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Original poster

Ok, where is the brilliant 'Warm and waterproof coat' thread from last year? I need another one.

511 replies

CuttedUpPear · 23/09/2012 20:46

I bought an amazing coat by Didriksons last year on the advice of a MNetter here who worked in the industry. She gave the BEST advice but I can't find the thread now. Basically she explained how warm AND waterproof is a hard combination to come by because we're the only country with such a wet and cold climate and no one designs for us. Nice.

I bought the coat for DS but ended up wearing it myself, now I need to buy him one of his own before he gets soaked to the skin!

OP posts:
Fourtops · 07/10/2012 19:41

Hi all, I'm also on the search for a somewhat stylish waterproof coat. Was going to go with one of the Didriksons but I'm only 5'1 and from what others are saying I think they will be too long. Especially like the Naomi but want coat to be above my knee. For whoever bought the Sprayway Siri, how long is that. It looks shorter than I'd like on the model but she is probably much taller than me. For those who bought the Wakefield/ellenwood how long is it and what is the sizing like? Thanks for the help.

hiloe · 07/10/2012 19:42

I am now the proud owner of a Didrikson Naomi in white (yikes). Bought in Peebles this afternoon. Prices wise it was the same as everywhere else online.

I am a 12/14 but with broad shoulders and got the size 38 (not too sure what this relates to as the coats are all sized European). The size 40 was way too big particularly on the shoulders - it drowned me. I am an apple and wore a light jumper and I would say that the 38 give me a snug fit though would not want to get any fatter.

This place is the closest stockist to Edinburgh - took me about 35 mins get there. Great stock of Naomi's - all sizes in Eggplant, White and Graphite. They also sold lots of North Face including the Metropolis down coat and the new Merrell Ellenwood and the down Isadorra. The place was a treasure trove of gorgeous winter coats and gilets and fleeces all in one place! Website doesn't give you any indication of this - I had emailed ahead so knew that the Naomi there waiting for me.

TellMeLater · 07/10/2012 20:06

Gaynors is brilliant - I got my arctic parka from their last year at a great price with next day delivery and then ordered dh's McMurdo parka last week with equally great price and service - I have no connection with them, I'm just a very satisfied, warm customer.

cheesebaby · 07/10/2012 23:54

I've been lurking on this thread since - well - last year & the original fantastic coats thread...

I'm now the proud owner of a Didriksons Cathlyn, and feel duty-bound to report on the fit for all those still undecided about what to spring for Grin

My experience basically echoes everyone else's - I'm a large 12 (but losing weight) with broad shoulders. Because I have needed a 14 in some shops of late I originally ordered a 12, but had the same experience as hiloe and found it just swamped me. I exchanged (or will have when I send the 12 back!) for a 10 which is just perfect. Still quite r

cheesebaby · 08/10/2012 00:00

Oops, posted too soon...

Still quite roomy on the arms, a good fit round the bust & my rather podgy middle, and wouldn't want to be any smaller on the shoulder.

The quality is amazing - there are without doubt more stylish coats out there, but not many that tick warm, waterproof, and a bit funky boxes simultaneously. I think it'll do just what I wanted, and be pretty versatile. It's a shame the pictures on most websites don't give a very true impression of what the coat actually looks like on - but if you google images it's usually possible to find some pictures of them in real live human beings.

So another vote to definately size down (and hopefully save someone else the return postage costs - grrrrr)!

cheesebaby · 08/10/2012 00:12

Oh, and Fourtops I can't speak for any other of the didriksons coats as I've only tried the Cathlyn, but for what it's worth it isn't overly long - I'm 5'6", and it comes to sort of upper mid thigh at the front and a few inches above the knee at the back (that's another thing you can't see on the stock photos - it has a dipped parka style hemline at the back so would def keep bum and thighs dry on a wet bench!!). It's a fair bit shorter than the NF arctic parka, which I bought on the back of last years thread but hardly wore as the winter was so mild Hmm

Curtsey · 08/10/2012 10:57

Came on here to report back about the Didrikson's Cathlyn but cheesebaby has beaten me to it!
I pretty much agree with everything you say, cheese - I'm very happy with mine. Like you say, there are probably more stylish coats out there but this one is really very good quality, a nice colour, and looks decent on. I like the dipped parka style hemline - the coat definitely looks very nice from the back.

I'm a size 8 normally and ordered the 6. It's just right on me, I think - I've pulled the strings in fully to cinch it as much as I can, and am happy. Hood's lovely and snug and won't blow back - even on the Atlantic seaboard where I am, I reckon!

Was going to send it straight back if I wasn't fully happy, but you know what - I am.

Curtsey · 08/10/2012 10:58

Fourtops, I'm 5'2 and the Cathlyn isn't too long at all - well above the knee.

CaffeineDeficit · 08/10/2012 11:15

A quick question for anyone who's bought the Seasalt Janelle, or seen it in person... Would you say the Cormorant is a warm grey or more of a cool, blue-toned grey? Also, how does it come up in terms of sleeve length? I'm 5ft9 and seem to have ridiculously long arms!

Thanks!

