Properly waterproof parka brands?

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Due to pregnancy weight gain I haven't really got a warm coat that fits well. I'd like to buy a second hand one from Vinted or charity shop without spending too much as I'm hoping to lose at least another stone in the next couple of months.

What brands should I be looking for? I've always bought fashion/high street but would rather buy something actually waterproof and warm this time. I'm too old to feel wet and cold for the sake of fashion!

Waterproofs from a charity shop can be very hit or miss as to whether previous owner has washed it in such a way to retain the waterproofing

Regatta do waterproof parkas. Mine is great.

Thanks, I wondered about Regatta, Tresspass or Mountain Warehouse. Don't think I've got anything from any of those brands so not sure.

Good point about the waterproofing... I guess if it's cheap enough I'll take my chances

Trespass and Regatta are quite reasonably priced and properly waterproof.

I would look in the sale rather than Vinted, as a PP said, waterproofing can be wrecked if not washed / cleaned properly.

I’ve got a cotton traders waterproof parka. Not hip. Not sexy. But warm and dry and a whole lot more practical than my “beautiful” coats…

Tog 24, North Face, Berghaus.

I have a waterproof but breathable long jacket from the Trespass DLX range. It's very plain which is what I wanted as I can wear it for work, as well as walking and casual events.

It's not padded so I can wear it all year round for heavy rain. If you feel the cold, you might want another layer on in winter.

Didrikson are one of the best waterproof coats I’ve had. You can also re-waterproof a coat by washing in Nikwax if you’re not certain of it’s waterproofing

I have a superdry everest (the one filled with recycled plastic bottles not down because I hate the cruelty that goes on with that) and it's so so warm and keeps me totally dry always.

Waterproofing has a life expectancy, the guarantee is usually only 2 year (dh and I used to work in outdoor retail). It can be revived with various products by Nikwax and Granger’s (from outdoor shops), but I wouldn’t rely on a second hand waterproof to be waterproof.

I reckon it's best to get a thin properly waterproof coat/jacket, sized to allow layers underneath.

Mountain warehouse are good, they have the waterproof rating on them- 10,000 is good, below that is more shower resistant. Very rarely are parkas waterproof, you are better off looking at 3 in 1 jackets. Once you have a pram you won't be able to hold an umbrella so they are invaluable!

My dog walking coat is a Lands End one. It's been washed dozens of times and still keeps me dry. It's not trendy but it is totally waterproof, windproof and guaranteed to keep me toasty in weather up to -14 🥶

I’d recommend Didricksons like a previous poster. A great warm and waterproof parka that also looks good 👍🏻

I second Didriksons. Best coat ever.

Nikwax every year on a garden chair or you will be skidding around the house for weeks

Regatta in the sale are massively discounted and have always been reliably waterproof for me. I wouldn't buy one second hand and expect it to be more than shower proof.

You can always use nikwax wash on a coat if you are unsure. Regatta have very cheap waterproof jackets in their sale online.

I'd go for a thinnish light one and wear a fleece underneath, then it will do for all seasons.

You might get lucky with a 2nd hand one but I'd try the sale sites. Go outdoors is good

semething like this

Regatta. I asked a similar question last year as I was sick to death of getting soaked every school run. Lots of recommendations but in the end I went with regatta and chose a coat that keeps you both warm and dry not just one. Its fab and hasn't once let me down

warm regatta

Didriksons are the best for parkas

Second the recommendation from a PP about Didriksons. I live in mine and am about to buy another. They don’t come cheap, although you can find them on sale/secondhand.