Most reliable brands for waterproof parkas?

[LaDameAuxLicornes]

Looking to replace my old Jaeger parka which is no longer waterproof after 2 or 3 years. It's been pretty good so I would replace with another Jaeger, but they only seem to have jacket length (just below the bum) or quite long (below knee). I'm looking for something mid-length.

Currently eyeing a heavily reduced Betty Barclay one, but have no idea whether that brand has a good reputation for staying waterproof or not. Anyone tried them? Or recommendations for others brands? I've vaguely heard good things about Didriksons, Ilse Jacobsen, Barbour...

What sort of fabric is it? Unless it's literally a plastic or rubber mac (which obviously it won't be!) then it probably had some kind of coating to help the waterproofness - a 'durable water repellent' (DWR coating).

This will have worn off from use/washing/dry cleaning. You can re-proof it - if it's washable there are wash-in ones, or you can get spray on ones. It's not like a wax and will be invisible when it's dry.

By all means buy a new one, but my point is that most of them will work like this, so they will all lose waterproofness over time.

I did wash it with that NikWax TechWash stuff (the one you put in the machine) and that seemed to help for a little bit, but it went back to being non-waterproof pretty quickly, unfortunately. Do you think there is anything else I can do?

I’ve got a mountain warehouse one. It’s not fancy looking or anything. But it’s warm and completely waterproof.

I have a Didriksons “Elly” which I have apparently had since 2011 and it’s still waterproof as far as I know. I have washed it but have never re-waterproofed it (I wonder if I should... 🤔)

I have a Protected Species mac, it's mid length, above my knee. Waterproofing looks excellent. The hood is big though, and the lining is serviceable but uninspiring.

I've read that a warm iron (with a cloth on the coat fabric, perhaps) helps to reactivate waterproofing. Worth a go?

And to 'bargain brag' for just a moment, I picked up a Didriksons parka for £39 on TK Maxx yesterday. Absolutely perfect, all labels intact. I fair sprinted to the till, I can tell you!

Do you think there is anything else I can do?

I found the spray one more effective than the wash (for ski stuff, so it needed to be!).

SoupDragon I wouldn’t bother if it’s still working!

Thanks for all the recommendations.

witchmountain, was it this spray that you used?

Different brand (bought in France, can’t remember the name) but it was that kind of thing.

My winter coat is from Lands End and is still waterproof after maybe at least 6 winters. Warm and cosy too.

Didriksons. I've had mine around 4/5 years....it washes well and dries quickly. Was pricey but worth every pound, keep me toasty standing outside at work in all weathers.

I have a Lands End winter parka which is extremely cosy and waterproof. It's not the most stylish but it is just what I need for cold, wet, wintery walks.

Love my Joules coat.

Tumble drying helps prolong the waterproof wash in stuff

Didriksons, hands down. I need to re-proof mine but it's amazing, it's like wearing a duvet.

This is really helpful! Thanks, all.