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.

I mean in terms of the proper sizing for a size 14 person such as myself...)

Bump

Great thread.

I have just bought the Didriksons Thelma - have not had a chance to try it out yet, but looks good so far. I did get it for £45 pounds though. If I was paying full price I might have gone for the Merrell Wakefield - v. nice.

If you are considering the Thelma, they come up big. Mine is a 40, but def more of a 14 than a 12.

Right, who's going to join my Better Coats for Women campaign? MNHQ? The manifesto:
Stylish like the Merrell ones, with a bit of detail
Long so we don't get wet arses on school run and covers our work jackets/cardis
Fitted or belted at the waist
Decent colour range, not just black
Very important is Must Be Properly Waterproof: technical fabrics, taped seams, layers, breathability
A massive bonus would be a thin but warm insert for seasonal flexibility
We need good pockets, some deep, some zipped, mobile, internal etc but well designed so they don't bag
And we want all this for under a hundred quid. Or even a range with a high performance coat plus a shaped fitted mac at a lower price.
Jury is out on hoods. If you do it must fold away neatly and collar must remain attractive. Or detachable. But really a range of stylish waterproof hats would clean up. Barbour and lands end make them, but they make us look like our great aunt Agnes who has labradors, or as if we're off to point to point. Please make them mote urban...
It isn't much to ask for is it?

And we want high volumes in the shops before September 8th grin

Or even
Been away so long have lost my MN mojo...

Good thread and I totally agree with your wish-list Wilf, it's dreadful that you cant buy decent, good looking waterproof coats in this country for affordable prices, given our climate.
I suspect it might be different if it were mostly men on the school run...

I esp like the first two coats you linked to, but prefer to try things on not order on-line, will have a look for stockists.

Great thread, I love the Wakefield - any tiny people out there, you can get it here for a gaspably low figure. I am not a tiny person, sadly.

I bought this last week £140
I love it, nicely in at the waist, it looks great
merrell

sorry just read the whole thread, see some of you have already seen it. great wishlist Wilfself, just should add must limit the numbers available per design/colour so we don't all have the same jacket like some kind of uniform!!

i bought it just on saturday in covent garden btw... didn't realise they were so hard to come by.

I got a great one n Zara last year. Mushroom colour, puffa job, no hood but large puffy collar so keeps neck warm and makes a hat easy to wear. Zip and button closure for added heat. It came to the knee on short arse me. Also has belt to give semblance of waist. Got it August Bank Hol weekend last year so nowis the time to look kids. Was just under £100 and is ready for another winter in pretty immaculate condition.

Lovely DP bought this for me last year and I adore it! Craghoppers
Makes winter bearable!!

I would love one of those colourful 'hippy' coats from Gudrun Sjoden so might smile nicely nearer Yuletide.

PS many thanks for your time and effort Wilf!

Last year I bought from H&M a coat almost identical to the Northwest Stella Grace.

It was £50, buckles at waist, hood (on or off) and numerous pockets. Mid-thigh length and warm. Perfect. And it is black. And, what's more, it turned out to be waterproof as well!

It is my IDEAL school-run (and everything else) coat.

Perhaps they are doing it again this year.

great thread. nothing to add though, but will be watching with interest

Yay for H&M. Ok shopping spies, new A/W season stuff is coming out now so want to see reports from the high street. But please check if waterproof fabric. If the seams are taped inside it's a pretty good bet that it is. Or should say on label somewhere. Showerproof is not enough!

Who cares if it's frumpy, my Lands End Squall parka is my preferred coat from Nov to March. It's pink (very pink) and DH hates it. I also have a Lands End sport squall jacket in black (no logo,plain black) which is a tad more elegant.Neither are technically waterproof though.

I bought the North Face Greenland, but in XL in the girls' size - cheaper than buying S or XS in the ladies'. Its waterproof and v v warm (down filled), but not thin. Perhaps worth looking at the girls ranges if you are a small size (ie prob 10 or 12 is the largest you could be and fit into the girls' jacket I have) - put the savings towards all the hot chocolates you need to get you through winter...

Great thread wilf!
marking my place to read later...

inveteratenamechanger, please do tell where you got your Didriksons Thelma from, have been searching, but they are very very expensive, at £40, it's a bargain.

love this but ? waterproof ?

WilShelf I think a hood is a must - never really needed one until I needed to push a buggy! No more ideas to add but will be watching with interest!

Mummalish, it was here but I'm afraid they are all gone. Sorry.

I think sales are the way to go, I am going to keep an eye out for a Merrell Wakefield or a North Face this time next year.

Damn you, Wilf. Love that Merrell jacket. And can't bloody buy it.