On the Subject of Puffer Vests... - YouLookFab Forum

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On the Subject of Puffer Vests...

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Emily's post prompted me to finally ask what I've had on my mind.

I like the idea of the puffer vest mainly because I run so cold and any extra layer is very welcome, plus when it's soft and thin it can be layered over easily.

But, I must spend my money wisely and wonder if I really need puffer vest.

Question 1: For those who have puffer vests and opinions about them ;-), what sort of weather is it best for?

Question 2: Which one do you prefer?

#1 is the one I have actually tried on, a bit shiny but I don't mind. A bit of shine in the winter is very welcome in my book. Shorter of the two, super soft, I can layer leather jacket over it.

#2 is what also popped on my screen when I searched for the first jacket on-line. A bit longer. No other major differences that I can see. maybe the pockets.

Thoughts between the two? Thanks in advance.

S.Oliver Weste - schwarz

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1

Benetton Weste - black

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3

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29 replies

Latest reply was from Kim C

rachylou

Veteran

Puffy? Did someone mention puffies?

I'm leaning toward #2 - because it has a seam at the waist. That kind of structure in a garment I find more flattering.

I have puffer vests, but rarely wear them. Maybe on a sunny but windy day. I used to wear them daily as a cashier in a grocery, standing right in front of all the freezer cases.

Otherwise, I confess, I run too cold for puffer vests.

JAileen

Veteran

I like puffy vests too. My winter climate is cold but usually dry. I often wear a vest in lieu of an actual jacket when I'm running errands. I'll also layer one under a wind and waterproof shell when we're out hiking or birding. I have four down vests and am thinking of adding another one.

Dee

Veteran

These are both lovely! I actually like the first one but I'm short-waisted, so those built in waist seams never quite hit me in the right place.

I've got a down puffer vest from the Gap that's several years old now. I wear it over a hoodie or LS tee (depending on weather) for running errands, driving long distances, or light hiking/outdoor activities in cool weather where a coat feels too bulky or overheats.

Astrid

Veteran

I never had one, but I think the weather where I would want to wear one is rare here. It needs to be cold enough (but not too cold or your arms are freezing) and dry. With the fall weather we're usually having I would be hesitant to spend a lot of money on a puffer vest, if I wouldn't need one for a specific situation. I guess you have more ocassions to wear it if you can layer a jacket over it but then I think I would prefer a different layer than a vest.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I think it depends on how cold you run. I have a few puffer vests and I really like the way they look but usually if It's cold enough to wear a vest, I want a full length jacket. My DH on the other hand runs hot and he loves wearing them as it keeps him just warm enough but leaves his arms free of bulk.

Laurinda

Veteran

We joke that down vests are good for those days when your torso is feeling cool but your arms are running hot :-). I like them for easing into winter with baby steps, over a fleece jacket to give a little cozy warmth in transitional weather (best for 30-50F, 0-10C) before I have to enrobe myself in a down parka for the next 5 months (+30 to -25F, 0 to -30C), or for the first mild days of spring. They read gear-like to me, but that is 90% of my life.

From the photos I prefer #1 for the slimming princess seams. Other features I look for are a bit of elastic to snug the sides or back waist keeping out the wind, hand warming pockets (preferably with a zipper closure), a soft fleece inner collar, hang tab in the back, and a sturdy zipper with a snap closure (not velcro since it catches scarves and sweaters) storm flap in the front.

missvee

Veteran

I wear mine over a lightweight sweater or fleece in temperatures down to 10 or 11 cel. If it's any cooler I can throw a windproof anorak over top and that will work too.
Of the 2 you've shown I prefer 1 because of the slimmer side panels and the overall sleeker silhouette.

Banoffi

Veteran

I think the first one looks more fitted and would probably be more flattering.

I have a puffer vest in my office during the winter. I bought a Lole one last year that I like. I was able to size down one size so it is more fitted through the torso (I have very broad shoulders, so I was able to size down since I didn't have to worry about sleeves). The Lole vest I got is also on the thinner side, so not super puffy.

catgirl

Veteran

So these work well in my somewhat extreme world for:

1) early fall outdoors
2) winter indoors or active outdoors with layers (like snowshoeing)
3) spring days
4) summer evenings, especially camping

Women often need extra warmth around the torso, and I often solve this with a Cuddl-Duds type of tank underlayer. But also love to be able to throw on a vest of some kind as temps drop when I'm outside. I'd say it's a transitional weather item for me as an outdoor piece, or a substitute for a shawl indoors.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Thanks ladies. I'm now certain I need one I'll see how the budget goes regarding previously identified needs of higher priority, then I'll hopefully have some funds left for the first vest.

Laurinda :: I'm writing down the checklist, thanks for all the tips.

Louise

Veteran

I picked up a lovely pink one from H&M last year. I'm afraid I haven't worn it that much. If it's cold enough for it my arms get cold. I've worn it mostly when out walking. I still love it and because it was only cheapie I'm happy to keep it in my wardrobe x

Anonymous

Number one looks like the sides/front are contoured in a way that provides shape and in a puffer, that might be a good thing. I'd go with that one.

