Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Parka

Having a parka coat is like having a white T-shirt in the wardrobe. It's that one iconic item everyone should invest in. That is why it is at the centre of our story.

In this post you will find all the questions we have ever been asked about the parka in the hopes to help you find your answer.

Parka explained

What is a parka?

Generally speaking, parkas are longer lined than your average jacket. Due to their longer shape, they successfully trap heat making them a warmer option. A parka is a loose-fitting hooded piece of outerwear that was originally adopted by the Inuit people. It was traditionally made from caribou and sealskins. But today, parkas worn in the non-Inuit community are made from nylon, wool, and polyester/cotton blends then given a water-repellent coating.

When were parka coats invented?

Parkas were invented in prehistoric times by the Inuit people residing near the Arctic Circle. The word anorak, also utilised to name a parka - comes from the Greenlandic word annoraaq, and it did not appear in English until 1924.

When were parkas popular?

Many mods wore ex-military parkas while driving scooters to keep their clothes clean, but what started as practicality became one of the hottest fashion trends of the time. After the war, mods bought military surplus parkas, customising them with patches and badges. Since then, the parka has never really fallen from favour, becoming a true classic.

Different types of parka

The original modern parka was a "snorkel parka", a military coat developed in the United States during the early 1950s. From then on, there have been a few updates, most notably the famed fishtail M-51 parka, the iconic garment adopted by the mods of the 1960s.

What is a fishtail parka?

The fishtail parka, a signature item among the mod subculture, gets its name from the fishtail extension at the back that could be folded up between the legs and fixed using snap connectors to add wind-proofing.

What is a snorkel parka?

A snorkel parka has a hood that can be zipped right up, making it particularly effective in extremely cold and windy weather. During the 1970s–1980s, civilians started to embrace parkas as an everyday urban and trendy item. In Europe, the snorkel parka started to regain momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

How to spot a parka jacket

Key details in a parka jacket are; a hood (often lined with fur or faux fur) a waterproof outer lining, a front zipper and sometimes drawstrings at the waist and cuffs. A parka is warm enough to protect you from the winter weather, and is stuffed with down or very warm synthetic fibre. At Parka, we use recycled PrimaLoft® to insulate our jackets. This is made from post consumer plastic to offer a warm and more sustainable option.

Why is there fur on parka hoods?

Earlier Vietnam-era hoods had genuine fur ruffs; later versions used synthetic furs. The fur trim around the hood works to protect you from the cold wind, as it disrupts the airflow and protects the face from frostbite. We believe nothing should be compromised when creating the perfect product therefore our Parkas are designed with premium quality faux fur.

What colour is best associated with a classic British parka?

The outer lining of parkas were originally made with a DuPont flight silk nylon, in a sage green shade. This then became parkas signature colour, but you can find them now in a wide range of different shades: blue, black, khaki, grey, but even orange, red, yellow. 

How to wear a parka?

As mentioned previously, parkas are a wardrobe staple. Depending on the occasion, a parka will look amazing thrown over a pair of jeans and a knit but will also great for your commute layered over your suit. for a modern office look and an easygoing flair. Neutral colours are perfectly harmonic with parkas signature palette, but you can easily pair them with more vibrant colours. Parkas are an all rounder.

When it's appropriate to wear a parka?

It's appropriate to wear a parka during any of the winter months. Having said that, our spring collection is perfect for the mid-seasons. Lightweight and showerproof with a boxy fits for layering making them the perfect companion for the unpredictable forecast.

How should a parka fit?

A parka should be slightly loose however the shoulders should fit comfortably, and the body should lightly hug your torso. We recommend wearing a jumper when you're trying it on.

Should you size up in parka?

It completely makes sense to! It's always wiser to size up when it comes to outerwear to allow room for layering.

Parka care

A good quality coat will see you through year after year, but only if you care for it properly. It means avoiding harsh detergent, a delicate washing process, regular waterproofing and storing it in a dry place on a coat hanger. 

How to waterproof a parka?

If your parka is not beading on the surface like it used to, but is absorbing water instead, it might be time to re-waterproof it. To do so, take your waterproofing spray and hang the parka on a hanger for even spraying. Spray the product from about 6 inches away, wipe off any excess spray with a damp cloth or microfibre towel, and allow the jacket to air dry.

How to wash parka jacket?

If you need to wash your parka, you can either hand wash it with a gentle cleanser in your sink or use a washing machine. If you opt for a machine, wash the parka in cool water with mild soaps. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners, and do not soak the parka beforehand.

We hope we have answered your questions. If not, please contact us on Instagram or Facebook, we are always happy to help!