merrell waterproof jackets, a couple of questions, please...

[Vi8]

Are they true to size, do I need to size up if I want layers underneath? and what is the hood like? does it cover properly or does it come up to hairline?

Fab coats!! Hood excellent, has peak and adjustable toggle to make it tighter for the wind, mine does not blow down when pram pushing. Size is true, I have a s, m and l, am big bigger than I have been and Lis a 14. I get hot walking so don't wear a jumper too but could wear one. The m was perfect as a 12. Can't rate it highly enough to keep you dry!! Don't supose you need a s in black - mine still has labels on

Thanks! I'm a 12 though, that is M...

Vi8 I've a Wakefield in a S and I'm between a 10 and 12 and I'd say if you're more a 12, you'd need a the M. I find mind a bit snug over the bust (don't have a big chest) but the M was too big on the shoulders for me. I have worn with just a light jumper underneath...not a chunky one-wouldn't get away with that.
carrielou, which Merrell do you have in an S? How much you looking? Might have a friend who would be interested :)

Is the fabric of the Wakefield on the stiff side?.......

Hi cardoon the Wakefield is not stiff at all it's lovely - quite lightweight and soft. I've the insulated version so it's got padding on the inside. I assume the non-insulated version is just lined so it would be more like a mac style material. HTH

Should have said, just a bit 'scratchier' a texture - that's the only difference when compared with normal mac material.

Thanks dingdong, that's very reassuring, I've never seen one in the flesh and always thought it looks a bit rigid online.

Well, it does hold it's shape well - it's a crease-proof material. But not rigid like my DH's waterproof coat - much more like material IYSWIM. I went to try on and nosy in Cotswold, then bought 60 quid cheaper online :)

Mine kept me dry in the hideous hammering it down rain yesterday. The material is strange, not known any other like it, really odd looking at the rain oin it as it sort of just rolls off! The black one I think was iun the sale at 90 quid and still has labels on it - say 80 posted??

I have the Wakefield, bought it like a true S+B sheep last week due to the rain and I am so impressed, it looks so stylish and as another poster says, it is unbelievably water repellent.

I found the S fits me perfectly and I'm a 10-12 with small boobs and a big bum. Love the long sleeves.

Only issue I have is the hood - in yesterday's blustery weather I had to hang on to it to keep it up, resulting in freezing wet hands. I don't think my head is especially small so the hood is a bit big. Mine doesn't seem to have toggles to tighten?

There is a toggle tucked into a flap on the back of the hood. I always have a pair of leather gloves in the pockets as though love the fab long sleeves long enough to tuck my hands up to hide them I'm always pushing a buggy so hate cold wet hands!!

One word of warning, the material is indeed very clever in repelling rain, I have discovered however, that it seems to conversely have a special ability to attract dog hairs. It is then very difficult to detach them. Worth bearing in mind if you have an especially hairy dog.

i recently bought the non-insulated wakefield, which is great for April showers, but i'm wondering if i should purchase the insulated version for the winter? has anyone got both? is there much difference between the 2 in terms of warmth?

cardoon my non-insulated wakefield is stiffish and scratchy

My Wakefield wasn't repellent enough in a recent downpour

Not sure what to do with it.

Mary I thought the whole point was it was impenetrable? That's why I shelled out for it.

Thanks for the toggle tip btw - sorted

I'm a 8/10 and have both the insulated and non insulated versions, love them. The insulated has kept me toasty with just a t shirt on underneath and the lightweight one is roomy enough to layer up if the weather is more unpredictable.

Both have kept me incredibly dry in the monsoon school run conditions the last few weeks.

The fabric is stiffish I guess- it keeps it's shape and doesn't look crumpled when I pull it out from under the pushchair. The hood manages to keep my fringe dry.

Fantastic coats. I've got both mummmsy. Can't rate them highly enough; best coats I've ever had. Get a lot of compliments too.

I'm size 12 (narrower on my top half and wider on hips), size M for both coats. I manage to get a big warm cardigan underneath when it's freezing and can still zip it up and move around. It feels snug, but I can still move around. If you were a fuller size 12 it might not be comfortable.

Fab hoods, handy fastener in the middle if rushing and can't zip up. Good draught proof cuffs. Stylish. Comfy. Waterproof - rain just runs off, never had a problem and I've been in rain, hail, snow blizzards...

Only minor critisicm is the insulated version feels more rough around my chin when it's fully zipped up- but other than that- fabulous coats in every way.

I don't have the insulate one, mine is called ava which I think is what it was called before. It is so super warm it's like putting on a wetsuit or strapping on hot water bottles! When we had the snow the christmas before last I was sung and warm to mid thigh and cold jeans on the school run. Mine is the same material as the wakefield but insted of a popped at the waist there is a tie belt.

I love that they both keep me totally dry and really are breathable so I never feel hot from walking. Just fab fab fab!

Tbf, I've had it about 3 years now, and was out in a complete downpour for about 15 minutes, but the rain definitely soaked through the shoulders.

I'm thinking of getting some kind of waterproof spray thing if such a thing exists.

Sorry, in response to the OP, yy, the hood is great if you pull the toggle things down. In terms of size, I think I've got a medium and I'm a size 12, it's just nicely roomy.

Love my insulated wakefield.
The train doesn't bead offas well as it used to and so it absorbs some rain in a real down pour. I will treat with tx direct wash in waterprooferover the summer ready for next winter, as recommended by taunton leisure where it came from.

rain that would be!

well my (uber cheap) one arrived this week.
I loves it! I was v pleased with it on school run in hammering ran.
Well done MN.