Thanks to their sleeveless design and versatility, it’s easy to see why vests are considered a winter wardrobe essential. Whether layered under coats or worn as the sole outerwear in mild temperatures, the best vests come in a wide range of colors, prices, sizes, materials, and styles to suit various tastes and needs. For those braving sub-zero temps, a puffer vest made from ultra-warm materials like down is a great option, as is one with a longer cut for extra leg coverage. On the other hand, for spring, fall, or milder winters, a thinner, lighter vest—like one made from nylon or cashmere—worn over a long-sleeve T-shirt or sweater may be more appropriate.
With this in mind, choosing the right vest for your next adventure isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. When narrowing down our selection of the best winter vests for travelers, we focused on insulated designs for warmth in cold weather, as well as water- and wind-resistant styles that provide added protection from the elements. We’ve also highlighted vests with handy features like lined pockets for extra warmth, detachable hoods, and the ability to pack down into themselves for easy transport. Keep scrolling for our edit of the very best winter vests to wear this season and beyond.
Our top picks:
Spanx two-in-one velour vest
Spanx is a Traveler favorite for its cozy loungewear and shapewear—but did you know its outerwear is equally impressive? This ultra-soft fleece vest offers versatile styling with its removable bottom portion, making it an excellent choice for both colder and warmer temps. Keep the full length for cooler days, or detach the lower section for a lighter option in spring or fall. The fleece-lined pockets will keep your hands frostbite-free, while the adjustable shock cord at the waist adds a fashion-forward cinched silhouette. Best of all, it’s available in sizes XS to 3X.
Uniqlo ultra-light down Vest
True to its name, this ultra-lightweight Uniqlo vest delivers exceptional warmth thanks to its soft down filling. Its water-repellent finish adds extra durability, making it a reliable choice for various conditions. Frequent travelers will appreciate its practical, space-saving design: The vest has a convenient storage pouch that fastens with a buckle for easy attachment—or removal—with a single touch.
Cotopaxi Fuego down vest
The Cotopaxi Fuego vest combines fun and functionality with its colorful hues, warm construction using responsibly sourced down, and water-resistant shell to successfully shield against rain and snow. Perfect as a base layer for skiing, snowboarding, or other winter sports, this versatile vest doesn’t compromise on storage, offering three convenient pockets. As a bonus, it packs into itself, making it a space-saving option for weekend travel.
Falconeri down vest
Elevate your cold-weather wardrobe with this uber-warm down vest from Falconeri, which is a fan favorite for its smart reversible design. The nylon side is great for casual or sporty activities like sightseeing, hiking, or running errands, while the cashmere side is well-suited for more formal settings or a day at the office.
Aritzia The Super Puff vest
Aritzia’s Super Puff jacket may have achieved peak Internet fame, but don’t overlook the vest version of this popular winter essential. Available in both men’s and women’s styles, it comes in various finishes and fits, including matte, glossy, short, and slim-fit options. The men’s version, in particular, is crafted with 100% down, making it a staple layering piece for cooler temperatures. It also features Aritzia’s signature cliMATTE fabric, beloved for its water-repellent and wind-resistant properties, matte finish, and luxuriously soft feel.
Quince responsible down puffer vest
Designed for everyday wear, this classic puffer vest from Quince combines warmth and protection with its water-repellent and wind-resistant fabric, making it a prime pick for the cooler months. Key features include a removable hood with an adjustable drawcord, two fleece-lined pockets, and an interior chest pocket with a secure zip closure. Its luxurious goose down is Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, ensuring the down and feathers are sourced responsibly. Shoppers can choose from six stylish hues, including stone taupe, shiny black, and oatmilk.
FP Movement Quinn quilted puffer vest
This quilted puffer vest from FP Movement will keep you warm all winter long—that is, without overheating. Its relaxed, slightly oversized fit makes it fantastic for layering over your favorite sweatshirt or cardigan, while the water-resistant design ensures reliable performance in rainy or snowy conditions. Plus, it’s filled with a vegan down alternative, offering a warm and cruelty-free option for chilly days.
Naked Cashmere Ellie puffer vest
Cashmere is a favorite amongst travelers for its versatility, warmth, and surprisingly lightweight feel. Enter this chic pick from Naked Cashmere, which adds a bit of flair to any look. Equally suited for casual or dressier occasions, it pairs well with a blouse and slacks or joggers and a sweater. Highlights include multiple slit pockets, a button closure, ribbed armholes, and a sumptuous silk lining.
Faherty Epic vest
This pick from Faherty stands out for its slim-fit silhouette—perfect for slipping over a T-shirt, sweater, or hoodie—and three-layer construction that offers structure, texture, and warmth. The two-way zipper makes bundling up a breeze, while the secure side pockets provide a safe haven for your smallest essentials.
Rhone Alpine vest
This preppy, sporty-style pick from Rhone protects against the elements with its stretchy fleece construction and weather-resistant quilted panels. Among its most innovative features is its reflective logos to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, along with a water-repellent coating to keep you warm and dry.
Old Navy puffer vest
This sleek faux leather vest from Old Navy ticks all the boxes for an edgy look. Constructed with 95% polyester and 5% spandex, it features a stylish quilted shell and polyester lining to keep you toasty. This vest is also a personal favorite; in fact, I love it so much that I own two of them. I’d be remiss not to call out its cushy oversized fit, ideal for layering under thicker sweatshirts and hoodies.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
