❄️ A Puffer That Won’t Quit—Or Should It?
In an era where trends vanish faster than a TikTok soundbite, The North Face’s 1996 Nuptse Jacket keeps making a loud, oversized return—every fall, every street corner, and every Instagram grid. But in 2025, does this puffer still deserve the hype? Or are we clinging to nostalgia too tightly? Let’s unpack the padded legacy of the Nuptse and see if it still earns its stripes.
🔍 Flashback: The Origin of the OG Puffer
First released in—you guessed it—1996, the Nuptse was designed for mountaineers. Its boxy silhouette and oversized baffles were more about survival than style. But fast forward to the 2020s, and Gen Z turned it into a streetwear staple. Vintage vibes, bold logos, and that unmistakable puff? Instant aesthetic.
Today’s Nuptse Reissue brings back the same silhouette, complete with 700-fill down insulation, a stowable hood, and a water-repellent finish. It’s retro by design but made for now.
🆚 Nuptse vs. 2025’s New Puffers
Let’s be real—puffer competition in 2025 is fierce. Brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and even luxury labels like Prada are all stepping into the quilted arena. Compared to newer options:
✔️ Pros:
- Iconic streetwear status
- Tried-and-tested warmth (especially in 700-fill down)
- Recycled materials in newer versions = eco upgrade
- Foldable hood adds practicality
✖️ Cons:
- Boxy fit isn’t for everyone (can feel bulky)
- Price has inflated with its popularity
- Doesn’t pack down as small as modern tech-jackets
- Too common? Some argue it’s “basic” now
💸 Price Tag Check: Worth It?
Retailing around $320, the Nuptse sits in the middle of the puffer price pyramid. While cheaper options exist, few offer the mix of legacy, durability, and versatility. Plus, secondhand resale markets (like Grailed and Depop) are loaded with Nuptses—proof it holds value.
🧵 Fabric & Feel: Comfort Meets Rugged
Despite its retro appeal, the 2025 version doesn’t feel like a museum piece. The water-resistant ripstop shell holds up to real weather, and the down fill keeps you warm without roasting. The fit remains unisex, but the oversized cut favors layering and that coveted “effortless” look.
♻️ Eco Cred: Better Than Before
In a fashion world more conscious than ever, The North Face stepped up. The latest Nuptse Reissue uses recycled nylon and Responsible Down Standard-certified fill. It’s not fully circular, but it’s more mindful than many puffers on the market.
📸 Social Proof: Still Trending?
Hop on TikTok, and you’ll still see the Nuptse in campus vlogs, thrift hauls, and “what I wear in NYC” reels. Celebs like Bella Hadid and A$AP Rocky made it a fashion staple early on, and it hasn’t lost steam. In fact, its staying power might be what makes it cool—it doesn’t chase trends, it is the trend.
🛍️ Should You Buy It in 2025?
Buy it if:
- You want a jacket that blends function with streetwear cred.
- You love retro fashion with real performance.
- You live in a place with actual winters.
Skip it if:
- You prefer minimalist silhouettes.
- You want something ultra-light or packable.
- You’re aiming for rare/underground pieces.
📦 Final Verdict: Still Got It (But It’s No Longer Niche)
The 1996 Nuptse Reissue walks the line between function and fashion like few jackets can. Yes, it’s everywhere—but that’s also why it’s earned a spot in the fashion hall of fame. For those chasing timeless winter style, it’s still one of the best puffers you can throw on. Just know, you won’t be the only one wearing it.
🧥 Trend Rating: 9/10
🔥 Warmth: 8.5/10
♻️ Sustainability: 7.5/10
💰 Value for Money: 8/10
📸 Street Style Cred: 10/10
Still iconic—and still warm.