Bunsouttheoven · 08/10/2012 15:59

Right I've ordered a merrell haven in black. Not strictly speaking waterproof but another thread said it is pretty good. I'll update with a review when it arrives.

accessorieshelp · 08/10/2012 16:11

was in town today and tried on the Haven II (tried one on last year & the hood didn't sit properly), anyway I really liked it but thought it would be cheaper to buy online. However, the cheap ones are the Haven (as opposed to Haven II) - does anyone know the difference? IS there a difference?

also worried about waterproofness. Inside label said 2000m (or was it 3000m Confused

member · 08/10/2012 16:16

For those who balk at spending such a lot on a coat ( I am slowly losing weight & can't justify huge sums for a coat that may only fit me for one winter), I have just purchased one of these

FairyPenguin · 08/10/2012 19:57

I have just bought the Trespass Alissa 3-in-1 jacket in Black. Currently on offer, originally £150, now £70. Lovely and warm and I can wear the inner shell or outer jacket on their own for spring and autumn.

I was looking at the Lands End 3-in-1 Down Commuter Coat and this is extremely similar yet less than half the price. I found a discount code for 25% off but it had just expired.

V pleased. Grin

kiwidreamer · 08/10/2012 20:35

My Lindsey has had its first wet outing on the school run today and the verdict is blimmen awesome, love the giant hood it was brilliant for pushing the buggy and wrangling a 4yr old with his lethal 'umbrolly' :)

pongysticks · 09/10/2012 19:55

Oh glad this thread is still going - I'm on the hunt - does anyone own one of these - Barbour jackets - www.barbourbymail.co.uk/Womens-Barbour-Peninsula-Down-Quilted-Jacket.html

mumat39 · 10/10/2012 09:55

Hello. I've been following this thread and ordered myself a Didrikson Naomi yesterday which I'm excited about. I bought it to replace a big down jacket that I've had for about 8 years which I still love but isn't waterproof. I also have a boden rainy day mac which is great in terms of waterproof-ness but I just don't like it anymore. I think it's because it makes me feel like a bin man as it's lack and a bit frumpy. :(

Anyway, I've woken up this morning to very sunny day. I had a bet with myself that as soon as I order it the weather will improve and today is beautiful. Confused

So I'm wondering if I actually made a mistake and need something a bit more in-betweeny. So for the bits between autumn and winter and also winter and spring.

Any advice appreciated. Many Thanks in advance. :)

mumat39 · 10/10/2012 09:56

Black, not lack. Flipping predictive text!!! Blush

RachelHRD · 10/10/2012 10:28

Not sure if this has been linked to yet but the Lands End Stadium Squall is in the Debenhams sale at the mo in regular and petite sizes here

My2Monkeys · 10/10/2012 10:31

Mumat39, if you can afford it at all I think you need both kinds... Personally I'd keep the Naomi, it will keep you warm and dry through the winter which an inbetweeny one won't. Keep using your Boden one for now if it's too warm for a padded coat and save up for another thinner rain coat in the spring. Did you get your Naomi from VikingKids? They've also got some nice-looking macs that are a lot less pricey, like this one.

mumat39 · 10/10/2012 10:40

Thanks My2Monkeys.
That's good advice, and I'll have a look at the other macs too. I do need one of those too but was wondering if I could get one jacket for all occasions. I actually got the Naomi from outdoorworlddirect as it was cheaper than the Vikingkids one.

Thanks for your help. :)

My2Monkeys · 10/10/2012 11:34

For the posters who were worried about the colour of the lining of the Naomi in graphite, I was a bit concerned too as warm colours don't work with my skin tone (make my face look bright red Angry) but in real life it's more beige than yellow. Also, the coat has a big collar which is graphite inside and the hood (which is removable) sits under this, more between the shoulder blades, so the lining is nowhere near my face IYSWIM. I also like the fact that the hood doesn't push up against my hair which they do on a lot of other coats I've tried.

My2Monkeys · 10/10/2012 11:38

Sorry Mumat39, didn't see your previous message before posting mine - had typed mine up and then got caught up in work (how annoying)!

I'd love a jacket for all occasions too but I get too cold in winter if I don't have a padded one. A lot of people seem to manage with something lighter and just layering underneath, maybe this would work better for you. Have you tried the Thelma (too lazy to check if owd have it as I have VK bookmarked)? Looks very similar to the Naomi, just lighter.

Phaedra11 · 10/10/2012 12:02

For those interested in the Stadium Squall Coat, please bear in mind that the one linked above is last year's and water resistant rather than waterproof.

I have this one which is waterproof and the petite was a great fit for me. I'm 5ft 3 and size 8/10. More expensive than the one above though and I wasn't keen on the colour choice. I went for the purple which looked better in RL as blue and black are awful with my colouring. I would have preferred red, green, or brown though.

The double zip took me a while to get used to, as well but apart from that I'm very happy with mine.

MacyGracy · 10/10/2012 20:10

Received my north face arctic in graphite today, I love it, it fits like it was made for me! Sod's law it will be dry and mild this winter!

NumptyMum · 10/10/2012 21:58

Hello! Sorry to the people who were asking me questions about the Siri, my DH blocked me from Mumsnet (think it was accidental Hmm... but then I have been procrastinating about a job application).

I'd reckon sizing is normal, ie I'm generally a 10-12 and the 12 was roomy enough for wearing something bulky and warm under. The length is great, a couple of inches/5cm below my bum. There's no warmth to speak of to this jacket, but if you've got warm jumpers/fleeces, and a good scarf, you can add in the warmth and on a hotter day it's easy to stow under the pram. Of course since I bought the jacket the weather here has been permanently sunny so I had to do just that today...

I've just gone back to Gaynors to buy another one as my DH kindly pointed out that it's worth buying more than one of a really good jacket in case they stop making it. No further prompting required! However in the Khaki most sizes have now sold out.