The Best Independent Brands for Canadian Puffers
Conquer the cold in Canadian designs.
Quartz Co.
When it comes to braving the cold, Canadians know there’s more to it than just bundling up. From bone-chilling winds to wet and slushy days, the types of cold vary across the country, and so do people’s needs. And let’s not forget about winter activities such as skiing, skating, sledding, and snowboarding.
Since no one gets the cold like Canadians do, why look elsewhere for your puffer jacket? Below, we’ve rounded up the best independent outerwear brands that will keep you covered for every type of winter weather.
This Vancouver brand is making outerwear that blends high-performance and high-impact design. Available in two colours—a classic black and an icy blue—the gender-neutral jacket features nifty features like a hidden hood and convenient shoulder straps for indoor wear, and it can withstand temperatures down to -25°Celsius. That, in addition to the label’s street-style aesthetic, makes this collection a cool choice.
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Known for blending warmth and versatility, Nobis puffers are a Canadian classic. Awarded the Canadian Arts & Fashion Award for Outerwear Brand of the Year 2024, the brand brings 15 years of expertise and designs winterwear for every activity for both women and men.
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With 50 years of crafting outerwear, Montréal’s Kanuk is a long-standing and reliable brand known for durability and warmth. Filled with Canadian Hutterite down, their outwear comes in a variety of lengths, sizes, colours, and finishes, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking for options.
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Quartz Co. is redefining winter fashion by blending functionality with a luxurious look. With practicality in mind, these puffers are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring water- and wind-resistant fabrics along with an adjustable hem to maximize heat retention. From a style standpoint, the latest campaign imagines the brand’s community in a variety of situations. From hockey-ready to après ski, they are an ode to Canadian pride, fit for whatever winter throws your way.
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For those seeking cruelty-free warmth, Wuxly’s high-performance puffers are animal-free and ethically manufactured. Based in Toronto, the brand sources plant-based and recycled materials such as fibres made from corn, apple skins, and recycled nylon. This, along with producing only in small batches, makes Wuxly a brand that keeps your body warm and mind at ease.
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If winter weather weighs you down, may we suggest the lightest down jacket? Crafted from the world’s lightest down, the brand uses hand-collected wild eider duck feathers, gathered from nests in the wild. The designs tie Québécois sensibility with classic style, transforming seasonal silhouettes like trenches, duster coats, and bomber jackets into cold-weather-proof garments.
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While winter can be dreary, it doesn’t mean your outerwear should be. Toronto designer Hilary MacMillan is offering a fun alternative for winterwear. From cropped, pastel-coloured puffer jackets to plaid-printed snowsuits, the style-forward and size-inclusive collection is a sure way to brighten up your day.
