Winter can be a challenging time to dress for and a tough season for fashion. Not only do you have to worry about staying warm, but you also have to wade through a sea of boring coats just to find one that actually looks good so you can avoid looking like a fashion disaster.
With so many different types of coats on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Fortunately, there are a few key pieces that can help you stay both stylish and comfortable during the colder months. One of these is the parka.
Parkas are coats that come down to your thighs or knees and typically have a hood. They’re usually made with waterproof or water-resistant materials, which makes them ideal for winter weather. Most parkas are made with a waterproof and windproof outer layer, with a warm insulation layer in between.
The outer layer is sometimes made of synthetic fabric such as nylon or polyester, which can be coated with a waterproof treatment. Additionally, you can also find parkas made of natural materials like animal skins.
Even though animal skins are naturally waterproof, like their synthetic counterparts, they do require treatments to keep them from drying out over time.
Parkas are also often insulated, which helps to keep you warm even in the chilliest temperatures. The insulation layer is usually made of down or synthetic fiber, which helps to trap heat and keep the wearer warm. Many parkas also have a fur-lined hood, which helps to further protect against the cold.
In short, parkas are designed to keep the wearer warm and dry in even the most extreme conditions. And because they tend to be pretty oversized, they’re also easy to layer over sweaters or jackets.
Parkas also have large pockets to store gloves, hats, and other items, and some parkas even have fur trim on the hood for extra warmth. So, if you’re looking for a winter coat that will keep you both warm and fashionable, a parka is a great option.
What Other Coats are Good for Winter?
Parkas are a popular choice for winter outerwear, but how do they compare to other types of coats?
Here’s a quick rundown:
First, parkas are usually made from heavier materials like wool or down, making them great for cold weather. However, this also means that they can be bulky and difficult to move in.
If you’re looking for a stylish and functional coat, another option might be a puffer jacket. Puffer jackets are usually lighter than parkas, but they still provide plenty of warmth. Plus, they very often come with handy features like hoods and zippered pockets.
Second, if you really want to make a fashion statement, there’s always the classic trench coat. Trench coats may not be as warm as parkas or puffer jackets, but they definitely have an air of sophistication about them, and sometimes even mystery, as when worn by an invisible person, like this one here.
Related: What Are Parkas Made Of?
How Much Money Will a Parka Cost?
When considering winter wear, you have a few different options to choose from. Parkas and puffer jackets are two of the most popular choices, but they can vary quite a bit in terms of price.
Parkas tend to be more expensive, with prices typically starting at around $100. On the other hand, puffer jackets are usually more affordable, with prices normally ranging from $50 to $100.
Of course, there will always be exceptions to these general rules, but in general, you can expect to pay more for a parka than a puffer jacket. If you have a little more cash to spare, you can also order a custom-made parka. These parkas can be made using your favorite colored fabrics, insulated or not, as you prefer.
Related: Why are parkas so expensive?
Puffer jackets and parkas are both excellent choices for stylish, functional winter outerwear, but why are puffer jackets usually less expensive than parkas?
One reason is that puffer jackets typically have less down fill, which is the material that provides warmth. As a result, puffer jackets are not as warm as parkas and are not as effective at trapping heat. In addition, puffer jackets often have synthetic materials in their construction, while parkas tend to be made with natural materials like duck down or wool.
Synthetic materials are less expensive than natural materials, which contributes to the lower price of puffer jackets. Ultimately, choosing a puffer jacket or a parka depends on your personal preferences and needs.
But now you know one of the reasons why puffer jackets cost less than parkas, so you’ll be prepared when you finally decide to buy one for yourself. Be sure to take the price into consideration.
DIY Parka?
Making your own parka is a great way to get a custom fit and put your personal touch on a winter staple. To get started, you’ll need a few basic materials and tools. For the body of the parka, you’ll need a heavy-duty fabric like wool or canvas.
For the lining, soft fabric like flannel or cotton will do. You’ll also need some batting or other insulation, as well as a large needle and thread (or a sewing machine).
With a bit of time and probably quite a bit of effort, you can easily make your own parka that will keep you warm all winter long. Once you have your materials gathered, you can start cutting and sewing the parka to your desired shape and size.
The best way to get started is probably to find plenty of online tutorials and purchase a pattern, which is basically instructions for making the parka available.
All told, you will most likely end up spending quite a bit more money to make your own parka, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll end up with a highly personalized winter coat to keep you warm for many years to come.