The 9 best parkas for women that will keep you stylish whatever the weather

The best parkas for women can take you all through the year. Available in different weights and trims, this timeless coat style is a favourite with the fashion set for its endless versatility that will see you through multiple seasons. 

Finding the best winter coat is no simple task, but a parka could be the outerwear piece to solve all of your seasonal wardrobe dilemmas. Reminiscent of '90s indie bands, such as Oasis, the parka coat is considered a design that will never go out of fashion. As a silhouette that will work for all ages and seasons, they offer a serious return on investment too.

The most stylish iterations feature extra details such as faux fur trims, or cosy linings for extra snugness and warmth, and you can often find styles with flattering waist ties or practical detachable hoods. Although the spring/summer fashion trends 2024 are firmly on our radar, there is still plenty of time to snap up a timeless parka that will see you through the rest of winter and upcoming spring showers.

The best parkas for women, according to our fashion team

Guaranteed to never go out of style, it’s worth splashing out on a parka as it is one of the most versatile types of coats you can own, seeing you through all kinds of weather and occasions. Whether you go for a classic khaki shade or make a statement in a brighter hue, we’ve rounded up the best parkas for women to add to your wardrobe now.

What is the best type of parka coat to buy?

"The best parka to buy always gives me '90s vibes, staying true to when the aesthetic reached its peak fashion currency," says our fashion editor Rivkie Baum. "A great mid-season wear, I would reach for a parka for early spring and autumn weather, so finding something waterproof or at least water resistant is key - and a hood is a must." Slightly more practical than the ever-popular best camel coats, a parka offers these extra details that can see you through all weathers.

"I don't generally expect a parka to be as heavy or cosy as, say, a puffer jacket, so I tend to stick to styles without quilting, but certainly want my outerwear to have deep pockets for on-the-go storage," says Rivkie. "In terms of colour, I'd stick to a neutral hue for longevity and of course, khaki is the ultimate classic colourway for this style." A true wardrobe essential, there's no going wrong with any type of parka.

Rivkie Baum

With over fifteen years' experience, Rivkie is an accomplished fashion editor, writer and stylist. Covering international fashion weeks, and styling photoshoots all over the world, Rivkie loves translating the trends in an accessible way to make fashion available for all budgets. 

Is a parka a winter coat?

As mentioned, parkas tend to be slightly lighter than other traditional winter coats, so are usually more suited to autumn and spring. However, there are plenty of parkas on the market with a little more padding and warmth if that's what you're after. 

"Canada Goose continues to make great winter parkas when it comes to braving the coldest sub-zero days," says Liz Williams, Outerwear Designer at The Checkroom. "However, a parka does not necessarily have to be a winter coat. Rain parkas can be the perfect companion for a spring or fall day that is both wet and chilly." 

Liz Williams

Outerwear Designer at The Checkroom, Liz Williams creates “Classic Inspired Statement Coats for Modern Women.” Liz is a former Instructor of Fashion Design at Columbia College in Chicago, where she educated students in fashion design, patternmaking, sewing, and fabric manipulation.