Page 2 | To Think My Puffer Coat Is Making Me Depressed

Strawberryfields4ever · 28/10/2025 12:17

Enrichetta · 26/10/2025 17:26

I bought an electric blue puffer coat - I call it my duvet coat - from Landsend during lockdown. They had lots of bright colours.

Edited

Electric as in colour or is it actually electric because I would buy it if it was

Crikeyalmighty · 28/10/2025 10:54

@ProcrastinatorsAnonymous I do know how you feel - we moved abroad during Covid and to somewhere quite cold and similar weather to UK - my padded black coat became mentally synonymous with feeling a bit lonely, no easy way to make new friends, dark damp days etc - please know that you are you , focus on other things and yep change the coat!!

winterbluess · 28/10/2025 10:44

I hate them but bought a long black one last year because I was always so cold. I absolutely hate trying to sit down in the car in the bloody thing, it just pulls all over in weird places. Forget trying to bend over to pick something up too

Picklelily99 · 28/10/2025 09:43

If you hate puffer coats, have you thought of replacing with something else? Seasalt have some warm, padded, coats and jackets. They're windproof and waterproof.

Holluschickie · 28/10/2025 09:13

ProcrastinatorsAnonymous · 27/10/2025 23:08

Well @TMMC1... I've found that nothing else keeps me as warm as the puffer style, and also the rails of warm practical coats in shops are overwhelmingly puffer-dominated at the moment.

Why am I so bothered by this? A good question. I think it's just symbolic of the way my life has changed since having children. I used to enjoy nice clothes, and held up the puffer in particular as a garment I would never stoop to. I would never be that woman. That practical, mumsy (and I used to think rather sad) woman. But now I am.

I moved geographically (for other people's needs, not my own) and don't really like how I live or where I live now. I do a school run through all sorts of shit weather on a cargo bike. I can try to wear a skirt, but it's a pain to tie it up on the bike. So jeans or leggings it is. I can try to wear some nice colours, but they just get splashed with mud / rain / ruined with bike oil. So practical black or brown or khaki it is. I could do my hair - but I need to put a bike helmet on, so what's the point? I've lost a big part of myself in the move (and through motherhood more broadly - which in my case extends to parenting a child with some additional needs). It's about much more than clothes, but I guess the practical but necessary puffer feels emblematic.

I'm a bit lonely to be honest, so started a daft thread on Mumsnet for a laugh - and maybe to find a more cheerful alternative. Taken a bit of a sad turn now though, hasn't it?

Thanks for the link. That's also very practical. It looks waterproof, but not warm - unless you add an additional coat underneath. Some woman called Tracy Parkinson is quoted on the website as saying the jacket was "Everything she thought it would be" - which is quite an endorsement (depending of course on what Tracy thought it would be. If Tracy thought it would be a solution to the crushing loneliness of motherhood in a place you don't want to be, then I'm definitely buying it).

Show quote history

Oh dear. So this is not about the coat.
It may comfort you to know that, despite living in London, having grown DC and time to go to the theatre or ballet or gigs, I still wear a dark puffer from time to time to walk in the park or for riverside walks!

A coat does not define me, and sometimes practical is the best solution. That said, I am trying several alternative coats this year through Vinted.

You will find your way, this too shall pass and you will have time to yourself again.

Aluna · 28/10/2025 09:09

For cycling, I’d think a shorter jacket and waterproof trousers might be more practical. These are 700 fill goose down, and warmer than the polyester versions:

https://www.marmot.eu/women/jackets/womens-montreal-down-coat/SP_3184971.html

Longer version:

https://www.marmot.eu/women/jackets/womens-montreaux-down-coat/SP_3184972.html

Fully waterproof version:

https://www.marmot.eu/women/jackets/womens-chelsea-coat/SP_1570705.html

Aluna · 28/10/2025 09:01

ProcrastinatorsAnonymous · 27/10/2025 23:08

Well @TMMC1... I've found that nothing else keeps me as warm as the puffer style, and also the rails of warm practical coats in shops are overwhelmingly puffer-dominated at the moment.

Why am I so bothered by this? A good question. I think it's just symbolic of the way my life has changed since having children. I used to enjoy nice clothes, and held up the puffer in particular as a garment I would never stoop to. I would never be that woman. That practical, mumsy (and I used to think rather sad) woman. But now I am.

I moved geographically (for other people's needs, not my own) and don't really like how I live or where I live now. I do a school run through all sorts of shit weather on a cargo bike. I can try to wear a skirt, but it's a pain to tie it up on the bike. So jeans or leggings it is. I can try to wear some nice colours, but they just get splashed with mud / rain / ruined with bike oil. So practical black or brown or khaki it is. I could do my hair - but I need to put a bike helmet on, so what's the point? I've lost a big part of myself in the move (and through motherhood more broadly - which in my case extends to parenting a child with some additional needs). It's about much more than clothes, but I guess the practical but necessary puffer feels emblematic.

I'm a bit lonely to be honest, so started a daft thread on Mumsnet for a laugh - and maybe to find a more cheerful alternative. Taken a bit of a sad turn now though, hasn't it?

