For high-end outerwear, Parajumpers and Woolrich are two famous brands with rich histories and particular design philosophies.
Parajumpers infuses military toughness into its stylish Italian designs, while Woolrich, with its 190-year American legacy, combines traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.
Today, we’ll compare their materials, construction, prices, and style to provide you with a clear perspective on where each brand excels and help with your decision.
Let’s get started!
Contents:
1. Parajumpers Jackets
History of the Brand
Parajumpers official website
Parajumpers is a modern Italian brand that was born in 2006. They specialize in creating exceptional outerwear that goes beyond simple functionality. Their designs are not only stylish but also reflect the remarkable story behind the brand’s inception.
The brand’s designer, Massimo Rossetti, had a chance encounter in Anchorage, Alaska, with a member of the 210th Rescue Squadron, a group of highly skilled military parachutists. This encounter inspired the brand’s name, Parajumpers.
The squadron is dedicated to performing daring rescue missions in challenging environments, such as high mountains and deep seas.
Impressed by their work, Rossetti was motivated to develop highly practical jackets constructed from durable nylon, capable of enduring extreme conditions while serving as essential tools rather than just typical outerwear.
We love this brand’s products and the practicality of their designs, some of which will be showcased in this comparison.
Don’t miss: 7 Best Italian Down Jacket Brands for Winter
Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Parajumpers uses durable nylon and many of its textiles are sourced from the Far East, including countries such as China, Korea, and Japan, as well as from Italy. The brand ensures that all materials undergo thorough testing to comply with safety regulations and to avoid the use of harmful substances.
Known for both functionality and comfort, the brand’s high-quality down provides exceptional insulation without adding bulk. Additionally, some designs feature removable down-filled linings, offering versatility for varying weather conditions.
The brand also incorporates natural fur in some winter jackets, while ensuring compliance with strict fur farming regulations to guarantee the humane treatment of animals. Also, Parajumpers offers synthetic alternatives for those who prefer not to purchase real fur products.
The design process takes place in Italy, while manufacturing occurs in the Far East, with select collections produced in Europe, all subject to stringent quality and ethical standards.
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Read also: 10 European Down and Puffer Jacket Brands for Winter
Recommended Products
Parajumpers Men’s Bold Parka
Image: parajumpers.it
Check it out at Parajumpers.it
The Men’s Bold Parka represents a highly resilient and warm long puffer jacket engineered for severe cold conditions, classified at the top temperature level by the brand.
It includes an adaptable hood with a fleece-lined collar, a front zipper with a storm flap, and an array of pockets such as hand-warmer pockets and internal storage. The parka is equipped with a waist powder skirt, underarm vents, and Velcro sleeve straps to resist the elements.
Constructed from water-repellent nylon Cordura ripstop and filled with a 90-10 down-feather blend, the jacket integrates 20% recycled materials. Notable design elements feature the brand’s distinct yellow hook and patch, enhancing its fashionable style while ensuring functionality and coziness during winter conditions.
Read also: Parajumpers vs Moncler: Which Brand is Better?
Parajumpers Women’s Panda Long Puffer Coat
Image: parajumpers.it
Check it out at Parajumpers.it
The Women’s Panda Long Puffer Coat is crafted to provide warmth and protection in chilly environments. It includes an adjustable hood and a two-way zipper for flexible closure. The coat is equipped with zippered and mesh pockets for secure storage, along with ribbed cuffs for a snug fit.
Constructed from a 15-denier nylon micro ripstop bonded with a water-repellent foil, the outer fabric ensures water and wind resistance while maintaining breathability. The insulation comprises 100% duck down with a fill power of 770, delivering significant warmth, and the down-proof construction prevents down leakage. 20% of the coat is made from recycled materials.
Don’t miss: Parajumpers vs Canada Goose: Which is Better?
Prices
Parajumpers is undeniably not a cheap brand. The pricing of its jackets ranges from $300 to $1,500, positioning it as a good competitor to Woolrich. In many cases, the exceptional quality of their coats justifies the premium pricing, particularly given the meticulous manufacturing and superior materials employed in crafting their jackets and parkas.
Are Parajumpers jackets worth the price?
If we think about the quality of their coats and their high functionality, many find them to be a good investment. But, certain pricier models of the brand may not offer the greatest warmth, a concern for those who need exceptionally insulated parkas.
Learn more: 10 Best Expensive and Luxury Winter Jacket Brands
2. Woolrich Jackets
History of the Brand
Woolrich official website
One of the oldest outdoor clothing companies in the United States, Woolrich has a history dating back over 190 years. Born in 1830 in Woolrich, Pennsylvania, the company initially specialized in producing wool textiles and garments to provide warmth during severe winters.
In the 1850s, they introduced the Buffalo Check shirt pattern, which later became one of their most popular designs. This innovative shirt design gained widespread popularity and remains still fashionable today.
Throughout its long history, the business has been led by the Rich family, who have been dedicated to serving both their local community and the nation.
Despite facing challenges over nearly two centuries, their dedication to superior manufacturing and innovative designs enabled them to persist as a respected leader in the clothing industry.
Although the company was headquartered for many generations in the small town that bears its name, changes in ownership in recent decades led to the relocation of its headquarters overseas, to Bologna, Italy. Presently, the brand follows its tradition of durability and dependability with products primarily sold in European markets.
