The anorak, also known as a parka, was invented by the Inuit people for wind protection during hunting. Traditional anoraks are heavy, hip-length coats with a fur-lined hood and fish oil exterior for waterproofing. Today, anoraks come in various styles and materials, including pullover, jersey, and ski jacket styles. They can be worn with snow pants and boots, or as a hoodless option with a beanie and scarf. Anorak raincoat styles are lighter and made from materials such as gabardine or plastic.
An anorak is also called a parka. Traditional anoraks are heavy, hip-length coats with a roomy hood that helps shield the face from the wind. The Inuit peoples of the Arctic invented the anorak as wind protection for hunting; The hood and body section of these traditional anoraks are often lined with animal fur to add extra warmth. Fish oil is used on the exterior to create a waterproof finish. Today, many manufacturers produce different types of winter coats and hooded jacket anoraks made from a variety of materials.
The pullover anorak jacket has an opening for the head and may have a snap or button closure at the neck. Partial zippers are another, often more fashionable, option for jersey anoraks. These may be sold as “1/4 zip” or “1/2 zip” styles, depending on the length of the zipper. Sporty stripes and bright colors are often hallmarks of jersey anoraks. The most common fabric used for jersey anoraks is waterproof nylon.
Filled ski jacket anoraks can be especially warm. Below is the undercoat of soft feathers from geese and ducks. Many other winter weight anoraks have synthetic fill but may be lined with microfiber fleece for added warmth. Microfiber fleece is known for being warm without adding bulk; it has a soft touch and is used for blankets and nightwear.
Winter anoraks are usually worn with snow pants and boots. While most heavyweight anoraks are hooded, hoodless types can be worn with a knit beanie and scarf. Fuzzy, fur-like fabric, modeled after the original Inuit anorak, features as trim on some hooded anoraks.
A drawstring waist can give an anorak a stylish look. It’s also a flattering style for most people, adding a fitted waist to a bulky jacket. Drawstring waist anoraks also tend to look less casual than the other types. Anoraks with a drawstring waist also tend to be longer for more wind protection; many of these are almost knee length instead of just reaching to the hips or thighs.
Anorak raincoat styles are much lighter than the traditional parka type. These lighter, more water-resistant rain anoraks are made from a variety of fabrics, from plastic to gabardine. Gabardine is a durable, highly woven material known for its strength. Its fibers may contain wool, rayon or cotton. Plastic waterproof anoraks are less expensive than the raincoat type, but generally don’t last as long.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
