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.

Just to say that you soooo much for this thread. I have been on the lookout for a waterproof but nice coat for ages and have just been wearing my husband's old ski jacket and feeling very unglam, but now with my new brown wakefield, I can whizz off on the school run in style. Thank you ladies!

I did take it off to go to bed though...

HaHa! Just rang shop on the beach as I'd forgotten pw, etc, to order a small to compare sizing. Charming woman I was talking to told me they were flying out of the door, even though they weren't even on the shelves yet. "Aha!" said I "I can tell you why that is..."

I did also say that SOTB were getting a good press - think the online service is v good, and the woman I just spoke to was great. She was just putting windbreaks outside. Which made me rather want to be there...

DOes that mean they are getting more in then?

Don't know - should have asked, shouldn't I?

I have failed the thread.

For the kids waterproofs I found this website...

www.vikingkids.co.uk/

The waterproofs I ordered 2 days ago are not here yet, so I can't comment on timeliness of delivery, but their range of products is great, I'm coveting one of their cute snowsuits for DS.

I never get round to buying clothes for myself, I'm still wearing my oversized Berghaus from 5 years ago, and a well worn cream fleece that I've been intending to replace for over 2 years. Last new shoes were bought perhaps 3 years ago! I love shopping for the kids though as the clothes are much cuter, and if they don't fit now I only have to wait a few months and all will be well. I've got odd dimensions and struggle to find clothes that fit me well.

Just googles the wakefield, was curious... that is a nice coat!!

I have coat envy!

All you wakefield experts...

How big/small is the sizing? Generous or tight do you reckon? Am hovering between 10 and 12 after lurking on here. I usually am a 10 but am still bigger after DC3 and usually buy coats in a 12 anyway to make space for jumpers etc.

And do you think SOTB will get any more black ones in? Not convinced about the brown for me as will be wearing to cycle to work and most of my work clothes are black...

Many thanks and apoplogies if I've missed the answers somewhere in the thread previously.

Nosleep, that's my quandary atm. My guess would be that the small would be better for you. I'm a 10 on top, 12ish on hips and the medium is feeling quite loose on top, and while not loose at the hips I'm wondering if I might get away with the small - have ordered one to see, and will send one back.

Feel bad about not asking SOTB. They're very nice if you phone, though!

Just checked - there is one small black in stock.

Doh. Cross posted while I went sod it and ordered a M brown.....

Wait now until it comes or try to change. Arrrrrgh.

Ring and ask what they think! (And then you can ask if they're getting more in). The woman who runs the internet side isn't in today, though, and so I'm not sure they could change your order. So if you want the small black I'd just order it anyway, and return whichever one doesn't work.

I don't think that the sizing is huge - it probably depends on your proportions more than anything else.

My name is PacificDogwood and I am a-kneelength-waterproof saddo

My problem is I've lost weight, so am just not sure of my size atm. The M just feels a bit loose on top on me. But then the S may be too snug at the hips.

They said only tina can help and to ring back tomorrow. Think I will do as you suggest and order S black, then decide. After all return postage can't be much more than parking/ bus to go shopping in town.

Done! Will let you know how the sizes compare...

Size wise, I have a large (as of about 2pm today, was so ridiculously excited at the postwoman) and I'm about a 16 (well 14 bottom and 12 top in places like Kew and White Stuff) and it's snug, as I expected, certainly wouldn't do it up much below the waist. But for me is fine as I'm on a downward trend weight-wise and I certainly want this coat for a few years.

I've come to kiss at the feet of WilfShelf

I've been lurking, wondering whether to succumb to the powers of the Wakefield and i'm so pleased I did.

I have long arms so usually struggle to find suitable coats but not a problem with this one at all. I'm 12 top 14/16 bottom so went for the large in brown - the top is a bit loose but I think with a winter jumper it will be OK.

I ordered from SOTB on Tuesday night it was here Thursday morning - fab service.

Now off to find some brown boots.....

God I'm such a sucker for threads like this (any one feel that the wakefield is this years fly boots?)

I'm a 14/16 with bust, would a large be ok. The US website says that L is for uk sizing 16/18 but I'm not sure based on what people have been posting.

I would think a L would be fine for 14/16.
I have the Wakefield in XL and it is actually a bit tight across the bust but I am size 18 .I certainly couldn't get a jumper under it but I like the fact it is a more fitted shape.

Well, I got the small today, and it's better for me than the M - couldn't do much in the way of bulky jumpers, but thin layers would be fine.

justaminute - you can have my brown boots as I'm going to have to get black now

ooh ladies!

I got a Merrell Haven last year (brown) and love it. not sure what to do about washing it/if it needs rewaterproofing so if anyone (eg fiveorangepips ) has any idea i would love ot know.

am now lusting after this holy grail of coats - wakefield but am sure i cannot justify the cost:(

re sizing. last year i was a 16 and got L. I am down to a 14 (more to go though) and when i tried it on just now the L is still good to i would say 14-16 =L for sure.

how did i miss this thread>

I would say that the Large is a size 14 round the hips, but then I always have issues with my hips being large compared to waist and rest of body. So it may be fine for a normal shaped person...
I do slightly wonder who the designers had in mind when doing the incredibly long sleeves though!

I succumbed, despite the sleeve issue. Now I have a dilemma. Great coat, and generally fits okay, but when I hang my arms down by my side you can't even see my FINGERTIPS let alone my hand

I'm also slightly concerned that it's cut a bit high under the arms for really chunky jumpers. But I can probably get over that (especially as it's September and chunky jumpers can be conveniently forgotten about for now).

I'm just going to have to grow longer arms so I can keep it, aren't I.

Thanks, I emailed SOTB to ask them if they are getting any more in and they 'should be' and did I want to reserve one, so now what colour. I'm thinking purple.

Thinks there's a good chance there will be more in as the Wakefield is still on the US website.