Women's Down & Insulated Jackets
Women's down and insulated jackets that pack the most warmth into the least weight, from featherlight puffers for the pack to longer, cosier jackets for winter in town. Our range features The North Face, Arc'teryx, Columbia and Patagonia.
Down is the warmest for its weight and packs smallest, while synthetic insulation keeps working when it gets damp. Choose a hip-length puffer for active days and layering, or a longer cut for extra warmth when you are standing still. Down has no waterproofing, so pair it with a rain jacket over the top in wet weather.
Warmth is hard to judge online, so come and feel the loft for yourself at our Grey Lynn concept store, or click and collect an online order from our Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about women's down and insulated jackets
How warm a puffer jacket do I need if I feel the cold?
If you feel the cold, choose a puffer with more insulation: a higher fill weight or fill power in down, or a thicker synthetic fill, plus features that trap heat such as a hood, a longer length and snug cuffs. Look at how you will use it too: for standing around outdoors, warmer is better; for walking and active use, a lighter puffer under a shell gives you more flexibility.
Is a long down coat or a hip-length puffer better?
A long down coat covers your hips and thighs, which makes it much warmer for standing at the sideline, commuting and city winters. A hip-length puffer is lighter, moves freely and layers under a rain jacket, so it suits walking, travel and outdoor activity. Many women own one of each, or choose the length that matches where they spend most cold days.
Which puffer jacket is warmest for its weight?
A high fill-power down jacket, typically 700 to 800 fill or more, gives the most warmth for the least weight and packs down smallest. Synthetic puffers are heavier for the same warmth but cope better with damp. If you want maximum warmth to carry in a pack or travel bag, choose high-quality down and keep it dry. For damp conditions, a down jacket with a water-resistant shell fabric and treated down holds up better than untreated down.
How should a women's puffer jacket fit?
A puffer should sit close enough to trap warm air but not so tight that it compresses the insulation, which reduces warmth. You should be able to wear a base layer or light fleece underneath and move your arms freely. A women's cut follows your shape through the waist and hips so the jacket does not gape or ride up. Check that the cuffs and hem seal out drafts when you move, as cold air sneaking in at the waist or wrists makes even a warm jacket feel cold.
Can I wear a puffer under a rain jacket?
Yes, it is one of the warmest combinations you can wear. A light down or synthetic puffer adds warmth while a rain jacket over the top keeps wind and rain off and protects the insulation from getting wet. Make sure your rain jacket has room for the puffer underneath, which may mean sizing up your shell. If you get warm on the move, unzip the puffer or take it off and pull it back on at rest stops, which keeps the insulation from getting damp with sweat.
How do I pack a down jacket for travel?
Most down jackets stuff into their own pocket or a small stuff sack, so they take little room in a bag. Pack it near the top so you can grab it when the temperature drops, and take it out of the stuff sack when you arrive so the down can loft up again. For long-term storage, hang it or keep it loosely in a breathable bag. On planes, a puffer is useful as a pillow or blanket, and wearing it through the airport saves space in your carry-on.
What is the difference between fill power and fill weight?
Fill power measures the quality of the down, meaning how much space one ounce of it fills, so higher numbers trap more warmth for their weight. Fill weight is how much down is actually in the jacket. A jacket with a modest fill power but plenty of down can be warmer than a high fill-power jacket with very little. Look at both together, along with the jacket's intended use, to judge how warm it really is.
Are baffled or stitch-through puffers warmer?
Most puffers are stitch-through, meaning the outer and inner fabrics are sewn together to form the familiar quilted chambers. That is light and efficient, but the stitch lines have less insulation and can let cold in. Box-baffled jackets use small fabric walls between the layers so the down lofts evenly with no thin spots, making them warmer for very cold conditions, though heavier and more expensive.