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 think we are early. But this is Britain fgs: we don't have a summer...

cue September heatwave

www.shoebuy.com have some (but no mediums) and they ship to the uK - well shoes anyway so I assume other stuff.

Im serious my friend lives in whistler and says they have a Merrell shop there - I have asked her to go undercover to see sizes/colours/prices so will get back to you all (undercover agent halo polished!)

I had this all of last year on a mission for a waterproof but nice coat, ended up with a nice parka from wrap but its only 'showerproof'!! try TK Maxx if you can be bothered to sort through they sometimes have a random good waterproof......

Shoebuy looks good, thanks, Magic. Shame that they do not do a medium though. Does anyone know how Merrell clothes sizes come up? I am a British 14 on a good day, so on the face of it an American 12-14 is presumably too large?? Anybody have any experience in Merrell clothing?

pacific - i have a Small and am usually a 10.

Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I stuggle with north face waterproof jackets that leave my legs and bum wet in the rain and need proper breathable as we do so much walking. Just walking dd to playgroup everyday and back whilst pushing ds in the pram.

I have just bought one of the merrell brown coats linked eariler as I can't find a wakefield any bloomin where!! I'm still keeping an eye out though and am going to ring the Taunton shop (only 30 miles away was shopping there last week) monday in case they have any in the actual shop. I have lost 3 and ahalf stone since having ds but I still need a s not a xs sale one

You're welcome. Please keep the thread alive if you see any other contenders... Or find stock anywhere. After buying yer own obv

Dear Mr Self

I would just like to say thanks so much for this. All your hard work and discerning judgement - you are on my style wavelength and no mistake. Could you please keep it up for all my autumn/winter fashion needs?

Thank you in advance.

Yours gratefully,

F. Nelson.

Sorry Mr Shelf* I meant shelf, not self.
(Are you aware that there is a man on the telly who is masquerading (slightly) as you?)

Heheh. Yes. I used to be WilfSell for some time. Namechange.

Anyhow, of course for a large small fee, I am happy to oblige your every need.

I've found my ideal jacket (now don't all laugh) which is a Landsend Delaney - which they no longer seem to do.

Can I add another issue to the campaign please, Wilfshelf?

Hoods. Can nobody design a long length waterproof coat with a hood that allows me to cross the road safely? I need a hood because pushing a buggy makes umbrellas hard to handle. With the hood up, I am blinkered like a skittish horse. If I try to look left or right, my head moves, the hood stays still and I get a lovely view of the inside of the hood and not the oncoming traffic.

You need a transparent old lady rain hood, or one of those transparent long-length brollies that comes down over your shoulders. They were all the rage in the 70's I seem to remember. Don't know why they still aren't really - jolly practical if you ask me.

Thanks for the tips FellatioNelson. Perhaps I should resort to wearing a plastic bag on my head like the elderly gentleman on the 'things to hate in england' thread.

does anyone fancy trying to find me a 'traditional' trench coat but NOT a burberry? i need something for rainy warm weather.

i have an uber thick lovely winter coat (it can get down to -25 here), and a ski/rain coat (Columbia) which is not stylish but loads of people wear them at the bus stop.

but i have nothing for when it rains, but is not cold, and i don't want to look like a scandinavian hiker, which sounds like an odd combination but happens surprisingly often.

i have a penchant for cream (utterly impractical) or red coats.

There was a grey waterproof trench further up the thread and a slightly trendier brown Bergans one also...

Got a very non-committal email from Merrell, but apparently autumn/winter stuff arriving in a few weeks, and if you add the Wakefield to your wish list when you see it on the site, it'll email you (well, not the coat itself - that really would justify the price) when it's in stock.

Soemone should tell them Autumn starts next week. Or today, in fact.

I haven't read every post, but can I add a recommendation for the Gudrun Sjoden coats?

I bought my first unlined raincoat from them (no pattern, muted green colour) 2 years ago and was unsure until I tried it on - very flattering and well cut (even over large boobs), properly waterproof, large hood (am a buggy pusher), loooong sleeves, big pockets and has worn really well, despite being mistreated, scrunched up and stuffed under the pushchair, washed at 40 degrees, etc.

The coats look a lot odder on the models. They often reduce them in the sales, so this year I found the winter lined version for £60. I confess I went for a patterned one this time, but quite a subtle teal colour.

Excellent, excellent thread wilf, thanks.

Well, Merrell.co.uk have e-mailed me back re Wakefield Jacket to say the 'item is out of stock and discontinued however the new season's stock will be in in a few weeks'.

NOT what I wanted to hear...

Adding my thanks to Wilf, on the money, this thread, as ever .

Weird - they didn't tell me discontinued. Blee. Well, looks like we're all hoping that greedygoose's friend comes through!

Hang on a mo - there are MNers in Canada, no?

Well. I have just discovered that Copenhagen airport, where I shall be stopping over this week, has a Peak Performance. I shall have a recce and report back on Danish coats. The lengths I go to for you lot

Hmm - if we don't get hold of Wakefields, Wilf, it may all turn nasty. We ddidn't even know we wanted them before.

God, it's a bloody fashion shopping mall: they have a Burberry and a Belstaff also. Coat-tastic!

Peak Performance is lovely and super technical, lasts forever, but £££££££ and comes up very small! Have fun in Copenhagen, I once went there by mistake after a long weekend in Amsterdam (I was very young).