A parka is a cold-weather jacket with an attached hood lined with natural or faux fur, filled with down or other insulation, and treated with a waterproofing agent. The first parkas were made by native tribes in Alaska and Canada, and the commercial version was introduced in the 1930s. Modern parkas come in many different styles and can be worn as a winter or spring jacket. Original parkas are considered collector’s items and can be seen in museums.
A parka is a waist-length or hip-length cold-weather jacket, usually featuring an attached hood lined with natural or faux fur. It can be filled with down, acrylic fibers or other modern material for additional insulation. The outer surface of the jacket can also be treated with a waterproofing agent to prevent moisture penetration. The native tribes of Alaska and Canada were the first to build a parka, also called an anorak in Britain.
The original parka styles used natural down and fur as insulating material. Waterproofing involves an application of fish oil to the outer layer. The first design did not include zippers or other fasteners: it was more of a piece that was pulled over the wearer’s head like a modern hooded poncho. Traditional styles also allowed for a summer version with a connected skirt.
The commercial version of the parka was first introduced in the 1930s. Ideal customers were those living in extremely cold climates and winter sports enthusiasts. A hood forms a windbreak that reduces the sensation of cold, and the fur or faux fur lining provides insulation. Parkas designed for hunters and outdoor workers often have several pockets sewn into the front for storage of goggles, ammunition, and tools. Almost all styles feature large pockets that provide additional insulation for cold hands.
A modern parka may not have the fur linings or ruffles of the traditional style. Catalog stores offering quality outerwear feature many different styles to suit everyone from schoolboys to skiers to outdoor men. A slimmer version of the winter parka can also appear on store shelves as a spring jacket. This lighter jacket also features a furless hood and long sleeves. The effect is more of a windbreaker than an insulated coat.
Original and authentic parkas are considered collector’s items, and examples can be seen in museums with a native exhibition area.
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