Long puffer practicality?

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Christina Smith

Active Member

Hello everyone!

I have to buy a new puffer this year. (I think the last one I bought was 5-6 years ago, and it’s too snug now.)

Wondering about the practicality of the long puffer. Do forum members think it’s alright? My main concern is that it gets dirty at the bottom too easily.

I don’t want anything remotely impractical! I plan to wear it walking around town.

Here is the one from Gstar I was thinking about:

https://www.g-star.com/en_ca/s.....-d199-c742

I love GStar!!

6 months ago

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

rachylou

Veteran

I like it! For me, a long puffer is the most practical in terms of warmth and keeping *me* clean and dry.

6 months ago

bj1111

Veteran

Agree with @rachy.

If my puffer bottom gets soiled from the odd splash, I just wipe down with a damp cloth.

6 months ago

The Cat

Veteran

I totally agree with the two first comments.

6 months ago

Olive Green

Veteran

Perhaps one with snaps as well as a zipper. It takes a while to get the zip up, and just for running in and out, the snaps are a real patience saver. The zip is good for those high winds, for sure.
Mid calf is a good length for both coverage and a long stride, with knee high boots for maximum protection. Also helps keep the hem off the snowbanks.

6 months ago

kkards

Veteran

Lol, well I have one that’s this long, and it’s a creamy white….so yup 100% go for it. Mine is down, so super lightweight and warm. My only question about this is is more about the weight, as it’s not down, how much does this coat physically weight and will it be comfortable to wear. They only way to know is to order it.

6 months ago

Anonymous

I don't know how tall you are, but it could be realllly long. Angie says Gstar is good for very tall people.

I have a below knee length puffer, so it doesn't get soiled at the bottom. It's good for the bitter cold (below 30F) days, but definitely overkill for most of the winter here. Worth it if you live in a cold climate and have to be outside a lot though.

6 months ago

RobinF

Veteran

I'm short and have some long coats. I love them, nice and warm. I haven't noticed them getting dirty at the bottom but a lot of coats are machine washable these days.

6 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have this one -- it's got to be 8-9 years old at this point -- and I love it. I've never had a concern with keeping it clean -- it wipes down easily enough. I'd just make sure the zipper closure allows for ease of movement, whether it double zips from top or bottom, or only comes down far enough that it's easy to sit or walk with the coat closed. G-Star does some cool designs!

Nordstrom

Lauren Ralph Lauren Packable Quilted Down Coat

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6 months ago

Irina

Veteran

I have a warm, knee length one and will buy long one this winter.

I resisted wearing one for long time because I doubt I can keep it clean. Also, didn’t want to look like a giant caterpillar but I’m over it. It’s practical for my climate and lifestyle.
I love the one you consider.

6 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I bat for Team Short Puffer

I have three short puffers, and one long one. I hardly wear the long one! I much prefer the short ones, or my long wool coats. Find them a lot more comfy and practical. Out with doggies, I need to move around very freely. I find long puffers restrictive.

That said, I have no problem keeping my long puffer clean. It wipes down easily when it gets splashes.

6 months ago

Joy

Veteran

I have a long dark navy puffer similar to the G-Star you linked to. Mine is from Michael Kors. I like a long puffer because it is comfortable to sit on in a car with cold leather seats. It is also light weight. It does not get dirty here although we have snow. I would buy it again. In fact I plan to buy another long puffer this year in a bright color if I can find it in my size. Orange or coral or possibly red orange are what I want with matching accessories like a scarf, boots, and gloves. Even Lands End which usually has lots of colors is more neutral this year. My coats are most likely to get dirty around the neck if I do not wear scarves. A damp towel usually does the trick for cleaning. Most wash well in the machine.

6 months ago

phoebe

Active Member

Mine are hip length for maximum ease driving and walking. I would consider mid thigh but I gave away a longer one because it bunched up and/or interfered with my stride.

My daughter commutes by train and has a full length one she loves and that looks new although she's had it for several years. She has no issues driving or walking while wearing it but she is considerably taller than I am and also more graceful.

6 months ago

Jules

Veteran

I prefer just above knee length for my true winter climate and walking/transit commute lifestyle here in Toronto. I mostly see the longer ones on people who have to stay warm while standing around outside - daycare workers supervising kids, for example. That said I have never tried one for daily life so I can't say myself if the length would be a problem walking around. I'd be looking at the adjustable details such as two-way zipper and/or side venting zippers. I definitely do need good hip and thigh coverage to stay warm, and most wool coats are more transitional than true winter in my climate.

6 months ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I have three puffers: two knee-length and one mid-calf. The knee-length puffers get the most wear. The mid-calf puffer has side vent zippers and is extremely warm. It is a gorgeous coat, and I love it, but I don't wear it for walking the dog or everyday errands.

Lululemon

Winter Warrior Long Parka

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6 months ago

Christina Smith

Active Member

Thanks, everyone.

There are a lot of things I hadn’t considered, like the fact that the length of the g-star might actually be *too* long. I am 5’5” and the g-star looks long in the tall models.

I hadn’t considered two-way zips and snaps to do a quick do-up.

I don’t do a lot of intense walking, but do walk every day. I could see stride restriction being an issue. Taking smaller steps would annoy the heck out of me. I don’t stand around much in the cold (but I can see how a long puffer would be awesome if I did!).

I definitely like short puffers too, and always feel so free when I wear my daughter’s. I actually don’t have a thick short puffer (only thin ones) and am thinking that this would be a good addition (in addition to a longer one).

I don’t know if you can tell, but I am pretty much paralyzed by indecision. This is always the case when I online shop for clothes, and is why I don’t do it much anymore. (In-person shopping works way better for me.)

I’m now scouting out thigh/knee length puffers!

Even though it will probably take me another week or two to make the decision, I am grateful for your help in clarifying my thoughts on what I actually want and need in a winter coat. Thank you!
Christina

6 months ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Nothing wrong with taking a while to make a decision. I’ve avoided many bad purchases that way. Angie’s principle of PPP is very helpful!
In the past many things bought that I felt I “had to have” have languished in my wardrobe with few wears because I didn’t have any patience.

6 months ago

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