Josyln Clarke Collection – The Parka

For some time, Cordings have been admirers of Josyln Clarke; the former Creative Director of Grenfell and Gloverall. Josyln was instrumental in reviving both these iconic UK brands back to their former glory. His deep knowledge, creative talent, and expertise in crafting coats and jackets that transcend fashion made him a natural partner for Cordings.

So, when the opportunity arose to collaborate directly, we invited Josyln to consult as a designer and create garments that would strengthen our outerwear offering. The result is a collection that adds three carefully considered designs to our outerwear collection. Josyln was given a very specific brief: to create styles that were missing from our collection but still deeply rooted in tradition. From more than twenty sketches, three designs were chosen: the Golfer, the Kent Jacket, and the Parka. the first to arrive being The Parka; a garment that combines military functionality with classic British cultural style.

From Battlefield to Cultural Icon

The Parka’s story begins in the early 1950s with the US Army’s M51 fishtail design, created to protect soldiers against the biting cold and wet during the Korean War. Its practicality, warmth, and versatility ensured it quickly found life beyond the military. In the 1960s, the Parka was adopted by Britain’s Mod subculture. Its generous cut protected sharp tailoring while riding scooters, and soon the style became inseparable from the era’s music and youth rebellion. Decades later, it resurfaced in the 1990s during the Britpop movement, worn by bands and fans alike as a badge of cultural identity.

Today, the Parka remains one of the most adaptable outerwear pieces ever created; practical, warm and stylish, its place in fashion history firmly cemented.

Fabrications & Detailing

For this collaboration, the Parka has been crafted in a water-repellent cloth made from 90% cotton and 10% polyurethane, developed exclusively for Cordings by a specialist outerwear mill in Como, Italy. Inside, it is lined with a bespoke cotton check woven in Portugal

A removable quilted liner, manufactured exclusively for us in Japan, ensures the Parka adapts to changing weather, while the hood is finished with a corduroy trim from the historic mill Brisbane Moss. Details such as Cordings-branded studs, a two-way antique brass RiRi zip, and generous pockets with hand-warmer compartments reinforce both form and function.

Made in Britain

True to both Cordings and Josyln Clarke’s ethos, all three garments in this collaboration are made in a small workroom in Kent, England. Cordings has always been committed to manufacturing in Britain wherever possible, and this collection is a testament to that commitment. Each piece has been individually patterned, cut, and graded to achieve the perfect fit, ensuring the Parka, like every garment in the Cordings collection, will be worn and loved for decades to come.

The Cordings x Josyln Clarke Parka is more than just a winter coat. It is the product of heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship.  A garment designed to withstand the elements, embrace British style, and remain relevant across generations.

Priced at £695, this limited-edition piece is available now, exclusively from Cordings. Men’s Clarke Parka | Cordings