1.01 PARKAS #100TYBMTT

This is the next in my long-running series of posts aimed at nailing down the important pins on the map of essential Mod clothing. 


As a seasoned veteran of the Mod method, I'm writing from a modern day perspective on what I see as an old, but essentially timeless style. After fifty years of existence, male fashion needs to be kicked back into shape for the 21st century. Like an old Vespa, some of its elements are rusty, others downright broken. It requires stripping down and restoring, keeping its strong and robust parts while the scrap is cast aside. 


So throw away your River Island shirts and your sailing shoes. Here are the 100 things you'd be Mod to try.


I'll be crucified for saying this but parkas are, let's face it, a bit scruffy. They began as a convenient way of keeping your suit dry on the run down to Brighton on your scooter - back in the day when cars were too expensive for kids to buy. It wasn't meant to be part of the look and to be honest I don't think the old green coat is really that cool anymore. The idea is everywhere, even in the most mainstream retailers. However, as with much in the stolen mod wardrobe, it doesn't have to be this way. The beauty lies in the detail, as always. A subtly distinctive parka is awesome. I have read somewhere about a genuine 1950s Korean War coat - with a map sewn into the lining for the soldier to use if they got lost. I myself owned a black parka for some years. My favourite specimen however is Liam Gallagher's photo on the inside of the Be Here Now album sleeve; the man looks (somewhat unusually I might add) immaculate in a soft brown coloured parka and dark brown desert boots. There's Mod for you.