Key Difference – Parka vs Jacket
Parka and jacket are two outerwear that can be quite confusing. While parka is considered to be a type of jacket, not all jackets are parkas. The key difference between parka and jacket is that parkas have hoods whereas most jackets don’t have hoods.
What is a Parka?
A parka is a windproof jacket with a hood that is worn during cold weather. This hood in parkas are usually lined with fur or faux fur, and protects the face from the wind and freezing temperatures. It is a knee-length garment and is typically made from very warm synthetic fiber.
This type of garment was first invented by Caribou Inuit who made jackets from caribou or seal skin, to wear during kayaking and hunting in the frigid Arctic. It became popular in the west during the 1950s and was used by the military. Today parkas are made from light synthetic material. There are different parka designs in usage.
Snorkel Parka
The name snorkel comes from the small tunnel that is left for wearer to look out. The hood can be zipped right up, leaving only a small tunnel. This was very helpful against the cold. The original snorkel parkas were 3/4 length and had a full, attached hood.
Fishtail Parka
This parka was also first invented by the US military. The name fishtail comes from the extension at the back that resembles a fish tail. This could be folded up between the legs, and fixed to add wind-proofing. There were four main styles in fishtail parkas: the EX-48, M-51, M-48 and the M-65.
It is also important to note that parka and anorak are not the same although many people use these two terms interchangeably.
What is a Jacket?
Jackets are a garments that cover the upper part of the body. They are worn over one layer of clothing such as T-shirt, shirt or blouse. They can have different styles and designs. They typically have a front opening which can be fastened with buttons or zips; some jackets, however, are left open. In addition, most jackets also have collars, lapels and pockets. While most jackets have long sleeves, there are also sleeveless jackets styles such as jerkins. Jackets typically extend to the wearers’ hip or mid-stomach.
There are various jacket designs and styles and these various designs are known in different names as well. Dinner jacket, suit jacket, blazer, leather jacket, bomber jacket, sailor jacket, flak jacket, doublet, jerkin, fleece jacket, and gilet are some of these different types of jackets. They are worn either as a protective layer against the weather or as fashion item.
Although many people use the two words coat and jacket interchangeably, jackets are typically shorter, lighter and close-fitting than coats.
What is the difference between Parka and Jacket?
Parka vs Jacket |
|
| Parka is a windproof jacket with a hood that is worn during cold weather. | Jacket is an upper garment that is worn over another layer of clothing. |
| Hood | |
| Parkas have a hood. | Some jackets have hoods, but not all.
Most jackets such as dinner jacket, fleece jacket, suit jacket, etc. have no hoods. |
| Occassion | |
| Parkas are not used as formal wear. | Jackets are also worn as a part of formal wear (Eg. Dinner jacket, suit jacket, etc.) |
| Weather | |
| Parkas are typically worn during the cold weather. | Jackets are worn during the warm weather as well. |
Image Courtesy:
“Dusty Roy Parka” By Dusty Roy – –Dusty Roy 15:06, 9 February 2008 (UTC)eigene Arbeit (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
“Safari-Jacket” By FrankWilliams at en.wikipedia (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia