How do you choose a parka?

LE BON MARCHÉ ADVICE ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT PARKA

Winter is here, and to get through it, there is nothing better than a warm and comfortable coat. A wardrobe staple, coats, and more specifically parkas, will be your best allies in coping with falling temperatures.

To help you in your search for the perfect parka that will keep you warm all season, Le Bon Marché is giving you all its style tips.

What material? What cut? How do I wear it? Follow the guide and the exclusive selection of parkas for maximum protection from the cold.

Materials and details

MATERIALS

Parkas have the advantage of being both very warm and providing effective protection from bad weather. Choose a mid-thigh length parka with a water-repellent or waterproof outer material to withstand rain.

For maximum warmth, pay attention to the thickness of the lining, which should preferably be made with down or wool.

49WINTERS: parka, 65% cotton and 35% polyamide, detachable thin down inner jacket with polyamide, €995

DETAILS

As parkas are first and foremost practical pieces, it is advisable to avoid too many embellishments. Go for a parka with two or four side pockets, which will allow you to carry your things easily.

You can then choose a piece with a fake-fur hood for a more assertive style or with a high collar for more protection.

Finally, choose a parka that you can pull in at the waist, which will help you to stop it from looking bulky depending on your outfit and increase its insulating ability!

CANADA GOOSE: coat, 85% polyester and 15% cotton, €950

Il existe aujourd’hui un grand nombre de parkas dans des teintes plutôt neutres et sombres comme le noir, le gris ou le bleu marine. Ces couleurs se marieront parfaitement avec des pièces en denim ou une chemise blanche.

How do I wear it?

COLOUR

Because of its insulating properties, a parka is often the garment of choice when hunting or fishing. A khaki parka, which helps you to discreetly blend in with natural landscapes, is therefore often the most traditional.

For a more urban look, there are now a wide variety of other options in more neutral and dark shades, such as black, grey or navy blue. These colours go perfectly with denim pieces or a white shirt.

WOOLRICH: wool coat, €1,730

WHAT KIND OF LOOK SHOULD I GO FOR?

For a simple and effective look, you can match your parka with workwear or streetwear pieces, such as a hoody, sweatshirt, raw denim, boots and even trainers. To add a hint of colour, choose a jumper in a soft material, such as cashmere, and in bright and on-trend shades, such as camel, navy blue or plum.

For a smarter style, try playing with contrasts and wear your parka with your Suit. The effect will be even more striking if the parka has lots of details, such as faux fur. When combining styles in this way, you should still try to go for a relatively fitted cut to avoid making your figure too bulky.

INVENTIVE CITI: polyamide coat, €825