Thanks for the link. That's also very practical. It looks waterproof, but not warm - unless you add an additional coat underneath. Some woman called Tracy Parkinson is quoted on the website as saying the jacket was "Everything she thought it would be" - which is quite an endorsement (depending of course on what Tracy thought it would be. If Tracy thought it would be a solution to the crushing loneliness of motherhood in a place you don't want to be, then I'm definitely buying it).

Show quote history

I’m sorry to hear you’re not happy living where you are. The only solution to that is to move and create the life you want. What are the constraints keeping you there right now?

Every stylish 20something thinks they’ll never do the “Young mother” look. But then have kids and grow up and realise there’s more to life than mere style.

A practical coat you need for a particular activity does not define you. I’d just get the most warm, most waterproof and most comfy one for the bike rides and get something more stylish for country walks. (Is there a reason you can’t take the car?)

usernamealreadytaken · 28/10/2025 08:53

ProcrastinatorsAnonymous · 26/10/2025 17:24

I hate puffer** coats. I hate them so much. The shape, the texture, the dull colours. It might be shallow, but I find nice clothes an easy way to boost my mood. I like colour, surprising combinations, interesting shapes... However, various lifestyle changes mean I'm outside much more than I used to be, so a couple of years ago I caved and bought one from Uniqlo. It works. It keeps me both dry and warm. As all the marketing promises, I do indeed feel like I am wearing my duvet - which I admit can be quite nice.

But now the weather has turned, the thought of putting it on is making me so sad! I can't rot away in this slug-like thing from now until March.

Has anyone found a decent knee length one with a hood in a colour other than black, grey, khaki, navy, sludge brown or beige? I would love electric blue or bright green, or - god forbid - even a pattern. Does such a thing exist? I'm wiling to pay for it. Cheaper than therapy.

** I hate it even more when people spell it "puffa coat"

Puffa is a brand. Puffa jackets have been adopted as the normal name in the same way as buying a hoover (which is not made by Hoover). For that reason alone, I voted YABU.

Jeneva2025 · 28/10/2025 08:41

Landsend. I buy my daughter's from here. She currently has a turquoise one; the previous one was orange.

TMMC1 · 28/10/2025 08:30

Sorry you are lonely. I was answering your question. If you wanted a chat for loneliness be honest, your replies would be more constructive.

If you do want a coat, the one I mentioned is super warm, technical and I wear that coat in the coldest weather with a t-shirt.

Redpeach · 28/10/2025 08:23

Its great you're cycling your kids to school - keep it up and good luck

NormaSears · 28/10/2025 08:01

@LackOfSleepCBA , OP is aware

NormaSears · 26/10/2025 18:19
** , they've been around for decades and they're called puffers because Puffa was the brand name.
1

LackOfSleepCBA · 28/10/2025 07:26

Puffa is actually a brand name. Hence why some people will also spell it as Puffa and not how you prefer it spelt. Just in case you weren't aware 😊

limetrees32 · 28/10/2025 06:55

I hope this isn't regarded as offensive . Por qué los chicos usan chaquetas infladas en verano | TikTok https://share.google/3AQyomhdAXfZKjPaQ

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Shezza71 · 28/10/2025 01:53

https://sfycdn.speedsize.com/02c6093b-0da5-471d-911b-60169ce0c907/www.tog24.com/cdn/shop/files/61856_ORTON302_02.jpg?v=1724336545&width=720

Frequentlyincorrectbut · 27/10/2025 23:40

I do agree that a long coat is not ideal on a bike, though, so perhaps one biking puffa or raincoat, but some other types of coat for the weekends or work or going into town might make you feel a bit less boxed in...just a thought.

Frequentlyincorrectbut · 27/10/2025 23:38

OP, it's difficult when all of a sudden you turn around and you don't look like you thought you did! This has happened to me about once a decade for the past few decades and it's a familiar story, for some reason, I've got a bit lost either emotionally, or having kids, or just stayed in a style for too long and it sticks and then you aren't dressed like yourself somehow.

In these situations, it has helped me to have a bit of a restyle. Not anything crazy, but some new Vinted stuff that connects me back in with how I see myself. It is in a larger size (now a 14/16, not a 10) and not quite the same, but I still wear cool jeans, a nice belt, good shoes and a coat I like 90% of the time.It might be worth sitting down and thinking what you used to wear and what things you could go back to and what are gone for ever.

In terms of coats, I have loads, all the wool ones are off Vinted, plus the odd cord autumn jacket, a couple of leather jackets. I wear these the vast majority of the year, with thermal vests and cashmere jumpers (also off Vinted), gloves and a hat, and it's only on those really cold winter days that I need to get out my dreaded black puffa. I hate mine too but am grateful to be warm when it's freezing.

I don't think you need wear a puffa all winter though. I also hate that you boil immediately on entering a shop. For walks, for freezing days, fine. The rest of the time I wear wool coats, some long trench style ones that are pretty warm, that and a wooly scarf do pretty well. I like coloured ones (beige, patterned) and hardly wear my black one as it's so depressing.

I'm rambling on, but I just wanted to say I do hear you and all is not lost, you will find your way again on more than one front!

