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.

Oh Lord - shoudl I hang on for an olive one now?

I bought a Wakefield in brown (medium) and it doesn't fit me so if anyone wants a brown coat in medium just let me know...

FFS they said there 'should be'

I was very impressed, it only took them 40 minutes to reply to my email.

Well yes but it's like waving another bonio at a dog isn't it! He'll want that one instead/as well!

Well I think that settles my dilemma - DH said it was 'slimming'. < googles arm stretching exercises >

Also - if any Merrell coat designers are reading this - please make the next incarnation just a little bit more nipped in at the waist and a bit more flarey. Oh, and do an arm length in laydee, not orangutan. Cheers.

I concur with everything you say Bamboo

I thought the arm length was fine but they were too loose/wide, they flapped about on me.

To be fair I DO have stumpy arms, sleeves are usually too long on me. Prob not helped by the fact that it's in a large size.

Well I am 5'9 and my arms are not short! But these sleeves are really long even so. Not so bad that it looks ridiculous though.

Ah I feel a bit less stumpy better now Katisha

Well I have the arms of a knuckle dragger so should be fine on me

Right. If you can reserve from SOTB I am going to email them right now. I think they should give me special dispensation.

Wilf, you should own up to being the originator of this rush. And then ask if they'll consider discounts for MNers - after waxing lyrical about how we've waxed lyrical about their (genuinely splendid) customer service.

I got a Merrell Ava jacket which is insulated as well as waterproof. It is very cosy but won't be wearing it til the temp drops a bit yet. Was a bargain at about £70 (amazon doing it for £80)

Wilf - you deserve a free set of a Wakefields in every colour I reckon

I have very short arms and prefer something 'blouson-ier'....has this gap one unredeemably frumpy? Am I to assume that this M&S one won't be that waterproof?

Does anyone have this one? I'm wondering how it comes up?

my wakefield is fine arm-length wise
i have had a lot of compliments this week from the "school run mums" but i haven't told them the name/brand - oh no!!!

i bought a S and i don't think i'll get much more than a thin fleece under it. maybe i should have gone for medium... though then maybe the top would be too big and sleeves giant. will just have to make sure i don't get any bigger!

beehivebaby I got the Gap one as it works out at £50 ish with the 15% discount.

Not bad at all for the money - you can make it quite fitted at the waist as it has those button & elastic things like you get on kids trousers.
Quite long - I am 5 9" and it's only a couple of inches above my knee.
Not exactly glam and quite parka - ish - drawstring at the hem & and the hood is voluminous - probably not great in traffic, BUT amazingly waterproof. I have just been out for a couple of hours in SERIOUS downpour and am completely dry so very chuffed indeed

Beehive Baby - I bought that M&S one in the silvery-grey this week. Its shower-proof (I wore it in the rain this week) and wind-proof. I was pretty warm in it but it is a transitional coat - not a winter one. I am still debating getting a Merrell (if and when any stock turns up the UK) for the tough dark snowy days of mid-winter.

In the mean time, I have had compliments on the M&S one and I am very happy with it.

News flash

I was in London yesterday, went into the Cotswold Outdoor clothing store near Covent Garden and they had a whole rack of brown wakefields in store in S, M & L.

Effing hell. I was in CG today....dammit..

Thankyou justaminute

I've just ordered the Gap anorak, seems like good value, hopefully will keep me going through autumn and maybe I'll get a Wakefield in time for winter!

Same in the Cotswold branch along High Holborn (nr Chancery Lane). Went in on a whim to see if they had the holy grail and they did - a rack in brown - all sizes. Interestingly they had them on numerical hangers and 14=L.

nice coat though def not as warm and my merell Haven.

as warm as i mean. duh. typos.

Got my wakefields today (they actually came the day after ordering but I wasn't in to sign.) luckily my lovely 86 yr old neighbour spotted the postie this morning and nabbed them for me. They are lovely.

Definitely the M for me, the S is a small 10 I would say, tight across the shoulders on me (which I assume haven't got fatter post baby) and the bottom ( which I can blame on the baby).

So I personally would suggest going bigger if you are not sure on size. Of course I may be deluding myself that I am a size 10 .

So the S black is going back to SOTB - unless anyone else desperately wants it!