DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PARKAS AND JACKETS

When the temperatures start dropping, the winter gear comes out: knits, gloves, winter boots, holiday decorations, and of course women’s and men’s winter jackets – or was that women’s and men’s parkas?

 

When the temperatures start dropping, the winter gear comes out: knits, gloves, winter boots, holiday decorations, and of course women’s and men’s winter jackets – or was that women’s and men’s parkas?

We often hear the words jacket and parka thrown about willy-nilly and it seems that somewhere along the way the true definition of each has been lost. So we wondered, what are the parka and jacket differences people look for? Or…

 

 

IS THERE EVEN A DIFFERENCE?

The answer is yes! Whatever the other parka and jacket differences, the biggest difference between a jacket and a parka is the length.

Women's parkas and men's parkas are generally a longer fitting coat and in most cases, due to their length, they offer more warmth. A longer coat covers more of your body and can trap more heat easily.

 

Women's jackets and men's jackets have a shorter fit that usually ends at the waist or just below. The shorter fit doesn’t necessarily affect the quality of warmth, as many jackets still pack an exceptional amount of insulation-retaining heat. It may, however, leave areas the jacket is not covering (such as the back of the thighs or the rear) more vulnerable to the cold.

 

WOMEN PARKA

 

TO PARKA OR TO JACKET?

Because parkas provide insulation over more surface area, they’re generally warmer than jackets—though the amount of insulation will vary between different models. The warmest versions of parkas are a common choice for more extreme conditions—think deep Arctic cold.

Parkas also eliminate any potential coverage gap around your waistline, especially your lower back, which can be exposed if you bend forward while wearing a shorter jacket—a common problem if you’re tall or have a disproportionately long torso for your height (long-waisted).

The downside of parkas? They are bigger, bulkier, and heavier to carry if you’re packing them into the backcountry. For climbing and mountaineering, the extra length can also impede access to your harness and climbing gear, an area where jackets definitely win. A large parka hood can also uncomfortably lump up against a loaded pack when it’s not pulled up over your head.

One additional feature when choosing between jackets and parkas to consider is how easy it is to create a tight seal around your waist. Without one, cold air can enter your clothing system from below and potentially force warm air out, especially if gaps exist around your neck. Both jackets and parkas almost always feature an elastic drawstring around the bottom hem, though it’s more difficult to get a good seal around your lower backside and upper thighs. For this reason, many parkas also feature a separate internal drawcord for the waist.

 

THEY ARE BOTH COATS

In the end, they are both coats that will keep you warm. It all comes down to preference. Some people prefer the longer fit of a parka and others prefer jackets for slightly more mobility thanks to the shorter fit. Whether it’s called a parka or a jacket doesn’t influence the quality of the product. If you like a jacket, get the jacket you like. There are plenty of guides to consult, from lightweight down winter jackets to choosing the right jacket for yourself to kids winter jackets. Now you can find jackets that are just as warm as parkas, and parkas with the same freedom of movement jackets previously laid claim to. 

 

So contact us for more.