A waist or hip length cold weather jacket is known as a parka. This jacket usually has an attached hood and is lined with wool or fur. The parka has a filling of down acrylic or modern thinsulate for added warmth and insulation. At times the outer surface of the parka is treated with a water proofing agent to prevent the penetration of moisture inside.
The parka was first constructed by the native tribes of Alaska and Canada and it was called an anorak in Great Britain. The original styles of parka usually used down and fur as the materials for insulation and for waterproofing the application of fish oil to the outer surface was done.
The initial parka that was designed did not have any zippers and all as it was supposed to be pulled over the head of the wearer just like a modern day poncho. There were summer versions of the traditional parkas with the option of a connected skirt.
The first commercial version of the parka was introduced in the 1930s. This was meant for the customers who lived in very cold climates and were winter sport enthusiasts. The hood of the parka acts like a windbreak and reduces the sensation of cold and the fur or the faux lining whichever of the two are there provides the insulation.
Those parkas that are designed for the individuals who are hunters and outdoor workers have a lot of pockets sewn in the front so as to provide for the storage of various things like goggles etc. The large pockets are also there to provide insulation for the cold hands.
The modern parka has become more of a fashion collectible and may not necessarily have a fur or faux lining. It has been designed to suit people of all age groups like children, ladies skiers etc. At times they act like wind breakers more than a parka. The original parkas are now collectibles items that can be viewed in museums etc. |
