Raincoat - which would you choose?

[HowToTeach]

Vaude or North Face

To wear around town, to the shops, Dc activities etc. Age 45, wear jeans and a jumper pretty much all the time.
What's the quality and sizing like, any one know? I've never bought anything from Vaude.

The north face one looks like it has more shape so could be more flattering.

I’m not keen on the beige so will vote North Face.

I prefer the vaude but in the black or navy.

I was looking for raincoats and liked this one
but a bit pricier. Not sure it it is worth it but this brand seems popular on mumsnet.

It may be worth looking at Patagoina too - they used to do a very similar (and extremely flattering) raincoat in this sort of style/length.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/blocktech-coat-460906.html

I've just bought one of these and love it, it looks nicer on than in the photo.

I like them both, and like the lighter coloured Vaude. Everyone wears black, and if the jacket will be for spring, then a lighter colour is nice.

I'm not keen on the beige unless you have quite bright colouring or dark hair/tanned but both are equally nice i'd say.

Vaude is a good quality brand, I would trust the waterproofness more of the vaude. It's very outdoorsy

I’ve not heard of Vaude, but really like the raincoat in your link-only the black though.

I have that north face jacket and love it - I have both the insulated and non insulated version as I love it so much!

I wouldn't call either a raincoat. They are parkas. #missespointofthread

They’re neither of them really going to keep you that warm or dry. I bought this one recently, it’s really lovely. I bought mine at Wadswick so quite country store sort of place, they know how to stay dry!!: https://www.lemieux.com/new-in/adour-collection/lena-puffer-jacket-black
the other one I have is a taped seam Ilse Jakobsen one, so so dry. I also had an amazing lululemon thin one years ago which always kept me super dry, not warm tho.

I’d say they are anoraks

I have this jacket by Tog24 but in navy. It is very waterproof but isn’t warm…but that’s what I wanted for dog walking, as I often get too hot (I’m a fast walker! 🤣) I just adjust the number of under layers according to the weather, or upgrade to my padded long coat if it’s really cold.

https://www.tog24.com/collections/all/products/glasson-womens-waterproof-jacket-faded-pink#

I would choose a raincoat, not a jacket. Your legs get soaking wet if it's properly raining.

The Uniqlo one is not waterproof for what it’s worth, and the bar to call something waterproof in the UK legally is so low, if you sat in a puddle on the fabric, you’d get a wet bum. So if they can’t even call it waterproof… it’s really not.

The Vaude is a laminate which should be more durable than the TNF that just looks to be a DWR coating + seam sealed. Neither are warm at all. Vaude is a decent outdoor brand. Tog24 is not and most of their “waterproof” stuff will be at the legal minimum.

I have this https://www.didriksons.com/en/women/jackets/autumn-jackets/helle-women-s-parka-5-504301-300 which I bought second hand and it’s both warm and water proof. It’s a really nice shape too and I am so glad that I found it.

I'm not after something warm, I want something to keep me dry.

@MsFogi wouldn't touch Patagonia with a barge pole! Have a 2 part winter coat from them. First time I washed it, following the instructions to the letter, the outer layer shrunk, the lining did not. Neither did the inner coat. After 4 years, the lining of the inner coat is almost worn through. Not happy!

Still dithering!

If that's the sort of thing you want, M&S had something similar, and it looked nice for £69.50. New in but only in navy.

Have you looked at the technical spec in terms of how waterproof they both are? And what pockets etc they have, is the hood adjustable, that kind of thing? I like the look of the first one better, but there isn't much in it looks wise so I'd be looking at the 'extras'.
As PP have said, now all jackets are waterproof as I would define it (having to spend a lot of time outdoors) despite claims that they are. I always check the technical info now, and if there isn't any I assume it's not really waterproof. Sometimes it takes a bit of digging to find

I prefer the Vaude but in the black or navy. North Face is a bit 'jd sports'

Shop Women's Waterproof Coats & Rain Jackets For Sale | GO (gooutdoors.co.uk)

I agree, look for the technical specs. I have 3 jackets / coats and despite all being called 'waterproof' they vary a lot from definitely only able to handle a light shower compared to another that is up for a full on downpour. This is a useful explanation.
https://www.snowandrock.com/expert-advice-and-inspiration/buying-guides/Waterproof-ratings-and-breathability-explained.html

Really wish people would post photos not links as else this stuff comes up as ads forever in my phone

I've got a few lightweight coats and jackets here

www.protected-species.com

I like the blue north face one. I got a fantastic tresspass one on m&m direct about 8 years ago and it's still going strong! It's fairly thick compared to the cheap ones you pick up in the supermarket/ primark but not warm. So can layer in winter and and just wear in summer