Parks and jackets for women
Starting at £289.25
£101.23
The parkas and down jackets for women combine warm jackets for hiking and winter: long parkas Didriksons, wool insulated parka VAUDE, lightweight sleeveless down jackets Peak Mountain, hybrid styles Salewa, synthetic fillings CMP and Regatta, and the Mac In A Sac that packs into its pouch. Designed with feminine cuts for walking, travelling or navigating the city in cold weather.
Between the parka that protects from rain and the down jacket that insulates from the cold, the choice mainly depends on the use.
Parkas Didriksons : the Swedish rain legacy
The brand Didriksons was established in 1913 in Grundsund, on the west coast of Sweden, when Julius and Hanna Didrikson began oil-proofing clothes for the fishermen in their village, who had lost loved ones at sea due to unsuitable clothing. Their parkas, like the Ilma, the Erika, the Fia, or the Tuva, carry this spirit: a fabric designed for rain and a length that covers the hips or thighs.
Cut to fit the body shape, they are mainly distinguished by their insulation: an insulated parka for winter in the city and slow walks, and a lighter version for rainy shoulder seasons. The enveloping hood, often adjustable, protects from the wind without obstructing vision on the sides.
Wool, TirolWool, and synthetic: non-down insulators
Several jackets in the selection are down-free. The VAUDE Skomer Wool is filled with virgin wool insulation from organic farms by Lake Constance, blended with plant-based origin fibres: it regulates moisture, limits odours, and stays warm even when wet. The Salewa Ortles Hybrid uses TirolWool Responsive, a wool from Tyrolean sheep placed in zones on the torso, with stretch panels of polyamide and wool on the sides to allow climbing without overheating.
Synthetic insulations, like those in the CMP Unlimitech or the Regatta Altoro, dry quickly and withstand frequent washes, which is a benefit for a jacket worn every day.
Sleeveless, fur-lined hood, or pouch: the right model
Sleeveless jackets, like the Protest Weeton, the Protest Tosha, or the thin models from Peak Mountain, keep the torso warm and leave the arms free: they can be worn under a rain jacket or over a fleece. The versions from Peak Mountain with a faux fur-lined hood protect the face from cold wind, both in the city and while taking a walk in the resort.
The Mac In A Sac, born in 1987 in the UK from a simple idea, folds into its own sac for hassle-free travel, and pops out as soon as the clouds arrive. The thin jackets with integrated hoods offer the same advantage: rolled up, they fit into a pocket of a sac backpack.
Caring for waterproof parkas and wool jackets
A waterproof parka should be washed at thirty degrees with a liquid technical detergent, without fabric softener or powder, which clog the fabric and impede breathability. An extra rinse eliminates residues, then a tumble dry on low heat, if the label allows, reactivates the water-repellent treatment; otherwise, a warm iron placed on a towel does the same job.
Jackets filled with wool are washed on a wool programme or by hand, in cold water, and dried flat to maintain their shape. A down jacket requires a long drying time, with tennis balls in the drum, to regain its loft.
The rest of the women's textiles
The women's textiles continue with:
- Windbreakers and jackets, waterproof to wear over.
- Sweatshirts and jumpers, fleeces and mid-layers.
- T-shirts and tank tops, technical.
- Base layers.
- Bras, for walking.
- Trousers and leggings, including convertible ones.
- Shorts, for summer.
- Socks and ankle socks, for walking.
- Shirts, breathable.
All are gathered on the women's textiles page.
Good deals and new arrivals
The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, the sales feature articles at reduced prices, and the clearance includes end-of-line items. Articles shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The Black Friday, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, and the French Days mark the year.
Frequently asked questions
What length of parka should I choose for winter in the city?
A parka that falls to mid-thigh offers better protection from the cold and rain during waits and on foot trips, while a hip-length cut allows more freedom for biking or fast walking. Check the back length specified in the product details.
Do women's down jackets run small?
The feminine cuts are more fitted at the waist and hips: if you plan to wear a thick fleece underneath, take the next size up. With arms extended, the sleeves should cover the wrist, and the jacket should close without pulling on the chest.
Does wool keep you as warm as down?
By weight, down is warmer and more compressible. Wool, being heavier, keeps its warmth in moisture and regulates sweat, making it pleasant for rainy days and long daily commutes.
Can you wear a down jacket under a parka?
Yes, a thin down jacket slipped under a waterproof parka creates a very warm outfit: one insulates, the other protects from rain and wind. Choose the parka roomy enough at the shoulders not to compress the insulation.
How can I tell if a parka is truly waterproof?
Look at the water column, expressed in millimetres: starting at around ten thousand millimetres, the fabric can withstand sustained rain. Sealed seams and a well-fitted hood count as much as the fabric to stay dry under a downpour.
