Best Women’s Parka Reviews 2019

Gone are the days when women’s parkas were just essential winter gear; they have now become fashion statements and clothing items that must be meticulously chosen. As we have earlier stated, there are many features that a good women’s parka should have, and these features also affect the price of the product. In addition, the brand of the parka and the number of celebrity endorsements or lack thereof, also impacts the price.

Our research showed that a good women’s parka can be gotten for as low as $39 or as high as $328. This price variance depends on the factors that we mentioned above. However, there are some cheap women’s parkas, but the danger of some of those cheap items is that you may end up with a product that won’t do the job you purchased it for and won’t even last for long.

Cold or chilly days require that you wear the appropriate clothing to ensure that you don’t catch a chill. Parkas are one of such clothing items that help keep the chills away. So, what’s the use of a jacket that won’t keep you warm? That’s what you’ll get if you don’t buy a good women’s parka.

There are so many features that make a good parka, and listed below are some of the features that you shouldn’t compromise when shopping for a women’s parka:

• Adequate Insulation – Look out for a parka that has thermal heating and other features that ensure adequate insulation.
• Hood - Check to see if the parka has a hood, and if so, what kind it is. This could include detachable versions.
• Weight – A good parka should be lightweight even as it provides you with adequate warmth; you don’t want to have to carry about excess weight while wearing it.
• Size – The right size ensures that you’re comfortable and enjoy the full benefits of the parka.
• Weather- and Waterproof - This ensures that you are protected from the elements.
• Breathable or Well-ventilated Material - This ensures that you are kept warm without sweating or feeling stuffy.
• Ease of Care and Maintenance - Look out for a parka that’s easy to care for.
• Style - You may also want to consider the style of parkas that are in vogue.
• Extra Features - This would include features such as pockets, drawstrings, and side zippers.

Let’s now go into more details and explore the benefits of these features.

Before picking a parka, you need to ask yourself some questions including the following:

• Are you buying a parka as a fashion statement that would only complement/accessorize your clothing?
• Do you require a garment that’s weatherproof or only waterproof?
• Do you need it for tough and harsh weather or just blustery and chilly days… or early winter?
• Is it the only jacket you’ll have for every occasion or do you want it for special occasions or outings?

Answering these questions will help you determine the kind of parka you need, which will inform your choice as you shop.

Breathable or Well-ventilated Material

Most women’s parkas are made with polyester or nylon fabric, which makes them weather- or waterproof; some are lightweight while others are heavier. The material may be mixed, but the important thing is that the outer shell is weather- or/and waterproof because it has to protect the wearer from the assaults of the elements. Imagine that you went out in a slight drizzle or snowy day with a jacket that’s not waterproof; you’d end up with a sodden jacket that would be twice the weight and would even contribute to giving you the chills.

It’s also vital that the material be breathable; this allows for adequate ventilation that ensures the wearer, though kept warm, does not sweat or feel stuffy. One of the technologies that has been developed to this effect is the HyVent®. It would do you a world of good to look out for brands whose products feature adequate insulation and ventilation. You can find out the validity of these claims by reading reviews of verified buyers who have used the product.

Adequate Insulation

It is essential that the parka has adequate insulation. Some brands have developed cutting-edge technology such as the Omni-Heat™ which helps to retain body heat generated and also regulate body temperature. Jackets with this technology have tiny silver dots that help to reflect the heat while regulating and retaining it.

Size

While you want to keep warm, we know that women still want to look classy in their warm parkas. There are many designs that are in vogue, but if you don’t get the right size, you won’t get a good fit. Check the dimensions of the length, the arm length, and the width to ensure that it’s actually your size. Also remember that you’ll most likely wear it with an inner garment. Also note that several customers have found out that you have to order one or two sizes bigger than your usual size, especially for imported products.

When it comes down to the performance and ease of use of your parka, you’ll want to look at four main things; weight, hoods, care/maintenance and any extra features the jacket may come with. Let’s take a look at these in some more detail, shall we?

Weight

A good parka should be lightweight in addition to providing warmth. It would be inconveniencing for you to buy a heavy and bulky parka which would weigh you down and make mobility cumbersome. The same principle applies to a parka with a hood; you have to check that the weight is adequate to withstand being blown off by wind, but not too heavy to become excess weight.

Hoods

A good hood is also one that covers the head and provides adequate protection without obstructing the sight of the wearer. Some parkas come with detachable hoods; this allows you to remove the hood when you don’t need it and reattach when you need it. Some hoods even have false fur trims which provide additional warmth.

Ease of Care and Maintenance

Some parkas are machine-washable, some are recommended to be hand-washed, and others still can be both hand-washed and machine-washed. Endeavor to check out the instructions for the care and maintenance of the garment.

Extra Features

Other features that would add value to your purchase would include side zippers, pockets, and drawstrings. Side zippers make it easy to wear the parka on a ski trail or while hiking, and also make it comfortable when you sit in your car; this is because you are able to unzip the side which helps to loosen the fit. Pockets provide storage space for things such as phones, keys, pens, and the likes. Zippered pockets ensure that the items stored are secure and won’t fall out even when you bend over. Drawstrings at the waist allow the wearer to adjust the fit of the jacket as required.

There are some parkas that are versatile and have features which allow the wearer to use it both as a spring or early fall jacket, as well as a heavy winter jacket. If you’re cash-constrained and want only one jacket that you can use on different occasions and in different weather conditions, you’ll do well to look out for modular or convertible models.