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.

Ok, I bought the Seasalt Janelle today from JL. I like it, although I don't know that I love it, but I'm wondering if it will be really warm enough if we have a very cold winter. Thoughts from anyone with one? I just wanted to finally buy a long waterproof after years of umming and ahhimg about it. I wish there was somewhere to try out the Didrikson range! I also like the look of the north face coats but ££££££.

Blacks for trying on? They sell Didriksons onkine so presume must stock instore also. This tbread is eye-opening - so many body types yet companies seem to have still a one size fits all approach. At least on the high street. Clearly some brands better for talk, others for petite etc. wouldnt it be such a huge timesaver if they actually marketed accordingky so we'd know? I for one and going to avoid M& S , North face and co and go for Gap Tall and Scandi brands.

Apologies for not reading the entire thread but can anyone suggest which would be better out of the north face arctic parka or the Taylor? I'm 5ft 9 and size 8/10. I normally struggle with sleeve lengths. Thanks v much

Well am about your height and Taylor fits perfectly inc on my long, monkey arms! Sleeves go right down to my hands. Length also good- mid thigh. Never tried North Face Artic on- looks really lovely, my definite no.1 choice in terms of looks but NF always come up a little short on me and considering they seem to fit women of average height well, didn't think they could possibly be a good enough fit for me at 6" taller.

Thanks, have ordered the Taylor to try. Fingers crossed it's a good fit. Esp as it's £200 cheaper than TNF!

Just found this thread. Haven't read all 20 pages (sorry) but hopefully you ladies have found the holy grail by now?

I actually have a couple of nice warm waterproof coats for midwinter (a lands end one I bought last winter and a regatta one I bought on eBay), what I need is something a bit more lightweight for this time of year when it's wet but not too cold.

Love sea salt but a bit too £ for me, especially as you can't try them on.

Pretty please

PS I am a size 12 and 5'2"

MsBug I also wanted a thinner mac for shopping and in the car so I ordered a Target dry Aintree. I'm hoping the sleeves are long as I am tall but it looks like they turn back on a lot of the coats so would suit a shorter person

Mine hasn't arrived yet, but i will report back when it does

Target dry

Code SCHOOLGATE15 should hopefully still work for discount

Seasalt are also in John Lewis for trying on and Target dry seem to be available in some garden centres

Thanks light I am very tempted to get that in navy! Do you know what discount the code should get me (it wants me to register before it will let me put the code in).

I am a bit worried the cape bit will look odd as I am quite small and narrow shouldered and it might look a bit sticky-outy. However as it is detachable it might not matter too much.

we don't have a john lewis

Oh and one more question, are the sizes normal? I am a 12 in most shops, maybe a 10 in M&S and Next.

Discount will save you 15% off the price

Is Helly Hansen getting a bit downmarket now? I notice that one I want is only available in Sports Direct.

Oh yes yazzy that's why it ends in 15 . That made it 50 quid, which was the budget I had in mind, so I have bought it - thanks for the recommendation light.

I don't know about Helly Hanson porpoise but i am wary of sports direct as a lot of the stuff they sell is made especially for them and the quality isn't as good as the other stuff the brand sell. I discovered this to my cost when I took a karrimor backpack I bought there on a week's holiday and it fell apart . I emailed karrimor to complain and they told me that the stuff they sell in sports direct isn't made by them, they just allow sports direct to use their name.

Right, Target Dry Aintree has arrived and on me is a good fit, I am 5ft 10 and broad shouldered though and the sleeves are the right length without the turned back cuffs, I'm a size 14 in coats and that was the right size. The length comes to a couple of inches above my knee. i got the blush which was cheaper and it is a summery colour, so navy is probably better for all year round wear. Its quite thin but that is what I wanted, obviously not tested waterproofness yet

I must say it did suit my tall frame whereas some coats can look a bit twee on me so am very pleased with my purchase. I would say it was M&S and Next type sizing. If you are quite small you may need the 10, I think the 12 may have just fit me but there would have been no room for any jumpers and tight across the shoulders.

