The parka is a go-to in winter as it’s waterproof, great for layering, and provides additional length for those frosty temperatures. However, it wasn’t always a staple of men’s wardrobes. Initially, the US Army wore these jackets to face the unforgiving cold Korean winters.
However, since then, the parka rose to prominence in the 60s before disappearing and then returning in the 90s. Different subcultures began embracing the jacket, and then suddenly, it hit the mainstream, with everyone owning this trendy piece of vintage outerwear.
Today, there are so many different styles of the best parkas. You can choose ones that offer PrimaLoft insulation, ones with fleece-lining, or even a parka with adjustable cuffs. If you want the best parka that’s great for outdoor exploration, make sure you go with a parka that has windproof materials, is lightweight, and has a breathable membrane. However, if you’re looking for a jacket that will keep you warm in the coldest weather conditions, opt for waterproof materials and zippers, a detachable hood, built-in insulation, and hand pocket warmers.
Men’s parka FAQs
Are parkas waterproof?
Most parka jackets are indeed waterproof, however, there are a few out there that are only water and wind-resistant; so if you're after a parka for wet weather, make sure you opt for a parka that clearly states it offers a waterproof finish.
How do I style a parka jacket?
The good thing about parkas is they're incredibly versatile and can adapt to many different looks. For a trendy look, you may want to pair your parka with skinny jeans or slim jeans and a pair of casual boots or white sneakers. Parkas are great for layering, so feel free to throw on a jumper and scarf over the top as well for optimal warmth.
What's the difference between a parka and a puffer jacket?
A parka is a heavier-weight warm waterproof and windproof jacket, usually with a detachable fur hood, whereas a puffer is a lightweight waterproof jacket that has a very puffy look; hence its name.
You May Also Like:
With so many options available, it’s a tough choice to choosing the best parka for you. However, to help you make this decision, we’ve selected a few brands producing the best parkas guaranteed to keep you warm and dry in a range of weather conditions. These winter parkas will not only offer ultimate protection but will keep you looking stylish all season long.
Woolrich
1/19Price: From $690
Sizes: S-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “The jacket looks really nice when wearing it. Feels very comfy, very warm never felt cold once.”
Woolrich is an American’s clothing brand founded in 1830 by John Rich. Woolrich deems itself as “The original outdoor clothing company” as they have produced high-quality outdoor garments and apparel for over 190 years. Their clothing is incredibly warm thanks to Woolrich’s fine crafting and innovative wool, which has also been provided to US soldiers as they offer premium insulation.
Woolrich has a range of parkas available, from jackets with removable faux fur to parkas high neck parkas providing additional coverage; they have it all. Many of these jackets are wind and waterproof while also featuring handwarmer pockets and concealed ribbed cuffs, ensuring to keep the cold out.
Smartwool
2/19Price: From $140
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Great looking jacket! My 4th color and I couldn’t be happier! Getting compliments on it already!”
Smartwool is a team of outdoor enthusiasts who design clothing inspired to get you moving and exploring. Smartwool began in 1994 after its founders began manufacturing socks that would help you ski longer without your feet getting cold. They were the first company to develop Merino wool socks, revolutionising the ski and snowboard industry. Still to this day, they use Merino wool in many of its designs as the fabric is performance-enhancing, moisture-managing and sustainable.
Smartwool offer parkas and wool jackets, guaranteed to keep you warm in the coldest temperatures. These parkas come with hand pockets with zippers, built-in insulation with a water-resistant finish. Also, jackets are incredibly lightweight, so you can move freely without feeling restricted.
Outerknown
3/19Price: From $373
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “It’s the right weight for Fall and Spring (maybe even early winger depending on where you live) and has the classic M65 silhouette. If you’re on the fence about it, it’s well worth the purchase.”
In 2015, surfing legend Kelly Slater and creative director John Moore joined forces to create a sustainable lifestyle and sportswear brand committed to serving athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and the planet. Their pioneering designs redefine how the industry looks at sustainable clothing as Outerknown has found a way to responsibly source materials and fabrics without compromising quality.
