The best North Face jackets and why everyone's obsessed with THIS puffer style right now

Mastering both warmth and style, the best North Face jackets make for a savvy sartorial investment this winter. The California brand’s iconic puffer silhouette is everywhere right now so if you’ve yet to snap up one of their signature styles, now is the time.

The North Face has long been making some of the best winter coats you can buy. Expertly crafted, the outerwear excels in functionality, protecting from the elements with wind-proof and water-resistant technology as well as the delightfully cosy down filling. Practicality aside, more recently North Face jackets have become achingly cool, spotted on the street style set as well as celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Halle Berry. The outerwear brand even did a highly hyped collab with Gucci in 2021, selling out in seconds and cementing its popularity and fashion status. It’s extremely rare for a coat to be both cool and practical making The North Face the go-to brand for the best puffer jackets, delivering on both style and substance.

Although The North Face jackets come in many different styles and silhouettes, from the best waterproof jackets for women to long-line coats, the one thing that connects them all is the high-quality fabrics, durability and versatility, making them worthy of a spot in your winter capsule wardrobe. With no signs of its popularity waning, we’ve rounded up the most coveted North Face jackets to snap up this season. 

The best North Face jackets to invest in right now, according to fashion experts

Undeniably the coolest puffer jacket to be donning this winter, if you buy one coat, make it this retro silhouette, aka the most popular North Face jacket right now. It’s by no means new, taking inspiration from its original '90s design, but it’s had a massive resurgence the past few winters with increased popularity across all generations from Gen Z to Boomers. Tapping into that '90s fashion trend, it has a boxy design and features the iconic logo on the chest. 

"With the recent seasonal revivals of Nineties and Noughties culture, The North Face Nutspe that first became popular in the '90s is a key piece for cold days! While it’s certainly an investment piece, the generous goose-down padding means you’ll stay toasty no matter how much temperatures drop. With a classic boxy cropped cut, the jacket finishes at a flattering point on the hip and looks great with a variety of outfits, from sporty leggings to '90s-style baggy jeans. Not sure what colour to go for? Opt for the all-black offering for a jacket that will never go out of style," says fashion editor and stylist Antonia Kraskowski.

Lightweight and breathable, it even packs down into its own pocket despite its bulky aesthetic. It ticks all the practical boxes and is filled with cosy Responsible Down Standard (RDS) goose down and is water resistant so you’ll be prepared for any unexpected changes in the weather. Available in heaps of different colourways, if you've been wondering what is the North Face jacket that everyone has right now, it's this one.

It’s not all puffer jackets at The North Face, and here we’re making the case for this cool parka jacket. One of the best parkas to own, forget associations with '90s indie bands, parka jackets are timeless, versatile and well worth adding to your arsenal. More understated than the aforementioned puffer, this black coat offers a smarter spin, without compromising on function. It’s breathable, waterproof, and windproof, with a removable faux fur trim. Made from recycled polyester it has sustainable credentials too. Opt for the black hue to keep it feeling polished, so you can make it work for both the city commute and weekend countryside walks.

This longline design offers extra coverage to see you through one winter to the next. Filled with the mountaineering brand’s signature light, lofty, responsibly-sourced down for instant warmth, it has all the practical elements that make the investment worthwhile. The sleek black design is guaranteed to never go out of style, and go with every outfit thrown at it too. After all, the coat is the outfit. There’s an attached hood, a water-repellent finish and a two-way zip to protect you from whatever the weather throws at you. If you’re looking for a coat that resembles stepping out in your duvet, this is the one for you. Just add the best winter boots. Morning dog walks have never looked so stylish.

Not too dissimilar to the beloved Nuptse jacket, this is equally practical and stylish. In an on-trend cropped silhouette, it’s loaded with RDS down and a water-resistant finish but extremely lightweight too, packing neatly into its own pocket. Don’t just think this is one for pottering around the city though. Despite its achingly cool appearance, it’s expertly designed for hiking adventures, with added features such as an attached hood and elastic cuffs to keep in the warmth. Of course, you don’t have to climb a mountain in it, you can just throw it over your best jeans and sweater combo and go for a brisk walk in the park. Phew!

Whilst some the North Face jackets are water-repellent, this design is fully waterproof, protecting you from heavy rain and snow, making TNF one of the best brands for ski clothes too. It has a two-in-one setup with a breathable, waterproof outer jacket and RDS down inner layer so you can wear them each separately or zip one into the other in more extreme conditions. Perfect if you’re looking for something that’ll work all-year-round. Considered details such as the hood with a wired peak give it the added edge, protecting your face too. Oh and we didn’t even mention how incredibly chic it looks. Available in black or navy for a timeless and versatile look.

