To Think My Puffer Coat Is Making Me Depressed

If it’s down it needs to be washed with either soap flakes or a specialist down cleaner, otherwise the feathers will clump. They need to be tumble dried with tennis balls rather than washed, this breaks up any clumps that have formed during washing.

I loathe puffa jackets. I have a parka, actually it’s from Whistles and it’s 15 years old. If I had to replace it, I’d get another parka from Decathlon. No furry hood.

I’m coming at this from a slightly different angle, as I only have one warm, waterproof winter coat, so I went for something quality that will last me 10+ years.

Patagonia’s 3 in 1 parka is going to keep you warm and dry in even the worst uk weather. I have one in forest green, but their colours are quite muted this season: https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/product/womens-tres-3-in-1-parka/198077361299.html

If I wanted warm, waterproof AND colourful, I’d buy myself a Rab down jacket (or similar), and cover it with something Orla Kiely x Regatta:
https://avenue85.co.uk/products/regatta-womens-orla-kiely-waterproof-mac-jacket-coat?variant=47842561982657&currency=GBP&tw_source=google&tw_adid=739005332576&tw_campaign=22340634899&tw_kwdid=pla-585759202072&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22340634899&gbraid=0AAAAAD0jTdNpNzkuMQELNpiNlLOs4uEOg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImqX82c7CkAMVPpRQBh3nyiYsEAQYECABEgLX7vD_BwE

https://www.very.co.uk/regatta-womens-orla-waterproof-changing-robe-yellow/1601082714.prd?cm_mmc=google--PLA+-+Generic---_-__%5BAdID%5D&utm_campaign=Generic_Fashion+Clothing+%2526+Footwear+-+Womens+-+PMAX+-+Medium&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&campaigntype=shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20397404629&gbraid=0AAAAAD2k1i2YZP4EEX0Lu-Y3q8P450xZv&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhrm44s_CkAMVVIBQBh3vUicEEAQYHSABEgLRo_D_BwE#sku=sku28850422

Ok it's not a puffer and not is it brightly coloured but could this work?? As puffer and wool coat alternative

https://www.marksandspencer.com/faux-shearling-collared-longline-aviator-coat/p/clp60761238#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r8c2%7Cprodflag_sparks-offer%7Cprodflag_New

Haha... well last winter I was wearing my puffa in waitrose and it was just before christmas, I had several nice items I had selected for the food bank collection and was placing then gently into the basket thing they collect them in, when an elderly couple accosted me and started shouting at me for stealing from the food bank 😂as apparently I looked like the 'type'.
The only visible clothing was my big puffa, so combined with my windswept hair and old trainers I obviously looked like a theif who would steal from the poor.
I then upgraded my puffa to a Barbour puffa and thought a nice dusky pink would be a nice upgrade. However, in this new puffa people keep offering to pay for my food, this has happened three times in the past year, where nice citizens have offered to pay for my shopping when I am digging around in my giant pockets for my phone to pay😂
I clearly just look like a tramp when I am wearing one. Dh says I look like a homeless bag lady wearing it and has been putting money aside to buy me a new coat for xmas as I have refused to buy myself one due to how much the barbour cost.

I look like the Michelin Man's auntie in a puffer coat which is a shame as they're really warm and cosy.

Thanks for the suggestion whoever it was, I've just fallen in love with these amazing sittingsuits
sittingsuits.co.uk/collections/artist-editions

I have one of these in a different pattern and I ADORE it. So warm & looks good with my usual gear- jeans, boots, dungarees, chunky jumpers.

@ProcrastinatorsAnonymous the orla keily pattern ones are quite funky and non slug like. I think regatta sell them.

I have the green and orange Uniqlo one ! I adore it !

My leopard print Barbour puffer brings me both joy and warmth!

This is what I posted about in an earlier post. I havent had one for 20 years but I saw this week some beautiful ones in Hobbs.

The faux fur or the puffa?

Technical question, is a quilted coat the same as a puffer? Or is it less warm because it's less, well, puffy?

Not sure if they've already been mentioned but have you considered Didrikson jackets? I've had mine ten years now (and worn a lot - live in West Scotland and always outdoors) and it's still in brilliant condition. Half the village seem to have these for their "smart" coats - though that's just smart for people usually covered in mud.

https://www.didriksons.com/en/women/jackets/parkas

I feel the same OP. There was a time when I wouldn't have dreamt of wearing a down jacket. I was all about the tailored wool coats.
Then I got older and colder and started coveting super warm, practical coats. I now own 2 short down jackets and one enormous, long Didriksons duvet coat.
I love the warmth and practicality but I also feel a bit depressed by them. They don't lift my spirits like my beautiful old red, wool coat or my belted blue wool coat.

Orla Kiely did a range of patterned coats with Regatta

https://www.regatta.com/orla-kiely-collection/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=882369987-%7Bcampaignname%7D&utm_content=179544851717-%7Badgroupname%7D&utm_term=regatta%20orla%20kiely&utm_device=t&utm_placement=&utm_creative=751990920907&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=882369987&gbraid=0AAAAADQdSE-4p8azNvlj6zlSgtCVMY0u1&gclid=CjwKCAjwjffHBhBuEiwAKMb8pOnwQIM6H-aQHMA8NOVPH6TvCFZZ6o4QJzshjHU27jLIcd_BHvRLsxoCEtgQAvD_BwE

Weird fish has bright colours. Yellow and pink etc. https://www.weirdfish.co.uk/p/women/coats-jackets?fbclid=IwU1NDUANrU4BleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAAZTtkpH8AEegY1b_WNrySKDd5HTT79l7QwH9WJawaHr981yyb9BopsrgoL8xnpjnhAUEPc_aem_GDWds6eoE76RUKs46Vs9yg

It's the shape imo. The only one I've ever liked is my friend 's which is electric blue and a big, soft floppy shape. Far more akin to a duvet slung about the shoulders. I hate close fitting column ones. Even worse with a cinched waist.

Haven’t read full thread but Lighthouse Clothing coats are great and come in some better colours.

I love didricksons..I've never been warmer. I have a 4 year old purple puffer from them. The cuffs are amazing. It's so cozy. My husband calls it my football.managers coat.
If I was getting another one now I'd go for this Parker
www.didriksons.com/uk/women/jackets/autumn-jackets/alana-women-s-parka-505878-j13

V grateful to the OP for articulating something I didn't even know I was suffering from: puffer-coat induced depression.

I haven't got one myself but I now realise that just seeing other people wearing them makes me feel drab and bleak, especially the long ones down to the knees.

Never felt the need for one myself. I just wear a long-sleeved vest, 17 jumpers, a fleece, and a lightweight coat on top.

Well then, if no one can help you on here, I think the only answer is therapy.😜

If you’re willing to spend then buy a Moncler or Canada Goose. I know MN hates them but they feel amazing and warm to wear. A black is a rich color of black, they have shape and structure to them. It’s the cheap ones that look like duvets or sacks that’s depressing.