There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.
On Trial: The Allbirds Trino Puffer Jacket
The Tester: Zarah Kavarana, aspiring sustainable shopper and Allbirds enthusiast
The Brief: Allbirds’ footwear-centric approach has shifted after four years of exclusively selling sustainable sneakers and slip-ons, with the brand launching its comfortable and eco-conscious underwear collection in June.
But Allbirds’ most recent release is what I consider to be its most exciting yet: Its first-ever clothing line, featuring four new apparel pieces that align with the brand's minimalistic and mindful sensibilities. From cozy wool cardigans and sweaters, to a T-shirt that's responsibly sourced from crab shells, all of Allbirds' new stylish staples are worth stocking up on in both men's and women's sizes.
The one item I knew I just had to add to my cold-weather wardrobe was the Trino Puffer Jacket, a carbon-neutral everyday outerwear piece that's made from natural materials, instead of synthetic things.
The shell is composed of an eco-friendly merino wool and Tencel blend, then treated with a fluorine-free Bluesign-certified Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating to keep you equipped for winter's worst elements. A raised merino funnel-neck collar provides a nice buffer against chilly breezes, while the jacket's interior is stuffed with Tencel and recycled polyester — as opposed to a more traditional down fill — so you can stay warm without having to worry about how your choice of outerwear affects animal welfare.
Aesthetically, its clean silhouette is everything you'd expect from Allbirds. The jacket is minimalistic and monochromatic, straight down to an understated circular patch on the right arm that bears the brand's logo. Plump baffles exaggerate its classic puffer style, while strategic top stitching evenly disperses the filling to help keep the look more pared-down and fitted.
It's available in two colors for men and women — charcoal for both, plus natural white for women, and a limited-edition forest shade for men. Sizes range from S to XXL, and in my experience, they run slightly big.
I tested this jacket in various types of weather, including rainy days and nights that dipped just shy of 40 degrees. Its partial wool composition isn't quite as soft as your favorite merino sweater, but it's by no means scratchy, making it a more cool and casual alternative to your traditional wool peacoat.
Its midweight feel felt appropriate for fall temperatures, keeping me warm and cozy, even when temperatures unexpectedly dropped in New York. While this jacket probably isn't best suited for significantly colder regions and seasons, it has plenty of stretch and room underneath to pile on the layers without feeling restricted.
I also found that it held up nicely in heavy rain and kept my top half sufficiently dry, but this jacket surprisingly lacks a hood — an essential for wearing in unpredictable winter weather.
Closing Argument: This classic puffer jacket features a minimalistic, clean design, plus conscious fabrics that are both eco-friendly and insulating. It held up well against precipitation and moderately chilly weather, but its light insulation and lack of a hood make it less suitable for harsh winters. It's a must-add to your circuit of fall fashion staples, with a sustainable approach to outerwear that prioritizes comfort and environmental care.
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