If you’re looking for a brand making a difference, check out Outerknown’s collection of parkas as jackets are made from recycled polyester, hemp and organic cotton. These jackets are also highly functional as they come with multiple utility pockets, so you can safely store all your belongings.
Saturdays NYC
4/19Price: From $425
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “It’s got a great thick fabric that is very breathable, and dries really quickly after getting out of the water.”
With New York serving some of the iciest temperatures, you know Saturdays NYC designs will keep you warm no matter how cold the weather gets. The company was launched in 2009 and opened on a quiet street in SoHo. Since then, Saturdays NYC has grown from a small, humble business to a global lifestyle brand known for creating classic and timeless pieces.
Saturdays NYC are creating some of the best parkas available in various colours and prints. Their parkas are a relaxed fit that includes detachable hoods and adjustable sleeve openings. These winter jackets also feature a water-resistant finish, helping you combat wet, rainy days.
Aether
5/19Price: From $595
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Completely seam sealed, the Stealth Snow Jacket is waterproof and wind resistant, making it ideal for taking on the mountain this winter.”
Palmer West and Jonah Smith founded Aether in 2009 after spotting a gap in the outdoor apparel market. West and Smith wanted to create clothing that was highly functional and versatile. Apparel that blended effortlessly into the city but could also withstand the cold of the outdoors.
You can’t go wrong with their parkas as they offer both insulated and non-insulated outerwear, suitable for every weather condition. Aether also offers jackets that are water and wind-resistant with stretchy materials. These jackets are great for more vigorous outdoor activities as they’re easy to move in.
Relwen
6/19Price: From $268
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Was unsure what to expect with this jacket, but it surpassed our expectations in styling and performance. Worth every penny!”
Relwen clothes are designed to be durable, functional and comfortable. If you’re looking for a parka that ticks every box, Relwen has you covered. The American clothing brand constantly strives to make rugged and tough clothes built to last a lifetime. Relwen is influenced by the field, farms and great lakes of Ohio and Michigan.
These jackets were made for an expedition in the cold as they offer great comfort and warmth. Relwen parkas have a shell and lining quilt-stitched together and are sewn as one piece, keeping the heat trapped inside while the cold stays out. Also, these jackets are a relaxed fit, perfect for layering.
Canada Goose
7/19Price: From $950
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Weighs light enough for most outdoors, travels, and everyday use. Warm enough to skip other layers of clothing. Loved this jacket.”
Launching in a small warehouse, Canada Goose founder Sam Tick started creating a collection of woollen vests, raincoats, and snowmobile suits. However, despite its humble beginnings, Canada Goose has become a famous brand creating some of the world’s finest luxury apparel for the past 60 years.
These parkas feature a slimmed-down design perfect for urban exploration. Canada Goose outerwear also feels like a customised fit as they feature adjustable cuffs and drawcord, so you can alter the parka to feel as loose or as snug as you want. Canada Goose’s winter parkas also come with an interchangeable hood.
Icebreaker
8/19Price: From $1,395
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Excellent product. Light, yet warm. Fit really good too. Looks great.”
Icebreaker was created by 24-year old Jeremy Moon, whose aim was to design the perfect garments for the outdoors. Icebreaker was one of the first companies to establish a long term partnership with Merino wool growers, helping Icebreakers to source their materials sustainably.
This Merino based apparel has some of the most impressive parkas that are guaranteed to keep you warm and dry all winter long. Choose from heavyweight, mid-weight and hooded styles to pair with different layers. These winter garments also come with MerinoLoft, providing effective insulation sourced from recycled materials.
Rossignol
9/19Price: From $275
Sizes: XS-4XL
Customer Reviews: “Jacket is a waterproof winter jacket with a surprising sense of style. Cool and modern.”
Founded by Abel Rossignol in 1907, Rossignol has pioneered the industry for over 100 years. The French manufacturer of alpine, winter and Nordic equipment was even one of the first companies to produce plastic skis. Since then, the brand has expanded to create all types of winter apparel that’s performance-enhancing and protective.
