YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:25:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Roberta on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400528 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:09:17 +0000 Roberta 2400528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A few years ago I was at the mall on a cold day, and it seemed that every single person was wearing a North Face jacket. That logo was everywhere. A few days ago, after multiple inches of snow and very cold temps, I went back to the mall and it seems like the puffer was a minority. I saw a lot of faux shearling coats and jackets, and some longer wool coats. Puffers have always made me feel very big and bulky, so my winter coats of choice are long, and either shearling or an alpaca or wool blend. Alpaca is so light and so warm. And of course I love my navy blue faux fur. Also surprisingly warm! I agree that lack of color is a huge issue. That is why I am happy to have purple and navy blue in my winter wardrobe. Sisi on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400508 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:13:44 +0000 Sisi 2400508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am not seeing a return to coats in my neck of the woods (Northern Italy). The many advantages of puffers make them big winners: lightweight, very warm, do not crease, do not attract lint, can be washed in the washing machine. Coats, of course, are more elegant ... but less practical. I have various  puffers and one only coat. No snow yet here, alas ...  Style Fan on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400481 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:59:52 +0000 Style Fan 2400481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wool coats are not practical here. It was -22 °C yesterday, and there was lots of snow. I have my puffer capsule and no plans to add a wool coat. I like the look of wool coats, but I can't imagine when I would wear one in the winter. I wear the two that I have in the spring and fall. I have a faux shearling coat that is at least 25 years old, and I occasionally wear it. cat2 on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400461 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:48:27 +0000 cat2 2400461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I buy my overcoats one size up, and make sure they work over blazers and bulky sweaters. I can get a lot of layers under one! Suz on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400452 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:37:45 +0000 Suz 2400452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love and wear both kinds of coat. I agree that I have seen more wool coats in the past few years though, mixed in with all the puffers. But as Irina said, it depends on the time in winter or rather the temperature as well as context. People wear wool coats downtown, to work, to dressy events, when it is not too cold. When it gets really miserable it's a different story!  marija on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400416 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:34:08 +0000 marija 2400416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been in search of the perfect wool coat for a couple of years.  I want one that is shorter (not past my knees).  I have a longer wool coat from Tall Girl that hits at my ankle -  it is over 30 years old.  I love it, but I don't wear it because when I get into a car, the bottom of the coat gets covered in slush and salt unless I am very careful.  It is also straight which can impede driving a bit.   I do not want a camel or black coat.  I think blue will be the colour.  But most wool coats have a waist and sleeves that are too short.  The other day I was in the "PATH" in Toronto. It weaves around under the financial district and I popped into a store selling coats.  There was a manufacturer measuring a woman and I was told he makes bespoke coats.  You choose everything and it fits perfectly.  The cost is between $1k - $2k (Canadian dollars) depending on your desires.  Considering coats like the Eileen Fisher is upwards of $800, I think it is an investment and perhaps something I should consider.  It would be a coat that will last. bella on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400410 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:11:42 +0000 bella 2400410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, definitely in the social media sphere!  I think LJP is right, wool coats photograph better.  I was taken in by the trend last year, and had my mom pass on her unworn black wool coat to me.:)  That said, we are having a very mild winter in my corner of the world. I think I wore the said coat just once so far, and no puffers at all. The worst part is, we haven't had any rain, either. If the pattern holds, we might be looking at some government-mandated water conservation measures come spring.  LJP on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400361 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 18:04:38 +0000 LJP 2400361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh and to answer your question about the weather - it’s vey cold here all of a sudden but we only have a dusting of snow . -19c here right now - ugh . Peri on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400356 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 17:02:25 +0000 Peri 2400356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've seen it online but haven't spotted anyone in the wild yet. Of course, we've only just hit the colder temps here and who knows if it will last. For me, the only time I'll put up with a wool coat would be for a dressed up special event, and those are few and far between. I like the look but can't stand the weight and the restriction of motion. And getting in and out of a car, plus driving? And to carry one around in a heated store? They feel like a burden to wear, a suffer for fashion kind of thing. Puffers all the way for me, I love them.  RobinF on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400350 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:11:39 +0000 RobinF 2400350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have seen it a little bit in the real world, but the online presence is probably the main reason I have been wanting to try it. I wear a coat for many months of the year (Michigan ) and get really tired of my puffers. I think wool can be as warm. I have some boiled wool mittens that I use to brush snow off my car and I can’t feel a thing through those things. But of course in the coldest weather I would still wear my big blanket puffer. LJP on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400349 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:11:28 +0000 LJP 2400349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My take on this is that a wool coat is more interesting and better looking in a fashion editorial or street style photo than a plain down puffer.  The big fashion brands like The Row, La Garconne, Toteme, Khaite etc all show really oversize dramatic wool coats and they look gorgeous, but like most clothes at that level, don't work for the average person battling a Canadian or Northern US winter.   