Winter Jacket Report™

What puffers and other winter-ready outerwear should you be investing in?

The winter hit — we just got 12” of snow here, and that was enough for me to get down to business and bring today’s report to life. I know I’m a bit late on this one, so apologies for that in advance, but we’re here and we’re ready to finally discuss jackets that were built to keep us warm and looking fresh this season. Getting a jacket that’s right for you is going to be crucial, especially if it’s one you’ll be wearing as your everyday driver, so we need to make it count.

In today’s newsletter, we’ll be checking out my rotation of jackets I’ll be wearing this winter, alternative options that are worth spending your money on, a few drops you don’t want to miss, finding a brand with some of the best down fill on the market, budget-friendly styles, and more!

---

PERSONAL ROTATION

I used to have a problem when it came to outerwear, and that problem was acquiring too many styles that didn’t get the proper wear they deserved. As I’ve learned what kind of clothing I like and what works for me, I’ve started polishing my style which has helped me discover brands that design with quality in mind.

All of your outwear decisions need to be based off what kind outdoor activities you’re planning on doing. For example, if I’m going snowboarding then I’ll have a specific piece for that; if I’m going out and it’s a night where I’ll be moving between the indoors and outdoors a lot, then I need something a bit more on the lighter side that still keeps me warm; if I just need something for pure survival against the worst weather conditions, then I’ll definitely need something for that too.

For this season I secured 4 different styles that serve their own purpose that provide a well rounded balance that will hopefully cover me in any situation.

From top to bottom: 3sixteen x Crescent Down Works, Nonnative GORE-TEX MA-1, Alpha Industries Parka Jacket N-3B, and Uniqlo x Jil Sander light down puffer.

I’m in my non-flashy era right now, so most of my outerwear is either black or some sort of darker earth tone that is easily mixable with other pieces within my closet.

3sixteen x Crescent Down Works Down Jacket

This is a favorite not only this season but honestly one of the best jackets I’ve rocked in a long time. Everything about this jacket is just perfect. Construction is at the highest level of quality thanks to Crescent Down Works. 5oz of 700 fill power white goose down with a double zipper and is wrapped in full nylon that does a really good job at keeping me dry and warm.

I’ve been on a hooded outerwear vibe recently, so the built in hood is a huge plus. The more cropped fit resembles your classic hooded workwear jacket which I have been enjoying a lot recently — unfortunately it’s sold out though, but Crescent Down Works has a bunch of alternative styles that will do the trick. More on that later.

Nonnative Trooper Puff Blouson

The second jacket from the image above is much lighter, it’s also equipped with GORE-TEX which is nice because it gives me the option to wear it on a rainy day. The light weight aspect is perfect for the days where I am moving from outside to inside a lot. Sometimes I have to be inside and don’t want to take my jacket off for whatever reason, so having something like this is ideal.

Alpha Industries Parka Jacket N-3B

This was a recent pick of mine that I got on Grailed for about $100. The N-3B was designed in the 50s by the US military for flight crews stationed in extremely cold areas. Its original purpose of was to provide protection in extremely low temperatures. It’s kind of giving MA-1 vibes but in long form for me. I picked it specifically for the length which should assist me during the extremely low temperature days. Hood is also lined with fleece and I know that’s going to be cozy against the crisp air.

Uniqlo x Jil Sander Light Down Jacket

Last but not least in my rotation is this lightweight down piece from the Uniqlo x Jil Sander collaboration that I got a few years back. Really fun piece to wear either by itself or mix and match it with another layer. The shape of the jacket itself sits really nice on me, making it easier to pair with my entire closet, and the its ability to keep me warm is impressive.

Will I add any more jackets this winter…? I’m trying not to, but the outerwear market is booming right now. So it’s kind of hard to avoid.

---

ON A BUDGET

A good quality winter jacket costs an arm and a leg these days, but there are some really good choices for those who are looking to get a solid winter jacket without having to spend too much money. Thisisneverthat been making great stuff, especially in the outerwear department.

This is as solid as it gets — 80% duck down fill and 20% duck feather will keep you perfectly warm. PERTEX® QUANTUM outer is going to be ideal for those who are looking to traverse through the neighborhood during the rainy and even snowy days. Would have been cool to see a concealed hood option on this, but it’s not a deal breaker for me. In terms of sizing, majority of the stuff fits true to size, so get with your usual on this.