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.

[AWombWithoutAFoof]

Ooh! The thing I don't like about it is the lining. Here it is on ebay where you can see it more clearly.

[AWombWithoutAFoof]

Ooh, I love the Skogstad ones! I'm losing weight and am a bit skint, so don't really want to spend loads on something I'll wear for one winter. I also don't want anything that looks like a kagoul!

What do you think of these?

www.outdoormania.co.uk/Item-6-84-cat-0-brand-2629-Trespass_Pixie_Long_Fleece_Lined.aspx
www.outdoormania.co.uk/Item-6-84-cat-0-brand-3498-Trespass_Manhattan_Long_Coat.aspx
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Guelder-Womens-Warm-Winter-Long-Waterproof-Hooded-Tricot-Lined-Coat-Jacket/390894825603?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D26265%26meid%3D1e6e8421cd0d4bf6938c76d80cb0c063%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D10943%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D201074938056

[VeryLittleGravitasIndeed]

I wash mine when it looks manky. Since it's black this is about twice a year
(I don't for a moment think this is optimal coat care but I'm not very domestic!)

Mine is pretty waterproof but then I've not worn it when it's pouring...

[leedy]

If you use proper raincoat wash (eg Nikwax), washing it won't remove the waterproofing. If the coat has started to get less waterproof, you can use the wash-in waterproofer after the wash cycle.

I only wash mine when they start to look grubby. Or if I think I need to re-proof them.

[YonicScrewdriver]

Does it? It never seemed waterproof from the beginning tbh. I bought it at JL though so didn't see the website.

[ChocolateWombat]

I've never washed a waterproof coat.
After how long,should it be washed and then how frequently?
I've always worried washing will remove the waterproofing.

[VeryLittleGravitasIndeed]

Seasalt's website says you must wash their coats in nikwax or equivalent to retain the waterproofing.

[ChocolateWombat]

I have Seasalt Northstar.
It is mid thigh (but knee length on me as I'm short) and is fully waterproof, with a thin layer of wadding. It goes in at the waist via 2 poppers and a small strap on the back.
I have had it about 9 months. It is warm enough for all but the coldest couple of months, because of the wadding. It has been totally waterproof even in down pours. I think it is smart enough for work, but looks good for dog walking or school run too.
I have it in navy, which they seem to do every year, along with a couple of new colours each year.

I have liked it a lot and hope it will last me several years. Think I paid about £120 for it....but you might get it discounted when they do their 20% off deals.

[leedy]

Nikwax make wash-in re-waterproofer for raincoats, I find it works very well.

[YonicScrewdriver]

Is that a spray?

I have a different seasalt to you I think. I cN try the scotch guard.

[ScrambledSmegs]

Scotchgard. Fgs, I know how to spell this stuff you stupid fruity piece of crap.

[ScrambledSmegs]

Ooh, I like the look of the Stutterheim ones, particularly the orange and yellow ones - I'm a toddler at heart. I'll bookmark that for when my hellweathers gives out (probably in a good few years).

Hmm. I find my seasalt is very waterproof. Maybe because it's still quite new and has the repellant coating on it? I'm the kind of person who Scotchguards their umbrellas so it's no big deal for me to have to re-waterproof my coats though.

[YonicScrewdriver]

I don't find my seasalt that waterproof.

[rootypig]

Oh - I find it the perfect weight. I wore it through spring over a t shirt. I can see what you mean though, that rubbery feeling.

But - it is totally, and utterly, WATERPROOF!
Also it glows like a bloody traffic cone so good for cycling.

I adore my Stutterheim

[VeryLittleGravitasIndeed]

rooty, DH has a Stutterheim coat and it is Very Beaitiful. Too heavy for me though

I'm still searching for the perfect lightweight equivalent. I bought a Firefly coat in Canada years ago which was PERFECT - looks like a proper coat not something to wear while climbing Snowdon, light, waterproof, really warm, can be washed in the machine at 30 (which my Seasalt coat can't, it needs fancy re-waterproofing detergent ) - but it's dying and I can't find a suitable replacement. The search continues! Loving this thread though, 4 years of winter coat searches in one

[ScrambledSmegs]

I'm a fat pear with big boobs. Looks ok on me!

[leedy]

I wanted to like the Seasalt Hellweathers, I really did, but it just looked an odd frumpy shape on me. Possibly people who don't share my weirdly wide shoulders/long torso will find it more flattering.

[ScrambledSmegs]

I have a Seasalt waterproof lightweight parka, called Hellweathers. It's a sort of denim grey, if that makes sense. Looks great.

If it's cold and wet I layer up underneath it as it is pretty lightweight, which I need as I cycle loads and can't be doing with thick coats. It's totally waterproof. They do one just like it for winter with a warm lining which looks good too. Here.

[sergeantmajor]

Marking place

[leedy]

North Face Arctic Parka. Totally waterproof, really warm. Also has comedic furry hood.

I also really like Skogstad stuff, I have one of their lighter coats (Peach) and it's flattering, completely waterproof, and has a superb hood: multiple adjusters and fits so that it doesn't get blown off in the rain while not actually making dents in your face.

[yazzy85]

Those who already have the Wolfskin jacket, is it waterproof enough for the school run? Thanks

[WhatWouldCaitlinDo]

I have a Didriksons Thelma, which I bought last year. I can't wait to put it on, it's SO good. Lovely and cosy warm (I am the coldest person on the planet) and seriously seriously waterproof. You can take off the furry bit on the hood. Fit is also quite slim / adjustable with a hidden drawstring on the inside, which is good as I am as skinny as a rake.