K/R: black parka jacket

Mander

I've been umming and ahhing about ordering this jacket for a few months, but I happened to go into the shop the other day and they actually had them in stock so I went ahead and bought it.

What do you think? My aim was to find a jacket that doesn't look like 100% gear and can be worn with my usual casual jeans-top-boots style, but still functions as a raincoat or light jacket. This one fits the bill in that sense, but is it a keeper?

Apologies for the photos -- the battery in my good camera is dead.

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12 years ago

Shopping

5 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Anonymous

What do you think of it? Do you like it?

The only thing that gives me pause is do you have to undo the laces to get at the pockets? That would be a dealbreaker for me.

12 years ago

Archer

Veteran

I think you mean you don't want it to look like hiking gear.. I think you might have to do the equation of when and how often you want a casual coat and how much rain you have to be in. I say this presuming a new coat and umbrella are not an option because I do think this one might not meet your aim of not looking too much like gear.
PS: except for the bow, which I think are deco but agree with Ciet, it would be a deal breaker for me too.
PSS: would you like it by adding a fur collar to wrap around when its not raining?

12 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

No, they are just decorative. I would prefer it if it had slash pockets, rather than patch pockets, but I guess that must be the "thing" with this style of jacket. So far I haven't seen one anywhere that doesn't have patch pockets.

Other features: the waist has an elastic drawstring inside to allow for adjustment, it has a zipper and snaps on the front, a hood concealed inside the collar, and this interesting elasticated bit on the arm that I think might be useful in stopping the wind and rain blowing up my sleeve.

12 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

See, I'm hoping this can fill the awkward wardrobe hole of a lightweight black jacket that is suitable for hiking but also for wearing around casually. I already have three trench coats, three winter coats, and two proper hiking gear rain jackets (that I don't really like), and sometimes it's just not practical to use an umbrella.

I live in a climate that is quite cool, rainy, and windy, and I often find myself going "urban hiking". There are lots of woodlands, coastal paths, and hills around here but they are bordered by urban areas and a walk in the woods usually ends in a pub or a cafe.

For some reason I have a really difficult time finding casual black jackets. So much of my wardrobe would be complete with the right black jacket but they are so elusive!

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is fine if you want to use it as an item of gear and end up at the pub!

12 years ago

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