Make sure you check out Rossignol’s range of men’s parkas, as jackets offer a high level of heat retention. These jackets come with adjustable hoods, cuffs, and insulated padding that keeps you warm and dry. These jackets have a highly breathable membrane allowing you to move with ease. They’re available in varying lengths too.
Arc'teryx
10/19Price: From $500
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “You won’t regret this. The jacket feels like top level quality (I really like the density of the insulation)”
Founded on the idea that “there is always a better way”, Arc’teryx has strived to create quality winter clothing and equipment. With the Coast Mountains serving as both inspiration and a testing ground to the brand, its gear will have you prepped for the coldest winters. Arc’teryx is also one of the only clothing manufacturers with independent manufacturing facilities, where they treat their design centres like an engineering lab. Arc’teryx designs feature the most advanced technology.
Arc’teryx parkas feature Gore-Tex tech, which provides water and wind protection. Also, these designs extend below the thigh, offering exceptional warmth while its hood is adjustable. They also come with gaskets at the neck and cuff to keep heat in and the cold sealed out.
Columbia
11/19Price: From $200
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Comfy, warm, good-looking jacket with high collar, sturdy zipper, zippered pockets, nice colour.”
Columbia is an industry leader when it comes to winter clothing and apparel. Made up of a team who love the outdoors, this brand is highly passionate about creating fashion featuring cutting edge technology, inspiring people to explore beyond their comfort zones.
Columbia has a diverse range of outerwear available as they have everything from rugged, long parkas to thermal reflective, highly insulated parkas. These are some of the most well-constructed parkas, as they will combat the most unforgiving weather conditions. Whether you’re hiking up frosty mountains or camping in the cold, Columbia jackets, offer the best protection.
The North Face
12/19Price: From $450
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “Lightweight soft comfortable breathable jacket as the description says blocks on the frost and wind highly recommended.”
Named after the coldest, unforgiving side of the mountain, The North Face is a sure thing when searching for the world’s best winter and snow brands. The North Face is a highly popular brand that has everything. Their outerwear, boots and bindings, sleeping bag, footwear, and accessories all have insulating properties installed guaranteed to keep you warm in the coldest of winters.
The North Face are committed to developing environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Dedicated to improving animal welfare, many of its products are Responsible Down Standard certified too. If you want to invest in a high-quality brand while reducing your carbon footprint, delve into The North Face’s range.
The North Face has parkas that come with 100% recycled insulation that are a relaxed fit. These jackets are highly fashionable and versatile, as they are suitable for snow and streetwear apparel.
Kathmandu
13/19Price: From $279
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “This Parker not only looks good, it has great features that see me wishing for cool weather so that I can wear.”
Kathmandu is a leading global outdoor and lifestyle brand that began over 30 years ago with a vision to create inspiring apparel for exploration. Today, the company honours that vision as they continue to improve the well-being of its customers by motivating them to get outside.
Kathmandu’s Creede Men’s Parka is classic and timeless. It offers insulated warmth with a mountain heritage look, you’ll also love the Sherpa fleece lining and the long length of this parka. If you want ultimate outdoor comfort, the Creede is the best choice for winter apparel as it provides you with optimal protection.
Hugo Boss
14/19Price: From $348
Sizes: 34-48
Customer Reviews: “It had an excellent lining, perfect stitching and a great design.”
Hugo is a German luxury fashion line headquartered in Metzingen, Baden-Württemberg. The company has been an industry leader for almost a century now through their game-changing and fashion-forward designs that are the pinnacle of men’s style.
Hugo Boss offers a diverse collection of parkas in different colours, styles, sizes and prints. These jackets are a relaxed fit and long length, with a water repellent finish, helping you stay dry in the rain. Parkas also come with an adjustable waist and detachable hood, while its embroidered brand logo adds a cool, finishing touch.
Marmot
15/19Price: From $600
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “I’ve been wearing this coat for over 15 years now. Marmot continues to bring us fresh flavors every year.”
