When the frigid winter months begin, it’s time to pick your jacket. The pouring snow and blustery winds won’t let you forget. But the question is, do you select a parka or a puffer? Both coats will keep you warm, but as you’ll find, each one has some crucial distinctions.
Just as when you’re picking between a rain jacket and windbreaker, the decision between parka and puffer isn’t always as clear as you may believe. So we went out to Dorothy Hopkins, garment design manager at Columbia Sportswear. We asked her questions on all things parkas and puffers—the differences, the parallels, and why you would select one over the other. Here were her replies.
What is the difference between a parka and a puffer jacket?
Generally speaking, parkas tend to be heavier and longer in length, with a wide hood that’s typically lined with faux fur. Puffer coats, on the other hand, are often thinner and more lightweight. Hopkins says that they can be hooded or non-hooded and come in varied lengths. And although puffer coats will keep you warm in chilly weather, parkas often handle extreme cold better, she explains.
PARKAS
What is a parka?
A parka often refers to a longer-length insulated jacket that’s designed to be worn in particularly cold temperatures and conditions, giving both warmth and weather protection. Most have a protected insulated hood with classic parkas frequently having real or imitation fur trim. Hopkins says that while they normally stretch just past the hip, parkas may be as long as ankle length for full covering. These lengthier parkas frequently contain snaps or zippers down the side to allow for sitting and overall more movement. Fit-wise, parkas are frequently roomier, allowing for extra warm insulation within the jacket.
Is a parka a decent jacket for winter?
Insulated parkas offer good alternatives for winter clothing, especially in severely cold weather situations. Hopkins explains that parkas give the best protection for particularly cold winter seasons and are typically regarded the coldest form of winter clothing you can purchase.
Are there various sorts of parkas?
Yes, parkas exist in numerous shapes. Traditional ski parkas are meant for extremely cold and snowy weather on the mountain, and generally incorporate waterproof or water-resistant synthetic materials, Hopkins adds. “They showcase natural or synthetic down insulation to keep you extra warm in super cold conditions.” There are also lifestyle parkas which tend to be both trendy and warm. These parkas can use more natural fabrics like wool, or cotton-nylon mixes that are coupled with either natural or synthetic down insulation. They can also be made with an overcoat or belted style that is easy to layer over different clothing and underlayers. Lastly, there are longer-length “puffer parkas,” which appear like parka-puffer hybrids. These have been gaining in popularity, giving a combination of both attributes.
Are parkas waterproof?
Yes, parkas are frequently comprised of waterproof or water-resistant fabrics. These not only keep you dry but also keep the insulation dry, which in turn keeps you warmer in chilly winter situations. This is especially crucial for natural down insulation, which doesn’t operate as effectively when wet, adds Hopkins. She also observes that not all parkas are constructed the same. “The weatherproof-ness will depend on the the material of the parka, the construction, and what environment it is meant to be worn in.”
What are parkas composed of?
Parkas may be produced from a number of fabrics but the finest ones tend to have sturdy nylon or polyester mixes that are both waterproof and breathable, while also being able to handle severe wind. Some may have a dab of cotton or faille mix thrown in for softness and comfort. Hopkins observes that high-quality parkas often include high-fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) goose down, commonly blended with recycled polyester fill to offer it added resilience, breathability, and waterproofness. Options with silver or gold luminous linings such as Omni-Heat™ or Omni-Heat™ Infinity ratchet up the warming factor even further, as do jackets with specific waterproofing technology like OutDry™ Extreme. “By sandwiching waterproof and breathable outer shell fabrics such as OutDry™ Extreme with a super warm RDS goose down or fluffy synthetic insulation fill, and finishing the jacket with our warmest Omni-Heat Infinity lining, there’s no doubt that the end result is a parka that keeps you toasty warm and protected in any extreme winter climate.”
What makes a decent parka?
The greatest parka is the one that’s perfect for you, based on the location you’re in and the sort of protection you’re searching for. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside in more harsh winter circumstances, an extra-long waterproof parka with strong insulation and a huge protective hood is definitely your best choice. If you’re looking for something more lightweight that you can wear around the city in milder winter weather, or be more active in, Hopkins advises opting for a shorter parka made with natural fiber materials like wool and cotton mixes that utilize lighter insulation.
What makes parkas so popular?
