Once upon a time, we called these Down Jackets, but somewhere along the line they were re-branded as Puffer Jackets, most likely due to the fact they are now stuffed with all sorts of high tech fillings in addition to down.  (Or maybe it’s just because they’re puffy.) Whatever the etymology, the Puffer is perfect for all kinds of sporty adventures when the weather starts to get colder. Puffer coats are just as likely to be worn on the streets of Manhattan as they are on the slopes of Aspen. Thinner weight Puffers are perfect transitional coats for Fall and early winter, while heavyweight, zip out lining Puffers will see you through the coldest days of Winter.  Whether you’re looking for a high performance Puffer, or just a high style Puffer, we’ve got an alternative for every budget.

In the lightweight, high style, completely affordable end of the spectrum, Uniqlo’s down filled, Ultra Light, camouflage print Puffer ($69.90) works great on its own for Fall, then as a layer in Winter. (Right.)

For a slightly puffier Puffer at around the same price, H&M’s Padded Jacket ($59.95) adds a flannel lined hood for extra warmth, we like the Burgundy color for Fall the best.

The North Face knows a thing or two about high-performance jackets, and their Aconcagua ($160) down filled jacket is no exception.  A mid-weight down jacket that is zip-in compatible with other North Face garments, the Aconcagua is full of high tech features, like a water repellent shell to keep you dry.

Lacoste has a great, hooded, Lightweight Down Jacket ($275) that’s just the right amount of puffy.  Get noticed and add some zing to your Fall wardrobe by opting for the bright orange version that’s more city-chic than duck hunter.

Gant’s Quilted Tracking Jacket ($395) is a high style Puffer with great features like corduroy elbow patches, a two way zipper, and a lined drawstring hood, this jacket is just plain perfect.

For the most flat out fashionable Puffer of the season, Kenzo, who has been on a major roll with this season’s men’s collection, offers up their amazing Cloud Print Puffer Jacket ($625).  Puffy and warm with a back zip pocket that doubles as a pouch for packing, with an all over blue-skies-and-white-clouds print that will keep the gloomiest Winter day at bay.

For the granddaddy of all Puffer coats, you can’t beat the high performance and high style of Moncler.  Turning out jackets made in the Swiss Alps of France since 1952, Moncler is the gold standard of European ski jackets and cold weather gear.  Italian owned since ’03, Moncler is still the world leader in high-performance down jackets, with high end lines designed by Giambattista Valli and Thom Browne. The Montmedy Coat ($2,130) will see you through an avalanche in style with it’s down filled wool face, nylon sleeves, zip out lining and shearling trimmed hood.