The parka is a style icon. The wool overcoat is the winter classic. However, the parka is versatile. What other top layer has Inuits used to protect their suits from the Arctic breezes?
The original parka was made of caribou skin or seal skin. Since then, it has been redesigned in many ways. First, there were cotton-sateen blends that protected the U.S. Army, but later, tailored versions made from cashmere blends.
There are many options today – you can choose from lightweight, unlined designs that keep the rain away while also providing warmth or traditional fleece-lined designs that fit like a furnace. Are you still unsure which winter coat you should invest in this year? You may have found your answer.
What is a PARKA?
The parka is a piece of clothing that has seen a remarkable transformation. The parka is an age-old staple of outerwear. It’s a long, hooded jacket that protects from the rain and cold but comes in only a few forms. Like many other popular garments, the parka rose to prominence in the 21st century through its extensive use in the army, especially in the American armed forces.
THE PARKA IN FASHION
It has not been easy for the parka to break into luxury fashion. The parka’s low ranking on the list of fashionable outerwear was due to menswear’s emphasis on sophisticated, tailored pieces in the last decade. This old faithful is now back in the spotlight thanks to the popularity of streetwear, nineties fashion, and oversized silhouettes.
PARKA COAT VERSIONS
M-51 ‘FISHTAIL’
Original fishtail parka. They were originally made from wind-resistant nylon or olive drab-colored cotton. For added warmth, you can attach a wool-pile liner to the bottom.
ARCTIC PARKA
This parka is the warmest. Although they may vary in style, all arctic-style parkas can be traced back to the N-3B parka issued by the U.S. Air Force, which was designed for soldiers stationed at extremely cold locations. This design is also known as the “snorkel” parka. It was fur-lined for warmth and had a small opening when zipped up.
PARKA TAILORED
The tailored parka is a spin-off from the M-51. It can be worn with smarter clothes and as a finishing layer to a suit. To allow for greater versatility, silhouettes will be trimmed down and any extra details removed.
A great alternative to the rain mac, a tailored coat is a perfect everyday coat for winter. These parkas are often made in luxurious fabrics, such as cashmere and merino wool.
PARKA JACKETS: THE BEST RANDS
CANADA GOES
Canada Goose has been supplying cold-weather gear to the Canadian police and military forces for many years. It is a reliable source for some of the warmest coats available. Canada Goose’s venture into fashion was equally successful. Long-running collaborations with Drake’s October’s Very Own have solidified its street-style appeal.
WOOLRICH
Woolrich has the best technical parkas, which are equally fashionable. American brand Woolrich uses the finest fabrics from Italy to make its coats. Loro Piana’s waterproof Storm System is often featured in the coats. The classic designs are also hard to beat.
UNIQLO
Uniqlo can provide you with the clothing you need, no matter what type of clothing. Uniqlo is no exception when it comes to parkas. The high-street giant makes a variety of styles, from padded artic jackets to classic olive drab fishtail parkas with Blocktech fabrics. They also offer great value for money.
ARC’TERYX
It’s not surprising that Canada is home to one of the world’s most renowned outdoor clothing brands. Arc’teryx is a specialist in high-tech outerwear and mountain gear. Their parkas are especially helpful for those who want to keep warm and dry in the coldest conditions. The morning commute.
