THE NEW PUFFER JACKET

Supremely comfortable, the padded jacket is man’s best armour against sub-zero temperatures – but for too long the bulky style has been solely linked to tourists and toddlers. All this has changed thanks to the re-emergence of 90s streetwear, and the forgotten jacket has once again taken centre stage.

Eddie Bauer came up with the first design for the puffer back in the 30s after a fishing trip, which featured a near-death experience with hypothermia. Over the decades, it has since been adopted by numerous youth subcultures including the Milanese Paninaro of the 80s and – most famously – the hip-hop culture of the 90s.

Now the puffer is back to being the cool (or should we say warm?) staple for seasonal steez. We spotted it at several big AW16 menswear shows, including: Dior Homme, Lanvin and Raf Simons.

If you’re thinking of investing in a puffer, then – as with any new wardrobe addition – it pays to make sure it works for your individual style. There’s no shortage of unique designs, with everything from oversized bulky iterations to sleeker slim-line versions and even ones with bold patterns.

By adding a faux-fur-lined hood, you instantly make luxe what was once just a utilitarian jacket. If you’re concerned about looking like a marshmallow, opt for a lighter fill and a slim-fit. Or alternatively, if you have a slighter physique, an oversized silhouette will bulk up your frame.

This is the ideal coat for seasonal off-duty style – wear with tailored sweatpants, chinos, or slim-cut jeans and a sweatshirt or long-sleeve T-shirt underneath. It’s best to avoid throwing it over a suit (unless you’re going for that Incredible Hulk look). If the weather’s out of control though, it might be a good idea. A final note: watch out when it comes to black puffers. If you wear one with a black tee and jeans, you’re risking looking like a nightclub bouncer. Or, like you wanna roll with Donald Trump’s security detail…