Image Source: Woolrich John Rich & Bros/Facebook
Whether you’re making your way through the city on a freezing, slushy day or leaving town for a weekend getaway to a ski resort, a parka is an absolute accessory when tackling inclement weather. How effective are parkas? The Caribou Inuit invented this hooded coat, which is often lined with fur or fake fur, to help protect them from the blistering Arctic climate of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Parkas have also been used by military forces and researchers in Antarctica throughout the decades to protect from frostbite. So, we think that a parka can definitely help the modern man stay warm and dry while going to and from work.
If there’s one serious concern about parkas, it’s that they are not the most stylish of coats. But, are there many other options? There are just certain days when we need something more than a topcoat. Fortunately, many clothing companies have taken notice and have been designing some really incredible parkas. Not only will they effectively help you fight back against nature, they also look great – even with suits if the parka is a neutral color and longer than your suit jacket.
With so many parkas out there, we’ve decided to help you narrow down your quest with these 10 amazing parka selections.
10. J. Crew Falmouth Parka
Based off of a vintage military parka, this Sherpa-lined jacket comes in a Deep Fatigue color. A nice addition to your winter weather gear. It’s yours for $398.
9. L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for a quality parka. This popular parka features a TEK2 shell for complete waterproof protection from snow, sleet and rain, PrimaLoft insulation to prevent bulk and an insulated hood, fleece neck warmer, tricot torso liner and internal fleece cuffs to lock out the cold. On sale for $169.
8. Schott N.Y.C. Wax Coated Cotton Appalachia Parka
This Khaki-colored parka from an “American Original” features a hood, leather front and back yokes, wool blend plaid lining, four cargo pockets, two side entry pockets, Nylon, quilted Kicker and zip front closure with snap placket. Besides looking sharp, it should keep you warm from the elements. On sale at Schott N.YC. for $325.
7. The North Face Gotham Jacket
This stylish 550-fill insulated hooded jacket is perfect for keeping you warm during the daily commute. The exterior is woven from HyVent® for a waterproof and breathable option. You can also drop your phone into the internal pocket, loop headphone wires through and you can listen to some music hands-free. It’s available in either Khaki, Charcoal, Navy or Black from $300 to $339.
6. Norse Projects Rokkvi Neoshell
Norse Projects delivers once again with this innovative fishtail parka. This medium length jacket includes Polartec Neoshell® 3-layer outer fabric, and down lining, which just means that it offers protection from the most extreme of elements. It’s also waterproof to up 10,000+ mm. It’s available at the Norse Store for $636 and is in three bold colors: Dusty Yellow, Black and Deep Forest.
5. Napaijri Aike
This Dark Brown selection has your expected features for ultimate warmth: Plain weave, Detachable hood, Four pockets, One inside pocket, Snap-buttons, zip, Drawstring waist, Feather down inner, Stitching, Logo , Fur applications. But, we really just enjoy the overall look of the jacket. Very sporty. It’s on sale for $776.
4. Mountain Hardwear Chillwave Parka
This parka utilizes Airshield Core windproof and breathable technology, which makes it a warm 700F down jacket essential. No matter if you’re making a commute to work, shoveling snow or tackling the ski slopes, this jacket offers ultimate protection and is extremely durable. It’s yours for $415.
3. Canada Goose Chateau Parka
A very interesting parka that is made from the same company known for manufacturing jackets for researchers in the South Pole research facilities. This slick jacket won’t only keep you warm, you’ll look sharp in it as well. It comes in five different colors, Black, Military Green, Navy, Spirit, Ocean, and can be found at The Tannery for $695.
2. Rob Neutrino Batura Jacket
Perhaps not the sharpest-looking parka, but you’ll be thankful for investing in it if you need to battle extreme conditions. This relaxed-fit jacket contains 468g of 800 fill Hydrophobic European goose down and features 2-way YKK front zip with internal insulated zip baffle and external storm flap, 2 YKK zipped chest pockets with external storm flap and 2 YKK AquaGuard® zipped Napoleon pockets. It’s on sale for $360.
1. Woolwich Byrd Cloth Parka
In 1930, Admiral E. Richard Byrd developed the Byrd Cloth fabric. Because of its thickness, the fabric is naturally water-resistant and offers great protection from the cold. The jacket has been reproduced and pays homage to the original Woolwich parka. Not only a clean and slick jacket in either White, Yellow or Orange, but one that is made of 100% cotton waterproof with 80/20 goose down padding. You can pick it up for $1150.
Which one of these parkas do you want to protect you from inclement weather this winter?
[…] If you’re not familiar with Woolwich John Rich & Bros., the company began in 1830 after John Rich II founded the Woolwich Woolen Mills in Pennsylvania. The English immigrant not only manufactured basic wool garments himself, he also traveled to various logging camps selling his products. Over the years, Woolwich became a trusted name for lumberjacks, farmers, the military and even the people working on the Alaskan Pipeline who were in need of garments to protect them from extreme weather conditions. In 1972, the company released the original Arctic Parka, which has become one of the best parkas a man can own. […]
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