The Perfect Coat

[Northernexile]

I'm really hoping the good MNers of S&B can help me. I am desperately
in need of a coat that can do everything. I have been looking for the perfect coat for about four years. It needs to:

• Have a hood
• Cover my arse
• Keep the rain off a bit
• Look vaguely stylish

I ideally want something fairly lightweight, not for deepest winter, that will work for walking the dog, taking kids out etc, but I don't want a typical waterproof-type (sweaty) outdoorsy coat. I don't know if this coat exists, but I will be eternally grateful for any suggestions/recommendations. I'm 36 and a size 10-12. Thank you!

Following - I want one too!

I bought a Toast parka last winter, for exactly the same purpose as described in the OP. It is brilliant, a bit warm now. It did cost nearly £300, but I was very lucky with a tax return, I'd been gazing at it for years, the moment that tax return arrived I knew what I was going to spend it on.

Thank you- I'm off to check out Toast! I'm on mat leave at the minute so budget is tight, but I'm prepared to spend more to get something properly perfect.

I have this in black, and it's brilliant. Comes in lots of colours.

Ilsa Jacobsen

I think it's impossible!! I've been searching my whole life. Jackets either have style, or a hood. Unfortunately.

I tend to go for the hood over style, as I have four dogs and frizz prone hair.

I hope someone can help!

That does seem to be the problem green.

Those Isle Jacobsen ones are quite nice though. Think the Toast one might be a bit warmer than what I'm after.

Protected Species coat? www.protected-species.com/shop/

This is my Toast Parka. I got it last winter, and warmth was a requirement. I got mine without the fur trim (thes was an option if you bought it from John Lewis). IT was brilliant until about a month ago, now the weather is warmer, I don't know what to wear. A few years ago, they did it with a detachable lining, that would have been ideal.

The Protected Species parka and commuter coats are lovely! Need to figure out if I can spend that much though. I think that Toast one would be spot on if it had a detachable lining Bike, definitely. I am fond of a parka.
Today was warm and wet here. I currently have a choice of a wool duffle coat or an extremely thin parka. I wore the parka and got soaked. I have a purple Berghaus waterproof, but I refuse to wear it anywhere other than dog-walking as it is so unflattering!

happyhoppy great link- I've never heard of protected species but they look like they fit OPs brief

I gut a really nice lightweight showerproof parka from H&M last year, they might have something similar..?

Jackwolfskin ice guard is lovely.

Barbour I reckon, but they can be quite warm - a great autumn/spring coat. I wear mine with a gillet in the winter.

www.amazon.co.uk/d/Womens-Clothing/Joules-T-WINCHESTER-Winchester-Long-Sleeve-Raincoat/B00WW766JI?tag=mumsnetforum-21

The joules Winchester is the closest I've got. Lightweight parka, zip out quilted fleece inner which you can wear separately. Navy or khaki. Post season, but can find on some online stores.....

Have you looked at Parka London? They do some waterproof spring coats, like this one on ASOS

What's your budget OP? If you want something that does all those things and don't mind investing a bit of money then try a waxed jacket e.g. Barbour or similar. They have some smart styles with belts. They last for donkeys years too. I have a brown one it's brilliant, got a hood, keeps my bum covered, warm but not heavy so good in any weather. I wear it loads.

Ah thank you OP - I could have started this thread myself! I've been looking for similar for years - making do with cheap 'that'll do' efforts in the meantime.

The toast ones look great but probably a bit warm for a spring /summer coat. Love the look of the protected species commuter coat, kind of pricey though - although my birthday is coming up...

Seasalt of Cornwall may have something. I have bought a long coat from them and I wear it all the time. I have a lighter weight one for summer which is shorter. They are not that stylish but do the job!

I just got a really lovely one from Tesco .. way nicer shapes than the joules ones that swamped me and only £32 !

www.tesco.com/direct/ff-striped-canvas-shower-resistant-jacket/734-2500.prd. Looks much nicer on and comes in floral too!!

What about something like this Jigsaw lightweight parka?

Thanks for all these suggestions- will get a good look when my baby decides to nap! My budget is probably around £150 caterpillar, but if I find the perfect coat I might have to sell one of the kids or something...

I saw this a couple of days ago, and nearly tried it on.

Ilse Jacobsen coats do me for running about in at this time of year and into autumn.