When winter’s temperatures settle into the biting sub-zeroes, your best option for staying warm is the iconic arctic parka. Today’s iterations of the parka draw from mid-century military designs, placing equal weight on function and warmth, but utilize modern waterproofing and wind-proofing innovations. Along with down fill and an optional fur hood lining, cold weather doesn’t stand a chance. The practical and timeless design is easy to incorporate into any wardrobe, complementing a wide range of different aesthetics. In the case of cold-weather outerwear, the aphorism “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” readily applies, and the classic design is still the best.

J.Crew Nordic Parka

This affordable parka opts for a detachable faux fur trim and a polyester fill. While it may not have the warmth-rating that goose-down jackets provide, it’s also a fraction of the price. What’s more, the lack of branding makes this easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe.

Triple F.A.T. Goose Eberly II

Once you get into the $600+ price range, you’ll get a slew of cold-weather features like what the Eberly II includes. It has 675-fill-power 17.5-ounce white goose down, a premium coyote fur hood trim and a water repellent shell. If you’re in the market for warmth and don’t want to drop over a grand on a coat, this is your best bet.

A.P.C. Extereme H Parka

This raglan-sleeve parka is a stylish nod to the iconic N-3B parka originally issued to members of the armed forces. It features a faux-fur trim, a zip closure with storm flap and an internal drawstring waist. This military-inspired coat will give you that classic look without the crapshoot that is surplus store sizing and wear.

Woolrich John Rich and Bros. Polar Parka

Originally designed in the early ‘70s for Alaskan oil pipeline workers, this parka features a mid-length silhouette, a duck down fill and a coyote fur-trimmed hood. The design includes two upper hand-warmer pockets, two lower patch pockets and two internal dump pockets for all your necessities. The laminated cotton shell is waterproof and will keep you dry no matter what the weather has in store.

Goldwin N-3B Down Parka

This Japanese take on the N-3B is loaded with technical features. It’s cut from waterproof and windproof Pertex 2L fabric and is filled with Kodenshi down (which is arguably the best avaiable). The design features a seamless 3D baffle interior structure for enhanced warmth and comfort.

Canada Goose Wyndham Parka

Consider this a a city-friendly style from the brand that makes parkas for scientists stationed in Antartica. This quilted coat includes long 2-way zips at the placket and fleece-lined front pockets. The coyote fur tim is detachable and the lining is 100 percent duck down.

Mackage Edward Parka

This down-filled parka features a rabbit-fur-lined hood trimmed with coyote fur. The jacket is windproof, water-repellent and includes 800-fill-power down to keep you warm in weather as cold as -31 degrees Fahrenheit.

Yves Salomon Shearling-Lined Down Parka

Made in France, this down parka is lined with shearling and features a detachable fur hood trim. The design has a two-way zip closure with a buttoned storm flap, front flap pockets and an internal drawstring.

Visvim Valdez Parka

The Valdez parka proves that hardwearing and luxurious aren’t mutually exclusive terms. It features a rugged nylon shell, a removable faux-fur hood trim, and ribbed trims. Made in Japan, the design includes standard front flap pockets, a zip closure with buttoned storm flap and an adjustable drawstring waist.

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