lthough 2020 hasn’t been what most of us expected, we’re still taking time to go outside, walk our dogs, hike, shop and socialize at a distance. With winter nearly here, that means people have already started their search for the perfect warm and fashionable jackets. But, with the crazy amount of options out there, which ones are they choosing the most?
While puffer coats aren’t a new trend, they’re still extremely popular and a go-to option for many people trying to stay warm. So much so, that they’ve even popped up on the fashion runways this season. Things like black belted puffers from Prada, quilted jackets in sage greens and bronzes, longer length bright white puffers and collaboration pieces with streetwear designers.
The good news is, with today’s puffers, you don’t have to choose between function and fashion. Many of them offer performance features like wind and water-resistance, along with thoughtful details like adjustable cuffs and zippered pockets, which make these styles anything but basic.
Here’s a detailed look at five outerwear styles that’ll help you and your clients figure out which ones fit their budgets and tastes perfectly for corporate programs, holiday gifts, premium uniforms and more.
Columbia – Powder Lite Hybrid Jacket – 186463
When buying outerwear, consumers want long-lasting gear that performs and molds to their lifestyles. Columbia is one of the most recognizable and desired brands out there, offering stylish outerwear, infused with the performance tech that wearers worldwide are looking for.
Their new Powder Lite Hybrid jacket features the popular puffer style, along with a hood that has an adjustable drawcord to give you the best of both worlds. The built-in heathered soft shell also brings even more fashion-forward appeal to this jacket for your client.
This jacket is proof that extra warmth doesn’t need to come with a lot of extra layers. Columbia’s new Omni-Heat™ technology uses lightweight synthetic Thermarator™ insulation to give you a “high warmth-to-weight” ratio. Also, to protect against inclement weather or unexpected downpours, the brand’s Omni-Tech™ keeps wearers dry by using multi-layered protection in all weather—and also comfortable, because of its breathable material.
Why Your Clients Will Love This Style:
- Columbia is a popular retail brand that people know, love and request.
- A puffer jacket style with a hood offers the best of both worlds.
- The heathered soft-shell part of this jacket gives it a more fashionable look than the full puffers.
- The Omni-Heat™ reflective lining and Thermerator™ insulation combines to give you the best in heat retention during cold weather.
- The jacket’s water-resistant quality helps make this style an all-weather solution.
- Has a women’s companion style (Style# 169906).
Columbia – Grand Wall™ Jacket – 191052
The all-new Grand Wall Jacket, is another great Columbia style, which has all the internal traits of a puffer, but doesn’t look like a traditional one on the surface. This one forgoes the quilted look altogether for a more sleeker surface, giving it a much cleaner look than the usual puffer.
Add in the cool “City Grey” and earthly “Stone Green (pictured above)” color options and you’ve got yourself the perfect jacket to pitch to corporate clients.
Why Your Clients Will Love This Style:
- The Omni-Heat™ reflective lining and Thermerator™ insulation combines to give you the best in heat retention during cold weather.
- A sleek look and neutral color options make it perfect for corporate programs.
- The jacket’s water-resistant quality helps make this style an all-weather solution.
Independent Trading Co. – Puffer Jacket – EXP100PFZ
Independent Trading’s Puffer Jacket offers a sleek, lightweight design that will appeal to many brands and audiences. Even better, the trendy coat is wind-and water-resistant, making it a go-to piece for most weather conditions.
A chest pocket for concealed embroidery access makes this puffer jacket a style you can recommend for companies that want a classic logo look. If your client wants to rebrand the jacket for promo purposes or for an apparel line, the tearaway label makes it easy for them to add their own sewn-in or heat-transfer label. To top it all off, this style is packable making it that must more versatile. (you can change that however you want – just think that’s an added feature)
Why Your Clients Will Love This Style:
- This embroidery-friendly style is perfect for clients who want a stitched logo.
- The tearaway label makes this style an ideal choice for full branding.
- Packable
- Has a women’s companion style (Style# EXP100PFZ).
Burnside – Elemental Puffer Vest – 8703
The great thing about vests is that they can be used as a versatile year-round layering style. The Elemental Puffer Vest from Burnside, which sports handy inside zippered chest pockets and also tracks another of this season’s outerwear trends: mini brick quilting. Fashion designers have been playing around with different patterns woven into their puffer outerwear, to create something more unique, and this falls right into that category.
In addition to being majorly on trend, the Elemental Puffer Vest comes in at a lower price point, perfect for budget-conscious clients who want a style that can be worn year-round.
Why Your Clients Will Love This Style:
- The mini-brick quilting gives this jacket a unique, of-the-moment fashionable look that you won’t see on many other puffers.
- With a more affordable price point, this piece is perfect to pitch to clients looking for a fashionable, budget-conscious option.
Weatherproof – Women’s Heat Last Quilted Packable Bomber – W21752
Finally, if you’re is looking for something with a real sense of fashion, this Weatherproof bomber jacket is the answer. Its diamond quilted design is insulated with polyester fill for extra-warmth and it’s even water-and-wind resistant.
The best part about this jacket is that it can be folded and packed into a separate pouch, so you can easily carry it around or fit it into your traveling bag. If your clients need a matching his and hers set, this style comes with a men’s companion too.
Why Your Clients Will Love This Style:
- A diamond quilted pattern gives it a high-end fashion look.
- Water-and-wind resistant.
- Poly-fill keeps you warm in the cool weather.
- Packable for easy portability.
- Has a men’s companion style (Style# 21752).
Everyone loves outerwear that keeps them looking good, while also keeping them warm and dry. You’ll see your sales rise with these higher-margin fashion styles that both designers and retailers are making popular right now.
