AIBU to splash out on a decent coat for myself for once. Help choosing please!

[Mumof3almost4]

I have had the same shoddy coat for so so long. I have watched my children playing football for years and love it. What I don't love is freezing to death standing at the side of a pitch.
I really need help to find the perfect coat as this one will have to last! It has to be extremely warm, is duck/down any good? Waterproof would be preferable. No idea where to start. I'm a size 12, been looking at Superdry, Timberland etc. Thinking of spending up to £200.
Please can you help me?!

OP I "treated" myself to a coat last year - it was only 70 pound from marks n spencer but OMG, it is so warm and cosy. I was freezing the last few winters, just like you say, coming home on the train, waiting at the station, standing round football matches. This coat was amazing. I'd say go and try some on, if you have 200 you might even get waterproof - mine is only shower proof and it does let the rain in if its heavy. HTH

Have a look at landsend. I have a long down coat and I bloody love it. They also have one that says something about it being good for standing outside watching sports. They have an outlet/sales reasonable often.

@Sarah510 @TestingTestingWonTooFree
Thank you both!! I'm going to look now 😊

I bought a lovely French Connection waterproof coat from TK Maxx last year (or the year before) - paid about £80 but the retail price was stated at around £200. Lovely and cosy, warm and very waterproof. I spent ages deciding between serviceable black and bright red - and went for the cherry red because I like cheerful colours when its wet and grey.

I love the down coats and jackets in Uniqlo, but I'm a bit worried I'd look a bit michelin-man-like, but great if your slim.

One thing I'd recommend is that even if you don't want to go for full length, get something that's a good length to cover your thighs.

If you want a decent, warm, wind and water proof jacket, check out mountain warehouse or trespass - they have excellent sales on right now.

I love my north face parka. Warm and waterproof and plain black so goes with everything. Zip pockets etc. I’m not in the uk but believe most styles like this are sold everywhere.

www.thenorthface.com/shop/womens-arctic-parka-nf0a4r2v?variationId=JK3

Didriksons. Had my for years and I love it. Will buy another one if this one ever dies

Primark parka. I'm not joking. It cost me £20, it's so lovely and warm, it has proper deep pockets that I can stuff everything into, the hood is HUGE so I can even have it properly over my head with a ponytail, and because it's so thickly padded, it is the most waterproof coat I've ever had, without even being officially waterproof. Yes, it looks a bit scruffy, but if you need something practical for school runs etc. I honestly cannot fault it. I bought it a size too big so I could wear big jumpers underneath it, but I've never needed to. Cheapest coat I've ever had, but definitely the most practical. Plus if you buy one for £20, you've got money left over to buy a smarter, more flattering coat for other weather related situations

Another north face recommendation!

DH is obsessed with his. It's like a duvet with arms

Another vote for North Face.

Not sure I'll get in to mine this year with the weight I've put on but will be hoping to shed the excess pounds ASAP after baby arrives to get back in for winter x

I also have a North Face parka - so cosy and warm! Had it for 3 years now and will easily get the same again out of it, if not more.

I really rate my down long coat from Uniqlo, I think it was around £70ish.

North face or Patagonia brand worth the money

I like uniqlo ultra light down. Unless it’s absolutely freezing they are Plenty warm enough

I have a posh duvet coat for brassic days, but it feels so restrictive.

Mountain Warehouse have a great sale atm.
Warm, hooded coats reduced from £200 to 99, then 20% off.

Not waterproof but so warm and cosy - I treated myself to a Hellbunny coat last year for my birthday. Have wanted one for years but never could really justify the cost, but when I realised I had been wearing the same cheap, thin coat for the last 5 years I just went for it. Plus I'd lost a load of weight so actually needed a new coat anyway, and it seemed to be the right time. I deserved it

I love my Seasalt raincoat.

I love my Seasalt raincoat too (Janelle) and got it in the sale for £85.

I stupidly went out without my coat in London last year and was so cold I popped into Joules and bought a padded coat in their sale. I love it so much it's my favourite winter coat, and the zips on their stuff is very good quality.

I still love my Jack Murphy dog walking coat from 8 years ago.

Try superdry’s premium range!!!

I bought 2 from there on sale.

One was a long padded coat with an awesome faux fur hood... it’s soooo amazing!! I think it was supposed to be £150 and got it for £60

And then there was a shorter black amazing huge faux fur hooded premium coat for £249 which I got for £140

Totally advise you to stalk the sale section on superdrys website. The quality of their clothing and coats are amazing.

Also tk Maxx are good for an amazing treasure find. Bought most of my designer coats from there and amazing quality.

www.superdry.com/products?product_id=4012917&source=googleshopping&locale=en-GB&nst=0&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1qL6BRCmARIsADV9JtayAzd_N6qL_TKGOfpem8lT8VqyUpPYKfZJuojC45RcLJmumPcepo0aAqeJEALw_wcB

This one is crazy heavy and soooooo warm and comfortable I could sleep in it

www.superdry.com/womens/jackets/details/169755/arctic-long-puffer-coat-light-grey

I got this in a navy blue but looks like they sold out of that colour but this coat is very warm yet light. It’s like a sleeping bag that keeps you dry and you can walk around in it

My favourite thing about both is the amazing hood. Though they require natural bristle brushes for upkeep

Happy coat shopping!

Some good ideas here! I’d only add that it’s best to shop around and see what’s out there before you decide. Also think about how it will sit over clothes (eg if you wore a thick jumper underneath etc) and maybe think about sizing up if you want that bit of leeway!

Ahhh maybe you'd like to spare a thought as to how that lovely insulating down finds its way from the host to your coat .

Answer not always willingly and not always when the host has no further use .
Go and do a search .

Paramo...worn by mountain rescue teams...fantastic, dry, warm and can layer up with a micro fleece if really really cold...suggest trying Cotswold or similar good quality outdoor shop if budget around £200...for proper high performance for the outdoors 😃