Finding the right size in a puffer jacket is more nuanced than with most other clothing. The inherent bulk of insulated jackets means that your standard clothing size may not translate directly, and the way you intend to use the jacket significantly affects the optimal fit. A jacket that's perfect for urban commuting might be too restrictive for hiking, while one sized for technical activities might look oversized for everyday wear. This guide helps you navigate these considerations to find your ideal fit.
Understanding Puffer Jacket Fit Types
Before measuring yourself, understand the different fit categories manufacturers use:
Slim/Athletic Fit
These jackets are cut close to the body with minimal excess fabric. They're designed for a streamlined look and work best over thin base layers. Slim fit puffers are popular for urban wear and situations where appearance is a priority. However, they may restrict movement and become uncomfortable if you try to layer heavily underneath.
Regular Fit
The most versatile option, regular fit provides enough room for a light to medium base layer while still looking relatively streamlined. This is the best choice for most people who want a jacket suitable for varied activities and conditions.
Relaxed/Oversized Fit
These jackets have extra room throughout for heavy layering or a deliberately loose aesthetic. The oversized puffer trend has made this style increasingly popular for fashion purposes. For functional use, relaxed fit is preferred when you'll wear thick fleeces or multiple layers underneath.
Important Consideration
The same size can fit very differently across brands and even within different models from the same brand. Always check the specific size chart for the jacket you're considering rather than assuming consistency.
Taking Your Measurements
Accurate measurements are essential for online ordering. You'll need a flexible measuring tape and ideally someone to assist. Wear the type of clothing you'd normally wear under the jacket when measuring.
Chest Measurement
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape level and don't pull it tight—you want a natural measurement that allows for breathing and movement. This is your most critical measurement for jacket sizing.
Waist Measurement
Measure around your natural waistline, typically at the narrowest point of your torso or approximately at your navel level. This measurement matters more for longer puffer jackets and parkas.
Hip Measurement
For longer jackets that extend past your waist, measure around the fullest part of your hips. This ensures the jacket won't pull or ride up when you move.
Arm Length
Measure from the prominent bone at the top of your shoulder, down over your bent elbow, to your wrist bone. Sleeve length is often overlooked but is critical for comfort—sleeves that ride up expose your wrists to cold air.
Torso Length
Measure from the base of your neck (the prominent vertebra when you tilt your head forward) to your waist. This helps determine whether you need regular or tall sizing.
Quick Reference: How to Measure
- Chest: Around fullest part, under arms, keeping tape level
- Waist: Around natural waistline at narrowest point
- Hips: Around fullest part of hips
- Arm: Shoulder to wrist over bent elbow
- Torso: Base of neck to waist
Matching Measurements to Size Charts
Once you have your measurements, compare them to the manufacturer's size chart. Most brands provide chest measurements as the primary sizing indicator.
Reading Size Charts
Size charts typically show either body measurements (your actual measurements) or garment measurements (the jacket's dimensions). Make sure you know which type you're looking at:
- Body measurements: Your chest is 100cm, look for a size that fits 98-102cm chests.
- Garment measurements: Your chest is 100cm, you'll likely want a jacket with a chest measurement of 108-115cm depending on desired fit.
Between Sizes?
If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider your intended use:
- Size up if: You plan to layer heavily underneath, use the jacket for active pursuits, or prefer a relaxed fit.
- Size down if: You'll wear the jacket over thin layers only, prioritize a streamlined look, or the brand tends to run large.
Checking the Fit
When you receive your jacket or try one in store, evaluate these key fit points:
Shoulder Seams
The shoulder seams should sit at the edge of your shoulders, not dropping down your arms or pulling toward your neck. Misaligned shoulders will affect how the entire jacket hangs and can restrict arm movement.
Chest Room
Zip the jacket fully and cross your arms in front of you as if hugging yourself. You should be able to do this comfortably without the jacket pulling excessively across your back or feeling restrictive in the chest.
Arm Movement
Raise your arms straight overhead. The jacket body shouldn't ride up more than a few centimetres, and you shouldn't feel restriction across the shoulders or back. For hiking or active use, this test is particularly important.
Sleeve Length
With your arms at your sides, sleeves should reach to your wrist bone. When you raise your arms, your wrists shouldn't become exposed. If sleeves are too short, cold air will enter the gap—a common problem that significantly reduces comfort.
Body Length
The hem should sit at a comfortable point for your intended use. For most uses, the jacket should at least cover your waistband. If you'll be sitting frequently (commuting, for example), a slightly longer jacket prevents your lower back from becoming exposed.
Special Sizing Considerations
Tall and Petite Sizing
If you have a longer or shorter torso than average, look for brands that offer tall or petite sizing options. Regular lengths often leave tall individuals with exposed midriffs when reaching up, while petite people may find standard lengths uncomfortably long.
Plus Sizing
Many outdoor and fashion brands now offer extended size ranges. These sizes aren't simply scaled-up versions of standard sizes—they're designed with different proportions to fit larger bodies properly. Look for brands that specifically design their plus range rather than just grading up from smaller sizes.
Layering Requirements
If you intend to wear your puffer as a mid layer under a shell jacket, you may want a slimmer fit than if wearing it as an outer layer. Conversely, if you'll layer a thick fleece underneath, you need more room than standard sizing allows. Consider your layering system when selecting size and fit.
Use our jacket finder quiz to help identify jackets that match your sizing needs, or compare options directly with our product comparison tool.