The best parkas for women can take you all through the year. Available in different weights and trims, this timeless coat style is a favourite with the fashion set for its endless versatility that will see you through multiple seasons.
Finding the best winter coat is no simple task, but a parka could be the outerwear piece to solve all of your seasonal wardrobe dilemmas. Reminiscent of '90s indie bands, such as Oasis, the parka coat is considered a design that will never go out of fashion. As a silhouette that will work for all ages and seasons, they offer a serious return on investment too.
The most stylish iterations feature extra details such as faux fur trims, or cosy linings for extra snugness and warmth, and you can often find styles with flattering waist ties or practical detachable hoods. Although the spring/summer fashion trends 2024 are firmly on our radar, there is still plenty of time to snap up a timeless parka that will see you through the rest of winter and upcoming spring showers.
The best parkas for women, according to our fashion team
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Guaranteed to never go out of style, it’s worth splashing out on a parka as it is one of the most versatile types of coats you can own, seeing you through all kinds of weather and occasions. Whether you go for a classic khaki shade or make a statement in a brighter hue, we’ve rounded up the best parkas for women to add to your wardrobe now.
RRP: £99 | Marks & Spencer coats are some of our favorites for winter, as they are both practical and affordable. Not only is this parka ideal for wet weather, but it is also incredibly stylish. Team with your best walking shoes on chilly walks, or style with chunky boots when headed to the office.
RRP: £295 | Khaki is one of the most popular hues for parka jackets and this piece proves how chic it can be. This quilted style is long and water-resistant, so it can stand up against the elements throughout winter. Finish your look with one of the best scarves for women to keep out the chill.
RRP: £115 | Rains have a solid reputation for making some of the best rainwear. As the name suggests, everything this Scandinavian brand sells keeps weatherproofing in mind and its coats offer very high levels of protection, without added bulk - ideal for what to wear to a festival.
RRP: £119.99 | Made from reprocessed down and feathers, this boxy parka ticks all the trend boxes. Leave boxy or cinch in at the waist to add some shape to the style, layering with one of your best oversized jumpers for added warmth during a cold snap.
RRP: £180 | Made from a a water-repellent cotton blend, this simple black parka will slot into any capsule wardrobe. The layered style makes it look like you have two types of jacket on - an easy shortcut to a trendy ensemble that isn't too statement and won't go out of style.
RRP: £199 | This gorgeous furry collar will rival the best cashmere jumpers in terms of softness and we love the dose of texture it adds to the uniform khaki. Fully waterproof and with spacious pockets for all the essentials, it ticks every box.
RRP: £498 | The inner jacket is insulated with 600-fill-power goose down and whilst the outer jacket is fully seam-sealed and waterproof keeping you warm and dry even in the depths of winter. If that wasn’t enough, it has a fleece lining too.
RRP: £65 | Although a parka is typically seen as an autumn/winter coat, a lighter cut like this is ideal for spring and summer showers. The grey hue will slot effortlessly into a minimalist capsule wardrobe, and it's budget-friendly too.
RRP: £199 | A padded parka is a great pick if you live in a colder climate, and we love these toggle fastenings that reinvent the typical parka silhouette. Give North Face puffer jackets a run for their money with this longline, cosy style that will never date.
What is the best type of parka coat to buy?
"The best parka to buy always gives me '90s vibes, staying true to when the aesthetic reached its peak fashion currency," says our fashion editor Rivkie Baum. "A great mid-season wear, I would reach for a parka for early spring and autumn weather, so finding something waterproof or at least water resistant is key - and a hood is a must." Slightly more practical than the ever-popular best camel coats, a parka offers these extra details that can see you through all weathers.
"I don't generally expect a parka to be as heavy or cosy as, say, a puffer jacket, so I tend to stick to styles without quilting, but certainly want my outerwear to have deep pockets for on-the-go storage," says Rivkie. "In terms of colour, I'd stick to a neutral hue for longevity and of course, khaki is the ultimate classic colourway for this style." A true wardrobe essential, there's no going wrong with any type of parka.
With over fifteen years' experience, Rivkie is an accomplished fashion editor, writer and stylist. Covering international fashion weeks, and styling photoshoots all over the world, Rivkie loves translating the trends in an accessible way to make fashion available for all budgets.
Is a parka a winter coat?
As mentioned, parkas tend to be slightly lighter than other traditional winter coats, so are usually more suited to autumn and spring. However, there are plenty of parkas on the market with a little more padding and warmth if that's what you're after.
"Canada Goose continues to make great winter parkas when it comes to braving the coldest sub-zero days," says Liz Williams, Outerwear Designer at The Checkroom. "However, a parka does not necessarily have to be a winter coat. Rain parkas can be the perfect companion for a spring or fall day that is both wet and chilly."
Outerwear Designer at The Checkroom, Liz Williams creates “Classic Inspired Statement Coats for Modern Women.” Liz is a former Instructor of Fashion Design at Columbia College in Chicago, where she educated students in fashion design, patternmaking, sewing, and fabric manipulation.
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