Let’s be honest: autumn is complicated. You leave the house in the morning chill, but by midday the sun reminds you that winter has not yet arrived. It is the season of the eternal “¿qué me pongo para no pasar ni frío ni calor?” . For all those who see coats as a nuisance and jackets as something that’s always in excess, there’s a solution that combines style and almost magical functionality: The quilted waistcoat.

This garment, also known as puffer vesthas gone from being a mountain fashion staple to a mainstay of the urban wardrobe. Its genius lies in a very simple principle: it keeps the torso warm, which is where the body most needs to keep warm, while leaving the arms completely free. It’s the perfect layer that keeps you warm without weighing you down, allowing you total freedom of movement.

And it’s not just our perception. The fashion platform Lyst confirms that searches for “chaleco acolchado hombre” emissions soar by an impressive 200% between September and November each year. By 2025, moreover, the trend is towards cut-price models. cropped or slightly shorter, consolidating their status in the streetwear. Right now, at the beginning of September, is the perfect time to get yours.

Why a waistcoat and not another garment? The advantages of the ‘puffer vest’

Beyond aesthetics, the quilted waistcoat is an incredibly smart garment. Here are its main advantages:

• Strategic warmth: Insulate the core of your body, which is the key to maintaining a comfortable thermal sensation throughout your body.

• Libertad total: Ideal for driving, getting around town or simply not feeling trapped in a bulky garment.

• El rey del layering: It’s the ultimate piece for layering looks. It works visually and functionally over almost anything: T-shirts, shirts, jumpers or sweatshirts.

How to wear a quilted waistcoat: 3 looks to get it right every time.

Mastering this garment is easier than it looks. Here are three infallible ideas that demonstrate its versatility and answer the big question: “What’s the best way to wear it? how to combine a quilted waistcoat.

1. El look streetwear con sudadera

This is the quintessential combination and a sure hit. A hooded sweatshirt (hoodie) of thick cotton creates the perfect base. Choose a waistcoat in a contrasting or complementary colour to the sweatshirt for visual impact.

• How to create it: Wear a sweatshirt (with or without a hood), your quilted waistcoat over it, cargo trousers or baggy jeans and retro basketball shoes. This is the look con chaleco hombre that dominates the streets.

2. The smart-casual look with a knitted jumper

Who said the waistcoat is only for casual looks? Paired with the right pieces, it can elevate your style. Choose a lightweight down waistcoat and with a less glossy finish for a more sophisticated touch.

• How to create it: A fine knit jumper (merino wool or cashmere) in a neutral colour, chinos or flannel trousers and Chelsea boots or white leather trainers. The waistcoat, in this case, replaces a blazer or light jacket.

3. The Gorpcore touch with fleece lining

El gorpcore (the trend of wearing mountain clothing in the city) is the waistcoat’s natural habitat. Here the focus is on functionality and hiking-inspired aesthetics.

• How to create it: A technical T-shirt or flannel shirt, a zip-in fleece as a mid-layer and the quilted gilet as an outer layer. Pair with technical trousers and trail running shoes.

The king of the street: The North Face Nuptse waistcoat 1996

If there is one model that epitomises the boom of this garment, it is the chaleco “Retro Nuptse 1996” de The North Face. Inspired by the brand’s iconic jacket, this waistcoat is more than just a warm garment; it’s a cultural symbol.

Its design boxy (square), its oversized quilted panels and shiny fabric are instantly recognisable. Its popularity exploded in the New York hip-hop scene in the 1990s and has only grown since then. The chaleco The North Face is an investment piece that sells out season after season. Its naturally shorter and squarer cut is perfectly aligned with the trend cropped expected by 2025, demonstrating its relevance and its ability to define fashion.

Conclusion: The smart layer your wardrobe needs

The quilted waistcoat is, without a doubt, the half-time joker. It’s the perfect solution for those seeking functionality without sacrificing style, and the answer to autumn’s unpredictable temperature changes. Whether in its more urban, punchy version like the Nuptse or in a lighter, more understated option, this garment allows you to play with layering and build looks with depth and personality.

Now it’s your turn, how do you prefer to wear your waistcoat: with a sweatshirt, a jumper or a more technical look? We’ll read you in the comments!