Best women's puffer jackets

Top pick: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse. It's the puffer most people picture for a reason — real down warmth, a boxy retro cut that layers over a sweater, and a size range from XXS to 3XL. It's the one to buy if you want a single jacket that handles a proper winter.

Who the others suit:

• lululemon Wunder Puff — the sleek, everyday city jacket; hooded and down-filled, cut closer to the body.
• Aritzia The Super Puff Shorty — cropped and fashion-forward, 700+ fill goose down, and a huge colour range if you want it to be the outfit.
• Orolay Cloak Puffer — long, duck-down coverage for genuinely cold commutes at a modest outlay.
• Columbia Amaze Puff Mid — thigh-length with a hood and 650-fill down; best for wet, windy days.
• Canada Goose Grandview — the premium, buy-it-once option in a cropped shape.
• Amazon Essentials packable — a light layer for mild days, travel or the car, not a deep-winter coat.

Check the size chart before ordering: these run from slim (lululemon) to oversized (Nuptse, Super Puff).