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

The 8 most popular and best North Face jackets loved by street style stars and celebs. Say hello to your new winter weather best friend...

three street style shots of women wearing one of the best north face jacket
(Image credit: Getty)

Wondering what the best North Face jacket to invest in is? If you look around, the brand's California rock logo and the cloud-like silhouette are literally everywhere right now. Suddenly the two-tone Nupste jacket has become the height of fashion and one of the most popular North Face jackets you can buy.

The North Face has had a reputation for making some of the best winter coats you can buy for many years. Largely due to how functional they are and the quality of craftsmanship, but recently the brand's jackets have grown in popularity due to their trendy and stylish designs. If you want to be warm and dry, as well as look chic, this brand delivers. It has even been donned by the likes of Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner on their off-duty days, cementing the brand as the go-to destination for the best puffer jackets for style and substance.

Why is North Face so popular right now? From oversized silhouettes to slim, streamlined waterproof jackets, The North Face carries every type of practical outerwear piece you could wish for - making it a great brand for the winter. Now that it is finally cold enough to switch out our best trench coats to a cozy puffer, there has never been a better time to invest in one of the most sought-after North Face jackets. We've rounded up the most popular pieces that deliver on style and comfort for this season, so look no further for your next reliable outerwear item.

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

Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

model wearing a teal blue north face puffer coat

(Image credit: The North Face)

1. 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

Most on trend North Face Jacket

Specifications

RRP: $320 / £300
Sizes: XS-3XL
Main material: 100% recycled nylon ripstop
Insulation material: 700 fill goose down

Reasons to buy

+
Very trendy
+
Warm and water-resistant
+
Won't go out of style

If you are wondering what is The North Face jacket that everyone has, it's this one. Tap into that '90s fashion trend, and embrace the retro puffer jacket craze with the iconic Nuptse design. Taking inspiration from the OG, it has a boxy design and features the signature logo on the chest. Filled with cozy Responsible Down Standard (RDS) goose down, it’s a winter wardrobe essential that’s bang on-trend and practical too. It’s also water-resistant, has a packable hood and despite its size, it can be stored neatly in its own pocket. Win-win. Wear with your mom jeans and a sporty sweater on those off-duty days.


model wearing a beige north face sierra parka puffer jacket

(Image credit: The North Face)

2. Sierra Long Down Parka

Best longline North Face coat

Specifications

RRP: $400 / £400
Sizes: XS-XL
Main material: Organic cotton
Insulation material: 600-Fill Recycled Waterfowl Down

Reasons to buy

+
Classic parka style
+
Oversized fit
+
Very warm

A The North Face classic that has stood the test of time, this parka is a worthy addition to your coat collection. Originally designed in 1968, it has kept a lot of its key features such as the popper button front, zip fastening, and the oversized fit. The latest iteration is now packed full of recycled down for warmth and crafted from organic cotton and recycled nylon blend, so it’s kinder to the planet too. A contender for one of the best parkas for women, the built-in belt offers a flattering silhouette.


model wearing a two tone blue north face puffer jacket with a hood

(Image credit: The North Face)

3. Himalayan Down Jacket

Best classic North Face jacket

Specifications

RRP: $380 / £350
Sizes: XS-XL
Main material: 100% recycled nylon
Insulation material: 550-fill goose down

Reasons to buy

+
Incredibly warm
+
Signature style
+
Fun color ways

For even more warmth than the signature Nuptse, this hooded iteration will keep you extremely toasty. The hooded style provides added protection, and can even be adjusted for the perfect fit. We love that it retains the same breathability of other The North Face jackets, ensuring you won't overheat this winter and can easily regulate your body temperature. Also water-repellent and made from recycled materials, it is extremely practical. Plus, it gives a stylish answer to what to wear in the snow.


model against a plain background wearing a north face logo monogrammed black waterproof jacket

(Image credit: The North Face)

