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?

Can I add my review of the black Protected Species City Walker? This is the waist length shorter version. I already have longer waterproofs and thought this might look like a normal casual jacket, but with the added protection if caught out.

Well. The positives are that it has lots of good details, the hood stowed away nicely (was black lined) I liked the wrist detail and there are lots of toggles to adjust the waist and neck. It's very lightweight. It is also very stylish....for a waterproof jacket. BUT it does still look like a waterproof jacket IMO and I have nicer jackets the same length I would wear before this one if I didn't need the waterproofing, and I have nicer (longer) waterproof coats I would wear if I did.

I'm a small UK10 but tall and have long arms, and went for the medium after some very helpful customer service emails on the subject. This was probably correct, although it does come up on the looser fit side.

I also thought that maybe it was "too" lightweight and somehow didn't feel exactly the quality I'd expect for the ££. I'll be honest and say my current waterproofs are from Aigle and Woolrich....I admit they were more £££ than most of you want to spend, but all were sourced at sale time and are currently all at least five years old, and still look as good as new. Aigle have a clearance sale at the moment, shipping from France but reputable and reliable. So I think I'll stick with what I've got but I've loved this thread and agree wholeheartedly that is is an area in UK fashion which is crying out for attention...and business!

Thanks partially to this thread, I've just purchased this: Rains Curve jacket in Rust

It's glorious and properly waterproof. My husband also has a Rains jacket (although his isn't half as nice as mine)- he swears by it.

Thank you, S&B for convincing me that I needed it.

I ordered the Protected Species mac in black and ended up sending it back, sadly. I really wanted a smart black mac for more formal work/social things but it wasn't quite right for the money. Sleeves too long and the fit felt off. I felt it was so fitted it would crease anything underneath, not much room for any kind of layer if cold but if I went up a size, it would lose its fit on the shoulders and I'd look like I was wearing my granddad's overcoat.

I'm now eyeing up Rains and Stutterheim coats but concerned about lack of lining (I don't want to create my own sweaty eco-system under the coat during my storming to work walk commute). Also considering the slightly more formal cut of the Westerly as my Seasalt Hellweathers is properly waterproof and breathable www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/m/waterproof-outdoor-technical-jackets/rain_coats/waterproof-cotton-a-line-westerly-raincoat-mac_black.htm

Completely agree that the UK, like Scandi countries do, should have this stylish, functional waterproof thing sewn up.

I've been following this thread as I too want a smarter and longer waterproof than my Arc'teryx goretex.

Unfortunately, I'm 5'10" with long arms, a relatively short body and a large chest. So trench style macs don't suit me, anything belted doesn't suit me, and I can't wear anything double breasted or with an asymmetric zip / fastening.

What I wanted was a thigh length waterproof coat that could pack into its own pocket or hood and fit in my handbag. Ideally in a dark colour, with minimal details and I wanted the cut to be slightly fitted at the waist. Oh and my most important requirement was it had to be as cheap as possible, but no more than £100.

From reading this thread the Uniqlo blocktech was at the top of my list, but I wanted to look at it in person when I head into London in a few weeks time. I'm also wary that the info on their site talks about it being water resistant and not waterproof. I'm a walker, I have a waterproof gore-tex, I have a water resistant softshell jacket and trousers, I've had other water resistant coats years ago too. Yes they keep you dry for a bit, but not for over an hour in torrential rain.

I went into Decathlon for some bits for my DC and came out with this. It's not quite as minimal is I'd like (I'm not a fan of patch pockets, but these don't accentuate my wide hips), but it rolls down into its hood and fits in my handbag; it's properly waterproof, the hood when not worn sits close to the collar without gaping, it's a cloth fabric rather than plasticky, but it is a bit rustly.

I've got it in S/M, I'm a 12/14 (32F bust) and it fits me nicely. However I find it a bit too tight in the elbows / awkward to use the chest pockets compared to my Arc'teryx, but that was designed for climbing and has articulated pre-bent sleeves (that translates as baggy elbows when stood upright!). The M size felt a bit too big even with a jumper on.

Overall I'm very happy with it.

Yeah it is pretty roomy. There are some amazing colours in the range - I was coveting a teal version, but the rust was on special so it won out. Enjoy!

@WhatsItAllAbout123 I love that Decathlon one you've linked! Could you give me some more info please? I Don't have a store near me so can't try it on.

Is the hood detachable?

I'm 5ft 7" and a 34F, and size 14, so sound similar to you. I went to order online (looks like it is free delivery) and choose the size, and the options are 38, 40, 42 and so on. Sorry to sound stupid but do you know which one would be best?

Thanks.

That decathlon one is pretty great looking I have a classic Barbour and a mountain warehouse black softshell for running so sadly not in the market any more but thats really pretty and classic looking

GoingRogue mine is EU 42 and it also says 96 - 99cm on the label, whether that is the chest measurement, I don't know (I don't own a tape measure). The hood is fixed.

Ah thanks. I'm really torn between a 12 (42) and a 14 (44) as I'm quite broad and a 34" chest. Think the size 14 will be safer, and know it has little toggles to cinch the waist in if it's a bit big, but then worry the sleeves will be too long...decisions decisions ! (It's free delivery but looks like I'd pay for returns).