Best Jackets for Autumn: Puffer vs Lightweight vs Softshell
27 Aug 2026
Autumn weather can be unpredictable. One minute it's crisp and cool, the next it's windy, cold or raining. Having the right jacket can make all the difference.
But with so many styles available, which jacket should you choose?
Puffer Jackets: Maximum Warmth
When temperatures start to drop, a puffer jacket is one of the easiest ways to stay warm.
Puffer jackets use insulation to trap heat, making them particularly useful for colder autumn mornings and evenings. They're also easy to layer over hoodies, sweatshirts and everyday sportswear.
Best For
Puffer jackets are a great choice for:
Colder autumn days
Everyday wear
Commuting
Watching outdoor sports
Weekend walks
Layering as winter approaches
Why Choose a Puffer Jacket?
The main advantage is warmth.
If you're someone who feels the cold or spends plenty of time outdoors, the extra insulation can make a noticeable difference.
Depending on the style, you can also find lighter padded jackets for transitional weather and heavier options as winter gets closer.
How to Style a Puffer Jacket
Puffers work particularly well with casual and sportswear outfits.
Try:
Puffer + hoodie + joggers + trainers
Puffer + tracksuit + trainers
Puffer + sweatshirt + jeans + trainers
Puffer + leggings + hoodie + trainers
Black is an easy everyday option, while neutral shades such as navy, grey, beige and khaki work particularly well during autumn.
Our tip: Choose a puffer with a hood if you want a little extra protection when the weather turns.
Puffer jackets use insulation to trap heat, making them particularly useful for colder autumn mornings and evenings. They're also easy to layer over hoodies, sweatshirts and everyday sportswear.
Best For
Puffer jackets are a great choice for:
Colder autumn days
Everyday wear
Commuting
Watching outdoor sports
Weekend walks
Layering as winter approaches
Why Choose a Puffer Jacket?
The main advantage is warmth.
If you're someone who feels the cold or spends plenty of time outdoors, the extra insulation can make a noticeable difference.
Depending on the style, you can also find lighter padded jackets for transitional weather and heavier options as winter gets closer.
How to Style a Puffer Jacket
Puffers work particularly well with casual and sportswear outfits.
Try:
Puffer + hoodie + joggers + trainers
Puffer + tracksuit + trainers
Puffer + sweatshirt + jeans + trainers
Puffer + leggings + hoodie + trainers
Black is an easy everyday option, while neutral shades such as navy, grey, beige and khaki work particularly well during autumn.
Our tip: Choose a puffer with a hood if you want a little extra protection when the weather turns.
Lightweight Jackets: Versatile & Packable
Not every autumn day requires a heavily insulated jacket.
That's where lightweight jackets come in.
They're ideal for those in-between days when it's too cold to head out in just a sweatshirt but too warm for a full winter coat.
Best For
Lightweight jackets work particularly well for:
Mild autumn days
Everyday wear
Travelling
Walking
Outdoor training
Layering
Changeable weather
Why Choose a Lightweight Jacket?
A lightweight jacket can easily be worn over a T-shirt, training top, sweatshirt or hoodie depending on the temperature.
Many styles are also easy to fold or pack away, making them useful when the weather forecast can't quite make up its mind.
Great for Layering
Rather than relying on one heavy piece of clothing, autumn is often about building layers.
Try:
T-shirt → Hoodie → Lightweight Jacket
When temperatures rise, simply remove a layer.
It's an easy way to stay comfortable throughout a changeable autumn day.
Our tip: Look for a water-resistant finish if you want some additional protection against unexpected autumn showers. Remember, water-resistant doesn't necessarily mean fully waterproof, so check the individual product specification.
That's where lightweight jackets come in.
They're ideal for those in-between days when it's too cold to head out in just a sweatshirt but too warm for a full winter coat.
Best For
Lightweight jackets work particularly well for:
Mild autumn days
Everyday wear
Travelling
Walking
Outdoor training
Layering
Changeable weather
Why Choose a Lightweight Jacket?
A lightweight jacket can easily be worn over a T-shirt, training top, sweatshirt or hoodie depending on the temperature.
Many styles are also easy to fold or pack away, making them useful when the weather forecast can't quite make up its mind.
Great for Layering
Rather than relying on one heavy piece of clothing, autumn is often about building layers.
Try:
T-shirt → Hoodie → Lightweight Jacket
When temperatures rise, simply remove a layer.
It's an easy way to stay comfortable throughout a changeable autumn day.
Our tip: Look for a water-resistant finish if you want some additional protection against unexpected autumn showers. Remember, water-resistant doesn't necessarily mean fully waterproof, so check the individual product specification.




