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Original poster

Good wet weather gear for walking to school - for mums?

35 replies

Gem13 · 05/10/2006 12:28

Having had to take the car to school (25 minutes walk away) this morning in a downpour and consequently getting stuck in the mayhem I've decided I have to buy good wet weather gear - a kagool just won't be enough.

So... I need a good waterproof coat with big hood (so the rain doesn't run down my face - big dislike) and waterproof trousers - earlier this week I got such wet jeans I could hardly walk. Where to buy such things without looking like I'm going off on the moors (or completely barking)?

OP posts:
bamboo · 05/10/2006 12:37

I'm browsing for the same sort of thing at the moment - don't know that I'd do waterproof trousers though unless someone can come up with some that don't look like fishing gear.

Jackie No (I think) linked to this coat yesterday which I'm mulling over.

fennel · 05/10/2006 12:40

I can't really help as I am aware that my current school gate apparel (cycling and wet weather kit, as I cycle to work after) is really not the height of school gate chic and would be totally flamed by the Court of Mumsnet if they glimpsed me.

have to say I do avoid waterproof trousers though. what about trousers that dry out quicker than jeans?

flack · 05/10/2006 12:50

Does anyone really notice what you're wearing if you're all rushing into school at high speed due to a Monsoon outside?

Try a camping shop for different sorts of trousers, go larger rather than smaller to fit over your usual clothes. Lots of smart enough waterproof coats in such shops.

Original poster
Gem13 · 05/10/2006 12:51

Fennel - have a big bump so my trouser choice is pretty restricted at the moment! 2 pairs of maternity jeans - I know jeans are useless in the wet but no choice really. I've less than 3 months to go so can't bring myself to buy more trousers.

We don't really have school gate chic here, pretty much anything goes as there are a number of wealthy artist-type parents. One dad was standing outside the classroom the other day in bare feet (why?), despite living in a very nice big house and (school gossip) not working.

OP posts:
Original poster
Gem13 · 05/10/2006 12:53

That said, I'm aiming for the wistful and envious 'she looks warm and dry' look rather than the 'ha, ha, ha' hysterical laughter look from others.

OP posts:
hermykne · 05/10/2006 12:58

no matter what other people think i think that wet weather gear is just the most practical thing you can have. my kids have had their suits since toddlers and god it has saved so much agro when out and about, "i'm wet!" or "take my toursers off"
so for adults even more stylish
and then you whip them off to reveal your fabulos motherhood outfit underneath

CristinaTheAstonishing · 05/10/2006 12:59

Maybe a jacket? I found one here but never used this shop so I don't know about reliability etc: the Berdhaus jacket for £40

controlfreaky2 · 05/10/2006 13:00

sorry bamboo. i think coat is horrid.... unless you have a life which involves a need for fishing gear

Enid · 05/10/2006 13:00

those aussie coats and big hats are de riguer here

I have a waterprrof coat with big hood and a good pair of wellies

tbh if it was chucking it down I would drive

ScreamandYellowFeathers · 05/10/2006 13:01

I've got a great Quicksilver coat which I bought fotr snowboarding but its great for our weather.
Warm and waterproof.

bamboo · 05/10/2006 13:06

Do you think controlfreaky2? No fishing just a 30 minute walk each way to school and back come rain or shine. 2 hours a day - I don't want to be cold, wet and miserable for the whole of the winter term! Maybe those waterproof trousers would be in keeping then..

tonton · 05/10/2006 13:10

I have a clear plastic muji mac. Some people laugh at me but I think I am an edgy style-leader. cut-it-youself-muji-mac

KTeepee · 05/10/2006 13:13

We hve had about half a dozen similar threads lately and the answer always is, "No, there is no such thing as a stylish, totally waterproof coat."

DCIMaloryTowers · 05/10/2006 19:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Quadrofiendia · 05/10/2006 19:10

I have bought a beret, thats about as far as i will go, hate waterproof coats although a friend of mine bought a really nice Cath Kidston style one from millets which is lovely.

TortUREoiseChamber · 05/10/2006 19:12

I was going to ask about waterproof coats today.I don't drive and have about a mile walk just to get to school!
I need cheap but needs to keep me dry!

JackieNoHeadJustABloodyStump · 05/10/2006 19:18

Millets have some cheapish stuff - how about a packable mac ? Probably not the height of style with the hood up, though. And how about a Cath Kidston poncho .

JackieNoHeadJustABloodyStump · 05/10/2006 19:18

(I'm joking about the poncho, btw)

Quadrofiendia · 05/10/2006 19:20

I love that poncho, its not the same as my mates as hers is more of a coat but if that was a coat I would consider wearing it

beetroot · 05/10/2006 19:21

umbrella?

Quadrofiendia · 05/10/2006 19:22

umbrellas and pushchairs though, such a pain in the arse, i keep thinking of inventing a clip on one like the parasol they have in the summer!

TortUREoiseChamber · 05/10/2006 19:37

Quadrofiendia you are right umbrellas and buggies don't mix also a toddler to hold hands with while pushing a buggy leaves no free hands!

seb1 · 05/10/2006 20:12

Thought this was nice but pricey
mac

swedishmum · 05/10/2006 20:30

Looked quickly and missed a digit there!

geogteach · 05/10/2006 20:49

I was thinking of posting exact same thing. Anyone got any ideas for a hat. Everytime I turn my head in my waterproof jacket all I see is the inside of my hood, bloody useless if there is a car coming.