Didriksons Helle Insulated Waterproof Parka

Didriksons write: "Helle is a lightly padded parka for everyday use in a soft and flexible fabric. It has a regular fit and a figure-shaped silhouette, and is fully wind and waterproof with taped seams and made from breathable fabric. It has a fixed hood and a high collar to protect against cold winds. Features include two front pockets and two inside pockets with zips. The hem, hood and cuffs can all be adjusted as needed. The lining has been dyed using a solution dyeing technique. This technique reduces water, energy and chemical consumption during production. PFC-free water-repellent finish."

Popular for the cooler seasons, the Helle is one of our favourite parka raincoats -  it is a feminine and gently-fitting three-quarter length raincoat giving warmth and waterproofing. The fabric is a cotton-touch polyester fabric with taped seams - we would describe it as medium weight with a soft touch. The lining is a 100g/m2 padding throughout the coat, giving a good light-to-medium level of insulation. In addition, this attractive and practical parka has a chin guard, a two-way front zipper with storm flap. The hem is gently shaped and there is a subtle yoke on the back for an attractive overall style. We find the fit is generally true to size, with room for a light layer underneath. The Helle has a back length of 87.5cm for the size 38.

The 40 measures as follows (laid flat on a table and measured across etc.): chest 52cm, waist 56cm, hips 61cm, length 88cm, sleeve 51cm.

Didriksons has a simple philosophy: You do not challenge the elements, you adapt to them, just like Julius and Hanna Didrikson did, as far back as 1913, when they began making work clothes for all the fishermen in Grundsund. For over a hundred years they have been faithful to their founding principle - to make functional clothing which keeps you dry and comfortable regardless of the weather. Perhaps that's why a hundred years later, it is still the largest Scandinavian brand for rain and functional garments.