Waterproof coat for secondary

[Alakazam8]

So dd starts secondary in September. Does Forest school days and will spend a lot of time outside. I need to get a very good autumn waterproof coat for September but has to be acceptable for a nearly teenager. Don’t mind paying a bit for it but ideally not too much as she’s still growing!

[SnowsInWater]

Tbh you need to ask the question of parents who have kids at the school, or have a look when they come out of school on a rainy day, to see what they will actually wear. DDs school uniform shop sells a basic lightweight black raincoat that, surprisingly enough, the girls are happy to wear but we are in Sydney so the requirements for being weatherproof are a bit different 😁 When we lived in the UK nobody in my boys' school would be seen dead in anything resembling a waterproof coat.

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

I bought a good waterproof coat for ds1 for secondary. When he outgrew it, it passed to ds2 who would rather freeze in sub zero temperatures than be uncool and wear a coat. Check with other parents of older kids before shelling out.

[midnightstar66]

Oh that's a tricky one. DD's primary is right next door to the high and I've never seen a single child in anything resemblances waterproof coat. Even in the depths of winter it's rare to see coats that aren't leather jacket or similar. Although I assume if doing forest school it's a separate kit like pe kit that they change in to rather than wear all day? Maybe have a look at Sports brands such as Nike or somewhere like joules depending on her style. Definitely chat to other parents if you can

[Carpetshagger]

Trespass are fab.

As a general point, check labels carefully for the word waterproof. I once wasted a lot of money on a 'raincoat' from a school uniform shop that was like a sieve.

[Hazelnutlatteplease]

I'd get a relatively cheap plain dark coloured Pac a mac. That ways its in their bag if they need it, but not in their way if they dont.

Otherwise the only coat DD has voluntarily worn has been superdry

[Rollergirl11]

Do you definitely need for September? At DC’s school they don’t start wearing coats until they absolutely have to (some time in October). DS started in Year 7 last September and I waited a little to gauge what was popular. He went for a North Face puffer style coat in the end which is waterproof but pricey. DD (14) wears a parka style coat with the fur-rimmed hood from New Look that all girls seem to go for. I don’t think it fairs particularly well in heavy rain to be honest.

[Alakazam8]

Maybe I should have said this in the op but dd is in special school so pupils will wear a waterproof coat, dd is quite fussy so wanted to try to get one she would really like. I don’t have anyone older that I can ask.
She does need it for Sept, particularly for Forest school. North face might be good but would that be too warm in sept?

[Alakazam8]

Joules might be good too- will have a look thanks

[Hoppinggreen]

I have bought DS a black lightweight Helly Hansen, he already had one but it was getting a bit small so I have just sized up.
They rarely wear them in my experience but he can wear it for dog walks etc anyway. I will see about getting him something warmer later on

[Alakazam8]

And will look at Helly Hansen to thanks for ideas. I didn’t know where to look at all- pf preteen!

[midnightstar66]

North face will do lighter rain coats as well as the thick padded ones as well. Going for an outdoor brand will mean it's definitely waterproof unlike a supermarket/fashion type

[Hellohah]

I agree with The North Face suggestion. We do a lot of outdoor activities and DS is on his second North Face. I bought his first one in Year 7 (got a size up). It lasted 3 years and kept its waterproofing. Passed it on to a neighbour and it's still going strong. We'll worth the money I think 👍

[Alakazam8]

Great thanks- looks like North face then. Thanks so much

[BarbaraofSeville]

Could you get one that's waterproof but not padded with room for a jumper and/or fleece underneath.

Then she can layer up or down as necessary, particularly if she's going to be active (I have no idea what forest school is, do they have them chopping wood?). Might also last a bit longer if there's room for growth.