I own one wool blend boucle short winter coat and it gets worn only on days when I'm in the car running errands etc and can park close to where I'm headed. Janet on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400346 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:43:42 +0000 Janet 2400346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Cat, I’ve noticed a dearth of those colors in long, simple wool coats as well. Why must everything be black or tan? Trench coats are awful for this. My old teal Burberry is a size too small for me now, but I keep holding onto it because it’s unique and you never know, I might drop that 10 lbs again… The Cat on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400343 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 05:42:50 +0000 The Cat 2400343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of puffers (all lengths) are seen in the streets here. In my present winter wardrobe I have a short one and a long one, and I really like mine, but will always love to have wool coats in my wardrobe. Unfortunately, the vast majority of winter coats available here (cloth coats as well as puffers) are either black, taupe, grey or brown. I long for some colour, and for more than two years I have been looking for a chic knee-covering wool coat in burgunder, purple, blue or teal. Yesterday, I finally found (and immediately purchased) an elegant midi wool coat in burgundy. Jaime on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400340 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 01:28:52 +0000 Jaime 2400340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is not yet coat season here (this week the highs are dipping down to the 60sF/teensC so it will start for the weak of cold like me). Traditionally the short puffer is the coat of choice, but I like to mix it up . Kate on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400322 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:31:13 +0000 Kate 2400322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven‘t noticed a particular shift where I live, but I do see a mix of short puffers and longer wool coats. I wear and love both, but probably have more wool/other fabric coats than I have puffers. Irina on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400320 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:29:54 +0000 Irina 2400320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I see wool coats everywhere in the downtown of Toronto but it’s not new. They are worn in the beginning of the winter season before temperatures plummet in January-February and it happens every winter. I wore mine, too, although I still need to get sleeves shortened. I figure I might get a few more wears before the year ends.  JAileen on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400318 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:10:49 +0000 JAileen 2400318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the look of a wool coat, but the warmth of a down coat.  We’re not up at the North Pole like some of you, but it can get pretty cold here.  And when it does, a wool coat just doesn’t cut it, unless it’s insulated.  When we go to evening events downtown, it’s just freezing walking to and from parking.  I have a JCrew coat like Angie, with the insulated lining, and a Pendleton coat with a quilted lining.  They are both warmer than a regular wool coat.  My red wool duffle coat is like wearing a blanket, though.  :) Having said that, we haven’t had any snow yet.  We just had our second warmest November on record.  We drove over the mountains after Thanksgiving, and it was shocking how little snow there was. Angie on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400316 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:13:43 +0000 Angie 2400316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't noticed a shift personally, Carla. I see it ALL, everywhere! Around me, abroad, and on social media. That is the way fashion is going. Trends will become superfluous at some point - and I think even in my lifetime.  IMO, you are always going to look dressier in a wool coat. I agree with Janet. I love my short puffers! They are awesome, and I have two puffers by Save the Duck. I have a long puffer that only comes out in snow. I don't enjoy long puffers that much.  I LOVE my wool coats, and wear many of them frequently! I have several colours, lengths and thicknesses. One of them has thinsulate so it's VERY warm. As warm as my warmest puffer.  At the moment, I am off my navy long coat and navy peacoat. Simply off wearing dark outerwear. I am keeping both of them, of course. I am most into wearing my toffee, cream, red and chartreuse coats this year! I have a large coat capsule that is put to very good use :)  No snow yet.  Dee on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400311 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:35:02 +0000 Dee 2400311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have to agree that I am seeing plenty of longer wool coat styles this season but they seem to be mostly online with folks who live in more moderate climates. I'd love to wear a stylish wool coat but its just not a practical option for the winter weather where I live in Canada. I'd never get enough wears out of this type of coat, I know, because I've had a few before and rarely wore them. Puffers are THE coat/ jacket style still being worn around here despite what's happening online. Yep, we've had plenty of snow and cold temps so far. Winter has started early where I'm living and I've got my collection of puffers to see me through it. Janet on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400308 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:18:57 +0000 Janet 2400308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven’t seen this very much in person yet (but we are just starting the cold season, and we just got our first snow, a whopping 1.5”), but it does seem the pendulum is swinging a little toward wool coats at the moment. I have and enjoy both, and just invested in a new long puffer in the last two years, and it’s still the first thing I grab when the temp dips — it’s so lightweight yet warm that it’s hard to deny the practicality (if I warm up in an overheated store, I can carry the coat comfortably, and that’s hard to say about a heavy wool coat!). That said, I kind of love the vibe of a long wool coat with casual pants (jeans or track pants) and sneakers — the coat elevates the look even when you’re just wearing a sweatshirt underneath! I was just looking at my long burgundy coat the other day, and I don’t wear it a ton, but I love the color and the long sleek line of it. It’s not terribly warm though and the stance is quite low, so it usually requires a warm scarf at the neck. Wool coats are trickier to nail the details on! UmmLila (Lisa) on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400304 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 12:55:08 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2400304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had also noticed that short wool coats are not really a thing this year, but that faux furs are short or long. However, the wool maxi coats are dramatic but won’t be warm enough for a long winter’s walk like a puffer would … unless one also layers a nanopuff vest underneath them. Carla on "Is there a move from puffers back to cloth coats?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-there-a-move-from-puffers-back-to-cloth-coats#post-2400297 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:05:00 +0000 Carla 2400297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Living where I live, I’ll probably never surrender my LE puffer.  It’s hands down the lightest and warmest coat I own - and perfect for when I’m out of doors for any length of time.  <div> </div><div>On the other hand, I’m ‘feeling’ the draw of cloth (specifically wool) and have been reaching for my dressier coat.  The ’dressy’’ coat is going over my uniform of jeans, wool sweater, sneakers  so it’s not like I’m getting more dressy overall.   </div><div> </div><div>I’m probably influenced by what I’m seeing on the sites I peruse for street style fashion ideas, and it seems all the maxi puffers and beanies of recent winter style have been replaced by (mostly) oversized wool midi or maxi coats with a few faux fur hip length coats for good measure.  Balaclavas, triangle scarves, and wool felt formed hats vs knit tuques.  </div><div> </div><div>I’m going to pay more attention to what I see out and about in my town to learn if what I think is happening - is really happening.  The norm in previous years has been black puffers (short and below the knee) and tuques/beanies.  I have been paying attention for footwear, and it’s been classic Bludstone styles and thick soled dad style sneakers.  (We have a couple of inches of snow.) What are winter outerwear looks like where you live?  </div><div> </div><div>Got snow? </div>