Introduction
You might have seen parkas on the streets in winter or in movies where they’re worn in cold, arctic conditions. From dressy to hybrid parkas, it’s amazing how these jackets have evolved to become one of the most popular options for winter wear. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about parkas – their origins, features, styles, and their unexpected uses.
A Guide to Understanding the Classic Parka: Origins, Features, and Styles
A parka jacket is a knee-length, often hooded jacket, with a fur or faux-fur trim surrounding the hood, that was originally created for military personnel stationed in harsh, cold climates. It has become one of the most popular jacket styles used for everyday wear. The parka has gone through many transitions since it was first invented and its features, styles, and purpose have all changed along the way.
The parka jacket we know today was created by a British explorer called George W. Debenham. During his expedition to the South Pole in 1910, he realized that military jackets were not warm enough to withstand the Antarctic temperatures. That’s when he designed the first-ever parka for expeditions, which was dubbed, “the Snorkel Parka.” From there on, it quickly became popular with military personnel in cold weather areas.
The modern parka jacket focuses on functionality and protection from harsh conditions. Its features include top-of-the-line insulation and a fur or faux-fur lined hood that can be adjusted to keep the face warm. Some parkas come with additional features such as Gore-Tex, a waterproof and breathable fabric, a number of outer and inner pockets, and more.
There are different styles of parkas available in the market, but the classic style features a zippered front and has a drawstring waist and hem. Some popular styles include military parkas, which are simple and have a vintage look, and the fashion parka, which often has more luxurious fabrics and embellishments.
However, regardless of their style, all parkas have one thing in common – they serve a critical function for the wearer.
Top 10 Best Parkas for Winter: A Comprehensive Review
Winter can be particularly hard, but with the right parka, you can make it more comfortable and enjoyable. When looking for a parka, keep in mind the features you need. Price is another factor to consider when looking for a high-quality jacket. Below are some of the top 10 parkas that have great customer reviews, various features, and a range of prices that might suit your budget.
1. Canada Goose Women’s Expedition Parka:This parka is designed to withstand the coldest of climates and is one of the most reputable parkas in the market. It features a fur ruff around the hood and a duck-down insulation to keep you warm even in sub-zero temperatures
2. Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket:A versatile parka that’s perfect for everyday wear. It offers great insulation, is waterproof, and features a synthetic lining for extra warmth.
3. Marmot Men’s Fordham Jacket:This parka is made with a waterproof and windproof fabric making it suitable for extreme weather conditions. Despite its outdoorsy look, it has a slim fit design and will keep you warm while looking stylish.
4. Helly Hansen Men’s Alpha 3.0 Jacket:This jacket blocks out the harshest of winds and has a high-quality insulation. Its Helly Tech fabric is light, breathable, and waterproof.
5. Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka:Its versatile design makes it an excellent option for those who like to mix fashion and functionality. It’s made with a waterproof and insulated fabric, and it comes with a removable liner, making it ideal for layering as well.
6. North Face McMurdo Men’s Parka:This parka is waterproof, has ample insulation, and an adjustable hood. It also has a lot of internal pockets making it perfect for storage, a must-have feature for people who like keeping their essentials close at hand.
7. Canada Goose Men’s Chilliwack Bomber Jacket:This parka is a more stylish option with slim-fit details and a fur-trimmed hood. It’s not just a good-looking jacket, but it also has a lot of features such as a water-resistant finish and adjustable cuffs.
8. Carhartt Men’s Arctic Quilt Lined Yukon Coat:This durable coat is made with Carhartt’s signature sandstone duck fabric and is designed to last for years. It is quilted with a nylon lining and is great for tough work environments as it offers great mobility and protection from the elements.
9. Woolrich Men’s Arctic Parka:This parka features an anti-drip coating and waterproof fabric making it perfect for extreme conditions. It has a classic design and comes in a range of colors that you can choose from.
10. Canada Goose Women’s Victoria Parka:This parka is a stylish option with a slim-fit design and is perfect for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding. It’s made with thermal insulation and has a drawcord waistband to keep you warm and comfortable.
