Drizzly days spent huddled in a train station as part of a twice-daily commute, may not be something many of us have to worry about in the summer, but as the autumn and winter seasons fast approach, you may start to consider scouring the market for parka coats. They're simply one of the best coats to buy for now and for every transitional season.
This means puffer jackets, the best parkas and cosy duffels – all coats that very much put substance over style - are the way to prepare for socialising al fresco from late September onwards. ‘The way our customers are shopping for outerwear has definitely changed,’ says Heather Gramston, head of womenswear buying at Browns. ‘Our priorities have changed, and we’ve noticed a shift in interest that’s much more about quality.’
The same is true at M&S, where Lisa Illis, head of design, says customers are seeking ‘outerwear options that offer versatility, warmth and comfort – casual styles like the puffer have been particularly popular’. At Boden, so many people bought their best parka - the Dunbar Parka- in the week it launched that it became the brand’s fastest-selling coat since 2018. With a waterproof finish, faux-fur lining and detachable hood, it’s possibly the ultimate cold-weather weapon.
Grazia's Best Parkas For Women 2024, At A Glance
Best overall parka for women: Sweaty Betty Motion Longline Waterproof Parka, £220 on Sweaty Betty
Best affordable parka for women: M&S Stormwear Waxed Faux Fur Lined Hooded Parka, £89 on M&S
Best luxury parka for women: LOEWE Hooded Cotton Parka, £1,950 on LOEWE
Most stylish parka for women: Burberry Nylon Cotton Parka, £1,390 on Burberry
Best parka for warmth: Holland Cooper One-Size Waterproof Coat, £249 on Holland Cooper
Best parka for everyday wear: GANNI Green Tech Seersucker Oversized Shell Coat, £395 on GANNI
Best long parka for women: RAINS Longer Jacket, £105 on RAINS
Best puffer parka for women: Levi's Pillow Bubble Mid Puffer, £115 on Levi's
Best parka for Britpop fashion: John Lewis Hooded Parka, £99 on John Lewis
Best lightweight parka for women: Pull & Bear Lightweight Jacket With Corduroy Collar, £35.99 on Pull & Bear
It seems the parka coat is having a major moment again, and it's no coincidence that it's comeback aligns with the much-hyped reunion of Oasis. Riding on the coattails of Britpop nostalgia as the band, with their iconic 90s swagger, takes centre stage once again. Arguably, Liam Gallagher made the parka a fashion staple, effortlessly blending its utility with coolness. Now, as Britpop fashion reclaims its space in pop culture, the parka is re-emerging as the ultimate outerwear - its oversized silhouette, rugged charm and throwback appeal aligning perfectly with the gritty (yet glamourous) vibe of the era.
So the crux of the coat this season is that it has to actually battle the elements – not just look good. After all, it might be wet and windy for the foreseeable future, but at least we can still all enjoy outdoor space in some of the best quilted coats. And escaping our four walls is going to be vital, even if we’re braving a cold and damp snap. So, get your best parka coats – we’re going out.
How We Selected The Best Parkas For Women
We've selected and tried on the best parka coats for this season with a range of budgets in mind, and coloured coats too. From brands such as LOEWE and & Other Stories, we're sure you'll find the perfect one. The team have given their recommendations based on factors like insulation, water-resistance and overall design to come up with a list of ten parka coats that are the perfect investment for any winter wardrobe.
SHOP: The Best Parkas For Women 2024
Best overall parka for women
www.sweatybetty.com
There's a reason why this parka from Sweaty Betty has almost 300 positive reviews - and it's because the coat has so many features that makes it great. It's fully waterproof (which is a massive bonus when you're standing on said train station platform in the rain), has a toggled waistline for a close fit, as well as two popper pockets at the front and hip. Some of the reviews on the site praise the coat for being 'perfectly stylish' and actually waterproof. And, after a quick try-on session, the Grazia team agree - this really is the best parka on the market right now.
Materials | Recycled polyester |
Features | Cool handfeel, Adjustable toggled collar, Zip-off hood, Two popper pockets at the front and two snap-fastened pockets at the hip |
Size range | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
Colours | Trek green, French navy blue |
Best affordable parka for women
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S are an absolute godsend when it comes to anything outerwear - we know this by now. If you don't want to spend upwards of one hundred pounds on a parka, M&S have a great alternative that's priced very reasonably. The Faux Fur Lined Hooded Parka is made from waxed pure cotton and features M&S' very own Stormwear technology. The Grazia team awarded this coat the title of 'best affordable parka for women' because of its quality - which is fantastic. Other customers are also echoing this, by writing that this is a great winter coat, and is great value for money.
Materials | Cotton, Polyester |
Features | Popper and zip fastening, Lined, Made from waxed pure cotton, Drawstring adjustable hood |
Size range | UK 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 |
Colours | Khaki, Midnight navy |
Most stylish parka for women
uk.burberry.com
This Burberry parka jacket redefines the essence of understated luxury, blending iconic heritage with modern-day functionality. Crafted in a soft-cream hue that Burberry aptly name 'Flax', it features the brand's signature vintage check lining, visible within the hood - a nod to its British roots. Plus, its tailored silhouette is elevated with more practical details, such as adjustable drawstring toggles at the waist and deep front pockets. The Grazia team agree that you can never go wrong with a Burberry coat, which is why we're calling this the 'most stylish parka for women.'
