Style & Beautygentlemenmens coatsmenswear trends

Men's Parkas That Won't Make You Look Like A Stay Puft Marshmallow

Bulk up on these slim selections.
By 

Men's Lifestyle Editor, The Huffington Post

There's no better coat than the time-proven parka. Used for generations by the Inuit people to protect themselves from the frigid arctic elements, parkas have since been translated by the U.S. military during the '50s and '60s and are now worn by many civilians around the world to get through the winter.

Parkas are coats that are usually filled with down (or an equivalent), either hit at the hip or the knee and often come with a fur-lined hood. And while many are nothing more than bulky, expensive puff balls with two places to put your arms, there are stylish, slim and affordable alternatives out there -- parkas that look just as good with sweatpants or a suit -- as long as you know where to look. (Hint: You don't need to heave over $700 for a Canada Goose).

After all, if a parka is good enough to keep an Inuit person warm, it should be good enough for your winter wear. Here's a list of our favorites (nary a Canada Goose to be found).

Uniqlo
Uniqlo
The Uniqlo Stretch Wool Blended Jacket is filled with down, but since it's made with stretch wool, it can afford to be slim, and at $79.90, it's affordable itself.
J. Crew
J. Crew
J. Crew's Hooded Fishtail Parka ($388) brings in the classic details of military parkas soldiers used for cold weather expeditions, but the shearling hood is a more modern comfort.
Spiewak 1904
Spiewak 1904
Spiewak 1904's short and slim Aviation N-2B parka ($495) was inspired by 1950s-era bomber jackets -- it's lined with goose down and the hood detaches to form a cape, if you're so inclined.
ASOS
ASOS
The metallic ASOS Bomber Parka Jacket ($144) is two jackets in one: The faux fur-lined hood detaches so you can give yourself a long baseball-style jacket if you want.
Fat Moose
ASOS
The faux sherpa-lined Patrol Parka from Danish brand Fat Moose ($287) fits so well you won't expect to be as warm as it will keep you. The hood rolls and tucks into the collar for when you don't need the shelter.
Only & Sons
ASOS
We like the Coated Parka With Faux Fur Hood from Only & Sons ($153) because the wax coating means it's durable and water resistant, and the coat will age really well, too.
Gap
Gap
Gap might call this their Oversized Parka ($128), but it's only just big enough to tuck a few layers under and still look sharp and slim. If the parka is a wardrobe essential, this one is a good get.
Bellfield
ASOS
This heavyweight 2-in-1 from Bellfield ($184) has a detachable inner thermal vest for those not-so-frigid commutes.
ASOS
ASOS
We like the bright accents of ASOS's Parka Jacket With Contrast Yoke ($81) -- it's mid-weight, slim, padded for insulation and great for these pneumonia-inducing warm-chilly days we've been having lately.

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