So let’s rectify this!
To me, there’s really only one winter jacket that I like and that looks great on everyone and keeps you nice and warm and that’s a Parka. But not all of them are created equally.
First and foremost, I keep getting asked for a “stylish” winter jacket. Honestly, when you get into crazy cold weather, I think utility should supercede style. That’s not to say parkas aren’t stylish, but no one is going to look at you in your parka and think how amazing an outfit looks.
They’re designed to go over an outfit and be taken off the second you go indoors. So if you really want to look stylish in cold weather, either throw on a fall jacket, overcoat, peacoat and layer, like your life depends on it.
What To look for in a good parka
Length
Depending on your climate and how cold it gets determines how long your parka should be. The longer it is, the colder your climate.
So you would wear a waist or hip-length parka if you were in an area that gets cold, but not crazy snowy.
Or if you were in the tundra, you’d wear a parka that hits your knees, or even past that.
But if you live in a climate that is somewhere in the middle, then go with a parka that hits mid-thigh.
Just don’t be that guy in San Diego wearing a knee length parka – it’s too much and looks weird.
Colors
I love Navy, Black or Olive. Do make sure the material isn’t shiny.
If I had to chose a color, I prefer Navy because it’s a very dark color, like Black, but is easily wearable. Olive is also a great color. Black can sometimes look a bit jarring in such a big jacket. But you can’t really go wrong with any of those colors.
Fit
Make sure your parka fits relatively well. That means the shoulders should fit snugly and the body should lightly hug your torso. When trying on parkas, make sure you’re wearing at least a sweater and shirt underneath so you can ensure it won’t be too tight when actually wearing it. Also make sure to zip up that bad boy in case it feels too tight in the body!
Lining
I prefer a down lining, but synthetic is also acceptable. I always find down to be a little warmer, but as always, your mileage may vary.
Detachable Fur Collar
It’s a convenience thing. So I wouldn’t disqualify a jacket for this reason, but it’s a nice thing to have because it creates a slightly different look, so I like the option whenever possible.
How To Style Your Parka
Even though they’re mostly a utility item and style takes a backseat, I couldn’t help styling a parka outfit for you. One of my favorite parkas is by Parajumpers. They do such a great job with the fit of their jackets. Anyways, I styled it over a grey crewneck sweater, wool trousers, and wingtips. And of course, I threw on a scarf and some gloves.
Parajumpers Navy Harraseeket
Topman Premium Dark Grey Ribbed Slim Fit Sweater
Brooks Brothers Leather Gloves with Black Watch Cuffs
H&M Wool Pants
Brooks Brothers Cashmere Scarf
Allen Edmonds Strand Dress Shoes
Tom Ford Snowdon Sunglasses
The Best Parkas For Men
$1,125 –Parajumpers Navy Harraseeket
A quick note about the parkas below – You really get what you pay for. Even though there’s some budget-friendly options, I wouldn’t consider them even close to the same quality as the other parkas near the middle and top of the list. These really should be investment pieces and the overall cost of ownership will go significantly down per year if you get a high-quality jacket since it’ll last many, many years.
$2,195 – Moncler Rethel Parka (2 colors)
$1,295 – Nobis ‘The Maverick’ (2 colors)
$1,150 – Mackage Edward Hip Length Down Winter Parka with Fur (2 colors)
$1,125 – Parajumpers Harraseeket (Black or Olive)
$1,100 – Canada Goose Balmoral Parka Black Label
$1,095 – Andrew Marc Everest Fur-Trim Hooded Parka, Jet Black
$900 – Canada Goose Chateau Parka w/ Fur Trimmed Hood, Navy
$900 – Theory Jayse Padded Coal Parka
$700 – Arc’teryz Therme Parka (2 colors)
$300 – The North Face Thermoball Triclimate Black Parka
$100 – TopMan Black Short Parka
$100 – TopMan Premium Forest Green Parka
$60 – H&M Padded Parka