Figure 1.-This is an informal shot of British teens wearing classic anoraks all in a field green color. Note that one teen is wearing a parka (close relative of the anorak) in the same field green color. This color has been noted throughout our research on British rainwear. We don't see the color in, except for Army use.

The most common rain gear for British boys is now the anorak. An anorak is a waterproof jacket (waist length) with a hood and drawstrings at the waist and cuffs. Originally, the anorak was developed by the Caribou Inuit who needed clothing that would protect them from wind chill and wetness while hunting and kayaking. This kind of garment was originally made from caribou or seal and had to be regularly coated with fish oil to keep its water resistance. Modern anoraks are made from coated nylon, or breathable waterproof cloth. We see a modern British anorak on the previous page. The term anorak and parka are now often used interchangeably in Britain. (The term 'anorak' is not commonly used in America.). When first introduced, the term anorak and parka was used somewhat differently and the the distinction continues to some exrtent. An anorak is a waterproof jacket with a hood and drawstrings at the waist and cuffs designed primarily as rainwear. A parka is a linger, heavier garment. In can double as rainwear, but primarily is a cold weather garment. It is knee-length cold-weather jacket or coat. It is often stuffed with down or very warm synthetic fiber for insulation. It commonly had a fur- or faux-fur lined hood revealing its origins. The original anorak was a kind of pull-over jacket without a zipper, button or frogged opening, but this distinction has largely been lost. Many garments now have full-length front opening and are described as anoraks. The British anorak and parka have thus evolved from their traditional forms into a number of different designs using modern materials, notably the Fishtail and Snorkel parkas and the Cagoule, a form of lightweight anorak.

Popularity

The most common rain gear for British boys is now the anorak.

Definition and Terminology

An anorak is a waterproof jacket (waist length) with a hood and drawstrings at the waist and cuffs. Originally, the anorak was developed by the Caribou Inuit who needed clothing that would protect them from wind chill and wetness while hunting and kayaking. The term anorak and parka are now often used interchangeably in Britain, but to assess these garmenrs, we need to make a distinction. The term 'anorak' is not commonly used in America. I never heard the term until I went to Britain. When first introduced, the term anorak and parka was used somewhat differently and the the distinction continues to some extent. An American reader tells us, "The light-weight plastic raincoat is the cagoule." A British reader tells us, "Anorak has different meanbings here. It can mean a light weight roll up garment. It is also used to mean a heavier garment which is the same design. a hood, half length garment. with a zip or toggal fastener. The heavier vrsion is also be called a parka."

Material

Rhe anorak was originally made by the Inuit from caribou or seal pelts and had to be regularly coated with fish oil to keep its water resistance. Modern anoraks are made from coated nylon, or breathable waterproof cloth. We see a modern British anorak on the previous page.

Types

An anorak is a waterproof jacket with a hood and drawstrings at the waist and cuffs designed primarily as rainwear. There are many varied\d types. We noted Cuns in the 1880s carrying rolled up anoraks on the bacl of their berlys for outings if it rained. These were extemely light-weight examples. We note havier examples like the teenagers here arte wearing (figure 1). A parka is a longer, heavier garment. In can double as rainwear, but primarily is a cold weather garment. It is knee-length cold-weather jacket or coat. It is often stuffed with down or very warm synthetic fiber for insulation. It commonly had a fur- or faux-fur lined hood revealing its origins. The original anorak was a kind of pull-over jacket without a zipper, button or frogged opening, but this distinction has largely been lost. Many garments now have full-length front opening and are described as anoraks. The British anorak and parka have thus evolved from their traditional forms into a number of different designs using modern materials, notably the Fishtail and Snorkel parkas and the Cagoule, a form of lightweight anorak.

Geeks

A British reader tells us, "We also call people who have an obsestional interest in arcane subjects 'anoraks' or 'geeks'. eg trainspotters, amateur radio enthuiasts and the like." Geeks is an American term. We have never heard 'anoraks' used in this sense in America. We are niot sure hiw this usage developed in Britain.

Created: 12:01 AM 1/17/2011
Last updated: 12:01 AM 1/17/2011