Waterproof jackets & big boobs

[Bloopbleep]

Tl;dr version: where can I find 'nice' waterproof outdoors jackets at size 18 and above?

I've been wearing the same hideous waterproof jacket for years as its one of the few I can get zipped up with a jumper on. I'm a 36F and usually an 18 on top but all the nice outdoor jackets seem to stop at a size 16. While a 14/ 16 fits my waist it squishes my boobs and rides up at the hips. Men's jackets aren't built for wider hips so while they fit at the boobs they don't fit at the bum. I'm wary of buying online without having tried it on first but I'm getting desperate.

I'm a bit of an outdoors /waterproof snob so I'm not talking Peter Snow or Trespass which are usually crap as soon as it rains, and as I live in Scotland it needs to be something I can wear with a jumper/fleece underneath. Even if I find an 18 they only fit with a tshirt not jumper too.

I get so despondent looking at outdoor hiking gear that I love but cannot wear. I adore North Face and Jack Wolfskin but they very rarely do anything in larger sizes. I used to be flat chested and never had this problem but a child and years of corticosteroids changed all that.

Can anyone recommend decent outdoors gear I could hike up a mountain wearing that accommodates chub and boobs?

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I got one similar to this www.joules.com/Women/Jackets-Coats/Weatherall/Classic-Waterproof-3-in-1-Jacket/Marine-Navy?id=T_WEATHERALL|MARNAVY - I bought it in a larger size, to make sure it fitted over jumpers. It has a removable (very warm) lining and is 100% waterproof.

It also has a drawstring so gives you some shape by coming in at the waist.

[heatherwithapee]

Berghaus go up to an 18 and Craghoppers a 20 in many of their ladies' styles.

[DoItTooJulia]

Lots of the costs on this link go up to a 24.

[IDismyname]

Check out Driza Bone waxed coats. They're an Australian company but have a UK website. They go up to at least a 20.
I would think they'll stand up to the Scottish weather pretty well.

[Beanzmeanzcoffee]

Seconding joules. There's a concealed drawstring in mine that nips in the waist and gives me shape. I love it.

[WyldFyre]

Hunting/fishing wear companies do some nice but practical jackets.
I'm currently drooling over the Hampton jacket from Sherwood Forest

[BikeRunSki]

Berghaus

Jack Wolfskin (I am 34F and happily wear JW ladies L. Also a gear snob!)

If money is no object, then Paratgonia kit is superb, lasts forever and generously sized. Patagonia. I'm a women's L, so XL should fit you.

[cece]

Landsend

I have the longer version of this coat that I wear for my sons' rugby/football training/matches. It is waterproof and very warm. I have 34H norks and I have it in a 14/16. Normally wear a 14 and it fits very well even with fleece or jumpers underneath. TBH it is so warm I don't really need massively thick jumpers under it.

[Bloopbleep]

Thanks All. I'm not sure the joules jacket would be much use up a mountain. Regatta are dubious quality. The Patagonia stuff looks interesting but I'm concerned that xl might be too small as I know that with jack Wolfskin it just fits and no more despite being an xl so no room for actually moving it in. I'm going to check out Rohan as it apparently does larger sizes.

It's as if larger ladies aren't expected to take part in outdoor activities 😳

[OkLumberjack]

I have 36G boobs and a size 18. I have this waterproof Mac for fog walking and its long enough to cover my bum. I have a size 20. It's quite flattering.

www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/m/women/clothing/casual-jackets-in-soft-cord-and-printed-cotton/kellifray-lightweight-knee-length-raincoat_black.htm

[OkLumberjack]

*dog walking, however it would work for fog walking!

[BikeRunSki]

give these guys a ring they might be able to advise. I'd say Patagonia is pretty roomy though.

[BikeRunSki]

you're not the only one with this problem

[RaisingSteam]

I wonder about trying a few different suppliers to the mainstream - maybe go out of the UK? I've had good service from Bergzeit.de - the website can be put to English and for instance [https://www.bergzeit.co.uk/vaude-boe-w-039-s-jacket-eclipse-34/ £££]] but up to 46 or chest 109cm/43" bust. Also try Vaude in the UK eg. the Croz 3L jacket goes up to 46 too and is allegedly one of the new stretch waterproofs which might help.

If you are looking to spend a bit then you might just have to try the online stuff and accept you will have to pay a few quid return postage on some items.

[BikeRunSki]

How about trying US brand Columbia? I find US brands more generous than European.

[BikeRunSki]

Is 42.5-44" big enough?

[CatherineDeB]

I have got an XL Patagonia trench coat thing and I am a 12/14 - bought big so that I can get a suit jacket under it and layers in the winter.

It don't think it would go near an 18.

Rohan will be good I think, a friend buys their trousers and she is an 18.

Have you thought about a buying a mans jacket? I have bought slim cut mens outdoor clothing before, mainly because it has been reduced and the womens stuff hasn't and I am tight.

I bought a half price Arcteryx jacket from the mens section a few years back.

[BikeRunSki]

Rohan is a good call.

[BikeRunSki]

Rohan mountain jacket, size XL = 18/20. I'll need to replace my jacket soon, and rather fancy this. You might be close enough to a shop to try it on too.

[PickAChew]

Berghaus is definitely generous in the boob department. Wore a 14 with my size 16 32GG bust, this winter.

And seasalt go to bigger sizes, too.

[Allinafankle]

I'm a 36F size 16 and have a lot of Jack Wolfskin. I have loved the brand for years and can't resist buying stuff. Their sizing is a bit off I'll grant you - I recently bought a short jacket and had to get an XXL but it fits lovely. Also Scottish so I feel your weather-related pain!

[BestIsWest]

I feel your pain OP.
Maybe try Mountain Warehouse? Maybe not up to the tech standard of some of the other makes but they go up to a 22.

[CatherineDeB]

I just got an e-mail from Rohan advising that their summer promotion ends tomorrow.

This is half price in selected colours

www.rohan.co.uk/womens-bargain-travel-and-outdoor-clothing-in-the-souk-Mountain-Leader-Jacket?ocode=03742D01

[ilovecherries]

I feel your pain, OP. I'm a Scot living in Cumbria and before I had an accident I was frequently hoicking my 36Ks up hills in pretty inclement weather. I've tried just about everything out there, and can safely say that there is nothing in women's sizing that fits me in serious outdoor gear. And while things from Lands' End, Seasalt etc are fine for bad city or coastal weather, they certainly aren't mountain standard. The only thing I can wear is a man's berghaus gortex shell with a zip in fleece. I need the XL, but you'd probably find the L was suitable. It fits both boobs and bum, and has a pull cord at the waist. It's too long in the arms, but I just pull in the adjustable cuffs. It's also baggy under the arms, but not uncomfortably so. High fashion it isn't, but it is functional. Are you near either Perth or Glasgow? The Great Outdoors has a massive selection. I don't even look at the women's stuff any more, it's too upsetting. Clearly only slim women with flat chests are meant to be up mountains.

[Bloopbleep]

Thanks all. Long coats aren't very practical for what I'm wanting. I had s bad experience with two Colombia jackets not being very waterproof (showerproof yes) so I'm not sure I trust them but will look out for them as they may have improved. Mountain warehouse is fine for a walk in the park but it's not very good for actual mountains (oh the irony)
I love cherries - I usually shop in great outdoors but I find the men's stuff tight round the hips and an xl or xxl is just huge at sleeves etc. I'm not blessed with dainty sizing sadly - it's a catch 22 situation. Fatties like me are told to be more active but they don't mean properly active where you have to, y'know, climb up mountains and things because that's too active.