Parka 101: How a Parka Should Fit You

In our quest to find the perfect clothes, whether it’s for summer, winter, autumn, or spring, we all know the importance of choosing well. We should always make it a point to dress nicely, of course – but more than this, we should make sure that our clothes fit us well. This rule is an absolute given, but I often see people who are walking around with t-shirts that are too tight and baggy trousers that do nothing to make them look good! If you want to look well put together, no matter what you are wearing, you must make it a point to choose clothing that is right for your body size and stature.

However, there’s been some debate about how a jacket, particularly something that can be as bulky as a parka, should fit you. Everyone knows that a parka is really meant to be a bit big, as you are supposed to wear other layers of clothing underneath it, but there’s still a difference between a parka that’s just right and a parka that swallows you whole.

So here’s your guide to selecting a parka that fits you:

What you should know

A parka was originally meant to fit over a whole bunch of military combat gear, so it was made to be bigger than one’s chest size. Another point to remember is that a parka is normally quite roomy. This being said, when buying a parka, make some allowances for your chest and torso. Some parka wearers prefer not to zip up or close their parkas at the front, but some like to be all zipped up. So the parka you choose needs to depend on this preference as well.

Shoulders and arms

Whilst making sure the parka is roomy without being too big, you need to pay attention to the shoulder area and the arms. When it comes to the shoulders, choose one which hangs a little off your shoulders. At the same time, pay attention to the length of the sleeves. You will know right away if the parka doesn’t fit you if the sleeves are too long. Make sure the sleeves end just at your wrist line, and not before it or after it.

The advantages of a parka

Parkas are obviously meant to be worn in the winter, but lightweight ones can also be ideal for the autumn or even spring. You also have different choices when it comes to the type of parka that you buy. One of the most popular is the fishtail or military style parka, which usually comes with a hood that can be detachable as well. Take a gander at the different kinds of parkas on display at this blog so you can get a better idea of what best fits your style and preference.

The good thing about a parka is that it’s a very practical kind of jacket in cold weather. If you are concerned about looking too big, then pair your parka with a straight-cut pair of jeans or trousers that have a slimming effect.

Being stylish whilst keeping warm is entirely possible with the right choice of clothing. With a parka, you can certainly be both cozy and fashionable at the same time.