A sturdy mens parka makes a must-have. While everyone has their own preferences when it comes to cold weather vs. hot, the latter is undoubtedly easier to deal with. The best way to combat a heatwave is to peel layers away, down to nothing, a process which requires no additional resources. Cold weather, however, needs preparation. You can’t find yourself out in the cold and conjure a coat. If there’s a surprise rainstorm, don’t expect to manifest an umbrella and a great pair of rain boots. You either have to pack these provisions, or walk face-forward into the torrent.
Investing in a great mens parka provides double protection, shielding you from moisture and chill with one garment that, ideally, functions well with the rest of your clothes. That way you can throw it on just in case the sky throws a wink of a inclement weather over the horizon. We’ve rounded up all the best insights and options to find the best mens parka you can buy today, for when summer days fade to fall—whether that’s now or a little later for you.
Everyone should have a smart looking parka they can take for a grey day on the town, just in case the weather turns
What is a Parka, Exactly?
Parkas often gets lumped in with any jacket that shields you from the rain, but we wondered if there’s further distinctions delineating the garment. Appalachian Mtn Club explains that a parka is longer than a jacket, extending beyond the waistline. While we often associate parkas with their windproof and waterproof nature, these additional functions vary from parka to parka. To remain true to authenticity, we’ve selected our list according to the proper parameters.
How to Find the Best Mens Parka
Temperature
Most importantly, consider the climate you’d like your parka to sustain you through. If you live in a warmer climate or are more active in your gear, then look for a lighter weight mens parka. Most cold weather parkas use down feathers and other insulation to keep you particularly warm against the elements.
Water Resistance
Second, consider the volume of water you need your mens parka jacket to withstand. Again, this will be a combination of the climate you live in and the activities you partake of. Make sure to check the product description to learn more about a potential parka’s capacity for water resistance.
Fit
You can generally tell from the silhouette of a mens parka how it will wear on the body. Everyone should have a smart looking parka they can take for a grey day on the town, just in case the weather turns. However, those involved in snowsports or other vigorous outdoor activities should consider a looser parka to layer over their gear while at rest.
Style
Options abound across the market for casual, cool mens parkas. Overt details like texture, color, and cut can achieve endless combinations with smaller details like pocket styles and hardware to create a mens parka for every personality. Whether your vibe is chopping wood or cutting up the highway, you’ll be excited to know the options are almost endless.
Price
Across the internet, you’ll notice that a great mens parka is an investment—and rightly so. Durable and useful, this gear is built to last. If you’re leaning more towards a cold weather parka, then know that down feathers can last upwards of a decade. Prepare to sink a little extra dough into your new men’s parka (within your own budget range) equipped with the full knowledge it’ll serve you well on the back end.
Availability
Fashion moves faster and faster with every passing year in our increasingly digital world. For the men’s parka buyer, this means act quickly and decisively when you find a piece you like, because styles turn over often and you may find your gear discontinued before you can grab it . On the other hand, this also means there’s always new options appearing, so keep your ear to the market, and strike when the moment’s right.
10 Best Mens Parkas for Suiting Up this Season
Burton Covert Insulated Jacket
This synthetic insulated jacket from Burton dominates REI’s leaderboards as its top rated mens parka. Armed with DRYRIDE™ waterproof fabric, THERMOLITE insulation, a plush tech taffeta lining and more, you can bet this rough-and-ready parka from cult snowboard label Burton can stand up to whatever test any mountain could create. While this men’s parka is better suited to outdoor activity than an afternoon on the town, its attractive color schemes and structured design make it one of the best looking—perfect for a hike with some friends.
Citadel Parka by Canada Goose
Want to be cuddled by the sartorial equivalent of a Drake song? Then nestle up in a Canada Goose coat. Since starting in a Toronto warehouse sixty years ago, this outerwear manufacturer has come to lead the luxury apparel market while making consistent cameos throughout its Canadian creative brethren’s lyrics—OVO even released a parka with Canada Goose in 2016! The Citadel Parka is a slightly more urbane iteration of Canada Goose’s iconic Expedition Parka. Slim fitting, with a hem that hits the mid thighs, this mens parka is water resistant and SUPER warm. Two roomy pockets help complete the package, with top closing flaps that offer extra peace of mind. Explore downtown like a seasoned navigator in this work of tactical luxury.
