Fi stays dry in Swedish style. Didrikson’s Ilma parka

You’re looking for a waterproof jacket that will keep you stylish on city breaks and dry in the countryside? Could this be the Didrikson’s Ilma parka? Read Fi’s review to find out.

This is a longer length waterproof parka that does a great job of combining performance and PFCs-free sustainability. It’s impressive level of detailing gives it fantastic function as well as sought-after Swedish style. (Did you know you can get to Sweden from the UK by train?)

No forever PFCs (PFAS) chemicals have been used to make this garment. It does not contain recycled materials and was designed in Sweden but produced in Sri Lanka. To help the longevity of this garment, Didrikson’s provide repair kits.

I’m a colour and style first kind of girl and the Ilma parka didn’t disappoint. I immediately loved the yellow and the long-line fit. The super-peaked hood, double zip baffle and taped seams were all signs that the performance of this jacket were going to match its obvious style. It looked like I was on to a winner with this look-great-anywhere waterproof!

4/5 ****

PROS

Looks great anywhere

Great waterproofing details

Super comfortable to wear

Plenty of sensible pockets

CONS

Not breathable enough for intense exercise

Heavier to pack than some waterproofs

With a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm, the PFCs-free fabric of this jacket will keep you dry in most rain conditions except long wet hill days.  When it comes to keeping the rain out though, fabric isn’t everything and the Ilma parka’s additional features have clearly been designed by someone who has been out in plenty of wet weather.

There are two main places rain gets inside a jacket; through the front zip and down the front of the neck. With a double baffled waterproof zip, hood and neck cinching, chin guard and impressively wide peak, the Ilma has both of these covered. I was tempted to try standing in the shower in it but in the end it rained on my woodland walk so I didn’t have to.

This isn’t a lightweight waterproof coat but it has been designed for comfort as well as performance. The soft-to-touch fabric is complimented by a full smooth lining, making it easy to slip on and off but also nice to wear against the skin.

With a breathability rating of 10,000 g/m²/24h, this parka would feel a touch sweaty during very strenuous exercise but offers good vapour release for most walking experiences. Apart from the double zip, it doesn’t have built in vents.

I love its length and particularly like the Ilma’s double zip, which made both sitting down and walking uphill easy. The soft hood and chin guard are comfortable around the face and all four main pockets are big enough to warm up chilly hands.

I’ve been wanting to try a longer waterproof coat for a while and I’m pleased I have. The Ilma’s stylish looks make it a must-pack item for spring and autumn train adventures and city breaks but I tested in on a showery day in the woods.

I feel like it could take me from beach dog walks, to gentle strolls, to museums and cafes with no concerns at all about staying dry or looking great. I can also see it starring in some fabulous selfie moments (sea shanty anyone?)

On a practical note, with it’s capacious and numerous pockets, this parka would also be great for anywhere I didn’t want to carry a bag or rucksack. I could fit in a notebook, phone, purse and perhaps even a small water bottle with no problem.

For such a sophisticated and multifunctional waterproof coat, I think the Ilma parka is well priced at £220 (June 2026). Because it’s such a stand-out item, I could only find one online equivalent.

Fjallraven’s Vardag Rain Parka comes in at £350 and has the same PFCs-free waterproofing and breathability values but fewer pockets and more venting than the Didrikson’s Ilma. Despite it being a good-looking coat, I don’t think the Fjallraven option is quite as stylish and it doesn’t come in as many colour ways.

This parka was made without the use of PFC (forever) chemicals. It does not contain recycled materials, but to extend longevity, Didrikson’s offer a repair kit. The Ilma was designed in Sweden and produced in Sri Lanka.