Our collection of parka jackets will keep you warm and cozy in the chilly winters. Each parka is designed to offer you its signature style along with a hood. The hood is meant to shield you from the chilling winds. We offer parkas for both men and women in various materials, including weatherproof fabric, leather (sheepskin), and suede. You get to enjoy free shipping on all our orders worldwide, along with returns and exchanges within 30 days. If you cannot decide on the size, our Size Guide will show you how to make that decision.
What Is a Parka Jacket?
A parka refers to a fluffy jacket that has a hood with fur trim. It is worn to protect one during cold and windy conditions. Typically, it is longer than the hips and sometimes extends to the thigh or knee region. Its hood is there in order to protect the face from the harsh weather. Its design was first introduced in the Arctic due to the necessity of protection from winds. Parka is a Russian word derived from the Nenets people's language.
Parka vs. Puffer: What Is the Difference?
A parka is an oversized jacket that features a warm and protective hood. A regular jacket, on the other hand, has a length up to the hips. It is ideal for moderate weather conditions. A puffer jacket is a padded jacket, and it can be long or short. A parka will suit you if the weather is windy, snowy, or rainy.
| Feature | Parka Jacket | Regular Jacket | Puffer Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Hip to knee, often thigh length | Waist to hip | Cropped to ankle |
| Hood | Deep hood, often fur trimmed | Optional | Optional |
| Insulation | Heavy lining or down fill | Light or none | Quilted down or synthetic fill |
| Best weather | Freezing wind, snow, and sleet | Mild, cool days | Cold, mostly dry days |
| Style | Utility and street style | Everyday and smart casual | Sporty and casual |
Find Your Parka Style
Men's Parka Jackets
Our men’s parka jackets take inspiration from a military background and have clean, rugged lines. Features such as the wind flaps, cargo pockets, and drawstring waist help to retain heat. The black parka jacket can be paired easily with your jeans, chinos, and even suits. Get yourself the hooded parka jacket that comes with the drawstring adjustment for those windy days. When temperatures aren’t too cold, go for our men’s leather jackets collection.
Women's Parka Jackets
The women’s parka jackets are designed to keep you warm while offering a flattering design. Our styles are carefully designed to ensure that they do not look boxy on you. If you want to buy one for use on a school outing or on the city commute, then opt for the long parka jacket with a faux fur hood. For milder weather conditions, you can explore our women’s leather jackets in cropped and biker cuts.
Leather and Suede Parkas
The leather possesses many more capabilities than any woven fabric, making it ideal for use in cold weather. The leather parka jacket ages well and becomes softer with each winter as you wear it. Lambskin/sheepskin is soft right out of the package, while cowhide offers toughness and rigidity against daily wear and tear. Suede parkas look relaxed, but they are only suitable for use in dry conditions.
Shearling and Fur Lined Parkas
The sheepskin maintains warmth in its thick layer of shearling even during very harsh weather conditions. The fur lined parka is great for maintaining warmth and keeps you cozy during outdoor activities. On the other hand, the faux fur parka jacket is truly classic in its design philosophy while being an economical alternative compared to natural fur jackets.
Fishtail and Snorkel Parkas
The fishtail parka has a long and slit-like hem at the back. It offers an additional layer of protection. The snorkel parka, on the other hand, has a hood that zips up to form a tunnel. It is aimed at offering full face coverage. Both designs share an extensive history in both military and streetwear clothing.
Long Parka Jackets
A long parka jacket stays up to the thigh level. It aims to keep your legs safe from the chilly wind. You should pick a knee-length version if you like walking frequently. A mid-thigh-length one suits those who drive a lot. Tall men usually have the most balanced proportions with long parkas.
How to Choose the Right Parka Jacket
Choosing the right parka depends on a number of factors, including the climate, commuting requirements, and how you would like to layer. A good winter parka jacket should be able to handle the coldest week for full. Always be mindful of the below-mentioned points when choosing one:
- Check the weather: Choose heavy insulation for snow. A light lining is suitable for cold and damp days.
- The length: Thigh-length moves easily with you. Knee-length adds warmth when you walk outside.
- The hood: A full-sized, adjustable parka jacket hood with fur trim blocks wind.
- The outside shell: A waterproof parka jacket needs sealed seams. A water-repellent finish should also be there.
- The front closures: A two-way zipper and a storm flap stop drafts. It also helps while seated.
- The inside lining: A quilted parka jacket traps the body’s natural heat. Stitched pockets do not add much bulk.
Parka Materials Explained
Material is one of the most important factors in deciding how warm, heavy, and weatherproof your parka will feel.
| Material | How It Feels | Best For | Care Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lambskin leather | Soft, light, and smooth | City wear in dry cold | Condition once or twice a year |
| Cowhide leather | Firm, tough, and heavier | Daily wear and strong wind | Wipe clean and condition yearly |
| Suede | Velvety and relaxed | Dry, cool days | Brush often and avoid heavy rain |
| Sheepskin shearling | Dense fleece, very warm | Deep winter cold | Air it out and use a leather specialist |
| Cotton or waxed cotton | Breathable and rugged | Damp autumn days | Rewax waxed cotton each year |
| Nylon or polyester shell | Light and water resistant | Rain and wet snow | Follow the label and wash on gentle |
| Down fill | Light and very warm | Dry, freezing weather | Dry fully so it does not clump |
| Synthetic fill | Warm even when damp | Wet winters | Usually machine washable |
| Faux fur trim | Soft and full | Hood wind shield | Shake out and brush gently |
For more information, our material guide for jackets compares different types of materials, including leather, suede, wool, fleece, and nylon.
