An Ode to the Oxford Puffer...

The college puffer jacket is as divisive among Oxford students as the Union, discussions of the best takeaway places, and Marmite. But does it really deserve the comments that its garnered over the course of Hilary? 

If you're a viewer of the TV shows Morse or Lewis, you might be under the impression that Oxford students swoop between tutorials and lectures wearing their long academic gowns, strutting about the town dressed not too differently from Harry Potter's Death Eaters. Contrary to this, the real regalia of the typical student is that of the beloved college puffer jacket; a garment that makes us look not unlike the "Stay Puft marshmallow man from the Ghostbusters films. 

 

To the uninitiated, perhaps now is a good time to explain what a college puffer actually is - black, warm, puffy, as the name suggests - each is very much the same, but is emblazoned with the individual's college crest and initials on either the front or the sleeve. It's a sign of identity, of college pride - "I am from Somerville! From Balliol! From Magdalen!" it exclaims to the fellow puffer-clad individuals also shopping in Magdalen Street's Tesco. Such jackets can be quite expensive - I'm not sure how much other colleges charge, but Somerville's jackets normally range between £50-55 - but others can be cheaper or more expensive. Regardless of college, regardless of our backgrounds, humanities students or STEM, there is one uniting factors behind all of us - chances are, we all have one of these in our wardrobe. 

Myself in my Oxford puffer jacket, taking an impromptu mirror selfie.

 

With this little introduction, it probably comes as quite a surprise to find that the jackets that unite many of us has also been the cause of some division as of late. Oxfess - a mix of Oxford and Confessions, a Facebook forum for students to anonymously confess or share opinions - has been awash with Puffer Jacket Discourse, with there being defences and critiques for the beloved garment. 

 

One in particular, that of #Oxfess11746, highlights that, to the anonymous writer, everyone who wears these jackets is an NPC - or a "non-playable character." This in itself is a rather hurtful accusation - by suggesting this, the author is effectively implying that those who choose to wear them are unable to think for themselves, effectively making them sheep.  Another, #Oxfess12321, highlights that one of the biggest red flags a university student can have is wearing their college merchandise - jackets and all - outside of the Oxford bubble. Some of these takes, to me, seem utterly ridiculous and on occasion, tone-deaf. All of these - notably the NPC comment - are quite ridiculous, and I've been considering several rebuttal arguments for a number of weeks. 

 

First and foremost, these jackets are some of the most practical university stash/attire out there. While I don't go out clubbing himself, there's been many a time that I've taken an impromptu trip to Tesco and come across some unexpected bargains, and not wanting to fork out 10p for a plastic bag I've fully utilised how deep and how big the pockets are. I have also heard about there being an even bigger "pocket", accessible by zip, in the back of the jacket itself - I'm pretty sure, however, that this is just an access to the inner lining rather than a functional pocket. Still, reports have suggested that people still use this feature to carry about alcohol, so make of that information what you will. 

 

Not only can you fit your purse or wallet, BodCard, door keys, lip balms, and all the other essentials in there, but it turns out quite a few tins of soup, biscuits, and various yoghurts too. How many people haven't also taken advantage of the big pocket size when coming back from balls or society dinners too? I can't even begin to remember the times I've walked back to college at the end of a night out, heels in my jacket pockets and comfy shoes on, with a Solomon's in hand. To have heels looped around one hand, with the same hand also trying to eat parts of your late-night takeaway, is a rather tricky art to master. Thankfully, owing to just how practical these jackets are, dropping your food on the floor and getting mayonnaise on your dress is a thing of the past. Not only do these jackets keep us incredibly warm coming back from nights out, but they also make it so much more comfortable for getting back too. 

 

Some commenters even highlighted how they thought it was "cringe" for people to be wearing their puffer jackets outside of the Oxford bubble. For a start; in what exactly are you grounding this argument? At the end of the day, other people shouldn't really judge people for what they want to wear - and college puffer jackets should be no exception to this rule. Who cares if people choose to walk around proudly displaying their Oxford college on their chest? We've all worked hard to be here, and we all have the right to disclose that information if we choose to. Considering how blooming expensive they are too, you'll be damned if you think I'll just be wearing this jacket for the short periods of time that I'm in Oxford. It’s not like these jackets are shrouded in magical abilities that mean they lose their functionality as soon as you These jackets don’t lose their practicality outside of the Oxford bubble, still retaining their handiness. One of my favourite features is the cool hidden inside pocket - perfect for tucking valuables away, something I value when travelling on the Tube or public transport in general. Based on how many times I’ve been navigating my way round the London Tube network and seen a Green Templeton puffer going the other way, or received a wave from someone wearing a Regent’s Park College, I would say that my sentiments about wearing college merch outside of Oxford are shared. 

 

To me, they are the epitome of Oxford fashion – I still remember envying the Somerville helper taking me to one of my interviews, and eyeing up her college puffer wondering if I myself would own my own one soon. Looking past sub fusc gowns and matriculation attire – the official dress of all university students - they are the only form of uniting dress that everyone can wear in an informal sense. Unless dressing up in a little gown and a slightly awkward hat is your niche; in that case, fair play.

 

Not everyone can afford to fork out £270 for a North Face puffer jacket or one from a similar designer brand. For the most part, it’s much easier to attain a college puffer – it’s the same effect and the same level of warmth, but at a fraction of the cost. Personalisation is even included – and what’s not to love about that?

 

I don’t think we’ll be saying goodbye to these beloved items of clothing just yet, even if many of us might be packing them away come the sweltering summer months. My choice in jackets doesn't make men a background character, or mean that I'm a sheep that follows the crowd. I'm not entrenching your belief that people who wear these jackets "just contribute to being another cog in the vacuous Oxford machine" every time I wear it to nip out for some milk or for a G&D's. Most of us view them as being the most versatile garment we own, whether we choose to wear them out of Oxford or not. In short, we should embrace the college puffer jackets; and long may they continue!