It’s too easy to hate on the been-there, seen-everywhere, poor-little-rich-kid Canada Goose jacket (is that parka filled with down or bro down? Oh, snap). Instead, we propose stylish, viable, also-warm alternatives for both men and women. Some are just as native as the Goose, others are not. All of them will make you stand out from the flock.
FOR WOMEN
United Bamboo, “Fishtail” parka (shown above, left). This tops our list for Canada-level warmth with Japan-level cool. $995 at Rac Boutique.
Mackage, “Joey” bomber. Created around the belief that outerwear should be fashion, too, this Canadian label does wool and down coats like no other. This one comes in black, navy (shown) and taupe, and has a removable fur-trimmed hood, fleece-lined pockets, and leather-patched elbows. It’s all in those details. $495 at Mackage.com and Andrew’s in Toronto.
Club Monaco, “Lavida” parka. Pewter is the newest of the “new blacks” and, when in modernized parka form, lends a glimmer of hope to this whole nasty business of winter dressing. $329 (USD) at Shopbop.com.
Soia & Kyo, “Zaira” double-layer parka. Designed in Canada with a feel for the elements and an eye for unique details (oversize buttons, asymmetrical collars), this line is like Mackage’s trendier little sis. The hood on this style snaps on and off, and the belt is comfortably stretchy. $325 at Over the Rainbow.
Moncler, “Grenoble Alsace.” From the French Alpine village of Monastier de Clemont, Moncler reinvents the puffer in an everfresh mix of materials. This sleek, militaristic style, with windbreaker cuffs and a shearling collar, is worthy of a Bond woman. Approx. $1550 at Moncler.com or farfetch.com.
FOR MEN
Wings + Horns (shown above, right). The beloved Vancouver brand defines the pragmatic ideal with a soft grey, soft wool-blend, down-filled and fully lined jacket. $610 at Nomad.
Pyrenex Premium, “Bad Jacket.” Uh, good jacket is more like it. This padded bomber has asymmetrical zips and a fox-fur collar, but it’s not all style, no substance: a 90% duck-down lining will keep you simmering in the snow. $1550 at Ssense.com.
CMFR, “Oxton” bomber. If you’re not so sure about the winter-white trend, guy, this sportif bomber also comes in putty grey. Bonus: it’s totally Canadian-made. $680 at Due West.
Parajumpers, original parka. Removable 90% down-filled lining, detachable fur-trimmed hood, lots of cargo pockets, a parachute clip on the collar: this high-utility coat – inspired by Anchorage, Alaska 210th Rescue Squadrom – will take you places you’re probably scared to go. $995 at Harry Rosen.
The Hudson’s Bay Co. Olympic Collection parka. For national pride, this parka rivals the Goose; for style and subtlety, it wins by a mile. Now, without the down filling, it’s not as warm, so consider it a mild-winter staple. $200 at The Bay.
