Is there such a thing as a cool/stylish waterproof jacket?!

[runner2]

Going on holiday and need a lightweight waterproof but I cringe at the thought of an anorak/cagoule-type jacket. I bought a North Face jacket a few years ago that was quite expensive but it's a bit on the heavy side and it's red, which was a mistake...should have gone for black. So I've hardly worn it. Any suggestions, please?

ooh might buy that uniqlo one, thanks

Is anyone who has the Protected Species mac short? I love the look of it but I'm only 5ft 2 which according to the measurements will mean it comes to my knees (and probably the sleeves will be far too long). Just wondering if anyone else is a similar height and how it fits them?

I'm 5'3" and when fastened, it ends right at the top of my knees. The sleeves are perhaps a tad long but then they always are so I'd barely noticed till you mentioned it. Plus you can tighten them at the wrist so they won't flap about.

As others have said, it's a close fit. I've just tried it over my thickest jumper and it was a squeeze. But if it was cold enough to be wearing that jumper, I would be reaching instead for my poor unloved Seasalt coat so I'm not too concerned.

However I'm still dithering about whether removing the hood and carrying it in the pocket is workable. If I'd paid the full price, it would already be on its way back but it's so unusual to find a decent looking, fully waterproof raincoat that I'd like to find a compromise. But I'd still like to know why such a thing is so unusual. What's wrong with British fashion that it can't work this out?

I agree - it does seem a rare find. Up to now it's always been a compromise between actually keeping dry, OR looking half decent. Never both together. I think i might order one to see it IRL ... I'm a size 12 top but 14 bottom thanks to huge hips which sadly I think means I'll need to order the large size. Not very happy about that as I've recently lost a stone and a half so having to order large in anything is not good for self esteem!

So that's 2 days of rain and 2 days wearing my new mac. I already think cost per wear is going to be low. The knee length and big voluminous soft hood are absolutely the best features so far. My 2 seasalts and joules coats don't have nearly as good a hood.

flo I wouldn't bother removing the hood tbh. I think if it's a dry day I wouldn't bother with the mac at all. I'd probably either go without a coat this time of year, else wear a leather jacket or possibly a blazer if I want to smarten up a bit.

Wench it the sounds like the L would be your best bet, don't kick yourself as it's not you, just the brand. I guess if it was Zara or Mango, you'd probably reach for the L too and blame it on the silly itsy bitsy European sizing. Anyway the label says 'size 3' inside, so no one will know...

Thanks Sesame, the problem is that in these parts, a totally dry day is quite a rare event. On most days I would say there's a fighting chance of rain which is why a waterproof coat which you could wear most of the time, rain or shine, without looking like you're actually wearing waterproof would be such a brilliant thing.

I could carry an umbrella everywhere instead but a) they're shit b) I'm always putting them down and losing them and c) I like to keep my hands free.

Well, you vipers, I hope you're happy with yourselves: I have just ordered a Protected Species Mac. In red. Sized up. Baaaaah!!

This is how I ended up buying the fabled Merrell rain jacket, I've worn it do death, it was fab, but now I want RED. I laugh in the face of Little Red Riding Hood concerns

Like yesterday it was a bit damp when I set off for work, bouncing off the pavement when I popped out at lunchtime then bright and sunny when I came home. I walk to work so I'd like a coat that would do for all eventualities.

Sorry cross post - welcome Pacific - Red Riding Hood buddy

Flo

I think you must live in the same weather post code as I do.
I have no idea what to wear when I step over my door step in the morning.

I think we are all getting several seasons worth of weather in one day at the mo. where is summer?

I can't decide between the red and the blue mac .... I love the look of the blue but not sure if it will suit me as I'm a "warm" colouring. Sort of think the red might suit me better but my work uniform is red so that always puts me off having normal clothes that colour! Is it red red, or more orange red? I might have to order both so I can see them on IRL

It's a very dull red. I think another poster said it was more burnt orange and they're probably right. I find it quite flattering on me. I don't think the blue would have suited me.

I am too fat and too poor for the PS one. Do we think this is smart enough for work or will it look mad over a skirt? m.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/pink-matte-anorak_527270972?pProduct=527270957

I bought the Outdoor Research lightweight waterproof coat (coat not jacket) for walking holidays where I want to look reasonably smart, and it is terrific. I can't recommend it highly enough - took me through torrential rain, but lightweight and smart enough that I can roll it up into a handbag and take it to work. It's fitted, so looks more like a waterproof coat than a hiking waterproof. They don't sell it in the UK (I did a lot of research to find the best waterproof) but you can get it from Europe.

It's the Helium Traveller Jacket that I've got - it's longer length than the Helium ii jacket, so gives more waterproof protection without needing to put on waterproof trousers.

Damn. I'd never even heard of Protected Species before this thread and was perfectly happy with my Seasalt. But now...

Ive got this in khaki:
rab.equipment/uk/womens/waterproof/downpour-jacket-wmns

Very light and waterproof. Comes in black but I felt the khaki was a bit more 'trendy'.

I've got a Joules one too they are cute but more what I'd wear shopping on a rainy day. The Rab comes out on long wet dog walks and always keeps me dry. It's got little zips under the arms to keep you cool too

Wish I saw this thread yesterday. Went into TK Maxx and bought this coat yesterday as I realised I don't seem to possess a decent waterproof coat.

www.regatta.com/calyn-stretch-jacket-navy/

A trendy teenage friend has a similar coat to the Yellow joules coat posted upthread but from New Look.

The Cotswolds savings are amazing. Almost tempted to return my coat and buy a Jack Wolfson one for that price.

This isn't going to be waterproof or even resistant in any way shape or form is it? www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/covert-overt-cotton-hooded-belted-jacket/d800870.pd#269499187

Nope, looks nice though.

PetalMettle up until now I've worn coats like the New Look one all my life and they've been fine for work, although I guess it might depend on what you do - I've never worked in corporate life for example.

I like the look of the House of Fraser one but I find that when they avoid words like 'shower resistant' or even 'raincoat', it normally means it'll give about as much protection as a denim jacket.

Trespass had Seasalt-ish coats last time I was in there

petal do you have a link to the one in new look that's like the joules one? I've realised the coat I've been looking at and wanting on the school run is the joules one but if new look do a similar one I may have to go for that. Especially as I need a new winter coat (but that's a whole other thread)

Great thread.

This was recommended in The Times yesterday but it's sold out:

www.johnlewis.com/kin-by-john-lewis-parka-coat-khaki/p3129346?colour=Khaki

www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/yellow-matte-anorak_514489985?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_5144912_CR_184474817278_DV_t_PPI_266279632028_TID_pla-266279632028&tmcampid=155&tmad=c&tmplaceref=UK_PPC_PLA_5144912_CR_184474817278_DV_t_PPI_266279632028&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItrK7yMm61QIVRbvtCh0rXgENEAQYASABEgIuVfD_BwE

Saw this in TK max last night which reminded me of my friends coat, and is probably more waterproof. Also available direct. It was a nice coat, but yellow doesn't suit me.