Parajumpers: The Beginner's Guide
You have heard of Parajumpers, the brand known for down jackets with fur-trimmed hoods and yellow straps, and you are curious — but you don't know where to start? This guide brings together the essentials for understanding the brand, recognising its pieces and choosing your first Parajumpers with confidence.
What is Parajumpers?
Parajumpers is an Italian brand founded in 2006 (under the company Ape & Partners), inspired by the world of air rescue — notably the US Air Force's 210th Rescue Squadron in Alaska. Its speciality: high-end technical down jackets that combine warmth, toughness and a strong urban style. For the full story of the brand and its founder, read our article on the history of Parajumpers.
The codes that make a Parajumpers
A Parajumpers piece can be recognised at first glance by its signature details: the fur-trimmed hood, the yellow strap, the metal hook (snap hook) and the PJS patch on the sleeve. These elements, inherited from military aesthetics, are the brand's calling card. To find out all about the logo and the patch, see our dedicated article on the Parajumpers logo and patch.
The iconic models to know
Four models embody the brand: the Gobi (the iconic bomber), the Long Bear (the emblematic mid-length parka), the Kodiak (the extreme-cold version) and the Right Hand (the versatile 3-in-1). Knowing them already means understanding a large part of the collection. Discover them in detail in our guide to iconic Parajumpers models, and the distinction between the Masterpiece line and the main collection.
Which model should you choose to start with?
It all depends on how you will use it:
- For an urban, versatile look: a bomber such as the Gobi — see the guide to bombers.
- To face winter in a long piece: a parka — see the guide to parkas.
- For maximum warmth: a down jacket — see the guide to down jackets.
- For between seasons: a lighter jacket — see the guide to jackets.
Choosing the right size
Parajumpers generally fits fairly true to size, with a cut that leaves room for layering in winter. If you are torn between two sizes, or for a pre-owned piece, rely on the actual measurements given. Our Parajumpers size guide will help you choose.
New or pre-owned?
Both are good options. New guarantees the latest collection and perfect condition; pre-owned gives you access to the brand at a better price and limits depreciation. The key is to buy from a trusted seller who checks authenticity. To buy pre-owned wisely, read our guide Pre-owned Parajumpers.
Checking authenticity
Since autumn-winter 2017, every Parajumpers piece has had a Certilogo authenticity label (12-digit code + QR code) sewn inside, which can be verified online. It is the first thing to check before any purchase. Our guide to recognising genuine Parajumpers details all the points to check, and our article decoding labels and codes explains how to read them.
Caring for and preserving your piece
Well looked after, a Parajumpers piece lasts for years and holds its value well. The right washing preserves the loft of the down and the look of the shell. Find out what to do in our guide to caring for and washing Parajumpers, along with our advice on market value and resale.
How should you wear it every day?
Once you have chosen your piece, all that is left is to work it into your wardrobe: raw-denim jeans and sneakers for a casual look, a fine knit and straight trousers for a dressier feel. All our outfit ideas are in how to style Parajumpers every day.
Where to start at NB08
At NB08, every Parajumpers piece is checked and authenticated in our boutique by our team, new and pre-owned alike, with its condition precisely described. The best way to get started: browse our Parajumpers collection and spot the piece that meets your needs.
In summary
Parajumpers is an Italian brand of technical down jackets with military DNA, recognisable by its fur-trimmed hood, its yellow strap and its patch. To get started: familiarise yourself with the iconic models (Gobi, Long Bear, Kodiak, Right Hand), choose according to your use and your size, opt for a seller who authenticates their pieces, and look after your purchase. You now have all the keys to choosing your first Parajumpers. Got a specific question in mind? Our Parajumpers FAQ answers it at a glance.