Price is a significant consideration when purchasing parkas, and the prices for the above jackets may vary. Regardless, they have excellent value for their price.
History and Evolution of the Parka Jacket: From Antarctic Expeditions to Streetwear
Parkas were created to provide warmth and protection, but as a versatile piece of clothing, they’ve found their way into streetwear fashion markets too. The parka has come a long way from its original expedition beginnings, and today it has become a fashion statement for many people around the world.
After its creation, the parka was adapted into military clothing. Soldiers have always needed jackets that provide protection from wind, rain, and snow while allowing for ease of movement. The parka fulfilled all of these requirements, and it quickly became standard issue in the military.
From the military, the parka was adopted by mods and rockers – two subcultures which originated in Britain during the 1960s. They were most often found in parkers with contrasting colors, such as bright orange on the inside or fur-lined hoods. In the 1990s, parkas made an appearance once again with the Oasis brothers, who fully adopted the mod and rocker subcultures. The subculture has now transpired into the mainstream fashion industry, and parkas are now available in a range of colors and styles.
Today, you can find parkas made out of a variety of materials and colors, and they are popular among different age demographics – the young generation and the older generation can wear them comfortably. The parka has truly transcended different fashion eras, making it an evergreen jacket that people will always love.
Everything You Need to Know Before Investing in a Parka: Materials, Care, and Choosing the Right Fit
When it comes to investing in parkas, you should consider several aspects such as the material, the fit, and how to take care of it. The first thing you should know is that parkas are designed to last long, so if you decide to buy one, it should be viewed as an investment.
Parkas come in different materials, and depending on the environment where you plan to wear it, this will be an important factor to consider. Synthetic parkas are incredibly warm and lightweight, and are great for everyday wear. On the other hand, down parkas are warmer and provide more insulation on the coldest days. If you’re looking for something sturdy, you may consider a canvas parka, which is great for long-term use outdoors.
When it comes to taking care of your parka, there are several tips to follow. Firstly, try not to wash it too often as this can strip away its waterproofing or insulation. Always check the care instructions as this information will advise if your jacket is machine washable or needs to be hand washed. If it requires dry cleaning, take the jacket to a professional cleaner. Maintaining the lining of the hood and sleeves can help preserve the parka as they can provide extra insulation. You may also want to invest in a water repellent spray to maintain its waterproofing.
As for the fit, it’s important to choose one that will suit your needs. If you’re always on the move, then a form-fitting one might be your best choice. If you’re looking for more flexibility or want to wear it over layers, you might consider getting a size bigger. Lastly, if you are going to wear a parka over a suit or dress, you might want to consider a dressy parka that will offer a fitted silhouette and elevate your style game.
Unexpected Uses for Your Parka Jacket: From Camping to Festival-Going
Parkas have come a long way since their military beginnings and are now used in various outdoor activities. Camping is one of the most common activities in which parkas are used, thanks to their durable and insulated construction.
Parkas are also useful for festival-goers. They provide excellent protection against bad weather and keep you warm and cozy throughout the festival. Additionally, they offer a different style to more traditional outdoor clothing options such as hoodies and windbreakers, and can be used as a statement piece.
If fashion is your thing, you may be interested to know that parkas can be worn with many different outfits. From casual jeans and sneakers to formal clothing, the parka can elevate your style game and can be a fashion statement during winter.
Conclusion
Parkas have evolved from being strictly utilitarian garments used by military personnel and into everyday wear jackets with different styles, materials, and designs. The classic parka remains a popular choice even after more than a century of its creation, and it has proven its functionality in harsh weather climates. It is the perfect blend of fashion and function, and the range of choices available will suit almost anyone’s needs. Whether you’re going camping, attending a festival, or looking for everyday wear during winter, the parka jacket will have you covered. Investing in a high-quality parka that meets your needs, choosing the right fit, and taking care of it is an investment that will last for years.