Even after more than 190 years since its inception, Woolrich’s proven products continue to offer warmth in various climates.
Don’t miss: 8 Brands like Woolrich: Best Alternatives for Winter Jackets
Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Woolrich has a strong reputation for top-tier materials and production techniques, leading to a premium price tag. The company responsibly procures the finest wool, cotton, and down from reputable global suppliers.
The brand is particularly recognized for its vibrant woolen fabrics and diverse range of weights, including heavier options commonly employed in winter outerwear.
Woolrich’s parka jackets are built with specially engineered Ramar Cloth, a durable blend of 60% cotton and 40% nylon, lined with polyester, and featuring a Teflon-treated shell for enhanced resistance.
The insulation varies by product, including both synthetic and natural down options, while the parka hoods are lined with natural fur, although fur-free alternatives are also available.
Woolrich’s manufacturing process is characterized by careful attention to detail, resulting in refined and exquisitely crafted designs. Seasoned artisans with extensive experience oversee multiple quality checks for each product before it is deemed market-ready.
In addition to its emphasis on quality, Woolrich is dedicated to sustainability. An example is its use of recycled wool in numerous products to minimize waste and environmental impact. You can read more about Woolrich’s sustainability programs on their website.
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Read also: Woolrich vs Patagonia (In-depth Jackets Comparison)
Where are Woolrich jackets and clothing made?
The majority of Woolrich’s production facilities have been moved overseas, with jackets and other apparel now being manufactured in countries like China, Vietnam, Romania, etc. However, the brand’s website currently features a “Made in the USA” flannels collection. Woolrich also offers collections of jackets and footwear crafted in Italy, catering to fans of Italian fashion.
Recommended Products
Woolrich Women’s Arctic Parka in Ramar Cloth
Image: woolrich.com
Check it out at Woolrich.com
The Woolrich Women’s Arctic Parka in Ramar Cloth is a garment that skillfully combines the brand’s rich heritage with a feminine touch, drawing inspiration from the original Arctic Parka crafted for Alaskan pipeline workers.
This design is tailored for women, ensuring a sleek silhouette without compromising on warmth or functionality. It’s constructed from the brand’s distinctive Ramar Cloth, known for its water-resistant properties due to a special Teflon finish that also provides wind protection.
Filled with duck down, the parka offers great warmth, suitable for temperatures ranging from -4°F (-20°C) to 14°F (-10°C). The design incorporates a concealed zip and button fastening for a polished appearance, and the hood is embellished with a detachable natural fur trim, adding a touch of luxury and extra warmth.
Also, the parka includes a chin guard for comfort and angled flap pockets for practical storage, while ribbed inner cuffs enhance its ability to ward off the cold.
Read next: Woolrich vs Moncler Jackets: Which Brand is Better?
Woolrich Men’s Blizzard Parka in Ramar Cloth
Image: woolrich.com
Check it out at Woolrich.com
The Woolrich Men’s Blizzard Parka in Ramar Cloth with Square Quilting is a thoughtfully crafted garment that seamlessly combines practicality and fashion for the winter season.
Built from Woolrich’s renowned Ramar Cloth, this parka effectively shields against the elements with its Teflon coating, ensuring optimal dryness and comfort in harsh weather. Filled with 90/10 duck-down padding, it delivers good insulation, suitable for temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C) to 14°F (-10°C).
The parka has a protective hood, multiple pockets for convenient storage and hand-warming, and a concealed front fastening reinforced with a storm placket for added defense against the cold. The contemporary square quilting pattern adds a modern touch, reflecting Woolrich’s innovative approach to classic design.
Don’t miss: Canada Goose vs Woolrich Jackets: Which is Better?
Prices
Woolrich offers versatility in its designs, impacting its pricing to create a diverse brand that also maintains a luxurious status. This means that the brand offers a range of jackets, with some lighter options priced at $300, while more advanced designs can exceed $1,800.
Are Woolrich jackets worth the price?
While Woolrich’s coats may come with a higher price than many apparel brands, the company’s commitment to excellence, fashion, premium materials, and ethical production makes it a good choice if these principles are important to you.
Learn more: Why are Woolrich Jackets so Expensive? Are They Worth It?
3. Which is Better? Parajumpers or Woolrich?
We love both brands! But you’re here to choose only one, so here are our considerations to help you with that:
- Parajumpers is known for its high-end, fashionable, and very warm winter jackets. They use premium materials and real down insulation. Their jackets are quite expensive, reaching $1,500 for a winter parka.
- Woolrich is a more classic, American-style outdoor brand. Their jackets focus more on function over fashion. They use good quality materials too. Woolrich jackets provide solid warmth and can reach a higher price for a winter parka, as high as $1,800.
- Parajumpers jackets have a slimmer, more tailored fit compared to Woolrich’s looser casual fit.
- Parajumpers has more modern, fashion-forward styles. Woolrich designs are more traditional and outdoor-style.
- For extreme cold, they’re on the same level in general.
- Woolrich offers more variety at the lower price level. Parajumpers is quite limited in styles and more expensive at this level.
In the end, Parajumpers is our choice if you want a premium, stylish, and very warm winter jacket. Woolrich is our suggestion if you want great quality at a (slightly) more affordable price on average, with a classic outdoorsy style.
Read next: 12 Best American Jackets and Outdoor Clothing Brands
