I survived over a decade of Boston winters in my tailored wool coats, and am finally seeing the appeal of a good parka. I’m comfortable in my wool coats with multiple layers plus a hat and scarf, but there’s something about just throwing on a hooded parka that envelops you and being able to run out the door in frigid conditions. And now as a mom of 2, the parka appeal is particularly strong during our frosty daily walks to school.
After trying on petite-friendly options in my Canada Goose parka review, I wanted to hop on over to Mackage, a brand that keeps catching my eye over the past few years. Between these 2 players in the luxury outerwear market, I find Canada Goose to be more functionality and durability focused (with options designed to withstand extreme winter conditions), while Mackage is also known for warmth and function but is much more style-forward.
Sale PSA: There’s two fairly classic Mackage puffers currently on sale – the Ashley and the Camea, both with very shapely and flattering puff detailing.
Mackage Parka Features
In researching the brand, I learned Mackage parkas use only RDS certified down and are filled with 90% down / 10% feathers, a high down ratio (similar to Moncler) to achieve extra lightweight yet warm and windproof coats. Their parkas are also water repellent, have deep adjustable hoods, heavy duty zippers, and warm pockets lined in Thinsulate. Read on to see some of their more petite-friendly styles, and which one I ended up with!
1. Mackage Farren
Cold rating (per Mackage): for Moderate Cold
Sold at: Saks, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus
A Mackage classic that’s available year-round. This is their signature lighter weight stretch down coat with no trim on the hood. Functional features include the water repellent outer, protective hood and zipper pockets mentioned above that’s typical of their parkas.
The silhouette is very shapely with panels that angle in for waist definition, and the leather trim adds a modern touch. I tried on the XXS and it was very figure flattering and petite-friendly. This puffer is meant to be closer fitting, so most people would be fine in their usual size. Since I personally like a little more wiggle room these days, I would do an XS in this style (currently 5′ tall around 100lbs).
One other style I was really interested but didn’t find is the Camea Down Coat with unique chevron quilting detail. I was told this one has a similar weight and fit to the Farren style and a more lustrous shell.
2. Mackage Calla Shearling
Cold rating: for Deep Cold // Down to 5°F ( -15°C)
Sold at: Saks and Bloomingdales (shearling only available at these 2 stores)
After trying on quite a few styles over the years, this is my favorite Mackage coat for my weather and wardrobe needs. It has the same flattering silhouette and features as the Farren, but is made for colder weather with a thicker 800 down fill and warm shearling trim. I’ve been eying the Calla coat in past years and noticed it is not typically offered with a shearling option, so finally took the plunge and purchased this as a Christmas gift to self.
Similar to with the Farren, the XXS was petite-friendly and pretty slim fit on me for a parka. Mackage indicates this coat is designed to be worn over a light layer, and suggests going up 1 size for layering over sweaters. The younger me would delight in such a fitted silhouette for a puffer coat and definitely go with the XXS, but current me who enjoys a looser fit (especially around the tummy area) bought 1 size up.
While it’s rated for down to 5 degrees F, I can’t speak to that claim. I’ve only worn it in 30 degree Boston temps thus far and it’s been very comfortable.
3. Mackage Nori
Cold rating: for Moderate Cold // Down to 23°F ( -5°C)
Sold at: Saks
Another Mackage signature coat that I’ve tried on and admired several times over the years. And such a memorable one for me, from the sharp style down to that coat name!
I’ve resisted this coat each time as my Ted Baker one is slightly reminiscent of the style. Compared to my Ted Baker coat, the Mackage Nori is a thicker winter weight and has really unique tailoring and details from the leather belt to the zip up collar and removable “bib.” The ribbed bib provides stylish chest coverage and warmth when you’re not wearing a scarf.
Fit wise, XXS was tailored and slim fit on me, with the sleeves being a little long (typical of standard sizing coats, like my Ted Baker coat as well). I would stick with my usual XXS in this as I like my wool coats to be a close fit.
They also have a similar style belted wool coat, the Shia, but with a hood and a down puffer zip in bib instead of a rib knit one. I was told the Shia is rated for slightly colder conditions than the Nori.
4. Mackage Ishani
Cold rating: for Deep Cold // Down to -4°F ( -20°C)
Sold at: Saks
Another popular style that’s been around for a few years now. The Ishani is a puffier and longer parka compared to the slim fit ones reviewed above. The photo on me is NOT a good indication of the fit since they only had a size Small in store, and I’d expect an XXS to fit much better. While it’s a fuller parka, it was very lightweight and cloud-like and the drawstring waist gives it some shape. The fit is more relaxed for layering and felt very warm for the short time I was trying it on.
Mackage Ishani coat size Small (only size they had in store).
If you own a Mackage coat, I’d love to hear which style and some of the pros and cons from your experience!
