Though the Britpop renaissance has been on the go for a while now (see mini mullets à la Paul Mescal, preppy polo shirts, Nineties jeans, @brit_cult et al.), the Oasis reunion that was announced earlier this year seems to have given the trend a new lease of life – and there’s nothing more central to the look than the parka.
It’s no wonder, then, that the practical-meets-grungy-meets-cool outerwear staple is back for 2024. And it’s seemingly bigger than ever before. They come sherpa-lined. You can opt for waterproof styles or insulated puffers. You can even go for countryside-ready waxed cotton options which are more Sloane Ranger than they are Gallagher-coded (yet another trend which is on the up this year).
Besides the fact that they’re a hot purchase right now, they’re actually a practical investment. From the close-to-knee length which keeps out the worst of the weather to the XL hood for heightened protection from rain and wind (much needed in the UK), they’ll keep you warm and dry when the cold snap makes its return.
When you’re choosing your own, it’s best to keep it classic. As a stylist with years of experience in dressing guys for photoshoots and events, I’ve learnt that the only things with real staying power are those that are timeless. So, anything in a khaki, navy or black with the trademark design details should be going on your wishlist. And for the depths of winter, go for a style reinforced with some extra warmth.
Find your next outerwear addition in my pick of the best below, from Liam Gallagher’s own brand Pretty Green to expert outerwear labels The North Face and Columbia or Arket’s high street take.
Keep scrolling for our favourites
Pretty Green Sand Nomad Parka
Where better to buy a parka than Liam Gallagher’s own brand Pretty Green? Naturally, the label draws inspiration from the music subcultures, from the mods to the ravers, and supports emerging artists through festival sponsorship at Truck Festival in Oxford. He’s seemingly looking to his own archives to design this coat, a laid-back take with a drawstring hood and waist as well as water-resistant credentials and a quilted lining.
Buy now £175.00, Pretty Green
Barbour Winter Waxed Parka
From barn jackets to tweed, countryside chic is back on the up – and nothing says country like Barbour’s water-resistant waxed cotton. This time, it’s in the form of an insulated parka, which gives the rural fabric a gritty twist. And, like the family-run business’ full collection, it’s built to keep you comfortable when you’re outdoors.
Buy now £349.00, Barbour
Bergaus Dean Street Unisex Trango Gore-Tex Waterproof Jacket in Green/Brown
If you’re after something a little more statement, Berghaus’ Dean Street collection has you covered. It’s the Newcastle-based brand’s Gen-Z-focused line, which takes cues from the 90s music scene without compromising on expert technicality. Take this parka, which pairs a colour-blocked design with three layers of GORE-TEX for a fully waterproof finish.
Buy now £400.00, Bergaus
Columbia Men's Landroamer II Waterproof Parka
For innovative outerwear, Columbia is one of the leaders in the game. This coat uses one of the American brand’s recent patented inventions, omni-heat infinity, which uses a reflective lining to bounce back your own body heat to keep you even warmer. It’s also waterproof and breathable and features all the pockets you’d ever need. Perfect for sub-zero temperatures.
Buy now £260.00, Columbia
Weekday Nylon Padded Parka Jacket
Weekday is a great option for quality on the high street, from denim to tailoring to outerwear. As soon as you’ve tried this parka, you’ll see why. It pairs a relaxed fit with a plush lining for the coat you’ll reach for on days when comfort is key – all for just £135.
Buy now £135.00, Weekday
Gant Down Parka
Gant’s menswear has been on the up for years. Right now, it’s one of the brands I personally wear most. So, it goes without saying that this parka is one of my favourites.
Rather than leaning into the grungy aesthetic, this errs on preppy owing to the brown buttons, embroidered logo and white rope toggles. The water-repellent finish will keep you dry if you’re caught in light rainfall while the down-and-feather-filled lining is great when it’s cold out.
Buy now £400.00, Gant
J Lindeberg Alon Down Parka
J Lindeberg is great for pieces with technical design details. Just look at this parka. It’s padded with fully traceable duck down. It’s built with a breathable, waterproof membrane with taped seams and fleece lining. It’s even got a removable drawstring hood and two-way zip. Everything you could ask for, and then some.
Buy now £700.00, John Lewis
Arket Upcycled Down Hooded Jacket
As with all of Arket’s designs, this parka is an understated, timeless answer to the trend. Fashioned for warmth, it’s constructed using a navy polyamide which is filled with recycled down and feathers sourced from the supplier Re:Down. The front placket and large flap pockets deliver a sleek, minimal finish the Scandi label is known for.
Buy now £229.00, Arket
Canada Goose Langford Parka
For a luxury parka, head to Canada Goose. Though the brand has experienced much controversy in the past, they’ve been entirely fur-free since 2021 and are now certified as both a brand and manufacturer under the Responsible Down Standard (the RDS).
Powered by impressively warm down and an entirely waterproof finish, this coat in particular is designed to deal with the most extreme conditions. It has countless pockets as well as a two-way zipper and even backpack straps, so you can carry it over your shoulders if you start to overheat. It is that warm, after all.
Buy now £1325.00, Canada Goose
Uniqlo Hybrid Down Parka
If you’re looking for affordable basics which look much more expensive than their price point, Uniqlo is the place to go. The Japanese label embraces a minimal aesthetic across the board – and this parka is a prime example. Though it’s down-filled, there’s no visible quilting on the outside for a sleek, simple finish. It’s breathable and water-repellent too.
Buy now £109.90, Uniqlo
