The technical parka embodies the subtle balance between style and functionality, offering much more than just protection from the elements.
For those looking for a jacket that combines warmth and technical features, choosing the right parka is crucial. In this article, we explore the secrets of technical parkas and what to consider when making the right choice.
What is a technical parka?
Although it has now invaded our streets, the technical parka was originally intended for outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing, as it provides total protection while offering great freedom of movement.
Now all the major ready-to-wear brands have their technical clothing in order to best meet the needs of users looking for performance.
The technical parka is a versatile garment designed specifically to provide optimal protection in extreme weather conditions. Made from innovative and technical materials such as Gore-Tex, the technical parka combines functionality and style.
Its main properties
It has waterproof, windproof and breathable properties, which help you stay dry and comfortable even in torrential rain or windy weather.
The technical parka is also designed with effective thermal insulation, which maintains body heat in cold weather. Thanks to its robust design and numerous technical details such as sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and adjustable hoods, the technical parka offers protection against bad weather and natural elements.
Additionally, it often features multiple, functional pockets that allow for easy storage of essential accessories such as cell phones, keys, and gloves.
Versatility, a key element of the technical parka
Make sure the type of parka you choose is tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking for a parka for everyday urban use or for outdoor adventures, there are a few key factors to consider.
First, make sure the versatile parka is waterproof enough to protect you from rain and snow, with good breathability to prevent sweat from building up inside. It should be a real armor against moisture.
Criteria such as fit, length and additional features, such as pockets and adjustable hoods, should also be considered.
If you opt for daily use in the city, a lighter, urban parka with a sober style may be preferred.
For outdoor adventures, a more robust parka with effective thermal insulation and features such as adjustable cuffs, for example, will be more suitable.
Ultimately, versatility is key, as this will allow you to use your parka in different situations and benefit from optimal protection whatever your environment.
Thermal insulation and technical parka
Thermal insulation is essential to protect against extreme cold and bad weather.
To be warm, a parka must be insulated with either a synthetic material or down. It helps keep our bodies warm by trapping body heat and minimizing heat loss. Since we're talking about a technical parka, we'll focus on synthetic fibers like wadding (at VEST PARIS we use THERMORE wadding).
Thermal insulation and synthetic wadding
Synthetic wadding is a material used to improve the thermal insulation of a technical parka. Made from synthetic polyester fibers, it offers excellent performance in terms of warmth and lightness.
Thanks to its insulating properties, synthetic wadding helps retain body heat while keeping the cold outside out. This ensures optimal comfort and makes the parka warm in harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, synthetic wadding acts as a moisture-wicking layer, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities. Using this wadding in a technical parka also allows for great freedom of movement, thanks to its lightweight and compressible nature.
Wadding comes in different weights, each corresponding to a level of insulation that rivals natural down. At VEST PARIS, we use a weight of 120.
In summary, synthetic wadding provides the technical parka with superior thermal insulation, protection against the elements, great mobility and is very easy to maintain because it is machine washable.
Technical and waterproof parka
To be waterproof, a parka must be made of a technical material that prevents moisture from seeping in. The best known and most effective is the technical polyurethane membrane.
This layer, bonded to a second outer material, has been specially designed to prevent water from penetrating through a garment. Its operation is based on two main mechanisms: permeability to water vapor and impermeability to liquid water.
Among the most commonly used technologies are GORE-TEX, ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), and other advanced materials.
The waterproof membrane is designed to repel water from the outer surface of the parka. This waterproofing is often enhanced by a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment, which prevents water from accumulating on the fabric's surface. The membrane also has a structure that acts as an impermeable barrier to liquid water. Water droplets larger than the pores of the membrane are prevented from passing through, keeping the wearer dry even in persistent rain.
How to measure the waterproofness of a technical parka
Measuring the waterproofness of a membrane in technical textiles, such as the one used in a VEST PARIS parka, is generally done using a water column scale. This scale determines the water pressure the membrane can withstand before water begins to penetrate the fabric. The result is expressed in millimeters (mm). Here's how this measurement works:
How to test water resistance by column? A fabric sample with the membrane is placed under a vertical cylinder. Water is poured into the cylinder above the sample. The pressure exerted by the water column gradually increases. The height of the water column is observed at which the membrane begins to allow water to pass through the fabric. This height is the measure of impermeability and is expressed in millimeters (mm).
