Men's Parkas

A parka is judged on coverage before warmth — insulation only counts once the hem clears the hips. Thigh- and knee-length cuts carry the shell down over the hips and upper legs, where a hip-length coat stops, and a fitted hood, often fur- or faux-fur-trimmed, closes the gap above the collar. Fishtail cuts drop longer at the back, with a split tail that cinches around the legs, while snorkel styles zip the hood forward into a tunnel that shelters the face.

Down fill runs warmest for its weight; synthetic fill keeps insulating when it gets wet. Two-way zips let the hem open for sitting or striding, and drawcords at the waist and hem keep out drafts. Outer shells run from tightly woven cotton and technical nylon to laminated, seam-sealed fabrics, finished with storm flaps, ribbed inner cuffs and deep bellows pockets.