How Should a Parka Jacket Fit?
A parka should close easily over a sweater or a light hoodie. Shoulder seams should sit at your shoulder edge or just past it. Sleeves should cover your wrist bone and stay put when you reach forward. Measure your chest over a light top, never over a heavy sweater. For slim fits, or if you layer heavily, choose one size up. Check out our detailed fit guide for your body type before you order one.
How to Style a Parka Jacket
A parka is super-versatile, as it works with far more outfits than most people could think of.
- Weekend casual: You can wear a black parka jacket with a gray sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers (white would be the best choice).
- Smart office: You can layer a navy blue parka over a wool blazer, pants/trousers, and leather boots.
- City chic: You can try a parka (belted one) with a knit dress, turtleneck sweatshirt, tights, and knee-high boots.
- Mod revival: You can pair a green parka jacket with a fitted shirt, slim trousers, and boots in a desert color.
- Snow day: You can add a beanie, a thermal base layer, and waterproof boots under a long parka.
Do check out our guide on how to layer jackets in winter and get to know more interesting outerwear combinations in cold weather that you can try.
From the Arctic to the Big Screen: A Short Parka History
Arctic communities such as the Inuit made the earliest parkas out of caribou and seal skins. Fish oils were applied to some Inuit anoraks in order to make them waterproof. Aircrew that operated in very cold weather in the early 1950s had snorkel parkas (N3B model). Those parkas could tolerate temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Fishtail parkas (so called due to the fishtail shape of their rear vent) were introduced by the US Army for use in Korea in 1950. The M51 model was upgraded to the M65, which became available in 1968. In '60s Britain, members of the "mod" sub-culture used army surplus fishtail parkas. When they went out, they got dressed in elegant jackets on their scooters. It was immortalized in the 1979 movie "Quadrophenia." Parkas returned in fashion in the '90s as part of the Britpop movement. The Oasis’ lead singer, Liam Gallagher, was its main advocate. Because of their rich and diverse history, the parkas ended up in our collection.
How to Care for Your Parka Jacket
The leather parkas should be cleaned using a damp towel. The leather needs to be conditioned one or two times per year. The suede parka should be gently brushed. Our guide on how to properly clean a suede jacket will definitely come in handy here. Wash your down parka on a delicate cycle and then tumble dry it on a low heat setting. A piece of advice here: Throw some clean tennis balls into the dryer in order to spread out the down. Store your jackets on wide hangers in a dry and well-ventilated area. Want more tips? Do check out our tips on how to store a leather jacket, as it will help you with leather parkas.
Why Shop Parka Jackets at CelebsJacket?
CelebsJacket has been selling jackets for screen and fashion lovers since 2013. We are located in Hillside, NJ, and provide free shipping services to customers all around the world. Unworn products with tags attached can be returned or exchanged within 30 days, starting from the day of delivery. You can find the reviews of our genuine customers on independent platforms such as Reviews.io, ThingTesting, and TrustPilot. Do not hesitate to reach out to us via Contact Us with any inquiries prior to placing an order.
Love the craftsmanship and attention to detail in our men's collection? We're sure you'll also appreciate our black leather jacket women along with other appealing colors – explore the full range of our women's styles.
Parka Jacket Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: A parka jacket keeps you warm and protected from wind and snow, especially during the winter. Its design makes it a perfect choice for regular commuting and outdoor activities.
A: A parka will provide more length, a larger hood, and insulation. A puffer jacket, on the other hand, is for moderate weather, whereas a parka is more effective in dealing with wind and snow.
A: Not every parka is totally waterproof. This means that you should check the materials and stitching prior to buying one. Leather and nylon work fine when it rains slightly, whereas suede suits crisp and dry conditions.
A: If you intend to wear thin garments underneath, get your normal size. But if you intend to wear thick clothing during the winter season, select the next size up.
A: The majority of parkas have lengths ranging from mid-thigh to knee-level, offering sufficient wind resistance. The hip-length type is ideal for drivers, whereas long types are recommended for walkers.
A: Back in the ‘60s, the British Mod (short for "modernist") subculture actually showed how parkas could be worn over elegant suits. So, a knee-length parka, whether black or navy blue, will work for this purpose.
A: Parkas are characterized by a full front closure, made with zippers, buttons, or snaps. An anorak, on the other hand, is a water-resistant jacket with a hood. It is a pullover one with no front opening.
A: Leather does offer wind resistance (to some extent). Because of its inner warmth, it is perfect for use in winter conditions. In cases where the temperature dips below freezing, it would be wise to wear knitted clothing underneath.
A: You can start by removing the fur trim and cleaning it separately by hand. Afterward, once it dries, brush the artificial fur carefully to bring back its plush look.
A: Yes, CelebsJacket ships the orders worldwide for free. Check our Shipping Policy for a specific delivery time relevant to your country.