Puffer or bomber jacket? Find out which is warmer, which suits your day and how to pick the right size, for women and men, with honest winter styling tips.
Every year around this time the same question comes back: should I buy a puffer jacket or a bomber jacket? Both are streetwear favourites and you see them everywhere in the city, but they do quite different jobs. One is made to keep you warm when it is properly cold, the other is lighter and easier to style. Below we line up the differences honestly, so you can pick a jacket that suits your day, your style and a typical European winter.
A puffer jacket has a padded filling stitched into channels or panels. That filling traps air, and still air insulates. That is why a puffer is usually warmer than an unpadded jacket. The downside: it adds volume, especially around your upper body.
A bomber jacket is shorter and closer-fitting, with ribbed trims at the collar, cuffs and hem. It is usually thinner and lighter than a puffer and feels more like a sturdy jacket than a heavy winter coat. That makes it ideal for autumn, for days when you are in and out of buildings, and for layering.
Ask yourself three questions before you choose.
How much time do you spend outside? Do you cycle twenty minutes to work or school every day, or wait on cold platforms? Then insulation matters more. If you mostly hop from the tram into a café, a bomber with a hoodie underneath is often enough. How cold does it really get? In much of Western Europe winter hovers between 0 and 8 degrees, with wind and rain. On dry, still days a good layer underneath will do. In strong wind and frost, a padded jacket is more comfortable. Which silhouette do you like? If you prefer a straight, sporty line, a bomber will suit you better. If you like volume, a puffer is a statement.
To be fair: neither is a raincoat. In a proper downpour, any fabric jacket needs an umbrella or rain jacket on top.
The Tiger Print Puffer Jacket (€59.95) is a lightweight padded jacket in 100% polyester with an asymmetric design: one half plain black with LauBelle branding, the other half a beige-and-brown tiger print. It has a stand collar against the wind, elasticated cuffs, a front zip and two side pockets. There is no hood, so bring a beanie or scarf on cold days. Available in XS to 3XL.
If you prefer something lighter, the Initial Print Bomber Jacket (€59.95) is the classic choice: black with a scattered white LB monogram, a soft inner lining and a ribbed collar, cuffs and waistband. It is a light jacket, so in winter you wear a hoodie or thick jumper underneath. Sizes XS to 2XL.
Can't decide? The Women's Hooded Varsity Jacket (€69.95) is made of 230g air layer fabric with a black lining and has a hood against wind and cold. It is not a puffer, but it is sturdier than a light bomber. Choose from prints such as Yellow - Leopard, White - Monogram and Black - Monogram, in S to 6XL.
For men we don't make a classic puffer, but we do have bombers in different weights, including one model that sits between the two.
Padded: the Quilted Padded Bomber Jacket (€69.95) has the short bomber shape with a quilted lining. Pick this one if you want the bomber look with more warmth. Sizes XS to 5XL, for example in Black - Script. Sturdy: the Heavyweight Bomber Jacket (€69.95) in 95% polyester and 5% spandex, with prints such as White - Monogram and Black - Monogram. Great for autumn and mild winter days with a sweatshirt underneath. Light: the Lightweight Bomber Jacket (€69.95) in 100% polyester, with tiger prints in red, blue, green and more. Ideal for the in-between months.
You can see every model together in jackets for men.
Puffer: balance the volume with something slimmer underneath, like straight jeans or leggings, and choose shoes with some substance. Because the tiger puffer is already a statement, keep the rest calm in black, white or grey.
Bomber: play with layers. A hoodie with the hood pulled over the collar, a roll neck or a long sleeve tee underneath. A bomber sits on the hip, so wide trousers and cargos work well.
Choosing a print: an all-over print is the focal point of your outfit. Pair a monogram jacket with plain colours that already appear in the print. Black and white is the easiest; a colourful print calls for quiet basics.
Measure a jacket that fits you well now (chest width and length) and compare it with the size chart on the product page. If you want to wear a thick hoodie underneath, go for the larger size when in doubt. Bombers have ribbed trims, so they sit closer at the hip than a puffer.
Every jacket is made after you order: allow 3 to 5 business days for production, then 7 to 9 business days for delivery within Europe (7 to 10 worldwide). Shipping is free. In a hurry? Choose express for €10 extra, with 5 to 7 business days delivery. If the size isn't right, you have 15 days to return it (return shipping is at your own cost). New to LauBelle? Use the code LAUBELLE10 for 10% off your first order.
All women's styles are in coats and jackets.