In a word, warmth. Parkas are incredibly warm. Add to that durability, adaptability, and extra length—and parkas provide you full protection from the snow, rain, wind, and cold. Hopkins says, “Parkas are also extra popular because they can be used both on the mountain and in the city. They provide outstanding warmth, and the roomier fit affords them varied layering options. Parkas may be worn over different underlayers including sweaters, fleece, or knits.”
Read Also: Discover the Latest Spring Jacket Trends
PUFFERS
What are the different sorts of puffers?
There are a range of puffer jackets to pick from, which have varied styles, body lengths, forms, fabrications, and patterns. "You can find puffer jackets that are cropped, mid-length, extra long, with or without hoods, zip front, snap front, pullovers, printed, solids, and color-blocked in a large variety of puffer insulation fills, from super lightweight to heavyweight, in every quilting pattern imaginable," Hopkins explains.
Traditional full-zip puffer jackets are available with or without hoods and can be used as a warm midlayer between a baselayer and outer waterproof shell. But because to the adaptability and lightweight qualities of the traditional puffer jackets, many opt to wear them as their main jacket during the spring, fall, and milder winter months. “If additional warmth and protection is called for, an additional outer jacket can always be added,” Hopkins points out.
What are puffer jackets composed of?
Puffer coats are commonly manufactured out of polyester or nylon textiles. These materials tend to be lightweight and durable while also being water-resistant, wind-resistant, and down-proof (meaning insulation won’t poke through the fabric). Many puffer jackets incorporate performance insulation such as Omni-Heat™ or Thermarator™ as well as reflective liners like Omni-Heat™ Infinity, which employs NASA-inspired heat cells to offer extra warmth.
Are puffer coats waterproof?
The waterproofness of puffers might vary based on fabrications, explains Hopkins. They can range from entirely waterproof to water-resistant to no water-repellency at all. But, she says, most classic outdoor puffers that are quilted and meant for cold-weather settings have at least some form of water-resistance and windproof-ness that is intrinsic to the textiles they are composed with.
How is a puffer jacket different from a down jacket?
A puffer jacket is a larger phrase that embraces any and all quilted insulated coats. They can be produced with either natural down insulation or a synthetic fill. Down jackets refer particularly to the sort of puffer coats that are packed with natural insulation manufactured from goose or duck down.
What’s the difference between synthetic vs. natural down?
Down insulation employs all-natural goose or duck down to create warmth, whereas synthetic insulation relies on man-made materials like polyester. Natural down is exceptionally lightweight, compressible, warm, and is noted for having a long lifespan. However, its performance tends to decrease when it becomes wet. “The lofty nature of down allows air to be trapped between its filaments, which is then heated by your body heat,” Hopkins adds.
Synthetic down, on the other hand, refers to man-made down that’s supposed to match the quality and warmth of genuine down with materials that can withstand being wet a bit better. It’s often manufactured from polyester strands that replicate down’s air-trapping qualities to retain in heat. Synthetic down isn’t nearly as light or compressible as genuine down, but it thrives in wet-weather settings, keeping its fill power when wet. “It actually stays breathable and continues to insulate when soaked, while also drying out more quickly than down,” Hopkins explains.
What makes a decent puffer jacket?
When buying the perfect puffer jacket, Hopkins suggests asking yourself what conditions and activities you’re intending to wear it in. Do you want a hefty winter jacket for extreme cold, or something more versatile that can be used during seasonal transitions? Will you be wearing it in rainy climates? How critical is weight and packability?
For very lightweight warmth, Hopkins advises opting for a natural down-filled puffer jacket, particularly constructed with RDS-certified down, while folks in wetter climes may want to go for a synthetic puffer. Hopkins also points out that the quilting design will decide how much “puff” your jacket would have. “Typically, smaller quilted patterns have a lighter more evenly distributed fill and larger quilted baffles will be warmer with more puff.”
Is a puffer jacket appropriate for winter?
Puffer jackets are among the greatest alternatives for winter coats. “They come in a variety of insulation weights, lengths, and silhouettes, so you can always find the right one for you,” Hopkins explains. She points out that they’re the right blend of lightweight warmth and comfort for colder locations. They’re also generally both water-resistant and windproof, and are flexible enough to be worn as a primary jacket or as a midlayer under an outer shell.