Waterproofing Levels:
0 - 5000 mm: Impervious to light rain and snow.
5000 - 10,000 mm: Impervious to moderate rain and showers.
10,000 - 20,000 mm: Impervious to heavy rain and wet conditions (VEST PARIS)
20,000 mm and above: Impervious to heavy downpours and extreme conditions.
You should also choose a waterproofing rating based on the environment in which you plan to use the parka. Higher waterproofing is necessary for more extreme conditions.
Intense activities can generate more heat and sweat. Proper breathability is important to wick away moisture.
Technical and breathable parka
At the same time, the membrane has microscopic pores that allow water vapor molecules, smaller than liquid water droplets, to escape from the body to the outside while preventing water from penetrating inside. This water vapor permeability allows the evacuation of perspiration generated by the body during intense physical activity, thus ensuring a feeling of comfort and dryness.
Have a functional hood on your parka
The hood is a crucial element of a technical parka. It must provide maximum protection against external moisture.
Look for models with adjustable hoods, sometimes equipped with a visor, offering maximum protection while maintaining clear vision. It should also offer good looks, good visibility thanks to a sufficiently wide opening and an integrated visor to protect the eyes from snow or hail. In addition, a zipper or snaps allow the hood to be securely attached to the parka, preventing it from accidentally coming off.
Finally, a warm and comfortable lining inside the hood provides additional thermal insulation to keep your head warm on cold days. A functional hood is therefore an essential element against the natural elements.
Technical and stylish parka
The technical parka offers style without sacrificing functionality. Simple cuts and aesthetic details can enhance your look while ensuring optimal protection. Even technical parkas exist, but they're also aesthetically pleasing.
Technique and Aesthetics
Technique and aesthetics are two closely related concepts in the field of garment design. When creating a technical parka, the relationship between technique and aesthetics is fundamental. Too much technicality without an aesthetic vision risks making the result cold and impersonal.
Technology encompasses all the processes and know-how used to make a garment more efficient. Whether it's to protect against the elements, to improve the comfort of the wearer, especially during exercise, to optimize the garment's resistance to time and wear, etc.
Aesthetics, on the other hand, concerns the perception and creation of beauty and harmony. It focuses on how a garment is perceived and felt. The aesthetics of a parka are subjective.
The marriage of these two worlds is now completely consummated.
The main technical parkas
At VEST PARIS we have found the right balance between technical mastery and creative freedom, by integrating our Design principles.
Other brands like Moncler, Arc Teryx Veillance, Canada Goose, Colmar, and many others have seamlessly embraced this duality, making them benchmarks in the technical parka market. Here are some of the top technical parka brands:
The North Face: This American brand is renowned for its technical outerwear, including parkas, which offer excellent protection against harsh weather conditions.
Arc'teryx: A Canadian brand that focuses on high-end technical products, often used in extreme environments. Their parkas are known for their durability and performance.
Patagonia: Committed to sustainability, Patagonia offers eco-responsible technical parkas while maintaining high standards in terms of performance.
Columbia: This American brand offers a wide range of outerwear, including parkas, with an emphasis on functionality and value for money.
Canada Goose: Known for its high-end parkas, Canada Goose is a Canadian brand renowned for its warmth and insulation in extremely cold conditions.
Mammut: A Swiss brand specializing in mountain and mountaineering clothing, offering robust and high-performance technical parkas.
Helly Hansen: Originating in Norway, Helly Hansen is known for its marine and technical clothing, including parkas, which offer protection against the elements.
Berghaus: A well-established British brand, Berghaus offers technical parkas suitable for a variety of outdoor activities.
Fjällräven: An iconic Swedish brand, Fjällräven is known for its sturdy and functional clothing, including parkas, often made from sustainable materials.
Armani Exchange: Even major fashion brands like Armani offer collections of technical outerwear, including parkas, offering style and performance.
Conclusion :
By choosing the right parka for your every need, you can enjoy optimal protection from the elements while maintaining your personal style.
Whether urban or more outdoor, whether you opt for a warm, versatile or aesthetic parka, the technical parka is much more than a simple piece of outerwear: it becomes an essential ally for facing difficult conditions with elegance.