For something a bit more lowkey that works for the every day, this neat jacket works like a charm. A North Face classic, its vintage design adds warmth without the weight, making a stylish way to beat the chill. Breathable with a water-repellent finish, it’s crafted from 100% recycled ripstop fabric, helping to reduce landfill and the use of virgin materials. We love the cool khaki shade for a nod to the utility trend too. A handy layering tool, wear it post-workout with the best white trainers.

Not to be overlooked, The North Face also has some of the best fleeces for women too. Another wardrobe essential that’s had a serious upgrade this season, fleeces are no longer reserved for outdoorsy types and what to wear skiing, but have become a staple amongst the fashion elite. The perfect combo of a cosy jumper meets jacket, this fleece is loaded with warmth, even when wet. Made from a durable, super soft fleece, it has a high collar to keep your neck toasty and two handy pockets. Available in three highly wearable shades - beige, white and black. Get it or regret it.

Whether you’re embarking on a rainy parkrun or hitting the trails in challenging conditions, this waterproof running jacket will provide you with top-notch protection and comfort. It’s ultra-light and breathable, ensuring no stickiness with a seam-sealed shell to stop any water from getting in. One of the best running gear pieces to add to your collection, it stashes away in the internal pocket for when the sun pops out and even has a handy strap to make it easy to carry whilst running. The North Face has thought of everything here, including reflective details to keep you safe in low-light conditions. We love the zesty orange hue for an extra motivational boost.

The North Face has really upped its game with this super stylish number which could easily be mistaken for a high-end catwalk design. Perfect if you’re looking for something more lightweight and fashion-y, this features a more subtle quilted finish and a longline silhouette. Don’t be fooled by its chic aesthetic, it’s still functional too with a water-repellent finish and light insulation. Great for tricky in-between season dressing when the best trench coats don’t quite cut it, it can easily be rolled up and stuffed into the best backpacks for work when no longer needed. We love the soft pastel hues too - perfect for spring.

The best gilets for women are a sorely underestimated but hard-working wardrobe piece, adding warmth to your outfit, without the added bulk of a full-on jacket. Perfect for when the weather can’t quite make up its mind, it makes for one stylish layering tool over tees and jumpers, or slimmer line versions can work well under coats.

Of course, The North Face has mastered the fashionable and functional elements of the gilet with this Saikuru design. A boxy fit with nods to the brand’s heritage, it’s windproof and water-repellent. The insulation is a voluminous synthetic fill that warms, even when wet and it’s made using recycled materials too.

“I always layer my sleeveless The North Face gilet over a chunky fleece when I need to stay warm on a dog walk,” says fashion editor Julie Player. “It’s really lightweight whilst still being warm. They also wash really well, which is an added bonus and means they’re built to last too.”

Once you’ve added a packable jacket to your collection, you’ll never look back. Call us pessimists but it’s always worth throwing in an extra layer at the last minute ‘just in case’ and that’s where the packable jacket steps in. This slim fit design stows into its own pocket and has a protective water-repellent finish as well as a layer of insulation for added warmth. Wear on its own, under a larger jacket or simply stuff it in your bag to save you when the weather turns. Part of the Circular Design initiative, it’s designed to be disassembled and recycled by TNF for a second lease of life once finished with.

Why is The North Face so popular?

The North Face was founded in San Fransico in the 1960s by two hiking enthusiasts. It began as a small mountaineering store that became popular with outdoor athletes.  

Doesn't sound exactly like a recipe for mass fashion popularity, does it? So what is it about The North Face jackets that makes them Instagram fodder for celebrities, off-duty models, influencers and regular folk alike? It surely can't just be a case of plummeting temperatures. 

One reason for The North Face's popularity is its designer collaborations, which have helped this heritage performance-wear brand stay relevant. In 2020, The North Face worked with MM6 Maison Margiela on a capsule collection of fleece vests that were spotted on the likes of Hailey Bieber, which also helped to reposition the brand as super stylish. 

They followed that with The North Face x Gucci collaboration, announced on TikTok, that further propelled the brand into the fashion stratosphere. Its monogrammed puffer is so lust-worthy, Vogue's deputy editor Sarah Harris waxed lyrical about hers. For autumn/winter 2022, The North Face launched a collection with streetwear brand Supreme, further cementing The North Face's status as a cult brand to watch.

These collaborations, alongside the brand's strategy of sticking to classic designs that will never go out of style, have kept its jackets firmly in the fashion world to this day. From fashion-forward celebrities to nature enthusiasts that are after reliable outerwear, The North Face is beloved by all.

Antonia Kraskowski

With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.