Layerable Vests and Puffers

We’ve been there—boarding the plane in the depths of winter, stiff as stuffed sausage from all the layers that are necessary once the plane becomes a meat locker at 30,000 feet, but feel like overkill when you can hardly raise your arms to reach the overhead bin. Or an unexpected cold snap in shoulder season, as well as destinations known for warm days but chilly nights (hello, LA!). Our solution is the vest or down layer that leans less tech bro and more sensible, and maybe even stylish. These 19 thin insulating options are elevated (and substantial) enough to wear on their own, but crucially work under a peacoat or roomy blazer, delivering warmth without bulk. And many pack into a pouch or can be rolled and tucked into your carry-on. 

1. Anián Quilted Wool Vest – Made from recycled wool, this vest offers warmth without synthetic insulation. We love the rugged texture and the soft merino-and-cashmere knit collar that elevates it just slightly. 

2. Crescent Down Works Italian Vest or North by Northwest Vest – This family-owned company makes all their pieces by hand in Seattle. We love the slightly boxier, old-school silhouettes that feel straight out of a vintage Patagonia ad, but don’t look excessively bulky or technical to wear when you’re not climbing a mountain. 

3. Uniqlo PUFFTech Compact Jacket – A cult favorite for good reason. The clever rounded collar folds inward if you want more of a V-neck effect, and it packs down into a remarkably small pouch that can easily slip into your personal item. 

4. Sid Mashburn Cashball Vest – Stuffed with recycled cashmere rather than down or polyfill makes this feel just that much cozier and breathable. 

5. Quince Featherless Quilted Puffer Vest – A non-puffy puffer that uses recycled insulation to achieve the warmth of down without the extra volume. The high collar and windproof exterior make it ideal for more blustery travel days.

6. Boden Clerkenwell Reversible Gilet – This reversible gilet is sherpa on one side and water-resistant polyamide on the other, perfect for when the weather flips mid-trip.

7. Beams Reversible Down Vest – Inspired by American outerwear of the ‘80s, this vest comes in the best colors and looks straight out of your dad’s vintage gorpcore collection.

8. Cos Quilted Down Gilet – The wavy quilted lines give this gilet a sculptural, modern feel that looks more at home in the city than the slopes, while still offering impressive warmth for its weight. 

9. Falconeri Reversible Short Quilted Jacket – Cashmere on one side, technical polyamide on the other, this reversible layer is a great two-for-one when you need something that feels sleek enough for the city, with a bit of practical protection from the elements. 

10. Moncler Fleurs Jacket – This ladylike, cropped layer has bouclé trim and gold snap button closures on their signature water-repellant longue saison fabric—the Chanel jacket of puffers!  

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Danton Nylon Taffeta Goose Down Vest – The nylon-taffeta exterior has a matte, slightly papery texture that feels far more refined than your typical shiny puffer, and it scrunches down into a carrying pouch for easy transport. 

Barbour Wray Gilet – Naturally, Barbour delivers a lightweight gilet in muted tones that could easily go from the office to the stables. It layers seamlessly over an Oxford or sweater, and still slips right under another coat. 

Sundae School Quilted Military Liner – Inspired by traditional Korean military jackets, this liner has a slightly oversized, relaxed fit that’s perfect for layering.

Laminar Jacket – Designed with a titanium coating that helps retain body heat, this metallic layer would look incredibly cool on its own at apres, or peeking out from under a peacoat at the airport.

LL Bean Mountain Classic Puffer – The metal zippers and snap buttons give this simple silhouette a slightly refined feel that doesn’t scream “hiking gear,” but comes at a price we’d feel fine about getting a bit dirty in.  

It Is Well Quilted Vest – An easy, relaxed layer in a perfect for safari beige or sleek black, with thoughtfully designed pockets that have both side and top entry.

Fjallraven Abisko Vest – A favorite of Yolanda’s husband Matt, this men’s-cut vest works well for a sportier look or for anyone who prefers a slightly longer, straighter silhouette.

Patagonia Light Gust Jacket – Their insulated jackets are famous for good reason—they last forever, perform and patina beautifully, and fold down to practically nothing in your bag.