Help a Hapless Husband......

[pugwash4x4]

Dear Mumsnetters,

Please help,

My lovely other half needs a new coat for Chrimbo and I would very much appreciate some tips on sartorial elegence from the mumsnet community.

Mrs P walks the kids to school every morning across fields and needs something beautiful and classy to make her feel good on a cold and dank morning.

It must be absolutely waterproof, windproof and warm, but also be flattering and comfy. It cannot be waxed, or a parka.

I have the sartorial elegance of a blind mole rate, and even less knowledge of ladies fashion brands.

I'm happy to spend what i consider an obscene amount of money for something that will last a good few years.

Where should i look? nothing on the high street works - either it looks good and isn't waterproof, or its waterproof and looks rubbish (or looks like shes going mountaineering- we already have a tonne of goretex for walking....)

If it helps, shes size 10-12, 5'8 an a very hard working SuperMum who deserves something nice after a good few years of tightened belts.

Thank you in advance, and please be nice :D

Ok, I would go scandi brands isle Jacobsen or didrikson I have fab didrikson still going 6 years later.

www.didriksons.com/en/women
www.ilsejacobsen.com/gb/en/outerwear/rainwear/

Agree that 90% of waterproofs are either Mountain Warehouse-esque, down or parkas so it's a hard task!

I like this one. www.asos.com/barbour/barbour-international-zone-waterproof-parka-jacket/prd/13401831?affid=24936&_cclid=Google_CjwKCAiAzuPuBRAIEiwAkkmOSI1QmWuadfZlqJ1gPRWkycnFEXeKh1B6FZSwnRdzQLMQG7LDObM5mBoCgk4QAvD_BwE&channelref=product+search&mk=abc&ppcadref=6676707548|78848178443|aud-787965225535:pla-294682000766&gclid=CjwKCAiAzuPuBRAIEiwAkkmOSI1QmWuadfZlqJ1gPRWkycnFEXeKh1B6FZSwnRdzQLMQG7LDObM5mBoCgk4QAvD_BwE

Would it be worth buying two coats for £150ish (lots of Black Friday sales on now).

I have a Rab long down coat and it’s absolutely amazing on cold days and good in drizzle - hydrophobic not waterproof.

I also have a Berghaus waterproof which isn’t v stylish but great for hiking.

And finally a ten-year-old but still LOVELY looking wool coat. Useless in rain but stylish and warm.

I think your DW needs a warm and waterproof one (functional), and a stylish wool one.

Rab long down jacket:

rab.equipment/uk/women-s-deep-cover-parka

I feel a bit like the boiler we had in the 80s but it’s so warm.

Cheaper here:

www.blackleaf.com/Rab-Deep-Cover-Parka-Ladies-Down-Jacket/bl3355350.htm

Didriksons make beautiful hard wearing hard working coats.
Another great Scandinavian brand is Bergans. Some brighter ones too and made properly for wicked weather.

I would buy her two coats for different weather.

North face for warm cold days. I live in mine.

Then go for a stylish waterproof for the heavy rain days.

I would second the Ilse Jacobson suggestion. Think they're very stylish.

If my husband wanted to get me a perfect coat (instead of just muttering about how I've got too many coats already) then I'd ask for this.... but it's a parka, and I really don't need another coat

It really depends on her personal style. I wouldn't spend that much money without asking in a bit more detail what she wants.

https://lifesbetteroutdoors.co.uk/products/patagonia-womens-insulted-prairie-dawn-parka?variant=31249248550957&utmmedium=cpc&utmmsource=google&utmcampaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAzuPuBRAIEiwAkkmOSNTCkw4T5KFhddWQX5ONq7kaFVMlLOzMXwZluFZxnzHHMcLer9XCqRoCs2EQAvDDBwE

I have this which I think fits the bill. It isn't waxed and is waterproof.

Lots of practical pockets, a hood and has adjustable tabs so it can be made to look more fitted.

I always get compliments on it when I wear it.

@Redpandafluff
What coat woukd uou recomnend ?
You sound like you kniw your stuff.

The NetaPorter Max Mara one seems to fit the bill in everything but price.
Waterproof and smartish.
But the price - £810

I love a fur hood but if waterproofing is such a 'need' don't go for a fur trim. It gets soggy and cold quickly.

A waterproof trench, OP? www.google.com/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/womens-jackets/best-trench-coats-women-10073321.html%3famp

I personally like the Barbour coats but all of the ones linked to are what I would classify as parkas.

I second the suggestion to get her two coats, spending at the top of your budget for each one.

Definitely a Barbour - not a waxed one, they do nice jackets that are warm and waterproof.

I like Barbour above all for waterproofing, but they are not warm, unless you buy the ones with an inner fleece removable lining. I suspect north face are cooler, as my kids like them.

Take her shopping to choose her own coat. My advice.

Most of us have very subjective taste, as I’m sure you do yourself, so the chances of getting it right are scant. One of two scenarios are are inevitable:

1. She ends up wearing a very expensive coat she doesn’t like all that much for years to spare your feelings.
2. She tells you she doesn’t like it and you’re crestfallen when your gesture fails to hit the mark.

Save yourself all the awkwardness by making it a joint venture...she picks, you pay.

You can buy her something else to unwrap as a surprise.

Just to say that I never buy anyone clothes or jewellery as gifts unless there is a specific item that has been highlighted for desire. No one ever manages to get it exactly right for me so I assume the same is true in reverse. I’ve received jewellery for example, that might be considered as ‘in the ball park’ of what I might like...but it’s always a no goal score and will sit in a box unworn forever. Waste of time and money.

Try Rains? If you do go for protected species as someone mentioned upthread mumsnet often has quite big discounts for them. Their standard coats are not warm at all, but they have some winter ones now.

I agree with Pictish.
My dh isn't blessed with the best taste ( except in his choice of wife of course )
and I would really like to be there if he was buying me a coat I would be wearing every day and he intended spending a large amount of money on.

I second Seasalt. Just make sure it's a waterproof one. They are great.

TOG 24 - dark green, down coat with fur trimmed hood. £80 Debenhams. V warm, comfortable, always get good comments, waterproof and machine washable - unbotton the fur trim from the hood!

What about this https://www.fjallraven.co.uk/fjallraven-womens-greenland-winter-parka-w-dusk-f89738/ it's called a parker but it doesn't look too much parkerish.