I don't like my Seasalt Janelle

[FanGirlX]

I know it's a Mumsnet favourite but mine arrived yesterday and I really don't like it. Going to send it back. Any ideas on something practical but not as frumpy?

Sorry forget planter it's plant hunter!
Really nice, wind and rain proof and warm enough in the SE winters

I bought a seasalt coat, probably the janell, i can't recall. I keep it for dog walks. But it's not warm enough for winter or lightweight enough for spring. And it feels plastic-y. So it gets limited use.

Plant Hunter can be made warmer with a thin down jacket underneath (the sort that packs in a bag) - that works well for me, gives options. Not my most fashionable coat, but looks pulled together and is blissfully waterproof.

the warmest coat for harsh northern conditions was didriksons.

These kinds of parka coats are all ugly though, not matter how practical. They flatter nobody, so it isnt personal

I also dont like fur lined coats or hoods, they remind me of vicky pollard. Same thing happened to those chullo (?) type hats with ear flaps, once the choice of ozric tentacle, university hippy types, taken over by snot-nosed, city centre scallies.

Gets frumpy anorak and leaves thread for being unpolitically correct....

I look like a sack of spuds in the plant hunter.

I love the Janelle. I'm very pear shaped so the longer length avoids me being cut off at my widest as with most other raincoats. Also -the tall version is the only proper coat I've ever had where the waist actually sits at my waist, and the arms are long enough. Though I'm not actually that tall -5'7.5".

I love my Seasalt Janelle too.

I am 5' 6" and a small size 10. I love the length and the fact it is waterproof, not just showerproof. I do wear several layers underneath in very cold weather though.

I love mine - I now have 2, one for walking the dog and one for ‘best’. It’s the only coat that has fit me properly (have the tall version) and it keeps me warm and dry. I have going out coats but unless it’s somewhere special I wear my Janelle

I love mine but inly for dog walking or the school run. I don't think mine looks frumpy at all but i suppose it depends what you wear it with?

playground duty in the rain

If you haven't done this you probably don't really know why you need a Janelle. Such big pocketsez for all the crap they find and ask you to hold. The peak on the hood keeps the rain out of your eyes while you glare at the kid who has just picked up the football.

I had a Janelle a couple of years ago and loved it. It is genuinely water and wind proof and also lovely and warm. I think the long length and dipped hem means it isn’t frumpy, but I suppose that depends on the wearer’s height. Anyway, I lost a lot of weight, sold it and bought another Janelle. I don’t think I look frumpy in it, but I wouldn’t wear it to go some wear nice.

Didricksons - wonderful but not cheap; they last for years, however. But choose your style carefully if petite; they are designed for Scandinavians, who are often tall.
Lands End - also frumpy most of the time and mad pattern/colour combinations but if you can get a plain colour they are usually well made. Their padded 'stadium' Squall coats have coped well with cold NW Scottish rain and snow.
Rohan - frumptastic AND pricy but very good quality and will last and last. Sign up for emails and get regular special offers - really good. Also have excellent scheme for recycling no longer wanted outdoor stuff to help youngsters from deprived circumstances get out and about and enjoy adventures outdoors.
Mountain Warehouse - cheap but not at all bad for the price. Have not tested their stuff in really wet weather, though IME it copes fine with everyday - not mountaineering - UK cold.