Why Your Next Puffer Jacket Should Be Vegan
Why Your Next Puffer Jacket Should Be Vegan – And Which One to Choose
Puffer jackets have been a cold-weather staple for almost a century. First designed for explorers and mountaineers, they became mainstream in the 1930s thanks to Eddie Bauer’s down-filled “Skyliner.” Since then, puffers have been the go-to for anyone wanting to stay warm in biting winter winds — from Arctic expeditions to city streets.
But there’s a problem. Traditional puffer jackets are usually insulated with goose or duck down — which comes from birds that are often live-plucked or force-fed. Many outer shells are made from virgin polyester, a material that relies on fossil fuels and sheds microplastics into the environment. And the bulk of global production takes place in factories with little oversight of worker welfare.
We decided there had to be a better way.
Why Down is Cruel
Most people think down is simply a by-product of the meat industry. The reality is darker. Investigations by PETA and other organisations have documented geese and ducks being live-plucked, leaving them bleeding and traumatised, only to repeat the process every few weeks. Even when feathers come from slaughtered animals, these birds are often raised on factory farms, kept in cramped conditions, and subjected to painful force-feeding in foie gras production before being killed.
A 2022 report from the animal protection group Four Paws revealed that live-plucking still occurs despite “responsible down” certifications, because supply chains are difficult to police and feathers are often mixed from multiple farms.
When you buy a vegan puffer, you avoid this system entirely. No animals are used, harmed, or exploited — ever. Our insulation is 100% recycled polyamide padding, which is hypoallergenic, keeps its loft even when wet (something down cannot do), and lasts season after season.
Why Ethical Manufacturing Matters
Many puffers on the market are mass-produced in countries where wages are low and working conditions can be poor. Factory workers often face long hours, minimal pay, and little protection for health and safety — all while producing clothing that sells for a premium price in the West.
We take a different approach. Every WVS puffer is made in a small, family-run factory in Tuscany, Italy. We have worked with this factory for years, visiting regularly to ensure that conditions meet the highest ethical standards. The team there is paid a fair wage and works in a safe, well-lit environment.
Manufacturing in Italy also means:
- Shorter supply chains – reducing transport emissions compared to shipping from Asia.
- High craftsmanship standards – Italy has a centuries-old textile tradition, and the quality shows in the cut, stitching, and finish of every jacket.
- Traceability – we know exactly where our materials come from and can guarantee they meet EU environmental and labour standards.
When you choose a WVS puffer, you’re not just buying a coat — you’re supporting a transparent, fair supply chain that values the people who make your clothes.
Our Puffer Jackets: Warmth Without Cruelty
At Will’s Vegan Store, we make puffer jackets that protect you from the cold — and protect animals, people, and the planet.
Instead of down, all of our puffers are insulated with 100% recycled polyamide padding (RPA), made in Italy. It traps heat just as well as down (sometimes better, because it keeps its loft when wet) and keeps you warm down to -22°C (-7.6°F). Our Recycled Vegan Shearling Puffer even adds a layer of Italian-made recycled vegan shearling lining (RPU) for extra softness and warmth.
Instead of virgin polyester, we use ECONYL™ or Eco Circle™ recycled outer shells, created from waste fabric, industrial plastic, and even discarded fishing nets pulled from the ocean. These fabrics feel substantial, resist snagging, and are water-resistant, keeping you dry in light rain or snow.
And instead of mass production in anonymous factories, our jackets are ethically made in small batches in Tuscany, Italy. Every piece is carbon neutral — from the materials to your delivery — and packaged plastic-free.
Choose the Right Puffer
We make five main styles, each designed for a different way of living:
Recycled Vegan Shearling Puffer – The ultimate cold-weather companion, with a generous shearling-lined hood and soft interior that makes you feel cocooned. Perfect for snowy cities, winter walks, and alpine trips.
Recycled Long Puffer – A sleek, below-the-knee option with a YKK zip that can run right up over your face for maximum protection. A great choice for commuters, city life, and anyone who wants a modern silhouette.
Recycled Hooded Puffer – A classic, shorter style with a roomy hood and drawstring closure. Water-resistant and versatile — wear it from autumn to spring.
Recycled Puffer Jacket – A clean, minimalist cut with two deep zip pockets and a matte finish. Light enough for everyday wear, but still rated for sub-zero conditions.
Recycled Teddy Puffer Jacket – Teddy + Puffer = super warm and cozy. Made from Italian 100% recycled polyester teddy fabric with 100% recycled polyamide padding inside, this is the jacket you want to live in all winter. The viscose lining (made from wood pulp) glides easily over layers, while the top-to-bottom Italian metal zip and front flap give it a clean, polished finish.
All of them are machine-washable at 30°C, making them easy to care for (just use a Guppy Bag to capture microplastics).
How to Style Your Puffer
Puffer jackets are some of the most versatile pieces you can own. Pair them with wide-leg jeans and vegan boots for an urban look, throw one over your gym kit for the school run, or layer it with knitwear and trousers for weekend walks. The long puffer works beautifully over dresses or tailoring when you need warmth without losing style.
What to Look for in a Vegan Puffer
Not every vegan puffer is created equal. Just because a jacket doesn’t use down or animal materials doesn’t mean it’s automatically sustainable, ethical, or built to last. Many high-street puffers are “accidentally vegan” — made with cheap synthetics, produced in bulk under poor labour conditions, and designed to last just a season before heading to landfill.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a vegan puffer:
- Cruelty-free – Free from down, wool, leather, or animal by-products.
- Sustainable – Made with recycled or low-impact materials that reduce waste and CO₂ emissions.
- Ethically made – Produced in factories with fair working conditions, traceable supply chains, and transparent practices.
- Durable and practical – Built to survive winter after winter, with water resistance, snag resistance, and quality construction.
Every WVS puffer is designed to meet all four of these standards — combining style, function, and ethics in one piece.
See our full range of vegan coats and jackets:
Stay warm, stay kind, stay conscious.