I begin my search for a black puffer

After our coat discussion, I thought it was time to start searching for the black puffer coat that I've been thinking of buying, it was either that or the -10 Celsius temperature it was today

So #1-2 are what I wore today. The red parka is my inexpensive Canadian Goose copy and it keeps me very warm. I run hot and I don't actually need my bottom covered... I just like the long slim line that I see on some puffers.

My wish list for the perfect puffer is as follows:
Black
Belted
Must not look like the Michelin man
Knee-length
Lightweight
Luxe without being pricey

I hit three stores today, Mango, Simons (major fashion retailer in Quebec) and Zara. Did not find the perfect puffer but came out with a stronger sense of what I wanted. Here are the coats I tried and my comments on them:

#3: Mango- has the right length, single zipper only, gold hardware felt cheap, didn't like the fur collar and it was heavy.
#4: Mango- double zippers, no hood, big collar, too much gold for me
#5: Simons puffer- my favorite of today, I like how the hood sits, the side zip and how light it is. However, it is a little short, the hood is enormous and the zippers are heart shaped, which I find twee.
#6-7: Simons- Instant nos
#8: Zara- This was the only thing that felt luxe today. The gold zippers were solid, the material was lovely, but it's not what I'm looking for.
#9: the dreaded Michelin man!

After today, I added the following to my PPP list:
Hooded with a fur fringe (but not too much of it)
Double zippers
Insulated cuffs
Insulated pockets

The search continues. Next, I plan to try the Point Zero store, the Bay and Winners (Canadian TJ Maxx). Any thoughts or suggestions about what I should be looking for? What are your requisites for a perfect puffer?

12 years ago

Anonymous

I think you actually look great in a lot of these, especially #3, #4, and #5, for what it's worth, but can understand if they're not exactly what you want.

I'm not sure if Lands' End delivers to Canada, but that's where my puffer is from. It's fairly sleek with a double zipper, a fur fringe (which I removed because I think they look funny on me, but which is there and not too big), and a belt for some waist definition.

peacechick

Veteran

Aubergine, thanks! I'm aiming for PPP with this puffer as it's more of a want than a need. And outerwear especially lasts for ages and ages. My big black parka is 14 years old... And I never liked it that much to begin with!

Thanks for mentioning Land's End. They do deliver in Canada but returns cost $8.95. Still worth looking at, I wish there was a Nordstrom or a Macy's here.

My advantage is that I live downtown where there is row after row of shopping... Eventually something has to show up

Liz A.

I got my puffer from Macy's last year. It's Calvin Klein.

Mine had to be long, streamlined, no fur, and no patch pockets!

dustt

I'm partial to 4, 5&7 - those big cozy collars are a must in a puffer IMO as are - fleece wrist inserts, inconspicuous pockets, machine wash-ability (slush & salt take their toll!!), and if no belt then at least an enclosed waist cinch. Personally I also require a hood (removable preferred) - because I can't do hats.

Suz

(website)

Check out Soia and Kyo. Montreal firm. Not sure if they have a flagship store but you can find them online and all over -- sometimes even at Winners. This is where Angie's down puffer comes from, and the minute I find one in my size at a bricks and mortar store in a style I like, I am snapping it up. They know how to do style AND warmth and they don't mess around.

Thanks Suz, I saw some Soia and Kyo in the last little store I popped into on the way home but the SA was being disinterested, so I just let it go. I will look out next time I go shopping.

4babiesMe

Active Member

My faves are 5 & 7. And I'm jealous. I've been wanting a down jacket so bad. I saw that many are on sale on amazon, but I'm not quite ready to buy yet. Things really shouldn't go on sale until you're ready to buy them.

Good luck!

Jeanie

I like #3 best. I like how the tannish fur trim and gold belt tie in with you skin tone. Good luck on your search!

Krista

I like 3,4 and 5 as well!
Have you considered looking at Laura, Cleo, Eddie Bauer or Mark's Work Wearhouse? They all usually offer some kind of black puffer this time of year.
I bought a black puffer last year but my requirements were purely utilitarian so that I could walk the dog in winter and not freeze: long (to my calves), hooded and fitted at the wrists and neck so no wind gets inside. This year I'm considering a shorter, white puffer similar to your list.
Hope you find something!

Thanks Krista! Not sure if I can find them in my part of Canada (where free shipping/return is rare) but will look out for these brands. I am not in a hurry and will keep looking.

Jeanie, I like gold too! But a lot of the puffers I tried had flimsy hardware.

Just an update: The Bay had a one-day 50% off outerwear sale today so I online ordered these two puffers from Laundry by Shelli Segal. Will post K/R photos when they arrive!

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