The women's parkas gathered here range from rain parkas Didriksons to Gore-Tex models Aigle, including printed parkas Desigual, down parkas Helly Hansen, Superdry, and military-inspired fishtails. Long or mid-thigh, lined or lightweight, these end-of-line items retain all the qualities of the original models, with a more limited size selection.
Warm and dry, at the end of the line.
The Didriksons parkas have a history rooted in seafaring: in 1913, in Grundsund on Sweden's west coast, Julius and Hanna Didrikson treated clothes with oil to protect fishermen from the cold and rain. The brand has maintained this expertise in rainwear. The Felia, Eris, Essa, Ilma, and Erika cater to everyday use, whether in the city or out for a stroll; the Nadja, in a longer version, offers more leg protection in wet weather. Most combine a waterproof fabric, sealed seams, and an adjustable hood, keeping you dry even in a heavy downpour.
The women’s lifestyle clearance also includes:
All the end-of-line items can be found on the lifestyle women's page.
The Aigle Gore-Tex parka makes use of the famous breathable membrane: rain stays out, sweat escapes. The brand, founded in 1853 in Loiret when Hiram Hutchinson applied rubber vulcanisation to rainwear, has always made waterproofing its specialty. The fishtail Aigle takes inspiration from the cut of the American military parka from the 1950s, featuring its fish-tail back, and the MTD membrane developed by the brand, which is both waterproof and windproof. The Taion Military, from the young Japanese brand founded in Tokyo and specialising in fine down, also reinterprets military attire.
Some parkas borrow from the down jacket its padded filling. The down parka Helly Hansen Adore, from the Norwegian brand founded in 1877, and the Superdry Fuji with a hood, one of the flagship models of the English brand, keep you warm in cold, dry weather. The Luhta Iloniemi, from the Finnish brand established in 1907 in Lahti, is designed for Nordic winters. For milder cold, the Urban Classics parka lined with sherpa, a soft imitation of sheep's wool, offers a comfortable oversized fit. These models are suited to dry climates, less so for days of pouring rain.
The Desigual parkas, from the brand born in Barcelona, are recognised for their prints and graphic details: the Mickey features the famous mouse, while the Duolo, the Anne, the Polo and the Velvetty play with textures and colours. They add a touch of fantasy to an often simple piece. For everyday use, the Regatta Hazel, Peak Mountain, Project X Paris, Kariban, and Sol's parkas focus on a simple cut and easy-care fabric. A parka with an adjustable hood adapts to all situations, from the morning commute to the Sunday walk.
A water-resistant parka will bead water during light rain, but water will eventually soak through the fabric. A waterproof parka, with a membrane and sealed seams, will stay dry inside even during prolonged rain.
Try it on over a thick sweater and raise your arms: the sleeves should not ride up above the wrist. An adjustable waist cord allows for a fitted shape without sacrificing comfort.
The long parka, sitting below mid-thigh, is the warmest and protects the lower body. The short version elongates a petite figure and offers more freedom for cycling or driving.
Remove the detachable border and wash it separately by hand. The parka can be machine washed at thirty degrees, without fabric softener, and then laid flat or hung on a wide hanger to dry.
Look for a long, padded parka with a fur-lined hood and tightened cuffs. For Lapland or Canada, layer multiple warm layers underneath rather than wearing one very thick one.