When The Sky Falls Wear An Original Parka

Apparently in the history archives the Parka style jacket was invented by Noel Bibby of Peter storm LTD in the early 1960’s. But diving deeper in to the history books it would suggest that the Parka jackets originated earlier. The word ‘Parka’ actually means ‘animal skin’ and came from the arctic region’s of the world such as North Russia and Alaska.

The Original N3B Snorkel Parka was a long jacket that was developed for the US army in the 1950’s for military use for those extremely cold climates reaching temperatures as low as -50 degrees. Made with a traditional Sage Green flight silk nylon outer and a padded wool type material for the inner, eventually evolving into a polyester in the 1970’s, making the jacket much lighter and some say warmer too. The N2B model is the same principle just as a waist length Bomber/Parker style with the same fabrics.

This N3B model was not meant for civilians but the likes of Alpha Industries were one of the originals who then produced on a mass production after knowing that it was a garment to wear to protect from all the elements whilst looking great. With a Classic Orange lining this stood out a mile and literally was made for that exact survival reason, to be turned inside out to be seen from far.

Another Classic was called a Fishtail Parka, which was worn by the US troops in the Korean War during the 1950’s. Made in four model types after the Second World War, The EX-48, M-48, M-51 and The classic M-65. The M stood for the Model and the Numbers represents the year it was patterned and standardized. The Fishtail name was clear to see how that came about with these models having a tail extension at the back and bottom that could be folded up and buttoned up for either a square look or a classic Fishtail. In the Late 50’s and 60’s the Mod Culture took London by storm with this jacket being part of the look as it kept the smart clothing of Vespa using Mods clean from dust and looked the part, with army surplus stores all over the country making it very accessible and helped this era establish its own culture.

The M-65 was also an Original military jacket and had a very unique look about it, with 2 large square breast pockets  and 2 hip pockets and had a distinctive collar that had a zipper around the back concealing a hood . This jacket was extremely versatile as an extra lining could be buttoned in and out of the garment with a quilted layer that made this jacket wearable all year round, and was mainly used in the Vietnam War by the US military, and once the war was over this jacket  then became a must have for every serious field outdoor activity.

The Parka Jacket is Part of our DNA even if you hadn’t realized, so no mater if the world throws you lemons wear a Parka jacket and you’ll be just fine.