Most popular with young people, puffer jackets are available from the majority of winter jacket manufacturers. The puffer jacket (often referred to as a ‘puffa’ jacket) is named for the puffed up appearance it gives its wearers. Generally a puffer jacket is made out of nylon with either down or polyester filling. The jacket is typically quilted to keep the filling from settling to the bottom during wear or storage.
Puffer jackets for men women and children come in a variety of colours and styles, though traditionally a puffer jacket is about waist length, with long sleeves and fully insulated. A number of puffer jacket makers also make puffer-style vests, or jackets that have removable arms. Some puffer jackets have removable hoods, others have hoods which are sewn on and a host of manufacturers who make puffer jackets with no hood at all. The jackets are ideal for harsh, cold weather as they provide excellent insulation, allowing wearers to keep warm despite a severe chill in the air.
Puffer jackets are often described in terms of how much insulation they offer. For example, a 12oz puffer jacket is stuffed with 12 ounces of insulating material such as down or polyester fibres. Some manufacturers use the tog system that most people are familiar with from buying duvets.
Popular with people of all ages, puffer jackets are easy to spot on the high street. The jackets have been popular for decades, and as fashions and the needs of people with active lifestyles have changed, the humble puffer jacket has acclimated to their requirements. For example, JanSport make puffer jackets for men and women that are customised to hold your iPod and have integrated wiring and plugs to help you keep your music with you on the move.
Though many are water repellent and also stain resistant, it is recommended that you clean your puffer jacket regularly to avoid dust or saturation damage; however, because of their construction, few puffer jackets are machine washable. It is important to heed the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your jacket to avoid damaging the insulation or outer coatings.
A selection of the coat and jacket makers who produce puffer jackets include: Quicksilver, Reebok, FCUK, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Calvin Klein, Helly Hansen, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland and Nike. Puffer jackets for men, ladies and kids made by a variety of designers can be purchased from a wide selection of shops on the high street, as well as fashionable boutiques and department stores. Puffer jackets are also available from a number of online retailers.
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