Bunny Jacket: What It Is, Why Irish Women Wear It, and Where to Find the Best Ones

When people talk about a bunny jacket, a soft, fluffy, often lined outer layer designed for warmth and comfort, commonly worn in cold, damp climates. Also known as fleece jacket or puffer-style coat, it’s not a fashion statement—it’s a survival tool in Ireland’s wet, windy winters. You’ll see them in Galway cafés, on Dublin bus stops, and tucked into shopping bags in Cork. They’re not for show. They’re for staying dry, warm, and sane when the rain won’t stop and the wind cuts through everything else.

The fleece material, a synthetic fabric known for trapping body heat while remaining lightweight and quick-drying is the secret. Unlike thick wool coats that soak up moisture, a good bunny jacket shrugs off dampness and dries fast—perfect for Ireland’s constant drizzle. The hood, a key feature in most Irish bunny jackets, designed to shield the head and neck from wind and rain isn’t optional. It’s non-negotiable. You don’t wear one without a hood. You’d be asking for a headache.

What makes a bunny jacket different from a regular jacket? It’s the softness. Not the kind you feel once and forget. The kind that feels like being hugged by a cloud after a long day. Irish women don’t buy them for style—they buy them because they work. They layer them over sweaters, under waterproof shells, or wear them solo on mild days. They’re the go-to for school runs, vet visits, grocery trips, and post-work walks when the light’s fading and the chill’s creeping in.

You won’t find neon colors or flashy logos. The best ones are in muted olive, deep navy, charcoal, or oatmeal—colors that hide dirt, match everything, and don’t scream for attention in a country where understated practicality is the real trend. Brands like Clarks, Dunnes Stores, and even local Irish makers focus on durability, not trends. A good bunny jacket lasts three winters, not three months.

And yes, they’re worn without socks. Not because it’s cool, but because the inside lining is warm enough on its own. No need for extra bulk. No need to fight with tight cuffs. Just slip it on, zip it up, and step out into the weather like you own it.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of the top 10 bunny jackets. It’s a collection of real stories from Irish women about how they use them—how they’ve turned a simple piece of clothing into a quiet act of self-care in a country that never stops raining. You’ll learn why they’re worn in hospitals, at farm gates, on train platforms, and in pub back rooms. You’ll see how they’ve replaced bulky coats, why they’re the default for postpartum moms, and how one woman in Sligo wore hers for six straight winters until the zipper finally gave out.