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

Look at Berghaus . Lovely stylish tailored jackets. Waterproof, windproof, warm without looking like wearing a duvet. Hoods generally can be removed. Would love one but a tad too expensive for me. Good Luck with your search.

Barbour. Always! Not all are waxed.
Last a lifetime and improve style status with age.

If I had the budget I would buy a mackage coat

Like @Hettie I would recommend Didrikson. They are a scandi brand so tick the waterproof & warm boxes, and there are loads of different styles. (Even the ones with Parka in the name don’t all look like parkas to me!)

Worth looking at the outdoor shops like Cotswolds and Go Outdoors for properly waterproof rather than shower proof jackets. Some nice ones about from Merrell, Jack Wolfskin, etc. Or something mid-range like this www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/columbia-womens-autumn-rise-mid-jacket-A4115951.html?colour=124

I have just bought a Rains coat (after sending a Uniqlo one back).
It is the coat of dreams. A rare combination of warm and fully waterproof. It’s a puffer jacket though I think they do other styles. I bought a silvery grey one and absolutely love it. Dog walks, school run, kids outdoor sporting events etc. It’s stylish as puffer jackets are in fashion but might not be the style for her if she wants something slimmer looking. It’s bang on your budget though.

I also spent time looking at the Barbour coats and nearly bought one of them. Also Protected Species are good for waterproof but are they warm? So hard to get both!!

I love the designs and detailing on this German Brand - Fuchs Schmitt

www.peterhahn.co.uk/search.php?query=Fuchs+Schmitt

Alas I can only get mine at T K Maxx....(at their much reduced prices)

Try Didriksons or other Scandinavian brands, or Arc’Teryx. All have a good understanding of the need for warm and waterproof and have some nice, stylish options as well as parkas!

How about the north face Suzanne? It's a 3 in 1 type with a long down inner and properly waterproof outer. I find mine quite versatile. I think it's quite elegant with subtle badging for a proper outdoors brand.

I find Seasalt coats warm , light and waterproof. I wash mine with Nikwax about once a year to make sure it stays waterproof, and it does. It's pretty wet where I live , but I stay dry.

Another vote for Protected Species with something warm underneath. I have the Mac and the Parka and my mum had the Commuter and they're all stunning and feel just beautiful and such good quality. Also this way it'll do all year round for rain (I got a lot of use out of mine in autumn).

My friend has an Ilse Jacobsen one which looks very smart.

I agree you may be better off getting her to choose/try on though, as it's hard to get right and a coat that is lovely on one person may look awful on someone else who's differently shaped or has different colouring (and vice versa). Also she may have some specific requirements ("pockets just there" or something) that you don't know about!

I own this it is new, glorious and completely waterproof warm etc
It looks stylish and plain in an expensive way, it is perfect.

You should buy this

I really like the Bjerke 3in1 on the Bergans link that PP posted.

Makes a nice change from all the down coats. Nice semi-tailored shape. Available in colours that aren't black or grey.

Unfortunately v expensive

I'm 5'8" and have bought this in a 10. It's warm and waterproof and much nicer on than the picture. It comes down to my knees. It's not like a parka and you can pull the waist in to give it a bit of shape
www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/clothing/jackets-coats/plant-hunter-quilted-waterproof-raincoat-running-stitch-fathom.htm
My other fabulous completely waterproof and windproof coat is from Protected Species. Lightweight but could easily be combined with a gilet on colder days www.protected-species.com/our-products/waterproof-mac/?gclid=CjwKCAiArJjvBRACEiwA-WiqqwsU4c-h2Ivn1tgdVLzt3SotH7fc0voo0Fg74f3auB5214a56Md4QBoC2zQQAvD_BwE

Woolrich Arctic with no fur , so beautiful, flattering and v.warm

You're not going to find anything waterproof AND warm that isn't a parka. Your best bet in that case is finding something waterproof and a matching liner for warmth.

That said, personally I don't know exactly where the line between parka and not-parka goes. You might need to fish more and give examples of things she hates and things she loves so we can find the happy medium.

I'd echo suggestions of looking at Didriksons as a brand, also www.arket.com (their 2-1 series maybe). www.cosstores.com/ have some down coats that are showerproof, whatever that means.