Help an expat make sense of winter coats/jackets?

[Frequentflier]

Hi,

I am an expat fresh off the boat from India, and need some advice on what type of winter coat I should be buying. Am all at sea! I see a lot of recommendations here, but am confused about what I actually need for London weather, and if I can get away with just one all purpose coat. My budget is about £ 120 ( low, I know, but all I can spare at the moment.) I am 5'7 and a size 12, small bust and hips, largish tummy. I'd also like to take advantage of the sales.

What I would really like is something elegant like this www.zara.com/uk/en/wool-blend-coat-with-belt-p08412744.html?v1=80964550&v2=1549217. But everyone out and about seems to be wearing something padded and quilted to keep the rain out like this www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-ultra-light-down-hooded-coat-419852.html?dwvar_419852_color=COL09&dwvar_419852_size=SMA002&cgid=IDouterwear1612a ? Is there a compromise: something not too Michelin man and yet rainproof, warm and with a hood?

I realise this is a very basic question, but those who wear elegant winter coats that are not completely waterproof, do you also wear a rainjacket over it? Currently am working from home, and only getting out to go to the park, so I guess I should not be looking for "elegant". The usual type of puffer jacket does make me look like a python post meal, though!

Also, is water repellent good enough for London?

OP - you're gonna have to try some on!

My Indian SIL made the observation last winter (her first European winter) that when she bought a long coat she was much warmer than in her shorter (more padded) one. I had never thought like that, but all my winter coats as a child were long, so definitely go for knee length for warmth.
Uniqlo will be nice and warm, as will that Zara one (it’s very similar to the one she bought). I can also highly recommend the danish brand Rains, but they’re a very different style.

Yes longer length ones are definitely warmer and much better to have ok in the rain as well.

[quote Cantreasonwithunreasonable]I bought this one from Mountain Warehouse, called Snow globe.
It's the best coat I've ever had.
www.mountainwarehouse.com/snowglobe-womens-padded-jacket-p20394.aspx/[/quote]
@Cantreasonwithunreasonable, please can you let me know more about the fit and sizing for this jacket? What are the positives/negatives? Thanks, very appreciated!

This one looks very warm (and is cheaper).

www.mountainwarehouse.com/isla-ii-womens-down-jacket-p16835.aspx/Black/?rrec=true

@Thighdentitycrisis can you please tell me if the Mountain Warehouse Frosty jacket is true to size?

I have a padded Patagonia coat, to just above my knees. On very cold days I put a Uniqlo jacket or gilet underneath. These are also good for casual wear on mild days. On freezing snow days I have a very heavy padded coat from Next. Only comes out once or twice a year so I could clearly live without it. On smart days I have a black single breasted coat from Zara. On days with torrential rain I have knee length roomy raincoat. Roomy so I can wear Uniqlo jacket or gilet underneath if it's cold. For me, layering works best. I'd love one coat to suit every occasion but I don't think that's possible. If I were you I'd start out with one warm puffer coat and one smart coat. And assess your needs from there (every time you go to wardrobe and wish you had X, remember that moment, if it happens a lot then it's probably worth the investment).

@LightOfAThousandStars

I would say yes

Sea salt have a great collection, warm or unlined. They’re waterproof too. Look at Uniqlo for their Heatech thermal range - lightweight , great colours and go under anything.

I am also an expat and recommend a waterproof rather than water resistant coat. You will want a light waterproof jacket for spring, summer and autumn and a waterproof coat for winter. Outdoor research make lightweight goretex jackets which don’t take up too much space for when it may or may not rain.
I went with a Columbia interchange jacket from the ski and snowboarding section. You can wear just the inner layer in the autumn and spring when it’s dry and chilly or just the outer layer of it when it’s rainy. You can wear both layers when it is cold and rainy.
So far mine has lasted 4 years.
Buy Nikwax tech wash to wash your waterproof coat because normal laundry detergents reduce the waterproofing.

Hope you find something comfortable to keep you cosy and dry this winter.

Welcome to London

www.landsend.co.uk/Womens_Ultra_Light_Packable_Down_Coat/pp/P_41663.html?dwvar_P__41663_color=%20TAO

I'd recommend having a look at Jack-wolfskin. Their coats are not very padded or puffy so dont add extra weight but are extremely well made and keep you warm

Thanks for all the replies with new suggestions. I had ordered a Trespass jacket two weeks ago. Unfortunately, it's gone missing in the mail. Royal Mail says it delivered this on Nov 12th, but I did not receive it. Been home all day on the date of delivery. Not been collected by a neighbour.

Trying to contact Royal Mail but it is just such a pain! Am I right in assuming that if I did not receive it, Trespass needs to refund my money? I think the postman has run off with it.

Yeah of course they do.

@ChaBishkoot thanks! Unfamiliar with the system here. In other countries I woukd have to follow up with Royal Mail. I liked the Isla coat you posted too.

Update, if anyone is still interested:) I have finally received my Trespass parka; was worth the wait. Fits beautifully and seems v warm and with lots of handy pockets, so am keeping it. A lot more fitted than other parkas. www.trespass.com/faithful-womens-parka-jacket#color_code=Navy

I also received the Uniqlo hybrid down, which is lovely as well- v sleek and Scandi- but I ordered a Large, which is way too large for me. And now they do not have stock in a Medium. Doesn't seem as warm as the Trespass anyway, so am sending it back. Would probably be good for a less outdoor winter. ://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-hybrid-down-hooded-coat-429461.html

I'm glad your coat arrived and you are happy with it! I am tempted to get one, myself!

Glad to hear the Trespass one was good, it looks just like a normal parka too!