Waterproof Parka needed....

[Maomoo]

Wise women of S&B....after getting soaked while walking yesterday I have decides I need a waterproof parka that can be worn as we go into Autumn and through the winter. I've never owned one before and have no idea where to start! Anyone bought a fab one recently that you'd recommend?

[Paddingtonthebear]

They come in different colours too

[Shia]

I got it wrong! It wasn't the thelma that I bought it was the Elsa by Didriksons.

In the last few weeks I've bought a Didriksons Taylor. Elsa and a Seasalt coat, all from Fife Country.

The Seasalt one is lightweight and is the blue one on this link

www.fifecountry.co.uk/sale.html

All three are completely waterproof.

Showerproof and water resistant are not waterproof.

[PrimalLass]

What's the Thelma like? Could you wear it on a wet summers day?

[Shia]

Thelma is lovely, I prefer it to the Taylor.

It's too warm for a summer coat.

The seasalt one is ideal as it's lightweight. It's completely waterproof.

[Shia]

I've ordered the blue spotty one for my daughter

www.cottontraders.com/womens-coats+jackets/womens-waterproof-jackets/icat/womens-jackets-waterproof

I have recently bought a previous years colourway of it from ebay as there was an unworn one there.

They are also fully waterproof. It does have a furry inner so is too warm for a very hot day.

I bought my daughter the Hema parka by Regatta in coconut, that is also waterproof.

[ElPolloDiabolo]

That Sos Jensen one from TK Maxx is lovely, I like the brown version. It's a Norwegian make and the RRP is probably not far off, they're pricey so that's a blummin bargain.

[PrimalLass]

Thanks Shia. I poured some water on my TK Maxx one and it took ages to leak through (then only a drop through the seam) so it will be fine. I like that I can take the lining out and wear it in summer.

[pigleychez]

Check out Target dry. I have the Georgia for winter. Very pleased with it for the school run. Warm without being too hot, bum covering and def waterproof.
I've just ordered the Emily for a light rain Mac for the spring/summer showers.

[loobyloo24]

I have the Regatta Hema parka jacket in a dark green and it's fab. Kept me dry all last winter for the princely sum of £50. Am considering getting one in grey too just because they're so nice. Got mine off eBay.

I did consider the north face artic parka but my friend has one and it's literally like wearing a duvet. So for me, it wasn't very practical as I prefer layering and also don't like to be too hot.

[optimistmum]

Lots 0f waterproof parka style coats at Landsend

[loobyloo24]

Just googled regatta hema and some shops have them as low as £33. Amazing value!

[LadyRubyPenhaligon]

I ordered one by SOS Jensen from eBay and it's arrived today and I love it. It was £60, very impressed!

[SloanePeterson]

Now's the time to start looking for bargains I think. I have a Merrell Wakefield for rain but not good if it's cold, so I just bought myself a Marmot waterproof down filled coat for the real depths of winter. A total ebay bargain, and I can myself living in it when it gets really freezing outside. It's like wearing a duvet, but is remarkably light and not at all bulky. Cost me £70 which seems expensive, but not when you realise that they retail for £200 more than that. I've wasted so much on coats over the years that have proved completely impractical. Walking everyday with a buggy, and having no car means practicality and function wins out every time now.

[SloanePeterson]

marmot sorry forgot the link. Mine was used, but is in seriously good condition.

[Maomoo]

Thanks all - there are some bargains to be had too. Must limit myself to one. I do NOT need one in black and navy!

[mausmaus]

the hiking department of decathlon?

[Suddengeekgirl]

Can anyone tell me how the Regatta Hema compares to a Merrell Haven?

I have a Haven, which has done 2 winters and is still waterproof - washes brilliantly in Nikwax :)

I quite fancy a parka style coat for the autumn as the Haven is far too warm.

Can anyone help?

[hollyisalovelyname]

I love children's raincoats. They are sort of plasticy and waterproof and usually come in cheery colours and designs. I wish we could get similar in ladies sizes.

[Shia]

A aargh! I do not have a Thelma! I don't know why I keep calling it that. It's an ELSA by didriksons! Sorry.

The elsa is lovely.

Suddengeekgirl, I've bought my daughter a Regatta Hema in coconut. It is supposed to be waterproof but she hasn't tried it as it hasn't been cold enough to wear it. I offered to buy her a more expensive one but as it's for dog walking, she wouldn't let me spend too much money!

I think it looks lovely. Ok it doesn't have all the finishing touches that the didrikson coats do but it is a lovely colour and looks lovely on.

My daughters spotty one from cotton traders arrived today. Again, it's another one that looks way better on.

My daughter insisted on getting a size bigger for her and I have to agree that it being baggy on her looks trendier, if that makes sense!

[Suddengeekgirl]

Thanks Shia! :)
What's the sizing like? I'm a 8-10 but have broad shoulders.

[Marmaladecat1]

Is the Wakefield not warm then?

[Suddengeekgirl]

I think the Wakefield is more waterproof than warm. The haven (I have) is super warm and cosy on a snowy day! :)

[Marmaladecat1]

Oh no! I've been looking at the new one 'ellenwood'
I don't think the haven will suit me :(

Why is coat shopping so hard?

[Shia]

My daughter is a size 10 and is approx 5'6 and insisted on my buying her a size 12 as she doesn't like the fitted look. I tried it on and I am a 10 but a wider version of my daughter and the 12 was roomy but looked fine.

Personally I would have bought the ten for me as I don't like wearing lots of layers and just want a warm coat to wear over what I'm wearing.

I got her one for a bargain £33. It was the last one but they may have more in the green colourway. I'll see where I bought it from.

[Shia]

Here

www.outdoorlook.co.uk/regatta-womens-hema-parka-parker-waterproof-jacket-coconut-rwp083c

It's gone up in price.

The stock photo is awful, it's much nicer in real life. I'll be honest, it doesn't have the detailing that the Didriksons have but for the money, the regatta hema is great value and does look very nice on.