If you’re looking for the best parkas for women, you’ve come to the right place. There’s “chilly” weather, and then there’s “please don’t make me leave the house, I will actually freeze” weather that feels unbearable. The days are shorter, the winds are mightier, and your favorite leather jacket or well-loved puffer just isn’t cutting it anymore. When you do finally muster all the gumption needed to leave the house and brave the elements, your only solution is bundling up in a big (and I mean huge) parka.
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Parkas are winter’s unsung heroes. They are insulated, long enough to protect your thighs, made for the most frigid of conditions, and are weatherproof enough to stand up to the snow, sleet, slush, and everything in between. With so many options to choose from, we’ve done the digging, read the reviews, and tried out a few for ourselves to round up the best parkas for women that you’re going to want to add to your winter weather wardrobe ASAP.
What makes parkas the best option for the rudest of winter conditions is their level of durability. They are made to trap your body heat in with padded-down or synthetic insulation, and have thick outer shells for added protection. Basically, parkas a great winter staple to invest in. That said, not all parkas are created equally. There are thinner options perfect for layering, casual styles, sleek options that can be dressed up, performance jackets perfect for winter workouts, and picks in every color and pattern under the sun (or lack thereof).
What to look for in a parka
- Material: Most parkas are made of nylon or some sort of fabric, but as you’re liking wearing one in inclement weather, you should look for one with some sort of water-repellent, if not waterproof, coating. For something truly waterproof, windproof, and breathable, look for GORE-TEX, but you’ll also pay more for it.
- Filling: If warmth is what you’re looking for, it’s hard to beat down. Made from the plumage underneath feathers, down filling is lightweight, squish-able, and great for trapping warmth. Down is measured by fill power, which is how many cubic inches one ounce of down can fill—the higher the number, the warmer and lighter a parka is. The downside of down is that if it gets wet, it doesn’t maintain its warmth, and it tends to be more expensive than synthetic filling. However, down alternatives or synthetic materials tend to be cheaper than down (and friendly).
- Features: Additional features are a matter of preference, but a hood is always convenient for protecting your head, and pockets that are lined and/or zippered/flapped to both keep your hands warm and your valuables safe.
These are the 15 best parkas that will keep you warm and stylish in the sub-zero temperatures, no matter what sort of activities your winter has in store…without looking or feeling like the Michelin man.
Warmest parkas
This black oversized number is easy to match with any day-to-night outfit because of its minimalist design. It’s conveniently machine washable, and the 100 percent recycled nylon shell and polyester and down lining makes it eco-friendly, too. The hidden drawstring waist and hood make it great for styling up or down, and the flap pockets are fleece lined for extra warmth.
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Filling: 100% recycled high-performance Primaloft insulation
Pros:
- Recycled materials
- Adjustable hood and waist
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Some reviewers say it’s heavy
North Face knows how to make pieces that brave the most frigid of conditions. This parka comes in five different colors to choose from, is lightweight enough to pack, but also filled with down for ultimate insulation. The slim fit is creates a more compact look (and feels more bundled up), and the raglan sleeves and waterproof shell make it great for mobility when doing outdoor winter activities.
Material: 73% nylon, 27% cotton, DWR finish
Filling: 550-fill down
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Down insulation
- Adjustable, removable hood
Cons:
- Some reviewers say it sheds feathers
L.L. Bean is the president of the world of outdoor gear that can withstand the elements. This technical parka falls at your mid-thigh, offering prime mobility, while still featuring a waterproof exterior filled with DownTek insulation that will keep you protected from the elements and cozy warm. The oversized zipper has a rubber grip so it’s easy to pull even if you’re wearing gloves or mittens.
Material: Waterproof TEK canvas exterior
Filling: 650-fill DownTek down
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Down insulation
- Adjustable hood
Cons:
- Some reviewers say it runs big
Best performance parkas
This hooded parka is light enough to pack, waterproof enough for the most extreme conditions, and features a lightweight, recycled padding that is breathable and doesn’t make you feel like you’re a walking marshmallow, but is, at the same time, also tightly packed and warm.
Material: 100% Eco Circle® recycled Polyester
Filling: 70% recycled polyester 30% polyester
Pros: