How To Wear a Puffer Vest

Think of a clothing item that’s versatile, comfortable, sporty, casual, and yet. Were you thinking of a puffer vest? I bet you weren’t! Here’s how to wear a puffer vest with style.

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If you know how to style a puffer vest, you’re guaranteed to make an impression. The question remains, “what kind of impression do you want to make?

There is scarcely any other item of clothing that works as hard for you, if you wear it right. However, wear an oversized puffer or wear it with the wrong outfit and you can look pretty darn bad.

The puffer vest, down vest, quilted vest or gilet, can be dressed up or down, worn casually for a laid-back look or spruced up, depending on the occasion.

Increasingly, you’ll see the puffer vest worn with suits and blazers for the ‘sports luxe’ look, which combines classic wear with sportswear. This is very hard to pull off well.

It’s All About the Fit

Fit is everything when it comes to wearing a puffer vest.

To look sharp, ensure that the vest fits comfortably around your chest with enough room to move your arms freely. You don’t want to look like a marshmallow, so look for vests with high armholes and just the right length.

A puffer vest that’s too long can make you look shorter than you actually are, so find the right length to suit your body type. Ideally, your puffer vest should be no longer than mid hip length and definitely should be long enough to cover your belt.

Keep It Light & Trim

The key to rocking a puffer is to keep the vest light and trim. Yes, it’s called a “puffer vest,” but that doesn’t mean you have to look like a puffer fish.

As a shorter guy, you’ll want to avoid looking bulky. So, instead of getting a gargantuan, life-jacket sized vest, the idea is to add more layers, either underneath or on top, to create more warmth in the winter months.

Do this and you can wear a puffer vest and still have a tailored, streamlined look practically all year round, whatever the weather.

In the cooler months, a puffer vest can help to regulate your body temperature for added warmth—and keep you feeling comfortable, cool and stylish. In the depths of winter, a thicker, puffier vest should still look tailored to your body.

How to Layer a Puffer Vest

Puffer vests are available in different styles, ranging from classic to modern, and can complement a variety of outfits.

Pair them with long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, sweaters and t-shirts for casual wear, hiking, camping, and even skiing; they’re lightweight, packable and easy to bring along on any outdoor adventure.

You don’t need to be weighed down by a heavy, bulky jacket. A puffer vest provides warmth without constriction and is perfect for strenuous outdoor activities where you need freedom of movement.

You can even layer them with formal wool overcoats too. Check out this article for some guidelines about how to layer a vest for fall and winter.

4 Examples of How to Wear a Puffer Vest

Here are 4 ways to wear a puffer:

Casual Puffer Vest Outfit

Casual puffer vest outfits for men can be many and varied.

If it’s not too cold outside, pair your puffer vest with a flannel shirt.

Choose a shirt that complements the color of your puffer vest, rather than matches it, giving your outfit more visual interest.

Feel free to throw on a ball cap too if you’re having a bad hair day.

You could wear cuffed jeans, a red plaid shirt, a green/blue puffer vest and brown boots.

Casual/Smart

If you add a hoodie over a dress shirt, and add a puffer vest on top, you have both warmth and style to your look.

You could wear a navy quilted vest, a navy hoodie, grey chinos, and white minimal sneakers.

Casual/Added Texture

Here’s a sharp look. Imagine a textured cardigan (though you can substitute it for a nubby sweater) paired under a plaid shirt, jeans and a puffer vest on top. It’s the perfect outfit for meeting friends for coffee or cocktails on a chilly day.

A field watch completes the rugged yet comfortable ensemble.

Business/Upgraded Casual

If you’re looking to add a puffer vest to your business casual outfit, make sure it is not too bulky or tight. Go for neutral colors such as olive, navy or gray.