Men’s Powder Keg™ Interchange Parka
Most men’s parkas on the market offer a pretty tame assortment of colors. You’ll usually find mens parkas in black, navy, or if you’re especially bold, olive. Part of that has to do with durability and longevity, but it still feels like stodginess. Columbia destroys that stereotype, taking it all the way back to the 1990s with this Columbia parka rendered in electric hues from another era. This affordable men’s parka also packs a reliable protective punch at about 10% of the price tags from other major name brands on this list. It’s about what’s under the hood that counts, but it’s way more fun when that hood comes in neon.
Pola Long Down Jacket by Moncler
Now, if you’re still looking to make a significant style impact without leaving the more reserved end of the spectrum, then you’ll have to take it all the way to the top with Moncler, one of the most luxurious coat companies out there creating fashion today. While you probably know this monolith for its super puffy coats (often with patent leather-like sheen) their commitment to craftsmanship transcends motifs. Mocler’s Pola parka for men comes in a classic camel beige, with minimalist lines in the front and unexpected tufts of quilting on the back. Its attention to subtleties enables this men’s parka to look like no other available on the internet today.
Organic Cotton Mixed Media Tech Jacket by Tommy Hilfiger
In art, mixed media means a creation that uses different materials, whether it’s a combination of spray paint or resin or business cards found on dive bar bathroom floors. This mens parka from forward-thinking American designer Tommy Hilfiger achieves precisely the same artistic effect, crafting a unique men’s parka jacket from numerous different materials. These pieces include a coated organic cotton mixed media shell to block the wind and rain, velcro cuffs, and a bungee drawstring hood. Functional and fashionable, with dynamic textures that catch the eye, this repeated Editors Pick promises to catch the eye of everyone you meet.
Patagonia Men’s City Storm Parka
Time and again, Patagonia proves the go-to option for good looking, functional gear that you can feel good about buying. Insulated with 700-fill-power 100% recycled down reclaimed from old down products, this sustainable men’s parka promises to keep you warm and considerably guilt free. The pared down, utilitarian, design makes it a great fit for in-between days when you could go either way, whether that means between hot and cold or night on the town and day in the country. Dreaming of a Patagonia parka that can play along with literally any scenario? Then meet your fantasies incarnate.
Mens Long Parka in SMEG by Save The Duck
Interested in taking that commitment to eco-friendliness just a little bit further? In 2012, Nicolas Bargi built on his family’s legacy by starting Save The Duck, a brand that crafts outerwear without any animal products. That means no down feathers, but also no leather. No nothing. While recycling is a great step, it still encourages the habit of associating down feathers with the one “true” warmth. Save The Duck turns that paradigm on its head with famously warm jackets insulated by synthetic, sustainable materials. The best part? While this well-crafted garment exudes the same slick style (and functional warmth!) as its pricier peers, Save the Duck costs about half the price. You do the math!
Spyder Men’s Metro GTX INFINIUM Down Parka
As a more niche ski and snowboarding brand with a rabid following, Spyder’s parka offerings sometimes slink rather quietly into the background. Those who know, know. Their Metro GTX INFINIUM Down Park features GORE TEX in its exterior for maximum water resistance alongside PrimaLoft® Down Blend Silver Insulation for optimal cold weather wear. It even has a hood, extra neck protection, and a zipper flap to block the breeze at every possible angle. Smattered with strategic pockets, this men’s parka also comes packed with an enviable volume of storage space.
5.11 Aggressor Parka
Okay with a name like that, you know this thing is tactical. 5.11’s has built their heavy duty men’s parka to last you through every conceivable scenario. Seriously. Armed with a neverending array of pockets and suitable for a concealed carry, it’s no surprise that this gear is modeled after the company’s 3-in-1 Patrol Jacket. Its straightforward, nondescript design makes this parka perfect for everything from seamless layering to actual covert wear. To end this list with a juxtaposition, in terms of an actual parka, this no-nonsense piece actually bends the rules by falling at the waist. But with all that tactical functionality, who could stand passing it up on a technicality?
