We’ve watched outerwear evolve from functional gear for outdoor explorers to an everyday menswear staple. One brand that has been there through it all is Woolrich.

In the 1970s, Woolrich developed a Parka for construction workers building an oil pipeline in Northern Alaska. Known today as the Arctic Parka, it is now one of the brand’s most recognizable icons.

In this podcast, we will be exploring the origins of the parka. From the Arctic Circle and Alaskan Oil workers to Mods, Hip-Hop heads, and Raf Simons collectors, the highly adored and iconic parka has been one of the mainstays of menswear. We gathered two cultural archivists to join us as we explore its origins, the reasons behind its consistent popularity, and how its functionality has kept it as essential an item now as it was 100s of years ago.

Our street culture enthusiast George Ocampo will be exploring the past, present, and future of the parka with streetwear historian and style culture archivist Sam Trotman responsible for legendary archivist Instagram account Samutaro, and Ollie Evans, founder, and curator of the vintage online store, creative agency, and collectors of iconic cultural artifacts, Too Hot Limited.

To shop Woolrich's latest collection of Arctic parkas click here.