Jackets with drawstrings are widely called anoraks or parkas; lighter takes include windbreakers and cagoules.
If you’ve spotted a hooded shell cinched at the waist, hem, or hood and wondered what it’s called, you’re in the right place. This guide spells out the common names, what each one looks like, and how to tell them apart at a glance. You’ll also get fit tips, fabric cues, and quick picks for travel and street style.
What Are The Jackets With Drawstrings Called? Quick Overview
In everyday use, the names you’ll hear most are anorak and parka. Both often ship with cinch cords at the hood and hem, and many add a waist drawcord. A windbreaker is the ultra-light option that still may include a hood cord and a shock-cord hem. In the UK, the word cagoule covers the same light, packable idea.
| Jacket Name | Typical Drawstring Placement | Defining Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Anorak | Hood, hem; sometimes waist | Pullover or half-zip shell, often hip-length, weather-resistant |
| Parka | Hood (often fur/faux trim), waist, hem | Longer cut for cold, insulated or down-filled options common |
| Windbreaker | Hood, hem | Featherweight, wind-resistant, packable |
| Cagoule | Hood, cuffs; sometimes hem | UK term for light, hooded rain shell; often pullover |
| Field Jacket (M-65) | Internal waist drawcord; hem | Four front pockets, stand collar with stowable hood |
| Fishtail Parka | Waist, fishtail hem | Split rear “tail” you can tie or wrap; mod-era icon |
| Rain Shell | Hood, hem | Waterproof/breathable membrane; unlined or lightly lined |
Main Names In Plain Terms
Anorak
An anorak is a hooded, weather-ready shell that often pulls over the head and stops at the hips. Many versions add a kangaroo pocket up front and a drawcord at the hood and hem. Dictionary sources describe it as a pullover hooded jacket long enough to cover the hips, which aligns with how brands use the word today. See the definition at Merriam-Webster for the clean, textbook take. You’ll meet anoraks in hiking lines, streetwear drops, and retro ski looks.
Parka
A parka reaches past the hips and leans warm. The name ties back to Arctic outerwear and still signals coverage, insulation, and a generous hood. Drawcords show up at the hood, waist, and hem to seal out drafts. For a concise background, see the parka entry at Britannica. In stores, a parka tag often means down or synthetic fill, a two-way zip, and hand-warmers plus cargo pockets.
Windbreaker
A windbreaker is the breezy pick for shoulder seasons. It trims weight, blocks gusts, and still lets you cinch the hood or hem. If you want pack-small convenience for travel or a jog, this is the lane. The name overlaps with track jackets and nylon shells, but the drawcord cues make it easy to spot.
Cagoule
Cagoule is the British label for a light, hooded rain shell. Classic takes pull over the head, stash into their own pocket, and use drawcords to dial the fit. If you shop UK or EU brands, you’ll see “cagoule” where a US site might say windbreaker or anorak.
Why So Many Names For One Feature?
Drawstrings are a detail, not a single style. Designers add cords to many silhouettes for fit and weather sealing. That’s why the same drawstring cue shows up on a warm parka, a featherweight windbreaker, and even a field jacket. The name usually follows length, insulation, and construction, not the presence of a cord.
What Are The Jackets With Drawstrings Called? Types In Real Life
City Commuter
Look for a parka if winters bite. A waist cord shapes the profile over sweaters while a hem cord trims drafts on a bike or bus stop. If your weather stays mild, swap to an anorak or windbreaker with a hood cord and a drop hem.
Travel Carry-On
Choose a windbreaker or cagoule that stuffs into its pocket. Pick one with an adjustable hood and a shock-cord hem so it works over a tee in heat or a fleece on a chilly flight.
Weekend Outdoors
For shoulder-season hikes, a water-resistant anorak with a hem cord rides well over base layers. When temps dip, a mid-length parka with a waist cord keeps warmth close without bulk.
How To Tell Names Apart In Seconds
Length
Hip-length and pullover tends to be an anorak. Thigh-length with fill reads parka. Cropped, featherweight shells cue windbreaker or cagoule.
Closure
Half-zip or no full front zip points to anorak or cagoule. Full-zip with storm flap can be any style; check length and insulation to sort it out.
Pockets
A front kangaroo pocket is the anorak giveaway. Four front bellows pockets and an internal waist cord nod to a field jacket.
Hood Style
Fur or faux-fur trims lean parka. Stowable hoods hide in collars on some field jackets. Minimal drawcord hoods sit on windbreakers and cagoules.