Materials | Polyamide, Cotton, Polyester |
Features | Lined with Burberry Check, Darted waist, Two-way zip closure, Side welt pockets |
Size range | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
Colours | Flax, Black |
Best luxury parka for women
www.loewe.com
The Loewe Hooded Cotton Parka is skillfully fashioned from water-resistant, mid-weight cotton gabardine. Perfect for a drizzly day, just add an umbrella to the mix, and you are good to go. Our editor's we're immediately drawn to this designer parka, and it's on almost all of our wish lists, because of its standout features like belted cuffs, button front fastening with foldover panel and tan patch branded pocket.
Materials | Cotton |
Features | Detachable hood collar, Belted cuffs, Button fastening, Patch pockets |
Size range | EU 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 |
Colours | Khaki green, Black, Sweet caramel |
Best parka for warmth
www.hollandcooper.com
Holland Cooper know a thing or two about dressing for the cooler months, as most of its items are inspired by the British countryside. This parka is definitely the one you're going to want to invest in if you're looking for warmth this A/W, as it boasts an over-knee length for maximum coverage and a borg lined hood. It's also super chic with welt pockets on the front and faux leather piping throughout - the Grazia fashion team love this one for that exact season, while customers are calling it 'one of the classiest dry robes on the market.'
Materials | Polyester |
Features | Full zip closure, Snap fastenings to cuff, Borg-lined hood, Faux leather piping |
Size range | One size |
Colours | Chocolate, Khaki |
Best parka for everyday wear
www.ganni.com
GANNI'S Tech Seersucker Oversized Shell Coat is the perfect blend of an eco-conscious design and effortless Scandi-cool style. This beetle-green parka is made from recycled polyester and is lightweight enough to add some layers in underneath. At Grazia we always love a more oversized, relaxed fit so this one is perfect to give you that laid-back edge. And, there's more functional details too, like large pockets and a full front zip closure. Ideal for throwing on over both casual or smarter outfits - we've just uncovered an easy A/W outfit formula.
Materials | Recycled polyester |
Features | Zip closure, Pockets at the side, front and sleeve, Elastic detailing on sleeves, Cool design |
Size range | XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL, 4XL |
Colours | Beetle |
Best long parka for women
www.uk.rains.com
This ever-contemporary unisex rain jacket delivers high functionality in a minimal silhouette. We love the slanting pockets and button-up design on this parka coat by RAINS. A great thing about a longer parka coat is that it will keep you protected all the way down to your knees.
RAINS is a Danish brand know for its incredible outerwear, and of course it's Scandi designs. Grazia editor's love the Longer Jacket because of its excellent quality and fit. Customers on the site are also reporting back similar pleased comments, saying the big pockets are really handy and the coat is 'well-cut.'
Materials | Polyester, Polyurethane |
Features | Snap fastenings, Hood with built-in cap, Two side pockets, Snap sleeves |
Size range | XS, S, M, L, XL |
Colours | Black, Green, Morph |
Best puffer parka for women
www.levi.com
A puffer parka coat is a good alternative to just your average puffer coat. This one from Levi's boasts some serious practicality with a cinchable hem and long sleeves. This oversized puffer promises warmth without the weight, making it perfect for chilly city strolls or weekend getaways. Levi's promises this coat to be 'as soft as a pillow' and warmer than a blanket. Fashion editor's love this parka because of its button-up collar, which will provide extra warmth on those extra cold days, even reviewers are praising the cosiness of the Levi's Pillow Bubble Mid Puffer.
Materials | Polyester |
Features | Pillowy down jacket, Insulated for extra warmth, Cinchable hem, Side pockets |
Size range | XS, S, M, L |
Colours | Darkest spruce - green, Travertine - beige |
Best parka for Britpop fashion
www.johnlewis.com
John Lewis' Hooded Parka is the parka you're going to want to invest in if you're looking to channel your inner Liam Gallaher. This parka is one that's perfect for layering as it's not too thick, and it's slightly oversized so you can easily fit a chunky knit underneath. It's not only the customers raving about the quality and timelessness of the raincoat, we also agree, this parka is one that's going to last you year after year.
Materials | Cotton, Polyamide |
Features | Detachable hood, Deep front pockets, Fully lined |
Size range | UK 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 |
Colours | Khaki, Black |
Best lightweight parka for women
www.zara.com
If there's one place I always go to for a coat that will last me past one season, it's Zara. This lightweight parka ticks all of the boxes, it's khaki, it's long and it's oversized and the sheen of the material elevates it past your traditional hooded coat. The adjustable waist also means I can pinch it in to switch up my silhouette depending on my mood, and large hood will actually protect my face from any rain during the UK autumn.
Materials | 100% RCS certified recycled polyester |
Features | Zipper and snap button fastening, front welt pockets, adjustable drawstring waist, adjustable hood |
Size range | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (product has oversized fit) |
Colours | Khaki |
What Is The Difference Between A Parka And A Winter Coat?
A parka and a winter coat (for instance, a teddy bear coat) are both types of outerwear designed to provide warmth during cold weather, but there are some key differences between them; for instance, the best parkas are longer and offer more protection in colder climates on legs.
Which Is Warmer A Puffer Or A Parka Jacket?
The best parkas are generally warmer than puffer jackets due to their longer length, heavier insulation, and specialized features designed for extreme cold. Puffer jackets, while warm, offer versatility for milder winter conditions. The choice depends on the intended use and climate.
Hannah Banks-Walker is the Head of Fashion Commerce for Grazia, where she waxes lyrical about midi dresses and tries not to collect any more red lipsticks.