Anonymous

I use mine more for active wear but not working out. If that makes sense. Cool days that I am doing yard work, in and out of a car, a walk through our hilly neighborhood type of things. Not full on running/cardio but more than standing. Mine is a very thin, light weight down. I think anything more would put me into the hot core cold arms scenario everyone has mentioned. I also like that it is thin enough to layer under a coat for colder weather.

DonnaF

Veteran

I live in a temperate climate (Nor Cal) and wore my shiny gray Bernardo vest all the time last year, mostly as a third piece indoors and out. DD got the same style as a Christmas present and I saw pics of wearing it, sometimes as a layer under a coat in the suburbs of Chicago.

I don't wear my green down vest from Costco nearly as much; in fact I rarely wear it. Partly it's the color, and partly because it is a bit stiffer so doesn't collapse in against my body. Or something.

I think I ordered at least eight vests for DD until we found the *right* one. I like the shiny one for you and think it would be more flattering. Looks like you found a couple that might be long enough for you which I'm sure is quite a challenge!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like the first one for the reasons others have mentioned (the side contouring and lack of sewn in waist) but it may come down to trying them on.

Laurinda's breakdown of what to look for is excellent. Especially the point about velcro.

If it's actually down (vs. poly) then it will be warmer (probably).

I use mine mostly as a gear piece for outdoor activities with another layer underneath and/or over top. But occasionally on a clear bright day in November I might wear it over a cashmere sweater as my outer layer. Mine is just an old Land's End one -- not very stylish. But I still enjoy it.

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Laurinda

Veteran

I should mention it might not be possible to find a down vest that meets all my requirements, and is flattering. LLBean has a nice vest this year, this one also has a zippered inner pocket and nice backside coverage. But it might not be slimming and why oh why do they use gray fleece instead of properly matching the color of the jacket?

If you find the right vest it will be worth it as they can last for quite a few winter seasons. Best of luck with your search!

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Windchime

Veteran

I always like how puffer vests look on other women but never figured out how (when) to wear them in my four-season climate. I'm gleaning a few ideas from these responses, though. I especially like Alaskagirl's list and Banoffi's idea to have one at work.

Hopefully you will soon be enjoying one of your own!

Quietgirl

Veteran

For many years, I lived in a puffer vest on fall days over a LS merino wool sweater. It is great for running errands whenI am in and out of car and shops. Now I have branched out with a faux fur vest and will be utilizing it in the same way. It is more dressy and fits my emerging YLF style.

I am not sure I have a preference on the two above.

Beth Ann

Veteran

In Chicago, vests are great for running "in and out" on errands when a coat would cause me to overheat indoors. I wear mine at home in deep winter, since we keep the house cool. I would think they would work well for cool, but not cold, days running errands by bicycle.

I like #1!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Oops! Double post!

Aquamarine

Veteran

I have a couple of vests and find them useful for some activities/days, as others have described. I don't think you'll regret getting one.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA about the bicycle -- I think it could be super useful as a warmer layer over a big warm wool sweater or a sort of windproof shell -- or under a differently cut windproof coat.

I have also worn my puffer vest over top of my denim jacket in the mountains.

jackiec

Veteran

I can't comment on which vest is better without seeing them on. I've tried lots and it really comes down to fit for me. I've had some sort of puffer vest for at least 10+ years. For the past 5 or so it's been a black JoeFresh version, and before that it was a chocolate brown Jacob vest. I wear them all.the.time, but every year I vow that next year is the end of the puffer vest look for me. And then I pull the dang thing out again!!! It's just so useful for me! I usually wear it over my workout gear in the AM to take the kids to school in the fall, winter, spring. If I'm having a super casual day I'll throw it on over a long sleeve and jeans. I prefer it with a hoodie underneath. Either way, they come in so handy.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

I cannot speak to the practicality of it due to my climate. But I'm just chiming in to say that I could totally picture you in this! My preference is for #1. I think it would be really flattering.

And in completely unrelated news, I realized when I read the comments of your birthday thread that we are exactly one day apart in age. How cool is that? I am in such fabulous company!!

froggiebecky

Veteran

I don't have one, but I'm seeing enough of them around here (Scotland) to consider getting one. I think that here, they are serving as the first layer of coat--over a jumper/sweater. I'm hesitant because I don't know if it's something I'd use in Sydney.

As far as the two you've shown, I'd go for the shiny one with the princess seams.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Perfect example of want becoming a need If I'm lucky, there might still be an email with some discount code in my Inbox.

Sarah :: I knew there was that extra something about you, but I could not put my finger on it

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Awww, thank you! I feel the same way about you.

Em J M

Puffer vests are good for 50s over a thin sweater.

Kim C

Member

I'm also looking for a black "slimming" puffy vest (oxymoron, right). I think this is something that I will need to try on in the store, instead of buying online. I'm looking forward to wearing mine over a denim shirt (with black skinny jeans) or over a sweatshirt on mild, cool days.