Close Variations You’ll Hear
Field Jacket And M-65
This military classic uses an internal waist drawcord to shape the fit and manage layers. It’s not a parka, yet the cord detail is shared. Many modern copies keep the four-pocket front and a hem cord.
Fishtail Parka
A long, split rear hem you can tie together gives this parka its name. The waist cord and fishtail hem let you tighten the shell over suits, denim, or hoodies without bunching.
Rain Shell
Brands may tag any waterproof hooded jacket as a rain shell. Many add hood and hem cords, pit zips, and a light lining. Shell is a build term, not a length call, which is why the label appears across parkas and anoraks.
Fit And Sizing: Use The Drawstrings Well
Waist
Cinch just enough to remove slack without pulling buttons or zips off-center. On a parka, a mild waist taper gives shape while keeping room for sweaters.
Hem
Draw until the shell kisses the hips, then release a touch so it hangs clean. A tiny “bubble” at the hem means it’s too tight.
Hood
Pull the cord until the brim frames your view, then stop. If the hood shifts when you turn, tighten a touch more. If it tugs your head down, you went too far.
Fabric Cheat Sheet
Names tell you the shape; fabric tells you the job. Nylon and polyester shed wind and pack small. Cotton-blend shells feel softer but soak faster. Laminated membranes boost rain protection and often pair with taped seams. Down or synthetic fill stacks warmth for parkas; mesh or no lining keeps windbreakers breezy.
| Use Case | Common Fabric Build | Best-Fit Name |
|---|---|---|
| Cold city winters | Shell + down or synthetic fill | Parka |
| Spring showers | Waterproof shell with hood | Cagoule or rain shell |
| Breezy travel days | Light nylon with shock-cord hem | Windbreaker |
| Trail daypack | Packable pullover, large kangaroo pocket | Anorak |
| Layered street looks | Mid-length shell with waist cord | Parka or fishtail parka |
| Transitional weather | Unlined shell, DWR finish | Windbreaker or anorak |
| Utility & pockets | Cotton blend, four front pockets | Field jacket (M-65) |
Naming Pitfalls When You Shop
Marketing Labels
Brands play with names. A “parka” can be light and unlined; a “windbreaker” can be insulated. Read the cut and fabric first, then use the name as a hint.
Pullover Vs. Full-Zip
Pullovers lean anorak or cagoule; full-zips spread across all styles. If a listing says anorak but shows a full zip and chest pockets, the brand is using the word for style mood, not strict build.
Trim Details
Faux-fur hoods point to parkas. A fishtail hem points to a fishtail parka. Elastic cuffs and a shock-cord hem often show up on windbreakers.
Styling Tips That Work
Smart-Casual
A matte parka over wool trousers and a knit polo lands polished without feeling stiff. Use the waist cord to shape, then leave the hem a touch loose so the coat drapes clean.
Sporty
A color-block windbreaker with tapered joggers keeps lines sharp. Cinch the hem light, and keep the hood cord loose so it frames, not bunches.
Quiet Outdoors
An earth-tone anorak over denim and hikers stays low-key and ready. Add a beanie and you’re set from coffee run to light drizzle walk.
Care And Longevity
Close cords before washing so tips don’t whip in the drum. Wash shells cold, then air-dry. Many waterproof shells benefit from a gentle tumble to reset the DWR. For down parkas, use a down-safe detergent and toss in clean tennis balls to restore loft. Store with cords relaxed to avoid creasing.
Frequently Asked “Is This The Right Name?” Moments
“My Jacket Has A Waist Cord And Four Pockets.”
That sounds like a field jacket. If the hood hides in the collar and the cord is inside, the match is even closer.
“Mine Is Long With A Split Back Hem.”
You’re likely holding a fishtail parka. Tie the tails when you ride to stop flapping.
“It Packs Into Its Own Pocket.”
That feature is common on windbreakers and cagoules. An anorak can do it too, especially trail-focused models.
What Are The Jackets With Drawstrings Called? Final Word
You’ll cover nearly every case with four names: anorak, parka, windbreaker, and cagoule. Field jackets and fishtail parkas sit nearby and use the same cord tricks. If you want to sound precise, lean on the build: length, insulation, closure, and pocket layout. The cords tell you it cinches; the rest tells you the name.
Notes: Definitions referenced from respected dictionaries and encyclopedias: the anorak entry at Merriam-Webster and the parka overview at Britannica.