I’d like to talk about a heavy, navy blue parka that has been my absolute go-to every winter for the past four years. It’s a thigh-length coat with a fairly thick water-resistant outer shell, deep fleece-lined pockets, and a generously sized hood trimmed with soft faux fur. It isn’t particularly flashy, but it has a very classic, practical cut that goes with pretty much anything.
I actually bought it in a small outdoor clothing shop just before a trip up north to Edinburgh in mid-January. I knew the weather was going to be bitterly cold and rainy, and none of my lighter jackets were going to cut it. It was a bit pricey at the time, but the shop assistant assured me it was thoroughly insulated, so I decided to treat myself.
Ever since then, I tend to bring it out of the wardrobe the moment the temperatures plummet, usually around late November, and wear it right through until early March. It gets daily use, honestly, whether I’m doing the morning commute, waiting around on freezing train platforms, or going for long weekend walks in the countryside.
What makes it so wonderfully cosy is the combination of thermal padding and the windproof outer layer. Even when there’s a biting wind or freezing drizzle, you honestly feel completely shielded from the elements. Putting it on almost feels like wrapping yourself in a duvet before stepping outside. The high collar zips all the way up to protect your neck, and because the pockets are lined with fleece, I rarely even need to remember my gloves. It’s just remarkably reliable.