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THE PERFECT PUFFER JACKETSimon Wick on staying cosy all winter long
What makes a perfect puffer jacket? Simon Wick, designer of Copenhagen-based brand (di)vision says it has to keep you cosy, anywhere, at anytime. Having designed puffers himself, he might know a thing or two. Get more of his tips and tricks below.
3 December 2023 · 3 min read
Winter is just around the corner but it’s not all doom and gloom. The prospect of frost also means the opportunity to invest in a great winter coat, and winter warmers don’t come much cosier than the puffer. These big, billowing, coat-shaped hugs are an absolute staple for colder climates, but with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
This is where Simon Wick comes in. In this episode of THE PERFECT X, our host Dino Bonačić links up with the co-founder of Copenhagen-based workwear brand (di)vision — a label whose first-ever product was a padded jacket — to get the ultimate tips and tricks for selecting the perfect puffer coat. Get ready to take notes.
What makes a perfect puffer jacket?
First of all, it has to be cosy. It has to be warm. You have to be able to wear it in different locations. And [it has to] make you feel fresh all winter long.
How do you take care of a puffer jacket? Is there a way of making it last longer?
There’s the tennis ball trick. After you’ve washed it in the machine you dry it in the dryer with three tennis balls.
“ Use [the puffer] as a winter blazer and elevate your outfit. ”
- Simon Wick
Look one: Formal puffer
Let’s look at your first look. It’s an 032c jacket which is quite chic. It’s got a very lovely lining and the way it’s quilted is nice as well. What’s the secret here?
A good way to use this cropped jacket is in a formal environment — [with] a long shirt underneath. Use it as a winter blazer and elevate your outfit so it looks more formal.
This jacket [is] very much a style statement versus a practical piece of outwear. Where do you sit on this debate?
You’ve just got to know what you’re using it for. If you’re using it for a night out I think it’s fine if it’s just stylish and not that practical. But if it’s your everyday jacket [which you’ll be] wearing all winter, I would go for a more practical jacket.
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“ Small details [can] completely change the shape of the jacket. ”
- Simon Wick
Look two: Pink puffer
Let’s have a look at your second outfit. Pink fantasy. Y2K. Paris Hilton could never! I’m obsessed with pink and the idea of a pink puffer jacket.
So am I and I [was] so happy when I saw The North Face made this one. [This jacket] has always been a staple for me so when I saw they did it in pink I was like, ‘let’s go!’ It’s both a technical and fashion piece.
When is investing in a colourful piece a good idea?
If your wardrobe can carry it.
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“ Do your research. Figure out what you’re looking for. ”
- Simon Wick
Look three: Print puffer
Let’s have a look at your final outfit — a print bonanza. Diesel, right off the catwalk, by [Diesel creative director] Glenn Martens. What stands out here is the quilting — it’s in a square shape rather than a stripe. Why did you choose it?
These small details — as you say, the quilting — completely changes the shape of the jacket. That’s what caught my attention with this jacket. I remembered it from the runway so when I saw it on Zalando I was like ‘wow.’
Are you ready for a little puffer speed round? Natural or synthetic filling?
Natural
Cropped, waist length or long?
Cropped
Stylish or warm?
Stylish warm
Vertical, horizontal or square quilting?
Vertical
Shiny or matte?
Shiny
Patch pocket or flat pocket?
Patch pocket
Designer or specialist brand?
Specialist brand
Finally, what advice you would give to someone currently on the market for a puffer jacket?
Do your research. Figure out what you’re looking for. And always have three tennis balls in your pocket so you’re ready to wash it at any time.
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