When temperatures drop, there’s a certain reassurance and comfort a down jacket has to offer: it’s a cosy and reliable protector from the elements. But having experienced a resurgence in the fashion sphere, down jackets are not just a practical purchase – they’re a fashion statement too.
When it comes to design, style and feel, the puffer world is your oyster. Indeed, they come in more shapes and sizes – and guises – than ever before, and with a range of smart technology to match.
Take Uniqlo, for instance – there’s a vast assortment of styles and colours across its three down ranges: Seamless, Puffertech and Hybrid.
But with so many options available, how do you know which one to choose? Here’s a breakdown of Uniqlo’s down coat collection to help you find the perfect puffer jacket this winter …
Seamless
The tech
High performance, the Seamless down is windproof, water-repellent and lightweight, covering you for all eventualities. Uniqlo uses thermal bonding instead of stitching to keep out the cold air which, as the name suggests, means there are no seams, and zips are also waterproof. The focus here is on performance and keeping the elements out.
The look
Classic. Available in long and short styles, the Seamless down range brings an ease and gentle fashion edge to a longstanding design that has been built for all that the weather has to throw at you – plus it’s lightweight. Padding comes quilted in a thick rib, which makes the design feel modern and smart.
Wear it for
The great outdoors – this is your down classic. Opt for the longer lengths, available for both men and women, for ultimate protection.
Puffertech
The tech
Puffertech is an alternative to down and uses Japanese fibre technology to mimic the air-trapping mechanism of feathers for warmth. Depending on the style, it features either high-performance padding with hollow yarn to trap the air for extra warmth or comes with padding inside. A water-repellent finish and double-weave also prevent the elements from getting in. Compact versions can be rolled up and stored for extra ease and flexibility – ideal for travel.
The look
If you want a down coat that doesn’t look like your typical puffer jacket but leans into the prevailing gorpcore trend – wearing functional outdoor wear in a fashionable way – these come in a host of styles that riff on streetwear-meets-countryside dressing. For women, there is the parka, the relaxed jacket, and compact jacket, all of which feature quilting in either diamond or strip formation. They feel easy and lowkey, but pragmatic. Non-quilted coats, meanwhile, have a more utilitarian feel. For men, hoods and collars provide alternative options – as does a more voluminous style of parka.
Wear it when
Day to day when you need flexibility and want to nod to trends. For men, the quilted and compact designs lean into fashion’s current fascination with field jackets, as does the non-quilted coat for women.
Hybrid
The tech
The Uniqlo Hybrid down range is a collaboration with the Japanese competitive snowboarder Ayumu Hirano. Key features include lightweight, high-performance cotton padding with heat absorption technology, and flexible styling features that enable the coat to be worn in various ways. The Hybrid down range is designed to offer a balance between warmth and ease of movement, making it a versatile choice.
The look
More of a smart coat than a typical outdoorsy down jacket – without sacrificing the qualities needed for the latter. For men, longer lengths with a fuzzy or removable hood, a duffle coat design or a bomber style are all on trend this season; while women can opt for an elegant non-quilt design with big fleece-lined pockets and an adjustable waist for the option of a more fitted shape that works well to give an overall strong sense of style.
Wear it when
You need to look smart but stay warm. Try the Hybrid down parka for men and the Hybrid down coat for women.
Shop Uniqlo’s down coat collection at uniqlo.com
