SS17 Key Looks - The Summer Parka

Alongside the Harrington, the polo and the button-down shirt, the parka is one of the select few key pieces every self respecting Mod should have in their wardrobe. With its practical hood, drawstring waist and fishtail, it was a garment that perfectly blended style with practicality, and was ideal for pulling on to protect from the elements while riding your scooter down to the seafront.

But how did the parka come to prominence and is it still relevant today? The Last Word investigates.

Origins

As with most timeless garments, the parka was invented for a very practical reason. The indigenous Inuit people of Greenland, Canada and Alaska needed an overcoat to protect them from the harsh elements of the Arctic wilderness.

The US military then picked it up, restyling in the service’s synonymous sage green, complete with fur hood for added warmth. The fishtail was also added during the Korean war

As the 50s morphed into the 60s, sage green parkas were commonplace in army surplus stores across the UK and with the garment’s combination of aesthetic sensibilities and cheap price, it became the go-to coat of the style rich, but money poor Mod movement and the rest, as they say, is history.

From the Brighton mob scenes of Quadrophenia to Liam Gallagher onstage today, the parka’s simple yet refined style has endured.

The Summer Parka

As the original parka developed as its usage changed from the Inuits to the US military, as it continues to do so now. Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean such a classic coat should be confined to the wardrobe until the poor weather returns. Our Summer Parka is a contemporary twist on a mod fashion icon.

We have taken the traditional Parka silhouette complete with hood and lowered fishtail back hem and added in lightweight sportswear features in the form of rubberised press studs and rubber taping at the pockets. Lined in cotton featuring a Union Jack placement print adding a flash of mod attitude to your look. With a drawstring hood and waist and cuff fastenings, this is a practical and stylish transitional piece.

Not just for winter, the Summer Parka is the perfect way to protect yourself from British summer showers.