WATERPROOF bum-covering COATS: I am doing the research so you don't have to...

[WilfShelf]

Can we just have one thread in anticipation of autumn/winter? No, we don't all want a Boden coat because a. they're not properly waterproof and b. EVERY other bugger in the playground has one already. So, I'm after technically sophisticated properly waterproof coats that GO IN AT THE WAIST that are somewhere in between hiker and fashion victim. Inevitably, this means EXPENSIVE usually I'm afraid. Some suggestions below. If you would like to add yours, especially cheaper ones, feel free:

Northface Stella Grace Good good good

Marmot highlander Marmot do some excellent longer waterproof jackets but unfortunately I cannot find lots of stockists in UK

Barbour are doing some nice coats these days [hit view all to see full range]

And even some of their wax jackets are wearable!

Now look here High Fash-hags Creenstone, a dutch company, do some very INTERESTING coats, apparently waterproof and technical... but difficult to find UK stockists or prices: can anyone track 'em down?

That's enough for now. will post more later. Please add suggestions but only ACTUAL waterproof coats please.

[Shockers]

I've got a Seasalt Planthunter for cold days and touch line monsoon endurance afternoons. I love it; I'm cosy and dry.
Then I've got the mac version, the Hellyweather, for warmer days, shopping etc.

I do have more techy walkers' jackets, but these two are my longest, most waterproof at a much lower price!

[yazzy85]

Chocolou I have this one in khaki, www.targetdry.com/products/target-dry-emily-ladies-raincoat

But they are being discontinued I think and this is the new version,
www.targetdry.com/products/target-dry-victoria-ladies-parka

[Chocolou]

Which one yazzy?

[MrPop]

Don't know how well my pics will come out but I received my merrell ellenwood today. I have to say, I really didn't like it - it looks really 'outdoorsy' and quite bulky though it was very close fitting. It was the insulated one so the material was quite thick. On the plus side I think it would be warm and the hood was big. The arms were too long which I think added to it not looking right. I am a size 14 and ordered large.

So - back to the drawing board. Am now thinking of a seasalt coat as I have a lightweight waterproof from there which I am pleased with.

[AWombWithoutAFoof]

Have a look at the ones I linked to a bit upthread, none of those are bulky.

Hurrah indeed for a dry arse!

[Moomin101]

Right, after searching online for waterproof coats I find a whole world of mums out there who also need a bum-covering coat to keep cosy and dry on the school run - hurrah!

So, can you help me? I just returned a Seasalt Sea Folly - cute but didn't fit my boobs and was really too short to be up to this week's weather. Then I fell in love with the Merrell Haven online. Went to try on last night in Go Outdoors and it's just too long (93cm from nape to hem to be precise!) for my short arse frame (5' 3.5") :D

Any recommendations for longer-length coats that aren't too long or too bulky to suit us more petite flowers? I'm currently chasing info on the North Face Arctic Parka but it's a bit pricey!

[TheDogsMissingBollock]

Blue- i have the taylor not thelma. Fits just right on me - am about 6" taller than you. You may find sleeves etc too long.

[AWombWithoutAFoof]

Oohm moggiek do you mean the Craghopper Norika that I linked to? I'm size 16 at the mo, in proportion but not very tall, 5'4". What do you think size-wise?

[Bluestocking]

What's the sizing like on the Didrikson Thelma? I am 5'4", size 12 in normal brands and a 10 in posh ones.

[yazzy85]

Chocolou not sure about the Merrell sizing but Target Dry has some nice non insulated waterproof parkas, I bought one a few weeks back and its great

[Chocolou]

God wishful thinking. I'm not a 12 but a curvy 14!!

[moggiek]

I have the Craghopper one. I love it, and it stands up to our mercurial west of Scotland weather easily.

[Chocolou]

I'm looking for a non insulated mid to knee waterproof. Have my lovely Didrikson for when it's freezing.

Quite like the merrell urbaine but does anyone know how the sizing runs? I'm a size 12 30j mahoosive norks.

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

I'll hopefully have mine on weds/thurs, poorchurchmouse, so I'll let you know

[poorchurchmouse]

Is the Wolfskin Iceguard any good for a short-arse? I'm only 5'2", and I'm worried it would drown me.

[TooMuchRain]

I tried on the Seasalt Janelle one but it made me look a bit like my old gloworm toy so I went for a Didrikson Taylor that someone recommended on another threat and it's brilliant. Nice length, feels warm and the fluffy bit comes off the hood. I'm a 10 and the 36 fits really well (but someone said the newer models might be smaller). The one I got was a second from a shop in Scotland and only cost £100.

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

Tempted to order this

[yazzy85]

Fruit the colour is really beautiful, shame that its not warm enough, hopefully the other one will be better :)

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

Right, so my Regatta Blissful arrived today. Very speedy delivery, mucho impressed with that.

I am 5ft2 and a size 10-12. Based on the online reviews, I ordered the 14 and sizing is small, the 14 is a perfect fit. It's a nice colour (burgundy), and importantly, not too bulky. It has nice tight cuffs inside the sleeves so no chance of wind or rain making its way up to your elbow. The hood is a good fit, I can't imagine it'll blow away in the wind. The fur trim on it is pretty blah though, I'd definitely take it off (snappers to take it off), but I don't like fur trim anyway. The pockets are also quite far forward, which for my height isn't ideal. Those longer of arm would probably find them fine. I like the length of it.

Unfortunately it's just not warm enough for me and I don't want to (or to be honest, in this have the room to) bulk it up with more layers. Shame really, it's a nice coat. I should have my Jack Wolfskin later in the week, so fingers crossed!

[TheDogsMissingBollock]

Another vote for dirikson (should buy shares!). As a tall person, is a revelation and complete JOY to have a long enough coat where everything fits in the right place- waist/sleeves/lenght, actually flatters. Also warm, waterproof and well-made. I have the Taylor . Think I'll be making annual shopping trips to Sweden from now on!

[YonicScrewdriver]

TA!

[ScrambledSmegs]

Oh yes, Nikwax is what you need. You can buy it on Amazon in very large sizes too which is more economical if you have lots of stuff to clean/re-waterproof.

It's great stuff. I use the TX Direct for re-waterproofing washable fabrics, but they also have a new Cotton specific one and also one for down filled items.

[yazzy85]

AWomb that looks quite similar to merrell ellenwood at a much better price

[AWombWithoutAFoof]

Has anyone got this lovely long Craghopper one?

[DevoutlyInsane]

I recommend Target Dry - they do a range with a cape feature, so that your shoulders stay dry. Also some more like parkas. And all very affordable.

Thigh and knee length (which comes to just below my knee - as I'm short of stature)

Lovely colors too - I have an aubergine number.

www.targetdry.com/collections/all-ladies/products/target-dry-ladies-outrider-coat