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We’re already fans of Pangaia, the uber-cool clothing brand taking a science-oriented approach towards creating quality, versatile pieces that are stylish, environmentally-friendly and made to last. Its sorbet-toned, oversized loungewear is a staple for commerce editor Lauren Burvill on long haul flights, but it’s another of the brand’s pieces that’s most recently caught our eye: its humble puffer jacket.
Why? The cozy coat, available in a women’s cropped version ($445), a men’s cut ($495) and a longer unisex option ($525), has some serious sustainability credentials. And we’re not referring to the recycled nylon outer shell. We’re talking about the innovative plant-based filling, which eschews manmade or animal-based down in favor of an innovative material made from none other than wildflowers. Clever stuff.
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Dubbed ‘FLWRDWN’, the first-of-its-kind material has been developed with a combination of wildflowers, biopolymer and aerogel. Neatly sidestepping the need for feathers, it makes it a cruelty-free alternative to duck down—great for vegans—while also reducing reliance on fossil fuel-derived synthetic materials like polyester.
This, plus the fact that it keeps you seriously warm, has made it a hit with our jetsetting digital editor Sarah Allard. “Last weekend it was a pretty chilly one degree outside [that’s 33.8°F,] so perfect conditions to take my new coat for a spin,” she says. “I was only wearing one layer underneath, but it kept me super toasty—pretty impressive for someone who always feels the cold.
“If, like me, you have a problem remembering your gloves and scarf when you head out of the door, you’ll love the deep pockets and high neck. The sleeves also have an inner layer that sits snugly around your wrists to stop any cold breezes creeping in. I’ve given up buying warm coats without a hood and having a detachable one means you get the best of both worlds.
Obviously, this coat is expensive. But slip it on, and the cost seems fair. It’s one of the thickest puffers we’ve tried, with a smart, subtle quilted finish that looks lovely when on. Everyone in the office was notably impressed with its weight and the cosiness factor.
For those chasing the snow this season, it will make a faithful companion on your trip. But the thickness naturally means that it’s bulky. We’re not sure that the larger versions would fit into your carry-on suitcase, so be prepared to don it on the plane.
We’re not this puffer’s only cheerleaders. In the cropped style, most of the smaller sizes are currently sold out in the more popular black and pink colorways, although the yellow version still has good stock numbers. The longer version has much better availability. Insider tip? Size down for the best fit.
We’re adding this jacket to our tried-and-tested ranks of products we’re happy to recommend to readers, along with our favorite luggage brands, and travel pillows.You can shop the Pangaia puffer coat on the brand’s website, or see some of our other recommendations below.
A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller.
