The 8 Best Parkas for Men, Tested by Style Editors

A parka with a trifecta of exceptional insulation, two-way stretch, and water-resistance? Sign us up. Yep, in our testing, we found that Eddie Bauer’s Glacier Peak Seamless Stretch Down Parka is truly the best for everyday comfort since it is as toasty as it is movement-friendly. During all of our winter commutes and outings, the parka proved to be warm yet lightweight; the 650-fill down insulation was in fact able to keep us cozy even in sub-zero climate, and since the construction has bonded channels, heat stays trapped inside and doesn’t escape. Made with a durable water-repellent finish, we’ve also found that the shell of this parka was able to shed off rain and snow instead of absorbing moisture.

The fit is not too slim or relaxed, so it hits that sweet spot where you can throw it over a chunky sweater or long-sleeve t-shirt without feeling like a stuffed burrito. And the brand made sure to create sizes that accommodate our gents over 6’0″ tall, too.

The most impressive part of Eddie Bauer’s parka is its mechanical stretch that provided mobility and flexibility for our tester, who was able to hike, run errands, commute to the office, and travel by air or train with no problem. Overall, Eddie Bauer’s Glacier Peak Seamless Stretch Down Parka is one that’ll keep up—with the freezing temps as well as with your every move.

Read More: Best Winter Coats

Pros

• 600 fill power down is enough for pretty much all winter occasions
• Windproof, waterproof, breathable
• A wealth of pockets
• Easy to layer up

From city living to traveling to Baltic regions, the McMurdo Down Parka proves just how versatile a winter coat can be. After putting it through its paces during ski trips in Wyoming, Montana, Iceland, and northern Norway, we can confidently say it’s built for serious cold. Packed with 600-fill-power down insulation, it delivered optimal warmth so we didn’t feel a single chill high up on the mountains or around the campsite.

Weather-wise, it’s got you covered as well. The windproof, waterproof, and breathable DryVent shell kept out rain, snow, and brutal gusts, making it just as practical for a city commute as it is for a deep winter adventure. Plus, the fit is dialed in—roomy enough to layer over crewneck sweaters or thermal shirts but not so puffy that you feel like a marshmallow.

A few extra details make this parka a standout: Adjustable cuffs to lock out the cold, more than five pockets (inside and out) for your essentials, and a removable faux fur hood trim to switch things up.

Arcteryx’s offering isn’t just cozy—it’s next-level insulation done right. Unlike typical puffy parkas that rely solely on down, this one uses a hybrid insulation system that’s strategically placed for maximum warmth and weather protection. Here’s how it works: 750-fill power goose is mapped to contour our tester’s body shape, trapping heat exactly where you need it for better thermal regulation. Meanwhile, Coreloft synthetic insulation is placed in areas prone to moisture. We were blown away by how warm this bad boy is. There were literally no weak spots where the cold could creep in. Even when the wind was howling and the snow was coming down sideways, we stayed dry, toasty, and completely unfazed.

On top of that, the Gore-Tex shell is fully waterproof and windproof, which can handle all cold fronts and heavy downpours. Fit-wise, it hits mid-thigh for extra coverage, with a regular cut that enables easy layering and full range of motion. With stretch mesh fabric at the back and under the sleeves for much-needed ventilation, comfort lives in every inch of this jacket. The only thing is that our tester found the zipper, while durable, did not work as smoothly as others on the list.

The Baxter State Parka is a classic and deserves all the hype. One of our testers has in fact owned his first one for over a decade before its zipper finally gave out. In our testing, we’ve worn it as our daily wear in Vermont, New Hampshire, or places in the Northeast with snowy, windy, sometimes awful weather, and we were impressed by how it has always managed to keep us warm and dry.

Filled with 650-fill power down (throughout, from the hood to the sleeves) under a wind- and waterproof shell, our tester says that the insulation of the Baxter State Parka feels like a warm hug even in temperatures down to zero plus rain or wind. It’s also made with extra room as well without being extra thick, meaning it’s great for layering.

Overall, we think that it’s hard to beat L.L. Bean’s Baxter State Parka at this price. Totally windproof, rugged, and warm, this parka also has a total of six pockets—two on the chest, two internal pockets, and one snap flap pocket on the sleeve for the most optimized everyday carry.

When the clouds open up, it’s best to have a parka that won’t leave you soaked and shivering. Enter the Rains Fishtail Parka. The Denmark-based lifestyle brand, also known for its gym bags and puffer jackets, churned out a style that’s exceptionally-crafted beyond its waterproof protection. For starters, it stands as the best rain jacket that we’ve tested because it has enhanced coverage, blocking rain from wetting your quads and backside, which is huge for anyone who has ever been caught walking in showers for more than 10 minutes—our city commuters understand what we mean.

