The ultimate winter coat

[AnnieJ1985]

I reckon I could be looking for the moon on a stick. Recently moved house so my workplace is now a 15 mins walk from home, and I need a coat for the winter. Here is my wish-list

• waterproof, but not plasticky
• not too heavy/warm (so I don't land into office sweating buckets) on colder days I can throw on an extra layer under it
• below the knee
• prefer zip-up to buttons
• hood
• pockets
• I am open to any colour
• size 18
• would love something slim fitting, with a bit of shape to it (obvs I am not slim myself)
• budget around £150

Any suggestions/reviews would be lovely!

The price was definitely an added bonus! It is warm, but hopefully not too stuffy.

I really like the North Face one you ordered, I just had a nosey at it.

Thanks, I'm only 5'1 so I can look like a marquee in some coats if they're too puffy. This one looks like it won't make me look like I'm as wide as I'm tall! (I HOPE) If it's waterproof, warm and doesn't make me look enormous I will wear it every day for 8 winters. I had a merrill coat that long until the zip broke.

8 winters is a great endorsement for any coat... as my mam would say "it didn't owe you anything by that stage"

I can confirm that the new coat is cosy without being restrictive on the stroll to work!

@AnnieJ1985 how does the sizing come up on the North Face one? It looks simple and very warm

@LightOfAThousandStars

The one I got isn't from the North Face, I haven't tried any of them on. It is WiserOwl who has one ordered

Ah thanks sorry I mixed them up

[quote LightOfAThousandStars]@AnnieJ1985 how does the sizing come up on the North Face one? It looks simple and very warm[/quote]
I will let you know. Im size 8 to 10 on top but i have a medium thermonall and i can zip it up but if i put on a few pounds it'd be touch and go there so i am afraid of north face sizing. I ordered the medium. I am hoping i wont have to sen it back. Such a palavar!

@AnnieJ1985

8 winters is a great endorsement for any coat... as my mam would say "it didn't owe you anything by that stage"

Yeh i tried to buy the same merrill coat again but i dont think merrill do womens coats anymore. Or i couldnt find a similar one anyway!

@WiserOwl thanks so much. Yeah I am 10-12 so thinking of ordering a Large. This looks less bulky than their Arctic Parka so hopefully it's the one

Yeh the arctic parrka looks too puffy imo, but according to the details on the north face site, the down fill is the same, 550 in both arctic and brooklyn. Here's hoping it's as warm.
Dont recall ever thinking "this coat is too warm" !!

I cant wait for it to arrive. I'll update you on sizing.

@LightOfAThousandStars
Well, it arrived and I can zip it up. Not sure I could put another layer underneath, not if it was thick.

On the plus size I would say it's very warm. I like the length. The hood is very cosy . It does seem like it would keep you very warm and dry.

It makes me look big around the shoulders I think so I wouldnt consider sending it back to get size large.

Id advise trying it on in a shop. Ill take a picture now so you can see what i mean about the shoulders.

Maybe i should send it back.... but warmth was my number 1 priority.

Well here it is. I must see if my thin thermoball fits under it. That would be so hot id pass out but i would l8ke to know i could layer

Oh! I have another coat on under it now! A thin NF thermoball coat.

I feel a lot happier about this.

@WiserOwl thanks so much for the update and photos, it looks really great on! I like the length as well, not too long but enough to cover you from the rain. I will see if I can try it on on the store like you say that might be the best option to get a good fit.

You're welcome! I passing out here. Ill have to take my coats off.

Im sitting outside a cafe with a coffee waiting for friend and i would be miserable if i werent wearing this coat. Should have bought it 30 years ago.

Still wish i could sit inside though!

@WiserOwl great to hear the coat is a success! North Face is great quality and should last you a long time.

Just catching up, glad the new coat is a success @WiserOwl - it looks great!

Mine is holding up well against cold and rain, without being stuffy. I still wish it was a bit longer, but can live with it!