Aritzia Super Puff vs. North Face: Which one is better? [2026]

The Aritzia Super Puff is designed as a fashion-forward, lightweight puffer for urban environments, prioritizing a sleek silhouette and trendy colors. In contrast, The North Face jackets, like the iconic Nuptse, are built with a performance-first approach, emphasizing technical materials, durability, and resilience for outdoor conditions.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether the stylish polish of Aritzia or the rugged performance of The North Face is the right fit for your winter wardrobe.

Aritzia The Super Puff™

The Super Puff is Aritzia's signature outerwear piece, celebrated for combining legitimate warmth with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. It bridges the gap between a functional winter coat and a style statement, making it a go-to for fashion-conscious city dwellers who don't want to compromise on looking good when the temperature drops.

• What it is: A stylish puffer jacket engineered to deliver warmth without bulk, available in a vast array of colors, finishes, and lengths.
• Key features: Water-repellent and wind-resistant fabric, 700+ fill-power goose down ethically sourced, removable hoods on many styles, felt-lined pockets.
• Price: $220–$300+
• Materials/Construction: A durable water-repellent polyester or nylon shell stuffed with lightweight goose down for excellent insulation.
• Sizing/Fit: Aritzia's fit is generally slim and designed to contour the body. While true to size, it offers a more tailored silhouette compared to traditional parkas.
• Pros: Exceptionally stylish and on-trend. Wide variety of colors, lengths, and finishes (matte, high-gloss). Lightweight feel for how warm it is. Versatile for casual and chic urban outfits.
• Cons: Less suited for extreme outdoor activities or rugged use. Not fully waterproof, only water-resistant. Outer material can be less durable than technical-focused jackets.

This jacket is perfect for anyone whose primary need is walking around the city in style while staying warm and comfortable during cold but not extreme winter weather.

Shop this product: aritzia.com/us/en/clothing/thesuperpuff-shop

The North Face Insulated Jackets (like the Nuptse)

The North Face has built its reputation on creating high-performance outerwear designed to withstand the elements, rooted in a deep heritage of outdoor exploration. Jackets like the 1996 Retro Nuptse are legendary for their durability and warmth, offering a utilitarian, rugged aesthetic that has also become a streetwear essential.

• What it is: A high-performance insulated jacket designed for durability, warmth, and resilience in a variety of weather conditions.
• Key features: High-fill-power down (often 700-fill), recycled materials, durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, stowable hood, boxy silhouette for easy layering.
• Price: $220–$400+
• Materials/Construction: Built with robust recycled polyester shells engineered for abrasion resistance and longevity. Many models feature high-quality goose down or advanced synthetic insulation.
• Sizing/Fit: A relaxed, boxy fit is characteristic of many models like the Nuptse. This design allows for comfort, mobility, and layering underneath.
• Pros: Extremely durable and built to last for years. Superior warmth and weather resistance for harsh conditions. Excellent value due to its longevity. Strong commitment to sustainability and recycled materials.
• Cons: The look is more utilitarian and rugged than sleek. The boxy fit can feel bulky to some. Price can climb for more technical models.

This jacket excels for those who prioritize function, durability, and serious warmth, whether for navigating harsh city winters or for casual outdoor adventures.

Shop this product: thenorthface.com/womens-insulated-jackets

Aritzia Super Puff vs. The North Face Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

This is the most significant point of difference. The Aritzia Super Puff is designed with a modern, minimalist vibe. Its lines are clean, the fit is more tailored, and it comes in a massive array of seasonal colors and trendy finishes like liquid shine or matte. It's meant to blend seamlessly into a stylish wardrobe.

The North Face Nuptse and other insulated jackets have a distinctively rugged, retro Gorpcore look. The aesthetic is utilitarian, with a boxy silhouette, prominent baffling, and a focus on function determining its form. While it has become a streetwear icon, its core design DNA is rooted in outdoor performance, not the fashion runway.

