The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BOUFFANT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
O
U
F
F
A
N
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Puffed out" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case puffed out = bouffant.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BOUFFANT mean?
BOUFFANT noun- A popular hairstyle in the mid-to-late 16th century, nowadays common with poodles.
- Of hair or clothing, full-bodied or puffy; puffed out away from head or body.