Paula Parente
When the frigid winter months begin, it’s time to pick your jacket. The pouring snow and blustery winds won’t let you forget. But the question is, do you select a parka or a puffer? Both coats will keep you warm, but as you’ll find, each one has some crucial distinctions.
Just as when you’re picking between a rain jacket and windbreaker, the decision between parka and puffer isn’t always as clear as you may believe. So we went out to Dorothy Hopkins, garment design manager at Columbia Sportswear. We asked her questions on all things parkas and puffers—the differences, the parallels, and why you would select one over the other. Here were her replies.
What is the difference between a parka and a puffer jacket?
Generally speaking, parkas tend to be heavier and longer in length, with a wide hood that’s typically lined with faux fur. Puffer coats, on the other hand, are often thinner and more lightweight. Hopkins says that they can be hooded or non-hooded and come in varied lengths. And although puffer coats will keep you warm in chilly weather, parkas often handle extreme cold better, she explains.
PARKAS
What is a parka?
A parka often refers to a longer-length insulated jacket that’s designed to be worn in particularly cold temperatures and conditions, giving both warmth and weather protection. Most have a protected insulated hood with classic parkas frequently having real or imitation fur trim. Hopkins says that while they normally stretch just past the hip, parkas may be as long as ankle length for full covering. These lengthier parkas frequently contain snaps or zippers down the side to allow for sitting and overall more movement. Fit-wise, parkas are frequently roomier, allowing for extra warm insulation within the jacket.
Is a parka a decent jacket for winter?
Insulated parkas offer good alternatives for winter clothing, especially in severely cold weather situations. Hopkins explains that parkas give the best protection for particularly cold winter seasons and are typically regarded the coldest form of winter clothing you can purchase.
Are there various sorts of parkas?
Yes, parkas exist in numerous shapes. Traditional ski parkas are meant for extremely cold and snowy weather on the mountain, and generally incorporate waterproof or water-resistant synthetic materials, Hopkins adds. “They showcase natural or synthetic down insulation to keep you extra warm in super cold conditions.” There are also lifestyle parkas which tend to be both trendy and warm. These parkas can use more natural fabrics like wool, or cotton-nylon mixes that are coupled with either natural or synthetic down insulation. They can also be made with an overcoat or belted style that is easy to layer over different clothing and underlayers. Lastly, there are longer-length “puffer parkas,” which appear like parka-puffer hybrids. These have been gaining in popularity, giving a combination of both attributes.
Are parkas waterproof?
Yes, parkas are frequently comprised of waterproof or water-resistant fabrics. These not only keep you dry but also keep the insulation dry, which in turn keeps you warmer in chilly winter situations. This is especially crucial for natural down insulation, which doesn’t operate as effectively when wet, adds Hopkins. She also observes that not all parkas are constructed the same. “The weatherproof-ness will depend on the the material of the parka, the construction, and what environment it is meant to be worn in.”
What are parkas composed of?
Parkas may be produced from a number of fabrics but the finest ones tend to have sturdy nylon or polyester mixes that are both waterproof and breathable, while also being able to handle severe wind. Some may have a dab of cotton or faille mix thrown in for softness and comfort. Hopkins observes that high-quality parkas often include high-fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) goose down, commonly blended with recycled polyester fill to offer it added resilience, breathability, and waterproofness. Options with silver or gold luminous linings such as Omni-Heat™ or Omni-Heat™ Infinity ratchet up the warming factor even further, as do jackets with specific waterproofing technology like OutDry™ Extreme. “By sandwiching waterproof and breathable outer shell fabrics such as OutDry™ Extreme with a super warm RDS goose down or fluffy synthetic insulation fill, and finishing the jacket with our warmest Omni-Heat Infinity lining, there’s no doubt that the end result is a parka that keeps you toasty warm and protected in any extreme winter climate.”
What makes a decent parka?
The greatest parka is the one that’s perfect for you, based on the location you’re in and the sort of protection you’re searching for. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside in more harsh winter circumstances, an extra-long waterproof parka with strong insulation and a huge protective hood is definitely your best choice. If you’re looking for something more lightweight that you can wear around the city in milder winter weather, or be more active in, Hopkins advises opting for a shorter parka made with natural fiber materials like wool and cotton mixes that utilize lighter insulation.
What makes parkas so popular?