4. Printed Antora Rain Hood

Best waterproof North Face jacket

Specifications

RRP: $119 / £100
Sizes: XS-3XL
Main material: 100% recycled polyester ripstop

Reasons to buy

+
Waterproof
+
Trendy logo design
+
More stylish than typical rain coats

If you’re after one of the best waterproof jackets, The North Face is the first store to look at. The brand offers a wide range of water repellent and fully waterproof coats that are both practical and trendy. The simple silhouette of this jacket means it is easy to style and throw on for wet and windy days, as well as being extremely lightweight and easy to carry around. With a relaxed fit and adjustable hem, it will look good on everyone. 


model wearing a light purple lighriser running jacket from the north face

(Image credit: The North Face)

5. Lightriser Futurelight Jacket

Best running jacket from North Face

Specifications

RRP: $300 / £270
Sizes: XS-XL
Main material: 100% recycled polyester

Reasons to buy

+
Designed for running
+
Reflective elements
+
Breathable fabric

Another nifty waterproof jacket, this has been perfectly designed for a rainy run. The breathable fabric means you can sweat without the stickiness and it’s crafted using recycled materials too. Other clever details include reflective elements to ensure you can be seen in low-light conditions and there’s an internal mesh pocket to store the essentials too. Ultra-lightweight you can stash this in one of the best backpacks just in case of a sudden downpour. Stand out from the crowd and go for the light purple hue, which will still be one of the big spring/summer fashion trends 2023.


model against a plain background wearing a light pink cragmont fleece from the north face

(Image credit: The North Face)

6. Cragmont Fleece Jacket

Best North Face fleece

Specifications

RRP: $149 / £125
Sizes: XS-3XL
Main material: 100% recycled polyester

Reasons to buy

+
Both trendy and practical
+
Recycled materials
+
Great for layering

It is not just puffer jackets that The North Face does extremely well - the brand has some of the best fleeces for women too. With warmth to rival the best cashmere sweaters, the Cragmont fleece captures the best parts of a jacket with the cozy appeal of a jumper, all whilst looking good. Whether you want a practical fleece to pair with the best winter boots for chilly walks, or need a versatile layering piece for commuting or the weekend, you can't go wrong. Available in four versatile hues, this is a high-quality item that comes at a fraction of the cost of the brand's jackets - handy if you are working on a tighter budget.


flat lay image of a red north face sangro jacket, and image of a model wearing the black version against a plain background

(Image credit: The North Face)

7. Sangro Jacket

Best slimline North Face jacket

Specifications

RRP: $99 / £120
Sizes: XS-XXL
Main material: 100% polyester

Reasons to buy

+
Waterproof
+
Breathable
+
Great for everyday wear

For those minimalists amongst us, you can’t beat this slim-fitting waterproof design. It has all the necessary details that help a jacket protect you from the elements - from the tapered seams to the mesh lining and the stowable hood. The brushed-knit chin guard is a noteworthy touch too, as it shows how important functionality and comfort are to the brand. Another practical choice for hiking, the pared-back design means it will never go out of style. Wear with the best jeans for a casual look, or team with cargo trousers for an ensemble that answers what is Gorpcore.


Thermoball Eco Jacket

(Image credit: The North Face)

8. Thermoball Eco Jacket

Best sustainable North Face jacket

Specifications

RRP: $199 / £160
Sizes: XS-3XL
Main material: 100% recycled nylon
Insulation material: 100% post-consumer recycled polyester

Reasons to buy

+
Made with 100% recycled fabrics
+
Lightweight
+
6 colorways

This jacket stows in its own pocket, making it perfect for stashing in your bag as you dash out of the door and ideal for slipping into suitcases for city breaks. It’s made from 100% recycled materials and has a synthetic fill that reduces heat loss and increases warmth. The perfect layering tool, wear on its own or layer it underneath a waterproof outer shell for added protection on your daily commute. Whether you’re trekking through the city or having a countryside ramble in your best walking boots, this North Face jacket has got you covered.

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 beloved by Hailey Bieber. 

They followed that with a 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. Most recently, for Fall 2022, they have 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.