Warmth & Materials

Both brands use high-quality, 700+ fill-power down insulation, so you can expect excellent warmth from both. The main difference lies in the exterior fabrics. The Super Puff uses a soft and lightweight water-repellent shell that feels comfortable but is less resilient against snags or abrasions.

The North Face jackets often use more robust, durable shell materials, frequently made from recycled content and engineered to handle more wear and tear. Their fabrics and construction are designed to meet the demands of outdoor use, giving them an edge in overall long-term durability and weather protection during snow or mixed conditions.

Fit & Sizing

The Super Puff offers a slim, more contemporary fit. It runs true to size but is meant to contour to the body for a sleek look, making it great for those who dislike the oversized feel of traditional puffers. It feels less "puffy" while still delivering on warmth.

The North Face Nuptse is known for its relaxed and boxy silhouette. This design is intentional, allowing for maximum freedom of movement and the ability to comfortably layer hoodies or thick sweaters underneath. If you prefer a looser, more casual fit, The North Face is a clear winner.

Price & Value

Both jackets sit at a similar price point, typically retailing between $250 and $300 for their core models. The value proposition is just different. With Aritzia, the value is in its style - you're getting a jacket that is incredibly on-trend and functions as a key fashion piece. With The North Face, the value is in its durability and technical performance, this is a jacket that can last a decade and handle more demanding conditions, making it a great long-term investment.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both jackets offer fantastic warmth, but they're built for entirely different customers and priorities.

Choose the Aritzia Super Puff if:

• Your number one priority is a stylish, fashion-forward winter coat.
• You live in a city and your winter activities mainly consist of commuting and social outings.
• You prefer a slimmer, more tailored silhouette over a boxy fit.
• You love having options and want to choose from dozens of unique colors and finishes.

Choose The North Face jacket if:

• You need a highly durable, rugged jacket that will last for many seasons.
• You prioritize maximum warmth and performance for truly cold or snowy winter weather.
• You want a versatile jacket that works for both city streets and light outdoor adventures.
• You prefer a classic, relaxed fit that's comfortable for layering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Aritzia Super Puff and The North Face Nuptse?

The primary difference is style versus performance. The Super Puff is a fashion piece designed for urban warmth with a sleek fit. The Nuptse is a performance piece with a rugged, boxy design built for durable warmth in more demanding conditions.

Which jacket is warmer?

Both are very warm and use similar 700+ fill-power down. Aritzia officially rates some Super Puff models for temperatures down to -30°C / -22°F. The North Face jackets are engineered for extreme conditions and may feel more protective in windy or snowy weather due to their more robust construction.

Is the Aritzia Super Puff waterproof?

No, the Aritzia Super Puff is water-resistant and wind-resistant. It can handle light snow or drizzle just fine, but it is not designed for heavy rain or prolonged exposure to wet conditions.

How does the sizing compare?

The Super Puff has a slim, true-to-size fit designed for a modern silhouette. The North Face Nuptse has a relaxed, boxy fit, some people choose to size down if they want a less oversized look, but its intended fit is loose.

Is The North Face worth the money?

Yes, if you value durability and performance. Its high-quality construction and materials mean it often lasts for many years, making it a solid long-term investment for a reliable winter coat.

Which is better for very cold winters?

Both can handle very cold winters. However, for consistently harsh, windy, and snowy climates, The North Face is generally the more practical choice due to its rugged materials and performance-focused design.

Can you wash an Aritzia Super Puff?

Yes, Aritzia recommends machine-washing a Super Puff on a gentle, cold cycle with mild detergent and then tumble-drying on low with tennis balls to help re-fluff the down.

Which brand is more sustainable?

The North Face has a longer and more public track record with sustainability, heavily utilizing recycled materials and promoting product repair. Aritzia is making progress in this area and is working toward transparency, but The North Face has established itself as an industry leader in sustainability.