I need a winter coat, which option should I go for?

[MissStrawberry]

DH has suggested I get a North Face jacket as he has one and says they are great for keeping you warm and dry. I feel a bit eek at spending so much but also know I have about 6 coats and none of them keep me warm and dry and look that great. One is fab but isn't warm or waterproof for example.

Seems to me it is a choice between something maybe trendier and cheaper but may not last and is it even possible to get a coat that fits all the criteria, or a NF coat that costs loads, does the job but is a bit boring looking.

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Hello, this thread is a little old now and some of the links are out of date. Take a look at this handy page for a round up of Mumsnetters' favourite winter coats.

Hmm, I know what you mean. I'm looking for the same thing.

I've just ordered this but I'm slightly unsure about whiter it will keep me toasty warm and dry. My reasoning is, I can return for free is I decide it's awful IRL.

North face coats are AMAZING but I don't know if o can justify one at the moment.

DH got his in the sale for £120 instead of £200.

It doesn't say that coat is waterproof. I never both with umbrellas. So many times I have been hit with one at the school gates - never got an apology - and I Just think they shouldn't be used in a place that is full of people. I know no one wants to get wet but I want to get poked with an umbrella spike even less!

I have this and I love it Warmest coat ever Worth every penny IMO.

I love your coat marcheline.

That covers the padded, keeping warm criteria but also looks nice.

I dread to think what I have spent on coats over the years. I once spent £79 on a coat, took it back as it was faulty and even though I wasn't keen I bought another identical coat! Hanging in my cupboard, worn twice.

Your DH is right. North Face is very warm and will keep you very dry. I got a North Face and a Merrell in the last couple of years (after DD is born). I just need a practical jacket that I can stand out in the rain in winter without getting soaked. I think you'll need at least one of these if you doing anything outdoors. They last for years, given they aren't fashionable to start with .

Marcheline I don't think that Phase Eight one is waterproof. It'd say so if it is.

MissS my years of purchasing unsuitable coats are what forced me to go for the North Face

Lands end stuff is waterproof and dry. Bit boring perhaps, but does the job at 1/2 the price. They have down filled ones.

I agree with Hazelbrowneyes I got an Arctic Parka last winter and it is the most wonderful warm coat I've ever had. I got it in a sale fortunately.

As orangesandemons says, the Landsend Squall range is good, and not silly expensive (although I got mine half-price in a sale). DH uses one every day for work as well.

I bought last year's version of this coat it's really really warm, and it looks normal. I live in Switzerland which can be extremely cold.

I got a didrikson parka teo years ago. Think it was about 160 quid? Worth every penny. Warm and lovely and cosy.

I think spending the same as DH did is doable. He would spend anything to get what I wanted but I am much more sensible.

Can anyone recommend a shop where I can try some on? I am not spending this much and buying without trying.

If you're a 14, Field and Trek has the Merrell Haven in a creamy white colour for £56.

I have this Berghaus one

I spent years buying cheaper versions of it and completely different things too in a quest to be warm, whilst not being able to bring myself to spend the money. Last winter it literally changed my life! I spend hours outside, a lot of it standing/sitting still and last winter I was warm and the cost is so light and soft you barely know you're wearing it. It's not very stylish, but by jove it does it's job!

I would say definitely spend the money to get a good one.

I have north face jacket but it got outdoor sports only.

It's very good at what it does, but it is technical rather than stylish.

I will be getting one of the fat face winter parkas or something like the one Cotswold outdoors one linked above

I love technical jackets and coats but I always feel a bit swamped in them because I am so short.

Interesting that Lands End do a petite range. Are they really very VERY warm? I spend a lot of my time outside in the playground and last winter I had to wear two coats to keep warm.

I have the Aigle cuckmere - great coat and I got it for about £200 on John Lewis last year.

Bought a Merrell Haven II coat (in Cinder) last year. Amazing during a long, shit and cold winter / spring pushing a newborn around! Best coat I've had. Got mine from The Nature Shop.co.uk. DP has a North Face but doesn't rate it, he's looking at Jack Wolfskin or Merrell for this winter.

I have this. It's the warmest, coziest and most expensive item of clothing I own but I'll never have to buy another coat again so I'll be saving money in the long run . I have dressy coats too but this is the one I reach for most. I want to be buried in it.

Blow me, Maca, that make my lovely Berghaus best and by far the most expensive coat I've ever owned look a proper bargain

NotAsTired, the longer Squall coats are very warm, lined with fleece in the upper area, and quilting lower down. The knitted inner cuffs keep out draughts, as does the fleece-lined collar. In fact I rarely fasten mine!

GNR I should add that I live in Canada so if you don't have a seriously warm winter coat, you could actually perish, Little Match Girl-style, while waiting for your children at the school gate AND I didn't pay that much for it here. Besides, some people spend that much on a special handbag...a coat is a far more practical purchase .

Wow that canadian coat might be warm enough!