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Any tips for good plus-sized rain gear?

I'll be traveling to England and Scotland during the last week of September, first week of October. My time in Scotland will be focused in Edinburgh and central Scotland. It's a genealogy trip so I'll be spending a lot of time in libraries and archives, but I'll also be traipsing around cemeteries and I want to dress appropriately for the weather. I'm a plus-sized woman and have a hard time finding gear that's not 'average-sized'.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you!
Denise

Posted by
32 posts

I am a short plus sized and I purchased my rain jacket from Woman Within through Amazon. Their sizes are cut bigger so a 1X is more like a 2XL. The waterproof shell I purchased folds into it's own pocket for easy packing and fits in my day bag. The jacket also has enough room for comfortable layering.

Posted by
985 posts

I am lucky to have an REI store nearby. I wanted the Marmot Precip rain jacket but was hesitant to buy online. REI had them so I was able to try on there. The jacket runs small in women's so I bought out of the men's dept. and purposely oversized so I could get layers beneath. The sleeves have velcro tabs so length can be adjusted.

Posted by
8261 posts

Columbia Sportswear has some great plus size waterproof selections. You are more likely to find them online than in stores. The quality is good.

Posted by
69 posts

I would recommend Eddie Bauer or Land's End. I have several coats from both in plus size, and they fit great.

I wore this the Eddie Bauer "Girl on the Go" trench on my last trip to Ireland, and it kept me nice and dry.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/browse/plus/outerwear/women/_/N-1z13xdjZ2792?cm_sp=sub-_-Women-_-Outerwear&currentNode=outerwear&tab=women&previousPage=GNAV&fq=fsm_regular_style:Plus

Also, if you like whimsy or chic coats (and British design), Boden also goes up to US size 20, I believe. I have a good bit of clothes from them as well. I have a great waxed coat that I took to Scotland awhile back, but it doesn't have a hood.

Posted by
3119 posts

I wouldn't bother buying a poncho (or pancho, whoever prefers that spelling). In the wind and sideways rain, that loose garment will not keep you dry.

L L Bean had a full-length plus-size raincoat I bought for my husband (a big guy, size 2X) in 2015 and it has served him well. It's very lightweight & packable but reasonably sturdy, & has a hood. It was the only raincoat I could find in his size that was long enough to wear over a sportcoat and keep him dry down to his knees.

Posted by
2023 posts

I don't know about plus size for Northface but it is a great jacket and packs well and takes up very little space in luggage or day pack.

Posted by
308 posts

I highly recommend REI brand raincoats. I absolutely love mine.

Posted by
13809 posts

I agree with Sun-baked, except I got mine at Cabelas. Cabelas has been acquired/is being acquired by Bass Pro Shops. I got the Cabelas brand waterproof jacket last summer and have worn it on 2 European trips. It sheds water like a dream, is not clammy and is a Plus size. It has a roomier cut than the Marmot Precip I used for a number of years so room to layer over a merino wool sweater or lightweight polarfleece vest or jacket. Watch for sales if you have a Cabelas near you.

I also got plus size waterproof pants but have never had an occasion to use them, I manage fine with just the jacket.

Posted by
360 posts

I might be too late to the party, but I got a 2XL North Face 3-in-1 and love it. I also have Ahno waterproof shoes, but don't do the pants b/c they don't breathe and I get too hot. I will be in England/Scotland same time as you!

Posted by
362 posts

I found a great one on the LL Bean website a few years back. It was unlined, so it worked perfectly for times when you don't want to sweat in that jacket and still fits over a sweater if you're so inclined.

Good luck with your research!

Posted by
41 posts

On my recent trip to Scotland I used the H2OFF Rain Jacket from LL Bean. It was waterproof, had a great adjustable hood, added warmth in the wind but wasn't too hot on humid days. On really rainy days I also wore the Anytime Outdoor Pants from Columbia. They have some give to them, are very water resistant, dry quickly, and as a pear shaped, I bought them to fit my hips and then used the drawstring to cinch in the waist.

Posted by
768 posts

My wife and I both purchased a "packable" rain jacket with hood at the local Costco in April of 2017. My wife wore hers in a relatively heavy rain and didn't get wet; even thought it is lightweight it also was a good wind breaker. These are not full length, but are convenient and the cost was reasonable. She purchased a woman's XL, I got the men's XXL.

Posted by
123 posts

I just bought from LLBean...rain gear for my trip to Scotland in the late fall. Tested in recent rains, worked great. Bought their mid priced name brand jacket.

Posted by
7 posts

This is probably too late but Columbia sells up to 3X in Women's jackets. They sell simple and durable rain jackets as well as thick winter coats for snow. I bought mine at REI and it was perfect for Europe as well as camping in the states. My rain jacket folds up into its own pocket and was very easy to store when traveling through Europe. Hope you enjoy the U.K.!

Posted by
7280 posts

I've had great success with a TravelSmith "Mac" raincoat. My other gear from REI, Columbia, The North Face, and others, is of outstanding quality and performs well, but many of them are designed for hiking, and often aren't long enough to protect one's legs, unless you're also wearing rain pants. I see they have some styles in Plus sizes on sale right now, including a ladies XL raincoat https://www.travelsmith.com/product/women%27s-reversible-pleated-raincoat.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&refType=&from=Search&ecList=6&ecCategory=

and a trench coat https://www.travelsmith.com/product/belted-trench.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&refType=&from=Search&ecList=6&ecCategory=

Posted by
123 posts

There is Cotswolds, and REI and NorthFace stores in NewTown.

I’m taking Rick Steves advice and buying some gear there. Will be my souvenir...and...if I really don’t need an item then I won’t buy it (there). Cotswolds can be somewhat cheaper than USA stores, for the same items. Gives you an excuse to explore New Town too.