A genuinely waterproof, beautiful coat?

[WellIquitelikesprouts]

I live in a very wet part of the country and walk a lot, and would pay serious money for an attractive rain coat made of thin but properly waterproof fabric. For me, attractive means calf-length, kind of draped and shapely, in a charcoal or dark blue colour which wouldn't show the dirt too much, and which it is possible to put layers under - it doesn't have to be warm.
This would replace my extensive raincoat collection which includes:

• A long Barbour waxed coat which even when re-waxed and therefore dry on the inside, absorbs water and becomes exhaustingly heavy
• A horrible plastic cagoul thing which is too sweaty to wear
• A walking jacket which is breathable but which needs washing periodically, and since the second wash has become only slightly shower proof, even though i use the so-called waterproofing liquid as directed
• A stiff, uncomfortable short jacket from Seasalt in fabric which actually is waterproof but only keeps selected parts of me dry

I could go on, but any recommendations would be gratefully received.

That is completley normal for breathable waterproofs.

Protected Species are the best I've found. They use some sort of magic fabric which doesn't look or feel like it should be waterproof but it's more waterproof than my hiking jackets - they are also incredibly comfortable as the fabric stretches.

I now have three of their coats but can recommend the Odyssey as it covers a lot of surface area

I was in M&S yesterday and saw a waterproof raincoat - it came in black and also in ivory.
I thought it looked great but I’m not in the market for a new waterproof coat.
It’s the Waterproof Oversized Longline Parka @WellIquitelikesprouts
Apologies I can’t do links.

Thanks, I’ll order one at mu local store and try it on.

Well thanks to this thread I’ve just spent a fortune on a rain sisters strawberry coat, so thankyou! Finally a beautiful rain coat!

I love my Protected Species coats - really high quality and I get so many comments about it when I'm out and about.

I have the City walker, which still looks brand news after 6 years.

Thanks everyone for the fantastic suggestions, there’s such a great pool of insights here! I stumbled across this real leather hooded raincoat realleathergarments.co.uk/waterproof-hooded-raincoat-for-women/, and it looks genuinely beautiful calf-length, draped, in a deep tone, and topped off with a hood. But I couldn’t find any assurance that it’s actually waterproof.

As lovely as leather can be, unless specially treated, rain can pretty quickly saturate and damage it. For long, wet walks especially if layering is essential it may not be the most practical. It leans more toward gorgeous rather than functional in heavy rain.

Based on what I’ve read here, I'm still inclined toward brands like Protected Species, Didriksons, Rains (if you’re okay with a lighter, more plasticky feel), or even Mackintosh for style + performance. But I would absolutely consider the leather coat as a stylish option for milder, drizzly conditions if durability weren’t the top priority.
Thoughts?

Leather is gorgeous but I wouldn't wear it except in the lightest drizzle because in my experience, it will get heavy when wet and eventually look a bit tatty. The advert says it's a waterproof 'fabric' and that it's leather, and I'm not sure I would trust that without reliable customer reviews. Lovely style though.

Check put Jack Murphy. I can’t do links. Apologies

Wow, those are gorgeous.

Thanks everyone for your excellent suggestions. I had never heard of some of those brands.
As a first move I decided to try the M and S oversized long parka, which was the cheapest and probably lightest of recommendations. It has just arrived and it looks good and is genuinely waterproof and practical. But one day I will splash out on one of the designer brands.
Mumsnet at its best!

What colour did you go for @WellIquitelikesprouts?
I’m kicking myself for not buying the ivory one when M&S had 20% off two weeks ago.

I went for black to be safe. Ivory looked great but I feared it would show the dirt. I missed the discount!

I went for black to be safe. Ivory looked great but I feared it would show the dirt. I missed the discount!

The 20% off offer was on my M&S app Sparks thingy. For in store shopping only.

Would anyone have a sale access code for protected species? Lusting after their coats but just can't afford them. Thanks :)

@a1176003
I love my Protected Species coat. I am on my second as my first went missing (!). I know that was 6 years ago as it while I was having chemo. I still give people the side eye in case I spot it.
you might do better to start your own thread for more traffic.

@trumpton thanks so much for the feedback. I am new to mumsnet and though I had started a thread 🤦‍♀️🤣 but have since actually done it and there is no negative feedback. The coats seem to be excellent quality and well loved. Did you find yours true to size or oversized? I am looking at the parka and usually buy an 8/10 in coats.

Certainly true to size. Mine is a size 4 and I am 14/16. I like to wear a gillet under mine in cold weather.
They are exceptional. Mine is 6 years old and still perfect.

I came on to recommend Protected Species. Mine is gorgeous and I get a lot of compliments on it. You might get something in the sale, too.

@trumpton thanks so much. Really helpful. I will get my usual size :)

There is 20% off the coat-M&S that the OP decided to buy.
On my recommendation 😮 a rare thing 😊
20% off all coats and jackets in M&S
I’m just waiting for the shoes to have a discount- I saw a gorgeous pair there.

I have this one from Protected Species - incredibly smart and always get a lot of comments when wearing it.