Parkas
Parkas are the longest-lead, highest-unit-cost garment in most winter ranges, and the one where a length or hem mistake is most expensive. We build long-line padded parkas for outdoor and urban ranges alongside EN ISO 20471 Class 3 hi-vis parkas for workwear, on the same production lines and to the same inspection standard. From 400 pcs per colour.
Parka programmes we run
Two very different products share the name, and we build both.
Padded winter parka
Long-line insulated parka for cold urban and outdoor use.
Hi-vis Class 3 parka
EN ISO 20471 Class 3 workwear parka with quilted lining and taped seams.
3-in-1 parka
Waterproof shell with zip-out insulated liner for year-round sell-through.
Ski parka
Longer ski-length insulated parka with powder skirt and snow gaiters.
Parka with detachable hood
Zip and snap hood system, with fur or faux-fur trim options.
Lightweight parka
Uninsulated long shell for shoulder seasons and milder climates.
Length, hem and the mobility problem
The reason long parkas get returned is almost always the hem, not the insulation.
A parka below the seat restricts stride the moment it closes. The standard fix in the market is a side vent zip, but a vent that is too short still binds, and one placed too high exposes the thigh to wind. We set vent length from a full-stride check and place the vent stop at a point that clears the knee when the wearer is walking, climbing stairs or getting into a vehicle.
Where the hem should sit
- Mid-thigh: the most versatile length, works for urban and light outdoor use
- Above knee: cold-climate mainline, needs a working vent
- Below knee: specialist cold weather and workwear, always with a two-way zip or deep vent
- Workwear versions: hem must also clear tool belts and harness equipment
Two-way zips
For anything below mid-thigh we recommend a two-way zip as standard. It costs a little more and removes most of the mobility complaints in one move.
Fabric and construction
| Shell | Polyester or polyamide, 300D oxford to 20D ripstop depending on use |
|---|---|
| Membrane | TPU 2L or 3L, 5K/3K to 20K/15K |
| Insulation | Synthetic 120-300 g/m², or duck down 550-800 fill power |
| Lining | Taffeta, brushed tricot, or printed lining |
| Seam sealing | Taped on waterproof styles; critical on hi-vis parkas |
| Hood | Fixed or detachable, fur or faux-fur trim, helmet-compatible on request |
| Hi-vis version | Fluorescent 300D polyester PU, 3M segmented tape, EN ISO 20471 Class 3 |
| Recycled | GRS-certified recycled shell, lining and fill |
Compliance and documentation
- EN ISO 20471 certification to Class 3 for hi-vis parkas
- EN 343 rain testing where the garment is also rainwear
- CE technical file support and EU declaration of conformity
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 on fabric, lining and fill
- RDS option for down-filled styles
- GRS transaction certificates for recycled content
- BSCI-audited partner factories
On a hi-vis parka, the extra length is an advantage: the additional fluorescent area makes Class 3 easier to reach than on a short jacket. The failure point is usually the hem band, which has to be continuous around the garment or the measurement breaks.
MOQ, sampling and lead times
| MOQ | 400 pcs per colour, sizes mixed within the colour |
|---|---|
| Sampling | 7-10 days in stock fabric, 15-20 days if fabric must be sourced |
| Bulk lead time | 35-55 days after PP approval; longer for down-filled styles |
| Quote turnaround | Within 24 hours |
Questions buyers ask
What is the MOQ for custom parkas?
400 pcs per colour with sizes mixed within that colour. Styles on a shared fabric platform can often share the minimum.
Can you certify a parka to EN ISO 20471 Class 3?
Yes. Length helps on the fluorescent area, but the hem band must be continuous around the garment. We verify the measurement on the pattern before cutting.
Do you recommend a two-way zip?
For anything below mid-thigh, yes. It is a small cost that removes most mobility complaints.
Can we have a detachable fur hood?
Yes. Detachable hoods with real or faux-fur trim are available; tell us the target market, as labelling rules for real fur differ by country.
Do you make both outdoor and workwear parkas?
Yes, on the same lines. The workwear versions add EN ISO 20471 or EN 343 certification and taped seams.
How long does bulk take for down-filled parkas?
35-55 days after approval for synthetic; down-filled styles can run slightly longer depending on fill sourcing. We confirm the timeline with your quote.
Tell us what you need
Send a tech pack, a reference sample or just a target price. We reply within 24 hours with a fabric suggestion, a cost indication and a sampling plan.
Get a quote