Keep or not (winter edition): Black puffer jacket/coat

I came across this one unexpectedly (only one and my size) and decided to put it in front of you for the final decision about keeping or not.

It's by the Danish brand Etage I have never heard of. Is it a quality brand or just average? Lynne?

Althogh the winters here are not as cold as in the continental Europe, I still travel a lot to the colder climates and I have been in need for a good puffer jacket for quite some time. I also need something that I can liberally layer underneath. The main place where dressier puffers can be found here would be Marks&Spencer. They usually have nice selection of colors, but I also know that the sleeves on their coats are too short for me.

Good things about this puffer:
- size is spot on
- excellent sleeve length - and not a chance for draught due to the elasticated bit under the main sleeve
- soft and light, would probably pack in very small space if needed
- nice, flattering stitching (I think, I may be wrong)
- not boxy with defined waist
- unusual and practical collar

Cons:
- not knee lenght
- black
- hubby not keen at all
- sporty sleeve area
- not goose down

It wasn't too expensive and could definitely serve me well until I find the ultimate below-the-knees long grey or red puffer. But, is it too sporty? I guess I can wear some skirts underneath, but not all styles. The ultimate question: imagine a YLF get-together on a cold, cold day... could I show up to meet Angie and wear this

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I like the collar in #3; but I don't really like it open... I dunno; I think you can find a better puffer

Saretta

Active Member

I think it looks warm, practical and versatile. Isn't it a bother when the hubby doesn't like something?

Queen Mum

do you have a need for a casual, sporty puffer?

Suz

Drat, it is difficult to see details of black garments online!

I don't know... I like the collar in #3. And so it has potential. Yet something doesn't feel quite right. Maybe if you put gloves and hat/boots on, as you might wear it, we'll get a clearer sense of it?

Given what you've said about puffer options where you are, maybe you need to make a trip to Winnipeg where Lyn is so you can get a wider choice? Well...not really, because then you'd have to deal with Winnipeg's endless winter!

Ornella

QM, I do need something to throw on in the winter when style inevitably gives way to practicality. I do want a dressier one, but the chances of finding it are slim.

Then again, i don't want maybes in my wardrobe...

Suz, that's a good idea! I could try hats, scarves and gloves tonight after I pack the kiddo to bed.

Actually, because our winter is so long, we always sell out of awesome coats. I buy all my jackets online.

That being said; I found an A-line puffer last year for like $12. Super pumped. If you can find a coat in the spring for super cheap, you can get some AWESOME deals because they take up so much room and every person wants to get rid of them.

I would really like a North Face jacket, but I"m not a millionare

well, it seems that if you live in a cold long-winter climate, then I see no reason to not double up on the warm coat wardrobe. The sporty putter for weekends and casual settings, and a dressier one for work, evening out, etc....

Girl X

I'm not liking the length of this, I feel like it needs to be either longer or shorter, but where it hits now is a little off, the rest of it looks really cute on you though.

rae

I like it and don't find it sporty at all... ?? When I think of sporty puffer's, I think of crazy snowboard gear. This one looks edgy to me.

Would your legs be too cold?

rachylou

I like it too. Why doesn't hubby like it?

@GirlX, I think I see what you mean Boooo...

@rae, my legs would be cold.

@rachylou, I think hubby sees it as too plain.

I am torn. The old demons are back in full force - what if I don't find another one that has long enough sleeves.

I still have to try it with hats and scarves as Suz suggested. Let's see what my sister has to say about this, she's good in talking me out of bad purchases in the past.

geetha

return it. I'm sure you can find something that flatters you more.

Anonymous

I don't live in a puffer climate so I'm no expert, but this doesn't seem fab enough for you.

Mm. I suppose it is a bit plain. But - as a person who's always cold - I'd rather have a coat while I look for a better one.

catgirl

I don't think one can have too many winter coats. If it fits, is warm enough, and you will wear it - get it. The collar is funky but you have a swan-like neck that looks great in it.

Hmmm, if it's not real down, it's not going to be as warm and light weight or as giving to layer under. I vote holding out for a better one. If you want warmth, this one may not be your best choice.

Is it not down? Or just not goose down?

Jonesy

I really like it as a sporty, casual, goes-with-jeans-and-casual-pants jacket! And I can TOTALLY relate to the need to have long-enough sleeves--it's like a minor miracle when it happens :). Does it suit your style?

@Una, it's not down. All my old puffers were. I guess your Alaskan expertise is invaluable here, how bad is that, please educate me?

@Jonesy, style-wise I am OK wit hthe fact in the winer the need to be warm gives way to desire to look dressy... this would definitely meet my lifestyle needs, if not style aspirations. Does that make sense?

Decisions, decisions...

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Big thumbs up from me. I love this puffer on you Mrs. O!

Canada sounds just as cold to me!

However, nothing is as warm as down (i.e. the synthetic version of my down skirt is nowhere near as warm). On the "down" side of down, it doesn't insulate once it gets wet, so the material has to be water-resistant.

How cold do you run?

Fruitful

Without reading through the replies I thought this was really cute on you, works with your long legs and I love the collar all ways you've shown!

Then I saw Angie liked it and I went "Yessss!" to myself :DDD

Freckles

I don't think it suits your needs. If you want dressy and warm nothing beats the knitted cuff inside the dress sleeve. Or a cuffed sleeve?

I have two winter coats that have cuff sleeves. These are great as I can wear very few layers or many multiple layers beneath them and the sleeve length changes as needed.

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There have been a lot of replies, but only 3 votes

Many say return and offer good reasons.
Many say keep and offer good resons.

Angie says keep.
My sister says keep.

I am still putting it on and looking and those long sleeves and thinking... my gut says "keep".

I have one more week to decide.

Deborah

Lovely O I think it's a keeper. I hope I am not repeating all other comments (i haven't had time to read thru everything yet) but I think it looks good. The neck in #3 looks best and I think you could easily dress it up with a nice scarf in the neck. I also think that the way you carry yourself makes it look quite smart. If your gut is saying yes... then I think its a yes!

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