Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To Think My Puffer Coat Is Making Me Depressed

359 replies

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"

OP posts:
Thread gallery
49
Holluschickie · 27/10/2025 22:45

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/

Just why?

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/

user1480870781 · 27/10/2025 21:53

Laiste · 26/10/2025 17:46

Can i ask - what do you all do about washing them ?!? I've tried and the stuffing all just balls up.

I too hate puffer coats. I wear one when we get actual snow. My adult daughter has one which she tried washing last year with a tennis ball in the machine but it didn't work.

I put mine in the tumble drier with three or 4 tennis balls. Works a treat.

Nanny0gg · 27/10/2025 21:44

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' was a brand

Lisajane47 · 27/10/2025 21:38

I work at Next , I've definitely see bright red, pink, white, rainbow colours, plus camo. Not all long ones some are jacket length

ItsAllGoneQuietOverThere · 27/10/2025 21:16

I hate them, too - but as a dog owner, they are a necessary evil during the winter months.

Im barely 5 foot tall so I look like a lagged water tank. 😢

No colour on earth would help, sadly.

lynnebenfieldshandbag · 27/10/2025 20:46

I’ve got a leopard print one. It makes me really happy!

ProcrastinatorsAnonymous · 27/10/2025 20:37

I was also in London and skipping to the tube, blissfully puffer free. Suddenly needing a puffer has not been the worst thing about leaving the capital, but it’s up there… Not saying my black Uniqlo puffer symbolises my lost life. But also not saying it doesn’t.

OP posts:
MixedFeelingsNoFeelings · 27/10/2025 20:37

I understand your confused feelings on this OP (my USP lol).

I can't abide puffa jackets or coats either, and for years now they've been all what any woman in my town wears from October to April. You sum them up perfectly in 'slug-like'. The one time I thought 'maybe?', I was filled with ennui and self-loathing. One of these abominations in a cheerful colour simply turns them into a cherry / lime / turquoise-coloured slug.

I made my peace with the puffa by deciding they were for people who hate the formality of a coat, but still want to be warm.

I on the other hand love the formality of a coat. Useful to the wearer, respectful of the general vista and effortlessly elevating of any outfit.

For cycling and walks in the country, my black Seasalt Coverack is windproof, waterproof and does a great job of keeping me warm. It's designed to be worn with thick knitwear.

Don't succumb...you do have choices OP!

RavenhairedRachel · 27/10/2025 20:30

They're not as bad as those hideous Dry robes

RavenhairedRachel · 27/10/2025 20:30

They're not as bad as those hideous Dry robes

ToysRus56 · 27/10/2025 20:24

Your post made me laugh sooo much op

Toydrum · 27/10/2025 20:22

CoffeeAndStripedtops · 26/10/2025 17:47

How about this burgundy red Joules coat? www.joules.com/style/su607533/at3906

I’ve avoided puffa coats like the plague but that’s very well thought out with a flattering shape. Thanks for posting that.

Focusispower · 27/10/2025 20:19

@TheChosenTwo dressing gowns are depressing items of clothing in general. They have a brief window of usefulness for post shower or at a spa but wearing one around the house for any length of time is depressing!

My finger is hovering over the button to purchase a Sweaty Betty waterproof nimbus - the long one isn’t in the 30% sale so the mid one it may be….time to
embrace my inner slug!

BennyBee · 27/10/2025 20:09

FlipperSkipper · 26/10/2025 17:40

Not sure why Mumsnet has decided to hide my reply! Google Trespass Audrey coat, they have some in blue and red.

Thanks for this. I just ordered one from MandM for £39! I didn't even know that I needed a new coat. It looks great.

ttcat37 · 27/10/2025 20:06

It’s a Puffa coat though. Puffer is a misspelling.

spoonbillstretford · 27/10/2025 20:02

mustwashmycurtains · 27/10/2025 19:11

I completely agree. I know practical clothing is….practical…..but I’m not willing to fully embrace practicality just yet.

I live in London and find a seasalt navy warm parka is plenty warm and waterproof enough for anything outdoorsyI need to do. That’s my practical coat. Not sure why so many ppl think they need a full on massive parka to get them to and from the tube station as though they are off to the Arctic. It’s really not that cold

I live in Kent and it's often several degrees colder when I leave my house in winter and arrive at work in London like Nanook of the North 😂

TheChosenTwo · 27/10/2025 19:46

Wearing mine brings me genuine joy because it’s the only thing I can wear outside that properly keeps me warm!
it’s the lululemon wonderpuffer and I bought it in a really cheerful bright green colour last year. Went to rebuy it this year as I’ve dropped several dress sizes and it’s far too big (it was also too big when I bought it due to not realising they were American sizes listed) but they didn’t have it in the snazzy bright green anymore, just dull black and grey and white a horrid lurid blue.

My friend had a dressing gown which she thought was making her depressed when she was hungover and she got rid of of, she said she never felt depressed with a hangover ever again 😂

spoonbillstretford · 27/10/2025 19:40

Mine is mustard. It makes me look like a walking yellow sofa but it is very warm and not dull.

mustwashmycurtains · 27/10/2025 19:11

NovemberMorn · 26/10/2025 17:50

I wouldn't be seen dead in a puffer coat, they are not a necessity, other coats that keep you warm are available.
I honestly can't understand why anyone would wear an item of clothing that makes them feel depressed....bin the bloody thing, or better still, give it away to charity, at least some good will have come from it.

I completely agree. I know practical clothing is….practical…..but I’m not willing to fully embrace practicality just yet.

I live in London and find a seasalt navy warm parka is plenty warm and waterproof enough for anything outdoorsyI need to do. That’s my practical coat. Not sure why so many ppl think they need a full on massive parka to get them to and from the tube station as though they are off to the Arctic. It’s really not that cold

IrisPallida · 27/10/2025 19:00

For those that have one of those Sittingsuits - how water resistant are they? Do you get wet in a rainstorm? I get that they dry v quickly, but I am more concerned about me rather than the coat IYSWIM!

Also, the holes to get at your pockets - can they be closed?