Honest opinions: is this coat nice?

[Opalfruitsstrawberry]

For a size 10 woman in her early thirties FWIW, thinking of the Oak colour. I keep going back and forth... I want a stylish warm raincoat - is this as good as it gets?

www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/waterproof-jackets-raincoats/all-rain/plant-hunter-quilted-waterproof-raincoat-oak.htm

[quote BorsetshireBlueBalls]@vanillandhoney
ah, good tip. So which brands do you recommend? (that are as nice-looking as Ilse - see, there was I thinking Danish meant top waterproofing - I really like that coat, would love it in the pink. But I already have sufficient waterproofing for nipping into the shops. I'd like something better than the grubby black thing I picked up in Norfolk, and I will be walking the dog, rather than yomping over Dartmoor).[/quote]
Personally for dog-walking, I wear Jack Wolfskin or Rohan - JW is probably slightly more fitted and stylish, but the Rohan is more practical.

From Rohan, I own an Ascent jacket (£195 full price but they often have sales on) for spring-autumn and a Hillside for winter. I've had both for four years, the Hillside has never been reproofed, the Ascent has been once (I just use Nikwax) and both are absolutely fine and keep me bone dry. Keep an eye on their website as there's always offers of some sort, or look in their clearance section.

Other brands to look at would be Arc'teryx, North Face and Helly Hansen. Look for a waterproof rating of over 10,000mm - as high as possible is what you want although the maximum official rating is 20k.

@BorsetshireBlueBalls if you are happy with an unlined raincoat, try Stutterheim. They are classic and stylish and certainly stand up to any kind of downpour. No zipped pockets or anything though, you’d need a proper mountain brand for that, something like a Mammut parka.

Thanks very much to both kind posters for your advice. If I am not dry this winter, it will be my own fault.

I ordered the charcoal one and had to send back.

It was LOVELY, and wish I could have kept it. However I was too short for it. If you are taller than 5'2 it would be great.

Seasalt coats are not 'trendy' but they wear well, are cut well, and really nicely made in my opinion.

I bought one in a teal colour last winter. Bloody love it. Not frumpy. Warm, waterproof, long. Size down. I think it’s nicer on than the photo.

Yes, yes, yes. I have one in blue. Dont care what I look like, on a cold day with knee high boots I'm so cosy, therefore happy.

Very mumsy. I’m a 36 year old mum and I wouldn’t wear it. It’s practically but definitely not stylish.

I have the charcoal one. I must’ve had it for 6 years + and it’s still waterproof. It’s a brilliant coat.

I have one, it’s genuinely waterproof no matter how dreadful the weather, and actually looks far better on than in the pictures! It’s not a ‘going out out’ coat, it’s a practical raincoat that is also attractive and wears well.

I’m 34 and wouldn’t wear it. My mum would though, for walking the dog.

I have it ..in this colour...love it, I feel so protected, no messing about with umbrellas, and the longer length is great.

It seems too long and I don't like the bottom of it. Nice colour and seems like it'll be decent quality though.

I have a similar sea salt coat and they are fab. Completely waterproof and warm but I wear it for dog walking. They are practical but not glamourous - depends what you want it for

There's no way to have a WARM smart coat unless you wear a thermal technology coat under a smart wool coat.

I'm 40. I'd not wear it.

Warm and waterproof is often not terribly stylish...

I have a Didrikson parka (angelina I think it’s called) very warm and doesn’t let in water even in torrential rain. I chose it because I thought it looks nicer than most coats from the outdoorsy shop, has a cinch in waist, and because they Didrikson don’t use down plucked from live birds.

I do like the sea salt coat, as it would go over jeans and trainers just as well as for work. And the length is very now. Reckon it will be flattering and comes in very nice colours. Nothing you buy from a high st store will be anywhere near waterproof, although they might look nice.

I have a boden raincoat which looks nice but it is barely showerproof and leaks at the seams. ‘Superdry’ is most definitely not super dry. Depending on budget you could look at Barbour international; their coats are weather proof and stylish.

I’m in the same position as you. I’ve been searching for weeks for the same type of coat. I ordered this Seasalt coat in the navy blue but I’m not sure I like the fur inside the hood! I’m 46, a size 8, with 2 children and dress quite nicely I’d say! I’ve already returned a lovely Isle Jacobsen very tight fitting navy parka which was fab but too thin for winter. Have also returned today a Didriksons Emilia parka. Lovely navy colour but couldn’t get the zip done up, sleeves too long, gaped at the front near the bottom and couldn’t get my hands in the pockets as they were too small and high up. For £220 I was gutted as wanted to love it. Not sure whether to keep the Seasalt one in navy as I’m running out of warm, nice length, colour options! Very limited coats available. I remember searching last year too and couldn’t find anything! Annoying!

ludders how is the hood of the plant hunter. does it cover the head properly (it looks sort of small on the pics) I am after a coat with a hood that keeps my mane firmly dry and I need decent head coverage.

Yeh they are all the same!! I quite like the fjallraven kulinda but it is only a bit nicer than what's out there, ubiquitous offering from all sellers.

I quite like lulu lemon rebel rain coat and just put my own padded insulated coat under it.

I do this quite a bit with coats but you can end up looking like you have four or five coats on, like that old game of eating one chocolate with a knife n fork!
Even when you only have two coats on!

I had a very similar coat about 10 years ago when I was mid 30s and I felt frumpy then, I know practical coats aren’t high fashion but the Seasalt coat is a lot of money for frumpiness! Regatta, Trespass, Mountain Warehouse do waterproof coats for a lot less. Buy something dull but practical and under £100 and save your money for a more stylish winter coat, or boots etc.

Nothing wrong with the coat. Looks warm, good length if you’re needing to walk outside in rain/cold, good hood.

Very surprised they call that colour oak though. I used to have similar coloured coat years ago when I had my hair auburn coloured and looked good.

I. think its a bit frumpy and very long.

Are waterproof coats meant to be stylish? No.

Of all the links given on the thread, I prefer the Seasalt one. I don't think it would look good on a larger lady, but on a size 10 or 12 it will look ace.

I’ve got a Seasalt raincoat in yellow. It’s lovely but the colour shows up the marks and dirt etc. I personally don’t think the colour you’ve picked is awful and it’s perfect tone for autumn.

I also think it's a bit frumpy and rather shapeless. My mum would wear this and she's nearly 70. I prefer something belted but I'm very petite and this coat would swamp me.