Marmot founders Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley initially dabbled in fashion design to avoid their college classes at Santa Cruz. Reynolds and Huntley began makings parkas and sleeping bags in their dorm room and soon launched Marmot Mountain Works. Marmot has always been ahead of the curve – they were even the first company to build Gore-tex into its products.
If you’re looking for an impressive parka providing optimal warmth and comfort, have a look at Marmot’s line of parkas. Marmot parkas include waterproof and breathable fabrics while also offering PrimaLoft, providing ultimate insulation. These jackets also feature taped seams and a storm flap, helping to keep the rain out.
Fjallraven
16/19Price: From $499
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Fits great and like the title says- is very warm! There are a lot of extra pockets that are also really nice. The fabric seems very durable and good quality. I have no doubts this will last me a long time.”
Since its creation in 1960, Fjallraven has been manufacturing the most impressive outdoor clothing and equipment. This brand was born out of one vision: to make nature more accessible to people. The founder of Fjallraven, Ake Nordin grew up hiking on the mountains of Västerbotten. Through his adventures, he began to understand how to create equipment that would adequately serve outdoor enthusiasts.
Fjallraven’s parkas are just one of the ways the company is creating exceptional products as these winter jackets are padded heavily with wool, guaranteed for you to stay warm. Their Synthetic MicroLoft insulation helps trap heat inside. Fjallraven’s parkas are incredibly lightweight yet exceptionally durable.
Mackage
17/19Price: From $895
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Heck yes! I love all my Mackage jackets. They’re definitely worth the hefty investment.”
Eran Elfassy founded Mackage in 1999 after being inspired by his brother’s experience in the leather industry. Today it’s one of the most respected outerwear brands that has crossed over to the mainstream. When Elfassy began his company, his mission was to develop jackets that were both functional and fashionable.
And Mackage’s parkas are just that as they combine the finest materials and fabrics to create game-changing outerwear. Mackage features 2-in-1 parkas that come with a removable hooded bib and insulated pockets. They also offer bomber style parkas if you after a puffy silhouette made to feel a snug fit. These jackets are slightly shorter than the 2-in-1 parkas and offer hood lined fur and double-entry pockets.
Orvis
18/19Price: From $395
Sizes: 32-52
Customer Reviews: “Barbour quality is always assured, but I am still overwhelmed with how perfect this jacket is. I wore it all through the snow with a few layers under, but it is still perfect for light weather and chilly fall and spring days.”
Orvis is an American family-owned business that specialises in fly fishing, hunting and sporting goods. The company was founded in 1856 in Vermont by Charles Orvis. Orvis initially sold fishing tackles but soon expanded his business to offer a more diverse range of men’s sportswear. Orvis prides itself on making quality goods while prioritising customer needs first. Orvis has a rich heritage rooted in a love for the wild and the outdoors.
Orvis’ parkas promise exceptional performance in a wide range of weather conditions. If searching for outerwear that’s durable and easy to move in, Orvis have you covered. Their parkas can withstand the harshest temperatures as they’re waterproof and breathable, allowing moisture to escape. They have stylishly quilted and fleeced lined parkas on offer, perfect for those chilly winter nights. Outerwear is available in multiple colours and sizes, no matter what look you’re after for your winter aesthetic.
J. Crew
19/19Price: From $398
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “I looked at other coats that retail in the thousands and I don’t see how they could be better than this one.”
J. Crew is one of the most well-known clothing brands out there as they’re all about meeting modern design with fabric technology. They have set a global benchmark for their accessible, high-quality products that feature premium fabrics and materials. J.Crew features clothing that’s “classic with a twist”.
If you’re looking for timeless parkas that also have a contemporary touch, check out J. Crew’s range, as they’re offering the most fashionable men’s parkas. These men’s parkas are sure to add a little pop of colour to your wardrobe as they come in so many different shades. Featuring PrimaLoft insulation, J. Crew’s parkas will keep you extremely warm and cosy, while its cotton textile makes it durable for all kinds of harsh weather.
