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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Tania Leslau

Best lightweight down jackets for men and women, from Stone Island to Uniqlo

The temperature has dropped and there’s a brisk chill in the air, which means that winter is coming in hot, or rather, cold.

The time has come for the seasonal wardrobe switch-up with insulation at the forefront of the agenda.

Leather, shearling, nylon: there are endless materials to choose from for your annual coat purchase, but there is one pick that effectively combines warmth and affordability in equal measure; the lightweight down puffer.

Lightweight down puffers are readily available, practical pieces that are functional to their very core. The down-filled outerwear helps to protect against the elements, while keeping warmth from escaping. Most renditions are water-repellent, making them ideal for braving drizzly days and hitting the slopes. The jackets can act as a slimline layer and be thrown over a tee for transitional weather. Many variations can handily be neatly rolled up and packed away for camping trips, hiking or throwing in a bag for when the weather forecast is looking ominous.

These sought-after styles come in an eye-popping array of colours to suit all pigment preferences. Watermelon pinks, military khakis, and creamy vanillas are all up for grabs for both men and women searching for the undeniably useful garment.

Unlike the XXL puffers championed by Billie Eilish, Emily Ratajkowski and ASAP Rocky, the lightweight down puffer favours a more minimalist design. Narrower quilting, a thinner silhouette and colour-block detailing are the pillars of the humble item.

Granted, it’s not a new innovation, but one that has stood the test of time and been given the seal of approval from a slew of celebrities. The royal family have fully embraced quilted jackets as part of their uniform. The late Queen Elizabeth II wore fine down jackets to sporting events such as horse trials, inspiring The Princess of Wales to follow suit, boasting as little as three different colourways in her outerwear arsenal.

Outside of the royal sphere, fashion insiders such as Bella Hadid, Frank Ocean, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Garner have looked to their trusty down jackets to keep them warm. Brands such as Patagonia, Arc’teryx and Ganni have aided the piece’s move up the style pecking order, placing it firmly in the realm of Gorpcore.

Whether a warming wardrobe addition or a sporty layer to boost your street cred, read on to discover the best lightweight down jackets to shop this season.

Shop now

Best lightweight down jackets for men

Pyrenex Quilted Down Jacket

We have established that lightweight down jackets are infiltrating the trend cycle, and Pyrenex proves why. The brand’s jackets serve up a simple yet sporty look, as shown with the aptly named Quilted Down Jacket. The khaki piece is made from a wind and waterproof ultra-light nylon with a 90 per cent natural down and feather filling. Once you have successfully been shielded from the showers, the garment folds into a compression bag for effective storage.

Buy now £280.00, Matches

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down 3D Cut Quilted Jacket

It’s impossible to consider down jackets without having Uniqlo on your radar. The brand’s beloved Ultra Light down jacket comes in a multitude of wearable colours for both men and women. Enjoy layer upon layer of insulation provided by the warm premium down, soft nylon taffeta fabric and a water-repellent finish. Anti-static lining, a loose fit and a pocketable design add to its unparalleled functionality.

Buy now £69.90, Uniqlo

Stone Island Logo-patch Packable Quilted Down Jacket

Assert your authority in the style department with Stone Island’s down jacket. The piece has earned hype status among street style connoisseurs and for good reason. Not only does it showcase the brand’s distinctive insignia on the arm, but it’s crafted from high-performance, recycled nylon and filled with down to help you brave the British winter feeling cosy and warm. Function and fashion rolled into one.

Buy now £690.00, Matches

M&S Feather and Down Jacket with Stormwear

Wrap up with M&S’ feather-down jacket that comes in the timeless hues of black, navy and olive. The reasonably-priced piece adopts a low-key design with a high-performance finish. Featuring gentle padding, raglan sleeves and a handy zip fastening, the jacket can be slotted into with ease. Its incorporation of the brand’s trademarked Stormwear technology helps to repel rain while the internal pocket bag is a quick and easy storage solution.

Buy now £60.00, M&S

Mountain Warehouse Featherweight II Extreme Mens RDS Down Jacket

The Featherweight Extreme RDS Down Jacket is a versatile layer to keep on hand as we head into winter. A water-resistant shell is padded out by a super-soft down filling that has been thermal tested to -15°C and will trap warm air inside. The jacket is Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified by the Control Union, which means that it is made up of materials sourced from farms that adhere to strict animal welfare requirements. From a run to the commute, this style will see you through any occasion.

Buy now £69.99, Mountain Warehouse

Best lightweight down jackets for women

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket

Think pink with Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down Jacket that mirrors all the values of the male version. A shorter, cropped cut offers a subtle street style look, while premium down radiates warmth from within. Its lightweight touch is achieved via the use of ultra-fine yarns, anti-static lining and a water-repellent finish. Neutral colourways are also available for those who are oversaturated with Barbie pink.

Buy now £69.90, Uniqlo

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody

Embrace an Arctic aesthetic with Arc’teryx’s Cerium Hoody. Another hyped-about label, Arc’teryx is the brand you want in your winter arsenal. The jacket is ready for alpine getaways. A snowy white hue is elevated by sustainable materials designed to insulate. It is made up of responsibly sourced 850 fill down with Coreloft premium insulation for a cosy feel, while the outer recycled 15D Arato nylon shell with dope-dyed yarns is light to wear and highly durable. When snow or rain hits, pop up the StormHood for added protection against the elements.

Buy now £350.00, Arc’teryx

M&S Feather & Down Packaway Puffer Jacket

Keep the chill at bay with a breathable feather and down layer by M&S. The jacket has a funnel neck and chevron quilting for everyday wear, while its functionality is exercised via water-repellent Stormwear coating and elasticated cuffs that lock in warmth. Place your essentials in the zip-up pockets and layer under a larger coat for added heat.

Buy now £55.00, M&S

Superdry Tech Core Down Jacket

Another brand certified by the Responsible Down Standard, Superdry has curated a collection of lightweight, temperature-control jackets. Padded out with cosy down, the Tech Core jacket adopts a classic construction with a slim fit. Stay dry with the garment’s micro ripstop fabric, zip fastening and elasticated cuffs that stop droplets from creeping in. Cyclists and runners may want to take additional safety precautions and opt for the high-visibility neon pink-orange colourway.

Buy now £69.99, Superdry

Theory Offset Puffer Jacket in Paper Nylon

Searching for a down jacket that has that je ne sais quoi? Theory’s puffer in paper nylon has Scandi flair with an emphasis on insulation. It is designed with an asymmetrical closure, a stand collar and a drop shoulder and can be easily paired with a chunky knit or chic Breton stripe top for casual winter days. A nylon-blend shell offers an ultra-light finish that can be whipped on and off while on the go.

Buy now £170.00, Theory

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