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Original poster

What kind of spring coat?

29 replies

Frequentflier · 01/04/2021 09:23

Please bear with me, I know I ask a lot of stupid questions on here but as I keep repeating, I am new to the UK and the no of coats I need is bewildering. I thought I had enough coats, but lately its been very hot in London, but also occ rainy and windy. I walk daily for hours by the Thames and in parks and hate umbrellas, so I guess I need a light, non-insulated raincoat? But they are all so ugly. Also, a lot of the trenches or macs I like do not have hoods. Why? Like this one. How are they rainproof then? www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-easy-mac-stone/p5379958?selectedSize=12&tmcampid=81&s_emcid=JLE1799_EMWBIS_Back_W_EMWBIS_ItsBack_20210331&s_emlid=EMWBIS_ITSBACK&utm_source=sfmc&utm_term=MOD11_IMAGE_01&utm_content=23018&utm_id=b6833097-c96a-4add-b4fb-cc111fee47e5&sfmc_id=179591622&sfmc_activityid=793e55fb-07e5-4c22-a89f-e5285a37d2b8&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JLE1799%20-%20EMWBIS%202%20Its%20Back%20JB%20v2

OP posts:
Catslovepies · 01/04/2021 13:04

I don't buy coats or jackets without hoods for exactly the reason you state. However I'm more interested in practicality than fashion. You might do well with a light mac that has a hood that zips away when not in use?

Oneeyeopen · 01/04/2021 13:09

Mountain warehouse do a 3 in 1 jacket.
www.mountainwarehouse.com/thunderstorm-3-in-1-womens-jacket-p28353.aspx/
Comes in different colours.
You can just wear the coat in warm weather and add the inside jacket when cold.

bootlebum · 01/04/2021 13:12

I have that mac!

But I don't mind carrying an umbrella.

I am quite into coats and a life long Brit obsessed with weather but also quite minimalist so this is what I have:

1x Mac with v light padded layer that I can wear underneath or not. Smartish.
1x Parka with hood for park walks etc. Sort of trendy not that smart
1x hooded blocktech parka for sport
1x wool tailored coat v smart
1x hooded puffer for v cold days

And that does me. Does look rather a lot written down though....

TheBullfinch · 01/04/2021 13:13

How about this:

www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/blazers/product.oversized-double-breasted-padded-shoulder-blazer-pink.0921969001.html

Grin

I honestly dont know what's worse, the fact that it looks like it does or the fact that it's £130 for recycled polyester.

What kind of spring coat?
AnotherEmma · 01/04/2021 13:17

Seasalt do lightweight raincoats with hoods that are not too ugly
www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/waterproof-jackets-raincoats/lightweight-coat

People often recommend Protected Species on here, too.

AnotherEmma · 01/04/2021 13:18

www.protected-species.com/shop/

Original poster
Frequentflier · 01/04/2021 13:29

Sorry, I should have said I don't think my budget can stretch to Protected Species and Barbour. I am buying so much at a time! I think I expected two coats to do everything which they clearly can't.But I found this which I think is quite nice? www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-rain-mac/khaki/p5391901?size=12#product

OP posts:
bootlebum · 01/04/2021 13:31

Very nice! Looks ideal.

Original poster
Frequentflier · 01/04/2021 13:38

I also quite like this but sold out in my size. I wish online shops chose ordinary looking models in their late 40s.:) www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-hooded-car-coat/p/clp60371234?image=SD_01_T59_1935_RI_X_EC_90&color=LIGHTBUFF&prevPage=srp

OP posts:
doorornottodoor · 01/04/2021 13:55

Looks great. Another tip for when it’s a bit chilly, is to wear one of the Uniqlo gilets underneath. Here www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/outerwear/down-coats-jackets-vests/ultra-light-down-vests?quickView=419778

It can be folded down inside to make a v neck. It allows me to wear my waterproof (similar to your Jl one) when it’s a bit colder.

onlyconnect · 01/04/2021 13:58

I don't like hoods and prefer a woolly hat for rain. You can get a thin one for spring. I love the JL coat you linked.

Original poster
Frequentflier · 01/04/2021 15:15

Thanks for the endorsements. I am uncertain of my fashion sense sometimes, but I do know I do not want that one you posted @TheBullfinch. Gosh! I Iike very simple classic stuff that doesn't date.

Did I mention that I am also perimenopausal so my body temperature is all over the place? Wooly hat might be an idea but also might overheat.

OP posts:
doorornottodoor · 01/04/2021 16:05

If you get a slim beanie type of hat in merino wool then you can pop it in a pocket if you get too hot?

doorornottodoor · 01/04/2021 16:06

Also whilst I love a Pom Pom hat, they’re not great under hoods. You look like an extra from Star Trek 😁

doorornottodoor · 01/04/2021 16:09

Something like this that is breathable snd just pops in a pocket
www.icebreaker.com/en-gb/womens-hats-neckwear/realfleece-merino-sierra-beanie-/100750.html?dwvar_100750_color=013

Original poster
Frequentflier · 02/04/2021 08:25

@bootlebum One last question: would you say the JL mac is rainproof? at least for light rain? or more of a fashion item?

Thanks for the hat advice. @doorornottodoor. I might give up my love of hoods.

OP posts:
bootlebum · 02/04/2021 08:51

Not waterproof really. Think of it more as a windbreaker - extra layer...

Pinkraven · 02/04/2021 09:08

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-blocktech-hooded-coat-424579.html

Uniqlo's blocktech series is brilliant - bought versions for my teens to wear over their blazers - simple unfussy cut, it has a slight stretch so it's comfortable to wear and doesn't crease so shoving it in a bag doesn't seem to damage it too badly.

doorornottodoor · 02/04/2021 10:35

[quote Frequentflier]@bootlebum One last question: would you say the JL mac is rainproof? at least for light rain? or more of a fashion item?

Thanks for the hat advice. @doorornottodoor. I might give up my love of hoods.[/quote]
I wouldn’t give up the hood personally, not in the UK. I’m in Scotland and no way would I have a coat without a hood. The beanie is quite handy as an extra layer fit warm the but it won’t keep you dry if you’re out in the rain for longer than about 5 minutes!

My most useful coat is a Barbour similar to the JL one you’re looking at. I wear a Uniqlo down layer under it in winter and a hat. In the spring it’s fine without. Just double check something is properly waterproof if you do a lot of walking.

Original poster
Frequentflier · 02/04/2021 11:32

I am in London though and it doesn't seem to rain for v long. Ordered the JL one and will try.

@pinkraven I am a massive Uniqo fan, but lately I have been unhappy with them. I don't know if the sizing has changed, but quite a few things dont fit and they no longer have free returns.:(

OP posts:
movingstars · 02/04/2021 11:34

If the John Lewis one doesn't work, recommend Rains - waterproof and lightweight.

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-rain-mac/khaki/p5391901?size=16?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

movingstars · 02/04/2021 11:35

Or this one

www.uk.rains.com/products/long-jacket-female

Original poster
Frequentflier · 02/04/2021 11:40

@movingstars

If the John Lewis one doesn't work, recommend Rains - waterproof and lightweight.

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  [[https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-rain-mac/khaki/p5391901?size=16?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s]]share=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

That's exactly the one I ordered:)
OP posts:
Pinkraven · 02/04/2021 12:29

I like the John Lewis one you ordered. Good colour, simple design