A menswear guide to wearing puffer jackets

It’s your best defence against sub-zero temperatures

From fishing trips to fashion tips, puffers have ascended to hero status

The autumn/winter season is officially upon us and, while the freezing temperatures might be a way off yet, now is the perfect time to invest in a new coat.

But, with so many different styles on offer, it can be difficult to know which ones will keep you cosy and which ones will leave your body shivering.

Enter: the puffer jacket.

A coat that’s never really been the stuff of high fashion, puffers have ascended to hero status this season with the trend for technical jackets well and truly reaching fever pitch.

Once a staple of mountaineering types, if you want to be recognised for your street style cred then you need to make sure your outwear is jam-packed with squishiness.

Sure, warmth might be your primary mission, but so is looking good.

Puffer jackets first hit the scene back in the 1930s courtesy of Eddie Bauer, who came up with the design after a fishing trip which featured a near-death experience with hypothermia.

Patagonia Men’s Nano Puff Jacket, £180, Patagonia

But, ever since then, it’s been adopted by numerous subcultures including the Milanese Paninaro of the Eighties and Nineties hip-hop culture.

Fast forward to present day, and there was plenty of padded outwear on the runways. At Balenciaga and Fendi they came oversized, while MSGM’s cropped versions had a schoolboy feel and Boss opted for ultra-long, down-filled numbers.

Hugo Boss, Quilted-Shell Hooded Down Jacket, £500, Mr Porter

Providing their models with the best armour against sub-zero temperatures, the likes of Versace, Prada, Alex Mullins and Christopher Raeburn also brought technical wear to the catwalk.

Of course, the rise of outerwear brands like Moncler and Patagonia also has something to do with the appeal of practical puffers.

Blue Puffer Jacket, £70, Topman

After all, these are garments that do the basics right. They keep you warm, feel light, and are durable, flexible and, most important of all, stylish.

Whether you choose to opt for a super-bulky or more streamlined version, it’s time to consider what to wear underneath.

Down Puffer Jacket with Hood, £69.99, Zara

For a street-style look, straight leg denim and a hoodie layered underneath is an easy and carefree option. However, if you want to smarten things up we suggest investing in a lightweight roll neck jumper to break up the levels of your outfit.

Jacket with Oversized Sleeves, £99, Cos