What is another word for anorak?

If you’ve ever gone shopping for outerwear and wondered, “Wait—why do some jackets look like anoraks but are called something else?”, you’re not alone. In everyday use, anorak often overlaps with a few other jacket terms. The trick is knowing which words are true cousins and which are just friendly neighbors in the outerwear family.

Below, we break down the most common alternatives—plus how to turn any of them into personalized anorak jackets your team will actually love to wear.

The closest matches

Parka
A parka is the nearest stand-in for an anorak. Both are hooded and built for wind and rain. Traditionally, a parka is a little longer and may have more insulation, while an anorak is a pullover with a half-zip and front pocket. In practice, many people use parka and anorak interchangeably, especially for lightweight, weather-ready team gear.

Cagoule (or kagoule)
Lightweight, hooded, and packable—this shell style mirrors the pullover DNA of an anorak. If you see cagoule, think “rain-shell anorak” with a minimalist, outdoorsy vibe.

Shell
Brands often label unlined, weather-resistant jackets simply as shells. A half-zip shell with a hood and kangaroo pocket? That’s an anorak in spirit, even if the tag says otherwise.

Related—but not quite the same

Windbreaker
A windbreaker is usually zip-front and ultra-light. Some have hoods, some don’t. If it’s a pullover with a hood and front pouch, many folks will casually call it an anorak—but classic windbreakers are typically full-zip.

Rain jacket / raincoat
All anoraks can be rain jackets, but not all rain jackets are anoraks. If it’s a hooded pullover shell, it fits the anorak idea; if it’s a longer, full-zip coat, it leans raincoat.

Mac (mackintosh)
A mac is a tailored, longer raincoat—great for city commutes, not an anorak twin.

Smock
Pullover with roomy lines? That’s smock territory. When it’s weatherproof with a hood and pocket, it’s essentially a smock-style anorak.

How to choose the right “anorak” for your team

When you’re customizing outerwear, it helps to focus on purpose rather than labels. Here’s a quick guide:

• For all-weather uniforms: Pick a hooded pullover shell (anorak/cagoule) with water-repellent fabric and adjustable cuffs.

• For colder shifts or travel: Go parka-style—same silhouette, more lining or insulation.

• For active events and giveaways: Lightweight, packable shells (often called shells, cagoules, or windbreakers) keep things breezy and on-brand.

Make it yours: personalized anorak jackets

Whatever name you prefer, the difference is in the craftsmanship. At Craft Clothing, we build outerwear that’s meant to be worn hard, washed often, and seen everywhere—without the prints fading or the seams giving up. Our team of veteran artisans handles the details that matter: fabric selection, clean sewing, crisp imprinting, and long-lasting embroidery.

Here’s how we turn a simple shell into personalized anorak jackets that represent your brand:

• Fabric & build that last. We source light yet durable weaves designed to resist wind and routine machine washes, with sturdy stitching around stress points.

• Weather-smart features. Adjustable hoods and hems, practical pocketing (front pouch or discreet zips), and smooth zippers/snaps for quick on-off.

• Your identity, your way. Choose premium embroidery for logos that feel refined and permanent, silkscreen for bold graphics, or sublimation for full-color designs that won’t crack or peel.

• Inclusive sizing & consistent fits. We produce in runs that keep sizing consistent across your whole team—from corporate staff and uniformed personnel to school orgs and sports groups.

• A simple, collaborative process. Share your idea; we’ll craft mockups, refine the details, and produce at scale—meticulous from the first stitch to the last inspection.

Naming aside, go for the look you want

Whether you call it an anorak, parka, cagoule, or simply a shell, the right pick is the one that keeps your people comfortable and puts your brand front-and-center—day after day.

Ready to kit out your crew in personalized anorak jackets? Explore styles and start your mockup here: Craft Clothing Anorak Jackets.

Let’s start creating. Tell us your vision, and we’ll pour the craftsmanship. Your brand deserves nothing less.