Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
If you need a good jacket for the rain and wind then there is not better choice than the fishtail parka. As covered in our History of the Fishtail Parka, this classic piece of menswear was designed for the U.S. Army in the Korean War but has grown into so much more. With varying exterior fabrics, levels of insulation, and stylistic choices there are a seemingly endless array of fishtails available.
1) Uniqlo: Blocktech Fishtail Parka
If you want to enter the world of fishtail parks but don’t want to break the bank then there is no better choice than Uniqlo’s Blocktech Fishtail Parka. While inexpensive, this parka’s high-tech fabric offers rain and wind resistance while still remaining breathable. It features a drawstring hood, zippered and buttoned closure, and buttoned wrist tabs.
Available for $50 from Uniqlo.
2) Outclass: Wool Fishtail Parka
Techwear fabrics are all well and good, but it’s hard to beat the classics. Outclass’s Wool Fishtail Park is made from an 80%/20% wool/nylon blend to keep things traditional while also offering the benefits of synthetics. This parka is made with all of the bells and whistles: shearling lined hood, YKK zipper, houndstooth liner, and satin sleeve lining. Each parka is also made in Canada, where they know how to keep warm.
Available for $715 from Blue Owl.
3) Rains: Fishtail Parka
If you are looking for an inexpensive option and aren’t enamored with Uniqlo’s offerings then Rains Fishtail Parka is another fantastic choice. Made from a blend of synthetic fabrics, this parka is great for rainy or windy weather so long as you’re getting your warmth from a different layer. It features elasticated cuffs, drawstring hoods, and stormflapped front closure to keep you as dry as possible this coming fall.
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Available for $139 from End Clothing.
4) Kluane Mountaineering: Foothills Fishtail Parka
If you want a heavily insulated jacket but while embracing the fishtail parka style then there is no better choice than Kluane Mountaineering’s Foothills Fishtail Parka. Packed with 850-fill goose down and featuring a fleece neck lining and handwarmer pockets, this parka won’t let you down anytime soon. It’s constructed from a 75%/25% poly/cotton blend with a ripstop nylon lining to keep it resilient to the elements and ensure its around to keep you warm for years to come.
Available for $798 CAD (~$603 USD) from NAQP.
5) Ten C: OJJ Fishtail Parka
If you want a fishtail that’s extra special and don’t mind paying for it then Ten C’s OJJ Fishtail Parka is the obvious choice. Made in Italy from a Japanese polyester/nylon microfiber, this jacket is chocked full of interesting details. From the shapeable hood and dual storm plackets to the hooked throat latch and military nylon drawstrings, this jacket must be held to be believed.
Available for $1425 from Division Road.
Plus One – 3sixteen x Alpha Industries M-59 Fishtail Parka
Alpha Industries is well known for the military outerwear replicas (as well as the real deal), and their latest M-59 Fishtail Parka collaboration with 3sixteen is nothing short of extraordinary. Dyed with iron and logwood bark, this parka features a 100% cotton herringbone exterior, zippered and hidden button closures, and a two-way zipper. While not as robust as some of the other jackets on this list, this parka is certainly one of the most unique jackets on the market.
Available for $660 from Cultizm.