Oh dear, well I've just ordered the 12. I think that's probably safest anyway as I can then wear layers underneath when it gets a bit chillier.

I will report back how it fits my 5'2" narrow shouldered frame

MrsBug I didn't know that about Sports Direct, that explains why they sell everything soo cheap!!

I've just received the Target Dry Georgia in navy. Don't know if anyone else has mentioned this, but it rustles - a lot. I think it might become very irritating & distracting when walking.

It's not the only reason I'm unsure whether to keep it. Also not keen on all the metalware - it's much more "in your face" in reality than it appeared on the website. And I was really looking for a warmer Winter coat, whereas I'd say this is more of a lightly insulated raincoat.

Size-wise, I'm 5'4" & an apple-shaped 12-14, & the 12 was easily big enough. In fact it looks a bit too big on the shoulders (I have sloping shoulders) & upper arms. Comes to mid thigh at the front & a couple of inches above the knee at the back. It's very easy to adjust & the toggles at the hem prevented the tenting out effect that I often get with coats of this length. The fit on the body is pretty good overall. I have short arms & the sleeves are only fractionally too long for me.

Have also tried on a couple of Didriksons coats this week, at Blacks. The angelina parka would be lovely on someone much taller - it totally drowned me, & it didn't make much difference which size I tried. The Ronja jacket was a much better fit but didn't buy it as I'm looking for something longer. The furry hoods on both of these are gorgeous.

Finally tried the Janelle & Northstar Seasalt coats in John Lewis. Both had great hoods but neither was right in any other way. The Janelle is again clearly designed for someone taller than 5'4" - nearly came down to my ankles - but felt quite cosy.

The Northstar wasn't as warm & I didn't think it would really see me through a Yorkshire winter. The shape was also awful on me - I looked like a triangle, & there was no way to tighten the coat at hip or hem. You can adjust the waist but when I tightened it the fabric above started billowing out; & if I didn't, it was totally shapeless.

So I'm still looking, I think. Love the look of that Jack Wolfskin coat on you, Fruit - both the colour & style are gorgeous. Online it says it's only shower resistant, though, rather than fully waterproof. Can you update on the degree of water resistance once you've had chance to go out in it in a downpour?

My Georgia arrived today too. Not noticed the rustling. I got mine in the purple & it's a fab colour. Not too keen on the mustard yellow lining but don't see that as a reason to get rid of it.

I got a size 10. I'm 10-12 & it fits fine although I'm not sure how many layers I can fit under it. I only tried it on over my pyjamas

I'll probably end up keeping it as long as it's waterproof-that was my main concern.

I'm an 8-10 and have the navy Georgia in an 8, ordered the 10 but it was too big. It's not the most fashionable with the flashy toggles but for me its the best of the ones available in this category that are truly waterproof, good sized hood and Iike that it doesn't look like obvious hiking gear or sportswear because its a parka style which is still trendy...not quite as fashionable the wax or cotton parkas on the high street at the moment but it keeps me warm and dry on the school run.

Maybe I have an abnormal sensitivity to rustling, MyGast! I have to say, the Georgia has grown on me over the last couple of hours. The hood's good & practical, with or without fur trim, & I like the fact that the coat's not shapeless & it's really easy to adjust the fit. Maybe I'll keep it & carry on searching for another coat where the focus is more serious warmth than waterproofing.

Loon the Wolfskin Icegaurd that Fruit ordered looks very warm and flattering if you want that as a second option, the Georgia is not too pricey so maybe that can be the waterproof option and other one the warmer one like you said, or a down coat would be really warm too...

Thank you MsBug I had no idea that was the case re Sports Direct. That's made my decision much easier.

Isn't that fraud re Sports Direct? Surely they can't just use a name on inferior goods even with consent from the 'brand'?

Shame, Maple- think didrikson for lanky lasses, am loving my Taylor! No Spring chicken, but first time in my adult life I've had a properly-fitting (lomg enough) coat. If i were your height, i'd revel in being able to go up amd down the high street with free choice