K/R: rainforest waterproof trench

You might remember that last week I decided I really needed a summer coat that was actually waterproof. A couple of you suggested Rainforest trenches as something that is waterproof but doesn't look too gearish. This olive one was on sale at 6pm for a really good price; unfortunately they only had a large available (I'm usually a Medium) but since some reviews mentioned that Rainforest jackets ran small, I thought I'd give it a try. Anyway, here it is. The color is a greyish olive - my pants are a true olive green and you can see the jacket looks much more grey. The material seems pretty waterproof and it was even somewhat breathable as far as I could tell. It's a little heavier than my current (non-waterproof) blue trench that I want to replace but it would be OK for summer rain. I can't really figure out the belt - it has a buckle but is super long, so I just gave up and tied it.
I'm a little concerned about the size - does it look too big, and is it swamping me? It doesn't actually feel huge in the shoulders but I feel like the style might just be overwhelming me, especially when open. Also, I know double breasted is not the best silhouette for me although my current blue trench is as well so sometimes I can get away with it. And what about the color?

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12 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

I like the color on you, but to my eye it looks a bit big so I would really like to see the U/A medium on you. Do any of the gear companies like Eddie Bauer and REI have waterproof trenches?

Diana

Donna, most of the gear companies make trenches that look too... Well, gearish. My big thing is I want buttons and a belt, not zip and drawstring. There is the north face one that Rae got, but I have a suspicion it's too heavy for summer. I may try it anyway though.

pil

Diana, it's close but I think it looks a bit large too. Raisin has a cool gearish fabric (I think) jacket but I can't remember the brand. I looked at the site once when she mentioned it - very interesting.

ETA http://www.rudsakstore.com/lad.....omen-p6-5/

Adelfa

The waist seems high and there seems to be too much material at the hips and hem. I vote keep looking.

Ha, Adelfa, the waist is actually at my natural waist. I am just that short waisted. :P. but I do agree there is too much material. Not sure a smaller size would be better actually (and it is not available anyway) since a lot of double breasted styles just look too disproportionate on my short upper half regardless of the actual fit.

Suz

(website)

Hmmm. Yes, I agree the fit seems not quite right on this. So frustrating. I quite like the colour on you, though, and I don't mind the double breasted style either, at least not in theory.

Isabel

Diana, I voted nay. It just doesn't seem right on you.

I have had 3 of the coats below. As I have gained weight, I have bought one. They are completely waterproof and uber lightweight. They run large so you might want to size down. ( my sister has one too ) They also have petites.

They are an absolute bargain at $40 right now. The great thing about Land's End is that you can decide 10 years from now that you don't like it and they will take it back ( same policy as Nordstrom and LL Bean ). The pic does not give it justice. It doesn't look as A line IRL. I own the latest version...but mine was $90.

http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....87_59.html

Glory

I do like this colour quite a bit but have to agree with some of the others that it appears too large for you. Very frustrating to try and find but is worth the effort.

Anonymous

I'm not crazy about the cut for you. It might technically fit, but it adds so much bulk where you don't need it. I love Isabel's idea for you. The navy is gorgeous and that silhouette would look great on you.

Isabel, I like that coat a lot! And it's not double breasted! Unfortunately navy is not available in S or M... Do they generally restock as returns come back in? I will keep an eye out. I know I want a dark color. I feel like raincoat material looks less gearish if it's dark.

This one is a clearance, but they have had some version of it for a few years now. Do you want a regular or a petite ? Because if you want a regular, they may have it at one of the 3 stores near me. I will gladly check on it.

rae

Hm, yeah, I like it but for the fact that it looks too big. Bummer! Have you checked Ebay? I think I remember seeing some on there back when I was looking for a similar thing.

Also, RE: the North Face, I do think it's too heavy for summer. AND, I was just considering posting a followup review of it, because I am returning it! The black attracts lint like supercrazy - tags aren't even off, it's just been hanging in the closet, and it's covered. My other black items are ok. So weird and frustrating!

Rae, thanks for the nf update. That's so weird and annoying about the lint!

I am returning this one for sure. You've all confirmed my suspicion that it's too big and bulky. I'm going to try Isabel's if we can track one down in a reasonable size for me. (thanks, Isabel!). It's surprisingly hard to find a raincoat that's actually waterproof!

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