Please pelt me with your parkas

[ShowMeTheSugar]

I really want a new parka but I'm not sure where to go for one? I want it to be good quality so steering away from my usual Zara and River Island this time.

Any suggestions for where to get one thats good for autumn/winter? Budget could go up to £200/250 if it came with enough good recommendations

Hi,

only yesterday did i receive a parka from a company called fishtail parka (sorry, don't know how to link) it is an original parka and not a fashion one, it is beautifully made and was £200. it has a choice of faux or real fur round the hood. Interior has a quilted lining. Not going to fib, but I sent it back because it was too furry for me, the hood dropped over my eyes, couldn't see a thing, i had to keep flinging it off.

I might reorder though, because i can't find another that comes close...

Didriksons. Properly waterproof, toasty warm. Last years and years. Not cheap but a real investment.

I got the Boden Dunbar parka last winter and it’s the cosiest coat ever. The furry lining buttons out, so I’ve been wearing it this autumn without it and it’s still really warm and waterproof. I’ve had so many compliments on it considering it is just a green parka. I think it’s the little finishing touches that make it stand out. My favourite thing is the pockets, completely lined with furriness!

Watching

I've heard Didriksons mentioned a couple of times, though always as a really good waterproof option. I will go have a look.

trimtops This is a good detail! Im constantly battling with hoods that are either too big or not big enough once I have my hair in a pony tail. Noted

Parka London.
I have two. One is waterproof with a detachable lining and one is a khaki deep winter version. They are really well made and classic designs. I've bought both on sale via Brand Alley & Asos I think.

I've just bought a Didricksons Parker after much pondering and researching. I wanted something warm and waterproof but not completely frumpy and outdoorsy looking. It is so lovely, beautiful quality and you can actually see with the hood up which is a real bonus - it does have faux fur round the hood but it buttons off if you prefer the fur free look. I'm looking forward to it getting chilly enough to wear it!

@SingingGoldfinch which Didriksons Parka did you buy and do they come up very long? I'm 5'4 and wanted to get one but not sure if it will swamp me.

Another vote for Didriksons! Very warm as well as waterproof. Some styles are shorter/longer than others so there's plenty to choose from. You can usually get styles from previous years from places like Cotswold, Blacks, CHO, etc in their sales if you find one you like but it's discontinued.

The only thing I don't like is that they seem to have stopped making their coats with handwarmer/slip pockets, so there's nowhere to put your hands in the newer models.

@LightOfAThousandStars I've got the Erika Parka www.didriksons.com/en/women/jackets/autumn-winter-jackets/erika-women-s-parka-503816-300 - I'm 5"10 and it's a lovely fit on me so may be a bit roomy for you? One of the reasons I went for Didrikson was that I'd read lots of reviews saying arms were long which is something I usually struggle with on coats. I'm sure I've read about more petite ladies buying from Didrikson youth range though so might be worth looking at that? They are definitely very lovely coats!!!

@Zinfandelli my Didrickson (Erika parka) has side/slip pockets! That was a must for me!

What's that silver line across half the bottom at the back?
Or is it my old eyes seeing things?

It's a reflective strip! Don't think it's as noticeable in real life. Definitely doesn't look weird!

It's a reflective strip! Don't think it looks as noticeable in the flesh!

Thank you @SingingGoldfinch, that one may indeed be too long but I'm going to look at their other ones

landsend.com best coats I've ever had. They have lovely parkas.

I bought a Didriksons parka, as recommended by Mumsnet, eight years ago, and I've worn it November to March solidly since. It's only now beginning to look less than new. The hood is one of its best bits. Stays up, can see out of it, and has a sort of snug neck piece that keeps me warm, and the hood up.

Top hole.

@SingingGoldfinch it's a must for me too! I nearly bought one (can't remember the name) but realised just in time it only had one slip pocket. Not sure what you're supposed to do with the other hand.

In the end I bought the Mea, which I'm very happy with.

I bought a Toast parka 5 years ago. It was expensive but it's a great winter coat, very warm and effective when it's horizontally raining.