Raise Your Arms for These Slimmer, Trimmer Puffer Jackets

(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- For 60 years, the puffer has remained true to the coat that George Finch, an Australian chemist and mountaineer, designed for Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Sometimes called quilted jackets, they’re filled with down insulation between rows of stitching that give them the look—and, crucially, the warmth—of sleeping bags with arms.

But today the winter staple can be just as fashionable as a tailored suit. This season, Moncler collaborated with the Queen of England’s favorite designer, Richard Quinn, on a lively collection with leopard and daisy prints. Perfect Moment, a ski brand born in Chamonix, France, adds a chic houndstooth pattern to its colorful, retro-inspired lineup. “With the advancement of ‘faux down’ and new breathable tech fabrics,” says the brand’s creative director Jane Gottschalk, “we are able to create the same degree of warmth in a slimmer-fit jacket.”

Even labels not usually affiliated with ski season are jumping on board. Tory Burch has introduced reversible options covered with paisley, while Saint Laurent has one for men that looks more like a varsity jacket.

Casey Cadwallader, creative director of Mugler and head of design for skiwear upstart Aztech Mountain, says these slimmer coats are “easier to layer with and to pack.” The Aztech Mountain client is a “discerning skier who wants the best garment performance on the slopes,” he says, “and appreciates that a refined design can also work in the city.”

For almost 25 years, the Perfect Moment has been creating clothing for the most extreme skiers with a focus on performance and design. This houndstooth jacket will be available on Oct. 21. Similar styles from $490

The Elk Mountain puffer from Aztech Mountain, co-owned by skiing legend Bode Miller, is made with 420 grams of goose down and stays warm to –10F. A three-way adjustable hood and extendable storm visor further protect against wintry elements. $750

The Mary, a women’s jacket from the 0 Moncler Richard Quinn line, pays tribute to exuberant femininity. The combination of prints—leopard outside and floral inside—embodies the playfulness Quinn is known for. $2,165

The 20-year-old Canadian outerwear brand Mackage this year debuted its women’s Elita-NF (no fur) jacket in red (available Oct. 18). It comes with a generous hood and a belt that cinches at the waist. Similar styles from $850

This army-green men’s puffer from Saint Laurent has a cupro and cotton lining and hides a hood inside its high collar. The ribbed wrists and waistband give it a varsity-jacket vibe. $2,590

Mammut’s IN Anorak combines a shiny surface in gold or silver with a 90-10 ratio of down to feathers. Its sleeve cuffs have a rubber band on the inside to stay snug. $800