Non-mumsy mum coat - recommendations!

[Pigtailsandall]

I have a 15mo DC who loves roaming outdoors. My old winter coats are lovely woollen ones and not really suitable for picking up a muddy toddler!

Any recommendations for a coat for the playground and park which doesn't scream out playground mum? Going to the park is my main social event of the week so I'd still like to look nice!

Having young kids of my own I would say invest in a waterproof Parka, perfect for the park and outdoors in general. Regatta and Trespass have a few if you don't want to spend too much.

www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/waterproof-jackets-raincoats/all-rain/waterproof-cotton-a-line-westerly-raincoat-mac-bitter-cocoa-melange.htm

Ditto Seasalt. Most comfortable and waterproof/windproof rain coat I've ever had. I have the Coverack one in navy.

I wear a barbour, it can take me most places in the winter so doesn't scream Mum.

What style do you mean?

I think puffer jackets are very on-trend at the moment. I currently switch between a slim black mid-length puffer jacket from Uniqlo or else I invested in this khaki ankle-length down puffer from Arket for the freezing cold hours I spend in the playground and park with my kids.
www.arket.com/en_eur/women/jackets-coats/product.long-down-puffer-coat-black.0911176001.html

When it gets a bit warmer, I have a few coats from Zara like this

www.zara.com/ie/en/lapel-collar-coat-p05070626.html?v1=78532074&v2=1718080

that I will wear with jeans and bare ankles and a blouse or light knit jumper. They're very cheap and I don't mind if they get dirty. I keep my nicer coats for when my kids get less messy!

How about a long puffer? Agree they’re a bit more fashionable. Seasalt I’d thought might be the type you’re trying to avoid (Seasalt, Joules, Boden type raincoats/parkas seem to be the standard ‘mum’ coat...)

iets frans at urban outfitters have some puffas in pastel or bright colours

I have this one from Hobbs. Incredibly warm but still feels non frumpy

https://www.hobbs.com/product/lettie-puffer-jacket-with-hood/0220-3144-9045L00-DARK-CHARCOAL.html?foc=1380&fook=1b47766bee86a1013e4377caf110e208&fos=gplauk&foooid=3948&gclid=CjwKCAiAuoqABhAsEiwAdSkVVOZ8lRE9x3ytKy0vN1yWjBF4eajF8bKRf9JHHDUidCsYT4-EEnBExoChLIQAvDBwE

I would say a waterproof puffer coat, above the knees, black. You can wear them with leggings and boots and still be comfy and warm and stylish.

@Sasuma

How about a long puffer? Agree they’re a bit more fashionable. Seasalt I’d thought might be the type you’re trying to avoid (Seasalt, Joules, Boden type raincoats/parkas seem to be the standard ‘mum’ coat...)

Agree, I always think of mumsnet when I see them. These and cath kidson backpacks. Frequently seen around Waitrose.

It's hard to avoid looking like a mum when your at a park with a toddler .

Seriously a below hip waterproof insulated cost will last you many years of outdoor stuff including the dreaded football sidelines. Ilse Jacobsen, North Face, Merrell, Jack Wolfskin etc or Seasalt, Lands End. Cheer it up with accessories.

If something screams out playground mum there's usually a reason. You've got many years ago cold wet muddy playgrounds ahead of you. The mums who have been at the playground longer might actually be on to something.

It’s not the coat that’s the problem.
It’s what you wear with it.

Thanks all, some great suggestions here. Some kind of waterproof/ water resistant puffer is probably the best bet. I do like the Seasalt mac which @waltzingparrot linked. It looks fitted and smart.

I have a trench coat from Hobbs, I usually like their stuff and that's about as traditional as I get. I find Joules and Boden too preppy (my pre-baby favourite coat was leather jacket from All Saints). However, and this is maybe just me, I have a terrible aversion to fur-lined hoods.

Hopefully I won't have to stand in the sidelines for any sports event, I've delegated all that to DH

@hollyangel I hadn't thought of Arket but I'm browsing it now! Definitely some good ones there.

I'm sure the other mums are on to something, but there's nothing to say that your warm and waterproof (and hopefully slightly mud-proof) can't look cool either.

@Kintsugi16

It’s not the coat that’s the problem. It’s what you wear with it.

How do you mean? Winter months people will mostly see your coat and not much else. I usually wear boots in the winter and converse-type trainers in the summer, or strappy sandals when it gets very warm. With a long coat, you don't see much of the bottom half anyway

I mean the shoes, hat, scarf etc.

If the coat needs to be practical you can make your own style.

Don't forget Uniqlo, their stuff has an understated urban kind of look.

I think Jan- Mar, possibly Dec, a down filled puffa coat is best for warmth and cosy factor. Personally I prefer a slimmer look for more style), depends if where you live is v cold e.g. I had a duvet coat when I lived in Brighton for windy seafront walks.

I have the Monsoon mid length puffa coat, it has a slight sheen to the outer which I think takes it away from 'hiking coat' and is fitted (though more hiking coats are these days). Waterproof wise it will survive a light shower but a downpour - absolutely not. It flattens and gets cold and eventually (only tested once in torrential relentless rain) soaks through. It does dry out quick though. How easy is carrying an umbrella with your coat and kids? That is what I would think about. In your shoes I'd look for something with waterproof qualities to the fabric, or be sure there was a nearby cafe in case of heavy rain.

I am quite mumsy / frumpy in my tastes, and I love Seasalt, so avoid it at all costs, along with my other faves, M&S, Joules, White Stuff.

I really like the Hobbs one posted up thread. One of my other favourite shops, (which doesn't actually get called mumsy), is Cos and they do some lovely coats; they have some nice, long, duvet coats which look really warm. Maybe one of those? I just got one from Lands End and it is so cosy. Like actually wearing a duvet / sleeping bag. Try Uniqlo for the same.

Creenstone and Massimo Dutti both do good puffers.

I have a knee length craghopper coat. It is shower proof and very warm. It's a dull grey colour but I wear it with jolly hats and scarves and gloves and half a tonne of sweary badges on the front chest pockets.
Bought it in TK Maxx when i was looking for a suitcase.

I also have a north face waterproof jacket, hip length. It's warm and fully waterproof. It's not pretty but it works.

I would buy something that is warm and waterproof. The styling with hats and scarves etc will make you happy. But you will be unhappy if you aren't warm and dry.

Make sure your shoes/boots are warm too. You can spend hours in the play park if your feet are dry and warm. Seconds if they are wet and/or cold.

What's your budget? Didriksons have some fab coats.. but quite pricey.

www.next.co.uk/style/st578039/250740

This is similar to the Arket one but cheaper.. not down though. There's only select sizes left in the Khaki colour though.

www.marksandspencer.com/comfort-stretch-padded-coat/p/clp60272527?color=BLACK#&gid=1&pid=3

I have this in the Burgundy. I love it. I specifically wanted something without fur on the hood.

it will be poo-pooed though because lots on MN don't like M&S

@PositiveNegative I like that! Is it waterproof? I always feel a bit hesitant when things say water resistant rather than fully waterproof.