute enough to throw on over your favourite long sleeve top to run errands in or add a lightweight jumper underneath and rock it at an outdoor sports event in the cooler months.
HOW WE TESTED THE WUNDER PUFF JACKET AND VEST
At news.com.au checkout, it’s our mission to help you make informed shopping decisions. To ensure you buy the right product at the best price, we rigorously test products so you don’t have to. As well as sorting through mountains of consumer reviews and conducting thorough product research, our team of expert writers put the Wunder Puff Jacket and Cropped Vest through a series of hands-on tests over three weeks to ensure we give you honest feedback about its performance and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A PUFFER JACKET OR VEST?
What features you look for in a puffer jacket or vest will depend on two factors: Where you live and what you plan on wearing it for.
Many puffer jackets are designed for northern hemisphere winter conditions rather than the southern hemisphere so you want to make sure you’re getting a puffer that is breathable and on the lighter side.
You may also want to consider how often it rains where you live. It can be worth getting a puffer jacket that is water resistant or repellent if you live somewhere where it frequently rains, however, these puffers do tend to be more expensive.
Also consider when you plan on wearing your puffer — if it’s early in the morning or after dark at night, you will need a warmer one. If it’s during the day for school runs and walks, you will probably want one on the lighter side.
SHOULD I BUY A PUFFER VEST OR A PUFFER JACKET?
This comes entirely down to personal preference but in my opinion, a puffer vest is ideal if you’re wanting to exercise outdoors during winter. It’s perfect to wear while you’re warming up for a run or park bootcamp, or you can wear it over a T-shirt or tank top for a brisk morning walk.
A puffer jacket is a good investment if you’re wanting it primarily for warmth and as a piece of outerwear, not just for exercise outdoors.
More Coverage
Most puffer jackets (like the Wunder Puff) also come with hoods and are water repellent, making them great for wear during wet and windy conditions.
If you’re after more great discounts on puffer jackets make sure to head to news.com.au Coupons where you’ll find discount codes on brands like Lorna Jane, STAX. and Cotton On.
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