Calling all Didriksons fans!

[queenbrunhilda]

I need a waterproof parka-type coat for the winter. Have just had to return a cheap and cheerful brand. So now looking to invest in something better quality that won't leak and will last.

Liking the look of Didriksons Taylor parka - but not many around. Also the Martha duffle (but £££s). Very confused about sizing - am a tall, broad shouldered size 14 (and sometimes size-up on coats to avoid feeling cramped). Some stockists suggest EU 40 is 14 equivalent, but others EU 42.

Please can anyone make suggestions on models and sizes (and is anyone discounting at the moment?)? Needs to work on school run/in park/in town etc. Thanks in advance.

I have a Didriksons - an Olivia I think - which I bought in a 44. I'm 5'6", a large 14 with long arms and there's plenty of room for layers (and my boobs ). It's not an especially warm coat but I knew that when I bought it but it's certainly waterproof.

I have a size 40 and it is roomy. Not sure of model! I'm tall and long-armed but narrow shoulders. I would normally get a UK 14 but notice with vanity sizing I am tending to a UK 12 in some jackets.

That probably didn't help!

From what I gather the sizing has recently changed, and previously it was very generous, it is now more true to size. I'm normally a size 8 but I have the Taylor in size 10, I'm fairly tall 5ft9 and wanted to make sure the sleeves were long enough so I sized up, it's roomy enough to fit a rab jacket and several knitwear layers underneath. I really feel the cold! To be honest, it's warm ish and waterproof but I don't love it. I got mine from Blacks with 15% off so I think it was £170.

I love mine. It is totally wind and waterproof, and plenty of room for layers and sleeves long enough to accommodate my gorilla arms. I am a standard 12 and bought a size 12 a couple of years ago - in hindsight I should probably have tried a 10, but do like having the room for extra fleeces etc.

I'm a 12-14 and needed a 42 in the Didriksons Mary coat I tried on a few weeks ago.

I have one from this years range, they are true to size. I am 12-14, broad shoulders and fairly large busy. I got the 40, the 42 was ok too but I am glad I got the 40. Not too much spare room over hips but it gives a nice fit. Am 5'8" with long arms and sleeves are perfect. It is lovely and cosy and waterproof, it has been well tested.

Thanks All - found a Taylor in an EU 40 after a long old trawl of the Internet (was discontinued last year I think). Fear it might be on the tight side - but giving it a go.

Gah was hoping you'd got a discount code or a bargainous offering!
Glad you found the coat you wanted though and I hope it fits

No - but can say pretty confidently there is not one out there to be had (this week at least...). None of the reduced Viking Kids styles I like are available in my size. This beauty is reduced and I got briefly excited when I found a 15% off discount code for Blacks but I couldn't get it to stack. Fingers crossed the Taylor parka I found fits - there aren't too many out there!

Let us know how you get on - hope it fits!

I have the Angelina and sized down. It's fab, really warm, completely waterproof and reasonably stylish (for a dog walking coat).

Current models are true to size it seems so maybe 42/44, op? They are fab!! Might have to move to Sweden am such a fan!

I have a Taylor, try Laws of Kirkcudbury online, in a 42. I am a 14, larger around bum than boobs. I can fit a decent jumper under mine, but I don't always want one as the coat is rather toasty.

Drat! Has arrived and is 100% gorgeous ... but just a tad to small. If anyone has a pristine 42 and fancies a swap for a 40 (navy) - please PM me!

I Iove my Taylor. Sunshine is right in that the sizing changed within the last couple of years - the Viking Kids staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about it - so make sure you get the 42 in the right year's model, IYSWIM.

No-one to swap with :(

I'll send back later this week unless anyone wants it at cost + postage (Taylor parka size 40 (12) Navy). PM me if interested.

So I found the next size up with another stockist...and it's still borderlne too small . Laquila I did try to establish when it was made, but they were a bit vague about it's age. Think I may just have to lose 10lb rather than face shelling out more on return postage.

House now resembling a specialist Nordic outfitters...

Ohhh that's frustrating, Brunhilda :(

I wild say though that it's worth getting it right, as you don't want to be lumbered with an expensive coat that you never want to wear because it's not comfy. If you return your full order within 14 days, internet retailers should always refund your original delivery costs, although annoyingly not many of them will pay for return postage.

It's a very warm coat though - I hardly ever wear bulky jumpers under it. Have you definitely got the waist tie thing as loose as it will go?

Thanks Laquila - will check waist tie. Interestingly, because it is cut for a broad shouldered tall person (like me!), it's generally very comfy compared to most of my coats (and I probably risk looking like Uncle Fester if I size up). So think I will probably live with it being snug on tummy.

You're right - it is very warm given it's not hugely padded. Ideal for every day wear during a British winter! Just a shame not to have had a local stockist....