Speaking of which, the jacket is quintessential New York with an all-black aesthetic and thigh-length cut. While there’s no insulation in this parka, the back yoke offers a sufficient amount of airflow to avoid any clamminess. Plus, the casual fit allows for easy layering, so our testers were able to wear formal office attire underneath without feeling too stuffy.

Yes, this jacket is suited for city-slickers, but it has more wearability than you think. Outdoorsmen will also find the parka functional for a drizzly trail walk. And one thing’s for certain—the hand warmer pockets and drawstring hood with a cap brim will come in handy for your hike.

Patagonia’s parka arrives in a puffer-type of silhouette, but it beats the cold even better than one. We’ve ventured out in this jacket to hit the streets as well as the trail, and it comes in handy when there’s a sharp bite in the air—we’re talking below 10 degrees. Our testers especially felt snug when plopping the insulated hood over their head. The regular fit is just right–not too tight, not too oversized—offering enough room for a flannel shirt or shacket situation to layer underneath and still feel comfortable.

In addition to being stuffed with 700-fill-power duck and goose down, the shell is made from polyester stretch taffeta, which is lightweight, smooth, and has a little give, so your movements won’t feel restricted. Plus, it has water-repellent finish, so rain beads and rolls right off, keeping you from being drenched. When you’re not wearing your winter gloves, you can warm your hands in the double-entry pockets. And then you can also secure your phone or smaller valuables in an interior zippered pocket.

Read More: Best Puffer Jackets for Men

At its core, Mountain Hardwear’s puffy parka is made for casual wear. We’re talking about a piece that’ll keep you cozy while still looking effortless, whether you’re camping or heading to the coffee shop for your daily pick-me-up.

Designed with a rich, deep yellow shade, it stands out in the best way. The nylon ripstop fabric is tough, so no worries about snags when you’re out and about. In terms of functionality, its pockets galore, including a few internal ones to keep your devices and eyewear safe and sound. Get this—there’s even two strategically-placed BYO bevvy pockets on the front panel that can haul a couple beers as you’re en route to a football tailgate or après ski party.

When it was time to get dressed, we found its relaxed fit and soft drape make it super east to layer over bulky knits without feeling like you’re in a straight jacket. While this option is warm enough for chilly winds, it may be too light to ward off negative temps.

You’ve seen this coming: Canada Goose. The brand makes warm parkas that are investment-worthy for a reason. After testing out quite a few best-selling models from the brand, we found that the Expedition Parka is its most versatile style that is equally great for everyday living as well as outdoor adventure. The Expedition can manage in temps as low as -22º and offers a cozy down fill to keep you warm and dry while boasting a wealth of pockets and an Arctic Tech fabric that is water-repellent.

Our Deputy Editor Christian Gollayan is a big fan of this jacket–he actually wears it all the time, even outside of work. He loves the cut: It hits right above the thigh, giving his upper body plenty of coverage without feeling bulky. But his absolute favorite design element is the nine pocket system, which is perfect for stashing dog treats and baggies when he’s walking his corgis—no need for a fanny pack. He’s even thrown it over just a workout shirt and joggers, and it still kept him warm during windy 10-degree weather.

How to Style Men’s Parkas

Dressing for winter with parkas doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. For instance, the best parkas for men effortlessly transition from street to sleek, meaning you can easily wear them with jeans and leather boots or sneakers to contrast the casual top style with the tailored bottoms to create a polished-looking fit. If you’re going for a more urban aesthetic, wear parkas with joggers, high-top sneakers, and a beanie to look laid-back but not lazy. For office days and a professional dress code, you can pair a parka with tailored trousers, dress shirts, and even dress shoes to create a semi-formal or business-casual outfit.

Layering also becomes easier with parkas, whether you want to wear a sweater, sweatshirt, or hoodie (in unique textures or colors) underneath to add extra warmth. Also, opting for a monochromatic ensemble with parkas is highly recommended by us since it’ll create a sophisticated, streamlined look fit from head to toe.

What Makes Parkas Different From Other Winter Coats?

Parkas are typically longer than traditional winter coats—some parkas have shorter hemlines hitting around only your waist, but many reach mid-thigh or even lower to lend more coverage and insulation. Speaking of insulation, parkas are heavily insulated with synthetic or down fill to provide superior warmth and heat retention during frigid temperatures.

Design-wise, parkas will have a hood and often have fur trim, both serving to block wind and snow from the face. Unlike other winter coats, parkas have a shell that must be made to resist wind and water to keep the wear dry and comfy. Parkas often have more pockets inside and out than other winter styles, too.