In a word, warmth. Parkas are incredibly warm. Add to that durability, adaptability, and extra length—and parkas provide you full protection from the snow, rain, wind, and cold. Hopkins says, “Parkas are also extra popular because they can be used both on the mountain and in the city. They provide outstanding warmth, and the roomier fit affords them varied layering options. Parkas may be worn over different underlayers including sweaters, fleece, or knits.”
Read Also: Discover the Latest Spring Jacket Trends
PUFFERS
What are the different sorts of puffers?
There are a range of puffer jackets to pick from, which have varied styles, body lengths, forms, fabrications, and patterns. "You can find puffer jackets that are cropped, mid-length, extra long, with or without hoods, zip front, snap front, pullovers, printed, solids, and color-blocked in a large variety of puffer insulation fills, from super lightweight to heavyweight, in every quilting pattern imaginable," Hopkins explains.
Traditional full-zip puffer jackets are available with or without hoods and can be used as a warm midlayer between a baselayer and outer waterproof shell. But because to the adaptability and lightweight qualities of the traditional puffer jackets, many opt to wear them as their main jacket during the spring, fall, and milder winter months. “If additional warmth and protection is called for, an additional outer jacket can always be added,” Hopkins points out.
What are puffer jackets composed of?
Puffer coats are commonly manufactured out of polyester or nylon textiles. These materials tend to be lightweight and durable while also being water-resistant, wind-resistant, and down-proof (meaning insulation won’t poke through the fabric). Many puffer jackets incorporate performance insulation such as Omni-Heat™ or Thermarator™ as well as reflective liners like Omni-Heat™ Infinity, which employs NASA-inspired heat cells to offer extra warmth.
Are puffer coats waterproof?
The waterproofness of puffers might vary based on fabrications, explains Hopkins. They can range from entirely waterproof to water-resistant to no water-repellency at all. But, she says, most classic outdoor puffers that are quilted and meant for cold-weather settings have at least some form of water-resistance and windproof-ness that is intrinsic to the textiles they are composed with.
How is a puffer jacket different from a down jacket?
A puffer jacket is a larger phrase that embraces any and all quilted insulated coats. They can be produced with either natural down insulation or a synthetic fill. Down jackets refer particularly to the sort of puffer coats that are packed with natural insulation manufactured from goose or duck down.
What’s the difference between synthetic vs. natural down?
Down insulation employs all-natural goose or duck down to create warmth, whereas synthetic insulation relies on man-made materials like polyester. Natural down is exceptionally lightweight, compressible, warm, and is noted for having a long lifespan. However, its performance tends to decrease when it becomes wet. “The lofty nature of down allows air to be trapped between its filaments, which is then heated by your body heat,” Hopkins adds.
Synthetic down, on the other hand, refers to man-made down that’s supposed to match the quality and warmth of genuine down with materials that can withstand being wet a bit better. It’s often manufactured from polyester strands that replicate down’s air-trapping qualities to retain in heat. Synthetic down isn’t nearly as light or compressible as genuine down, but it thrives in wet-weather settings, keeping its fill power when wet. “It actually stays breathable and continues to insulate when soaked, while also drying out more quickly than down,” Hopkins explains.
What makes a decent puffer jacket?
When buying the perfect puffer jacket, Hopkins suggests asking yourself what conditions and activities you’re intending to wear it in. Do you want a hefty winter jacket for extreme cold, or something more versatile that can be used during seasonal transitions? Will you be wearing it in rainy climates? How critical is weight and packability?
For very lightweight warmth, Hopkins advises opting for a natural down-filled puffer jacket, particularly constructed with RDS-certified down, while folks in wetter climes may want to go for a synthetic puffer. Hopkins also points out that the quilting design will decide how much “puff” your jacket would have. “Typically, smaller quilted patterns have a lighter more evenly distributed fill and larger quilted baffles will be warmer with more puff.”
Is a puffer jacket appropriate for winter?
Puffer jackets are among the greatest alternatives for winter coats. “They come in a variety of insulation weights, lengths, and silhouettes, so you can always find the right one for you,” Hopkins explains. She points out that they’re the right blend of lightweight warmth and comfort for colder locations. They’re also generally both water-resistant and windproof, and are flexible enough to be worn as a primary jacket or as a midlayer under an outer shell.