Didriksons: Swedish Outerwear Since 1913
Didriksons is a Swedish outerwear brand founded in 1913 in Grundsund, on Sweden's west coast, by Julius and Hanna Didrikson. It started out making protective workwear for local fishermen, so waterproof, windproof clothing is in its DNA. Today the range covers waterproof jackets, winter parkas, shell jackets, fleeces and rain suits for women, men, youths and kids, and it is one of Scandinavia's best-known jacket brands.
This guide explains what Didriksons makes, how to choose between a parka, a jacket and a rain suit, how the sizing works and how to look after a waterproof coat. You can shop the full Didriksons range at 4 Elements Clothing, with free UK delivery and free returns.
Is Didriksons a good brand?
Yes. Didriksons is a long-established Swedish brand with more than a century of making outdoor clothing for wet, cold weather, and it is popular with parents and everyday wearers across Scandinavia and the UK. It focuses on practical design, with waterproof and windproof fabrics, taped seams and sensible features such as adjustable hoods, rather than fashion-led pieces that fall apart in the rain. As with any waterproof, the right coat depends on how you will use it, which is what the sections below cover.
Didriksons parkas: warm, waterproof winter coats
The Didriksons parka is the brand's most searched-for product in the UK, and the range includes several named styles for women and men. A parka is longer than a standard jacket, usually reaching the hip or thigh, with an insulated lining and a hood. Choose a parka if you need warmth for standing around in the cold, such as dog walks, school pick-ups or watching sport, and you want coverage over your legs.
- Best for: cold, wet winter days and everyday wear.
- Look for: a waterproof outer, a warm lining, an adjustable hood and storm flap over the zip.
- Fit tip: allow room for a jumper or fleece underneath. If you are between sizes, go up.
Didriksons waterproof jackets and coats
For milder or wetter-than-cold weather, a lighter Didriksons waterproof jacket is more versatile. Shell jackets are thin and breathable, ideal for walking and layering. Lined rain jackets add a little warmth for autumn and spring. A shell plus a fleece gives you a flexible system you can adjust through the year.
Didriksons kids' rainwear
Kids' clothing is one of Didriksons' strengths. The kids' range includes waterproof jackets, trousers and all-in-one rain suits designed for puddles, play and the school run. Didriksons sizes its kids' clothing by height in centimetres, from 80 cm for toddlers up to 140 cm and beyond for older children, so measure your child's height rather than relying on age alone. A little room to grow is useful, but too big a size can restrict movement.
- Rain suits: a one-piece suit keeps younger children dry from top to toe.
- Jacket and trousers sets: easier for toilet trips and better for older children.
- Check: reflective details, an adjustable hood and cuffs that seal out water.
Didriksons women's and men's outerwear
The women's collection uses UK sizes from 6 to 26, covering parkas, jackets and coats with practical shaping. Men's styles are sized XS to XXXL. Always check the measurements for your chest, waist and hips against the size chart on the product page.
Didriksons sizing guide
Didriksons publishes measurements in centimetres. The quick rules are:
- Women: UK 6 is EU 32 (chest 78 cm), UK 12 is EU 38 (chest 90 cm) and UK 18 is EU 44 (chest 102 cm).
- Men: sizes run XS to XXXL, with chest measurements from 83-88 cm (XS) to 118-124 cm (XXXL).
- Kids: sized by height, for example size 120 for children around 120 cm tall (typically 5-7 years).
If you are between sizes, choose the larger one, particularly for winter coats you will layer under.
How to wash and care for a Didriksons waterproof jacket
Dirt and body oils stop waterproof fabrics from shedding water, so regular washing actually helps performance. Always follow the care label first, then:
- Close all zips and fastenings and empty the pockets.
- Wash on a gentle cycle at the temperature on the label, using a mild detergent or a technical wash. Avoid fabric softener, which clogs the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly, then dry flat or tumble dry on low if the label allows. Gentle heat helps refresh the water-repellent finish.
- If water no longer beads on the surface, re-proof with a wash-in or spray-on treatment.
Didriksons FAQs
Where is Didriksons from? Didriksons is a Swedish brand founded in 1913 in Grundsund on Sweden's west coast.
Are Didriksons jackets waterproof? Didriksons is best known for waterproof and windproof jackets, parkas and kids' rainwear, designed for Scandinavian weather.
How do Didriksons kids' sizes work? Kids' sizes are based on height in centimetres, such as 110 or 120, with a matching age range shown on the size chart.
Can I buy Didriksons in the UK? Yes. 4 Elements Clothing sells Didriksons online with free UK delivery and free returns. Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday (10am Saturday) are dispatched the same day.
Should I size up in a Didriksons parka? If you plan to wear a jumper or fleece underneath, or you are between sizes, size up.
Read our announcement on the Didriksons range or browse all Didriksons jackets, parkas and kids' rainwear.