Bowies · 27/10/2025 23:24

Bright blue belted

This one is a bit more structured and has some stylish features.

They sometimes have discount codes and worth signing up to their emails.

I don’t have this one but have another jacket from there, I don’t wear it daily but have worn it quite a lot over the years and still looks brand new.

Long padded jacket with belt Women's I Desigual.com

Long padded jacket with belt. Discover the new collection for Woman AW25 Desigual.Free deliveries and returns.

https://www.desigual.com/en_GB/25WWEW245036L.html?gad_campaignid=706673215&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADuSiPiun0RWiSRVADMAIC3S0gWJr&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpa3Xwb3FkAMVWaiDBx0CjzMrEAQYECABEgKaYfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Timeforabitofpeace · 27/10/2025 23:11

You can dress them up with colourful scarves, or block shades eg cobalt blue.

Timeforabitofpeace · 27/10/2025 23:11

You can dress them up with colourful scarves, or block shades eg cobalt blue.

Timeforabitofpeace · 27/10/2025 23:09

I used to hate them, until my dd bought me a down filled one last year. I have a fair few wool coats and nothing comes close to it for warmth on very cold days. Similar to this

https://www.asos.com/adidas-originals/adidas-originals-adicolor-down-long-puffer-coat-in-black/prd/209118248

Original poster

ProcrastinatorsAnonymous · 27/10/2025 23:08

TMMC1 · 27/10/2025 22:17

Don’t buy that style then . There are hundreds of amazing warm functional waterproof and stylish coats on the market. ‘Puffer’ is a look, not a technical fabric or solution. Why are you so bothered by this.

this is a worthy investment:

fortisclothing.co.uk/product/fortis-combo-ladies-field-jacket/

Well @TMMC1... I've found that nothing else keeps me as warm as the puffer style, and also the rails of warm practical coats in shops are overwhelmingly puffer-dominated at the moment.

Why am I so bothered by this? A good question. I think it's just symbolic of the way my life has changed since having children. I used to enjoy nice clothes, and held up the puffer in particular as a garment I would never stoop to. I would never be that woman. That practical, mumsy (and I used to think rather sad) woman. But now I am.

I moved geographically (for other people's needs, not my own) and don't really like how I live or where I live now. I do a school run through all sorts of shit weather on a cargo bike. I can try to wear a skirt, but it's a pain to tie it up on the bike. So jeans or leggings it is. I can try to wear some nice colours, but they just get splashed with mud / rain / ruined with bike oil. So practical black or brown or khaki it is. I could do my hair - but I need to put a bike helmet on, so what's the point? I've lost a big part of myself in the move (and through motherhood more broadly - which in my case extends to parenting a child with some additional needs). It's about much more than clothes, but I guess the practical but necessary puffer feels emblematic.

I'm a bit lonely to be honest, so started a daft thread on Mumsnet for a laugh - and maybe to find a more cheerful alternative. Taken a bit of a sad turn now though, hasn't it?

Thanks for the link. That's also very practical. It looks waterproof, but not warm - unless you add an additional coat underneath. Some woman called Tracy Parkinson is quoted on the website as saying the jacket was "Everything she thought it would be" - which is quite an endorsement (depending of course on what Tracy thought it would be. If Tracy thought it would be a solution to the crushing loneliness of motherhood in a place you don't want to be, then I'm definitely buying it).

OP posts:

Moretwirlsandswirls · 27/10/2025 23:04

Not read the whole thread but Orla Kiely?

https://www.regatta.com/orla-kiely-collection/shop-by/gender/Unisex,Womens/productsub_category/Jackets+_Coats/

overwhelmedsinglema · 27/10/2025 22:58

The only thing worse than a full length puffer jacket is a full length sleeveless puffer jacket!

llizzie · 27/10/2025 22:54

ProcrastinatorsAnonymous · 26/10/2025 17:24

I hate puffer** coats. I hate them so much. The shape, the texture, the dull colours. It might be shallow, but I find nice clothes an easy way to boost my mood. I like colour, surprising combinations, interesting shapes... However, various lifestyle changes mean I'm outside much more than I used to be, so a couple of years ago I caved and bought one from Uniqlo. It works. It keeps me both dry and warm. As all the marketing promises, I do indeed feel like I am wearing my duvet - which I admit can be quite nice.

But now the weather has turned, the thought of putting it on is making me so sad! I can't rot away in this slug-like thing from now until March.

Has anyone found a decent knee length one with a hood in a colour other than black, grey, khaki, navy, sludge brown or beige? I would love electric blue or bright green, or - god forbid - even a pattern. Does such a thing exist? I'm wiling to pay for it. Cheaper than therapy.

** I hate it even more when people spell it "puffa coat"

Don't wear it. Put on warmer underwear and an extra sweater and go out looking how you want to look and comfortable. Never wear anything that makes you feel sad.

You lose more heat from the top of your head, so always cover your head with a hat. Wear sheepskin lined boots (or man made for vegans). People rarely keep their feet warm and it affects the rest of the body.

I wouldn't wear one either. They are good for children though to keep them warm.