Parka and jacket are two types of outerwear that can sometimes be confusing. Although parka is considered a type of jacket, not all jackets are parkas. The main difference between parka and jacket is that parkas have hoods while most jackets don’t have hoods.
Key Takeaways
- Parkas are windproof jackets with hoods, typically lined with fur or faux fur, and are worn during cold weather.
- Jackets are upper garments worn over another layer of clothing and can have various styles and designs, but most do not have hoods.
- Parkas are not used as formal wear, while jackets can be worn as part of formal attire.
Understanding Parkas
A parka is a windproof jacket with a hood that is worn during cold weather. The hood in parkas is usually lined with fur or faux fur, which protects the face from wind and freezing temperatures. Parkas are knee-length garments and are typically made from very warm synthetic fiber.
Originally invented by Caribou Inuit, who made jackets from caribou or seal skin to wear during kayaking and hunting in the frigid Arctic, parkas became popular in the West during the 1950s and were used by the military. Today, parkas are made from light synthetic material and come in different designs, such as the Snorkel Parka and the Fishtail Parka.
It is important to note that parkas and anoraks are not the same, although many people use these two terms interchangeably.
Understanding Jackets
Jackets are garments that cover the upper part of the body and are worn over one layer of clothing, such as a T-shirt, shirt, or blouse. They can have different styles and designs, usually featuring a front opening that can be fastened with buttons or zippers. Some jackets are left open, and most have collars, lapels, and pockets. While most jackets have long sleeves, there are also sleeveless jacket styles, such as jerkins. Jackets typically extend to the wearer’s hip or mid-stomach.
Various jacket designs and styles are known by different names, including dinner jackets, suit jackets, blazers, leather jackets, bomber jackets, sailor jackets, flak jackets, doublets, jerkins, fleece jackets, and gilets. They are worn either as a protective layer against the weather or as a fashion item.
Although many people use the words coat and jacket interchangeably, jackets are typically shorter, lighter, and more close-fitting than coats.
Differences Between Parkas and Jackets
Parkas are windproof jackets with hoods that are worn during cold weather, while jackets are upper garments worn over another layer of clothing. Parkas have hoods, whereas some jackets have hoods, but not all. Most jackets, such as dinner jackets, fleece jackets, and suit jackets, do not have hoods. Parkas are not used as formal wear, while jackets can also be worn as part of formal attire, such as dinner jackets and suit jackets. Parkas are typically worn during cold weather, while jackets can be worn during warm weather as well.
