Coleman Parka

A coat that does what it needs to, with an ease that never feels overthought. The Coleman Parka is built in the spirit of those who embrace the elements—functional, dependable, and designed to go the distance. Its roots trace back centuries, to the Arctic-dwelling Inuit, who crafted the first parkas from seal and caribou skins, treating them with fish oil for water resistance. These garments weren’t just outerwear—they were survival tools, built to withstand subzero temperatures, high winds, and relentless snowfall. Over time, the parka evolved. Military forces adopted it in the 20th century, refining the design for pilots, paratroopers, and polar explorers. By the 1950s, it had taken on a more familiar form—storm flaps, drawstring hoods, deep pockets—always focused on protection, but never at the expense of mobility.

The Coleman Parka follows in that lineage, cut from Ventile®’s signature cotton—lightweight yet densely woven, offering durability, breathability, and natural water resistance. Originally developed for RAF pilots during WWII, Ventile® was designed to keep airmen warm and dry in the event of an emergency landing at sea. It’s the kind of fabric that wears in, not out, softening over time while holding its shape and function.

It’s only fitting, then, that this piece is named after Bessie Coleman—a woman who knew a thing or two about defying the elements. In 1921, she became the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license, at a time when both the skies and the schools that taught aviation were closed to her. Undeterred, she travelled to France to train, mastering stunt flying and aerial tricks before returning to the U.S. to inspire a new generation. Her flights weren’t just about spectacle; they were about proving that boundaries—whether social, racial, or physical—were meant to be broken.

The Coleman Parka takes the same approach. Designed to handle whatever the day brings, it features a generous hood, storm flap fastening, and four front pockets—practical details for those who like to keep their hands free and their options open. Built for movement, made to last, and always up for an adventure.