Difference between Parkas and Jackets

You must have come across different names for the same things. Be it when browsing on the internet or shopping at a store, the store runners and online brands have equally confused customers about certain terms in the fashion industry. And it is especially true for jackets and coats.

You must have heard the names of different types of jackets such as denim jackets, bombers, down jackets, and so on. Though they all are jackets, all these types are different among them.

Just like there is a difference between a parka and a jacket. For most people who are still new to the term parka or don’t know what is parka Vs jacket, this is the article for you.

Before going into details of the parka Vs jacket, let’s understand what these two terms actually mean. What is a parka? Is it a type of jacket or something else?

What is a Parka?

Parka is a kind of long coat that comes well-insulated and a hood lined with fur. You will find different types of fur around your parka hood. Either this fur is real or faux depending on the brand and price of the parka.

Parkas come padded with either synthetic or down feathers padding that provides warmth and insulation. This again depends on brands as well as the purpose for which you will be wearing your parka.

Now, you must be thinking about the term ‘Anorak’, which people often use interchangeably for a parka. But just like there is a difference between parka and jacket anorak and parka are two different things.

Now you know that a parka is NOT a jacket. But anorak is a jacket, which is smaller than a parka and can be used as a pull-over; however, a parka comes with an open front.

Moving on in the jacket Vs parka details, let’s understand what a jacket actually is.

What Is a Jacket?

Jackets are top-wear designed to provide insulation and weather protection. Jackets come in different lengths depending on the purpose. You will also find jackets made from a variety of materials such as polyester, nylon, leather, wool, denim, and so on.

You must have seen or even worn different types of jackets changing from their styles, shapes, materials, to the purpose of wearing. This makes it clear that no two jackets are alike. On the UNIQLO website, you will find many of these types of jackets for men and women.

UNIQLO offers a wide variety of down jackets for women including hybrid down jackets, women’s ultra-light down jackets, ultra-light down compact jackets and vests, and more. You will also find a range of hoodies and coats in different styles, shapes, and colors.

UNIQLO men’s down jacket section features a hybrid down oversized jacket, ultra-light down compact vest, and more in different colors. You can also choose from a range of hoodies available in different colors, styles, and design patterns.

Now that you know what is parka and jacket, let’s know the major points for jacket Vs parka.

Difference between Parka and Jacket

Apart from the technical design details, what sets a parka aside from a jacket? Let’s find out.

Length

While most people look at the length of any outerwear as just a visual difference, but it’s a performance difference as well. As parkas are longer, you will feel more warmth and better protection against the cold weather.

However, this is not the case when it comes to jackets. Although jackets come in different lengths, the down-insulated jackets are still shorter than a parka. So the jacket provides less warmth to your legs. This is among the major difference between a parka and a jacket.

So, depending on your outfit and inner layers choose wisely if you should wear a parka or a jacket to protect yourself against cold.

Materials

Another point in the parka Vs jacket debate is the material used to make a parka as well as a jacket. The material used will affect the jacket’s performance weather-wise.

Starting with the visual design difference between parka and jacket, parka comes with fur trim on the hood. However, depending on the style and purpose, jackets not only come without fur trim but sometimes also lack a hood.

Parkas are made with water-resistant materials. The shell is typically made from either polyester or nylon, while the insulation can come from synthetic or down.

On the other hand, jackets are created with the same materials, as a parka, but you should refer to these types of jackets as bomber, down, or quilted jackets. This is another point in the parka Vs jacket.

Other common materials used to make jackets are denim, leather, polyester, nylon, wool, cashmere, and PU. You must have seen or even worn these types of jackets many times. Also, the materials used for jackets affect the weight of the jacket and the purpose of wearing it. However, as jackets are shorter they feel lighter against the skin than a parka.

However, with innovative designs and technologies, UNIQLO offers a range of ultra-light down parka that feels lighter and you can wear for outdoor activities as well.

Occasion

The third major difference in jacket Vs parka is the occasion you can wear these. Parkas are worn during cold weather. But they are not to be worn as formal wears.

However, with the different types and designs of jackets, you can pull off formal, casual, as well as classy look with jackets. Certain types of jackets like dinner jackets and suit jackets can be worn in warm weather as well.

Conclusion

Parka Vs jacket has visual as well as performance differences. The length you choose for both parka and jacket provides a different level of warmth and protection against the cold. The material used also affects the warmth you feel from wearing a jacket Vs parka.

So, now you know the difference between a parka and a jacket. Even if you didn’t get any major difference in jacket Vs parka, just know that they are two different things.