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 have created a MONSTER

OMG I am so excited my merrell ava is due tomorrow and if I like it, I have an internet friend who lives in Canada who is happy to post a wakefield in perfect plum to me!!! I have just emailed merrell Canada to ask for internation shipping request or otherwise will order it and get it send to friend who will send it to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

BUt why do you need two that are nearly the same?

I can send the ava back though for such a bargain price I may just keep (brown for pram walking, purple for work) as I had enough in pp fron ebay sales so that one is like for free but the purple just looks just what I want

Who's got a Merrell Wakefield? Is it too warm for autumn? I've got a thick winter coat but need something for Sept-Nov...

Nobody, Meg . That's why we're all frantically trying to make friends in Canada.

calm calm calm ladies

We are just Brits and therefore ahead of game, wot with our No Fecking Summer and all... Fact is, that there are No Nice Coats means there must be a September heatwave after all. It is fate, innit?

Oh, I've just seen Amidalwish has commented on hers below!

I've got one of these ponchos. Totally amazing as they cover you to your knees and you can wear it over a coat in the winter. Great for the school run. It's also genuinely waterproof, it's got seam taping plus the fabric is gorgeous. And they are stylish!!! www.rainwave.co.uk

ACE thread

A couple of years ago, I seriously contemplated trying to make my own waterproof warm winter knee-length coat. I realise this is mad, but I was desperate for something that genuinely repelled water (there's a lot of it after all) AND kept me warm but not sweaty, AND looked half-way decent.

This year I had planned to leave all research until a trip to France.

It's bloody dire in Britain, isn't it? I think because all the decision makers live in London and it's not as wet and there as west and north, plus they probably all think we're not interested in clothes on account of being yokels.

WilfShelf when you go to Copenhagen, can you see if Peak Performance are any good for women taller than about 5'4"? I find the waists on these coats end at the bottom of my ribs. (I'm fairly tall.) I'm hoping those Nordic types are all giants.

I have the Wakefield ( bought last year. smug ). It probably is a bit warm for Autumn, cos it kept me snug and dry in January.

loving those rainwave ponchos!

Hm, ponchos look quite stylish, unfortunately as I am large of norkage, they make me look like the side of a bus, so it's a no from me.

I am now off to the shops in my 10+ year old North Face waterproof that is still sodden from yesterdays repeated drenchings. Oh, summer in Scotland, soooooo good for the complexion !

Thanks for rainwave poncho link, I have been searching for the perfect raincoat for years with no luck, throw the fact I am currently pregnant into the mix and I'd decided the drowned round rat luck was the way to go, but poncho! Will fit over bump very nicely (ponders whether it will also fit over baby sling once baby is out .)

have bought a Belstaf esque type mac form Sainsbury, it's not waterproof, but it's cool as feck!!

hidden hood, in groovy collar. Sod it I will take a brolly.

Pacific - you need a Merrell in Scotland, I spent soooo long looking last year, because I was determined to be warm and dry on my car-less school run - it is well worth spending the money imho, I have a coat I wore all through winter and well into the cold spring that really kept me dry, just a pity it didn't cover my knees!

I think those ponchos look good but if you live anywhere that is slightly windy they wouldn't be very practical?

hmmmsleep not sure about wearing over baby!! but definitely a good one for the bump they've got a kimono? style which i might get aswell it's got sleeves and you can also wear it over a coat. I leave mine hanging on the buggy and sling it over whatever I'm wearing. has been worth every penny

hmmSleep, you need this !!

I am off to put damp shopping away, having stuffed my wet shoes with old newspaper and hung up dripping jacket.
Gah!!

Scroll down and admire the woman carrying two kids at once, btw!

Not sure about the Zaphod Beeblebrox look there...

You are not wrong there, Katisha!

she must have a really strong back [admires]

My Merrell Ava is here and it is fab fab fab!!!! Just went to take a pic and add to my profile butcamera batteries are dea, will do one later.

I may not need to order the purple one from Canada now, it is very much a slim fit though, I have just lost 3 and a half stone and bought new size 12 jeans last week and this is 12-14 and thought maybe I should've got smaller ize (want to lose another stone or so) I would not have been able to zip it up if I were still a 14.

Even the brown colour and the wrap belt, I love it!!!!!!!!!

so what size is that carrie - a medium?