British retailer Next has launched a revolutionary winter coat that's causing a stir in the fashion world, offering designer-quality features at a fraction of the price.
The Two-in-One Winter Essential
The Pink Check Short Padded Coat, priced at just £65, features an ingenious design with completely detachable sleeves. This clever detail transforms the garment from a full puffer jacket into a stylish gilet, providing wearers with two wardrobe essentials in one purchase.
Fashion writer Eve Rowlands, who tested the coat during a recent shopping trip, reported that the jacket provides exceptional warmth. "Having tried it on during a recent trip to town, I was rapidly toasty when inside," she noted, suggesting it would perform equally well in colder outdoor conditions.
How It Compares to Designer Alternatives
The Next creation bears striking resemblance to Damson Madder's popular Jennifer check puffer, which retails for £125 - nearly double the price. Both coats feature the detachable sleeve design and check patterns, though they differ in some details.
While the Damson Madder version comes in a brown and white colourway with signature DM embroidery and includes an internal pocket, the Next alternative offers its own advantages. The Next coat features a similar popper placket and zip fastening, with a neckline that extends all the way to the chin for maximum protection against wind and cold.
Style Options and Practical Features
Shoppers have multiple pattern choices beyond the pink check design, including:
- Blue check pattern
- Burgundy red tapestry print
The coat boasts a relatively oversized fit, making it ideal for layering over jumpers during the coldest months. Available in sizes from XS to XL, it caters to a wide range of body types while adding a playful element to winter outfits.
Despite its many strengths, the coat does lack some features that might appeal to British shoppers. "The one thing I would have liked it to have is maybe a detachable hood," Rowlands commented, noting that this would provide better protection against the UK's frequent rainy spells.
For those seeking hooded alternatives, Marks and Spencer's Thermowarmth™ Hooded Puffer Jacket currently offers 20% off and has earned a 4.8-star rating from shoppers who praise its performance in torrential rain.
The launch demonstrates Next's continued elevation in the fashion market, with the retailer consistently delivering pieces that combine style, innovation and affordability while rivalling much more expensive designer alternatives.
