Lands' End Hooded Maxi Down Coat Review

Autumn is well and truly here and with it comes my nemesis - cold, wet school runs. We live about seven minutes walk from the school so it's pointless to drive when it is raining as you can't park close enough to the school to get any real benefit, so rain or shine we walk. And you'd be surpised how wet you can get during those 14 minutes out of the house!

​One thing I've been thinking about (longing for) is a full length coat to cheat the cold, wet weather, so when Lands' End got in touch about reviewing an item from their range of coats and jackets it was a sign my days of dreading the cold, wet school runs were over.

Lands' End have a really varied range of coats and jackets for women, men and kids. From winter coats and raincoats to gilets and packables the variety is impressive so you be sure to find exactly what you are looking for. They also have plus sizes, tall and petitie options ensuring the perfect fit.

As I was looking for a full length 'maxi' coat there were four Lands's End coats on my short list:

Left to Right
Hooded Expedition Maxi Long Down Coat
Hooded Maxi Down Coat
Packable Ultra ligtht Hooded Maxi Down Coat
Maxi Down Coat with Strech

All the coats come in a range of different colours but I was immediately drawn to the second coat - the Lands' End Hooded Maxi Down Coat - due to the amazing jewel toned rubellite colour and the fluffy hood trim. This is the school run coat I've been dreaming of.

The maxi coat is water resistant and filled with 600-fill power dry insulation - this means it is super light despite it's length.  It has a two way zip and additional lower side seam zips to ensure you can move freely while staying warm. Strechy storm cuffs and an insulted adjustable hood make this a truly winter proof coat. 

​With a wide range of sizes available from XS (UK 8) to 2X (UK 24-26) and petite versions this coat can fit anyone. I opted for a size M which is a UK 14-16 - I usually wear a UK 12 but fully anticipate wearing this coat with a thick jumper underneath so i wanted some extra room - plus my hips are on the wider side so with this being a full length coat the last thing I wanted was for it to pull across the middle. 

As soon as the coat arrived (in gorgeous packaging) I knew I had made the right choice - just look at the colour - it almost matches my sofa!

The fit is great with plenty of room for layers underneath without being too bulky. The arm length is perfect. You definitely need the side zips open when walking but if you were standing watching kids play football on a cold weekend or enjoying outdoor activities with the kids in winter then zipping them up would definitely help retain the heat. As my Mother in Law says, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.

​It feels a bit like being wrapped in a duvet and I'm pretty sure there is no chance of being cold even in the bitterest of days.​ With the hood down the down filled stand collar keeps your neck warm and there are poppered pockets on the hips with fleece lining to keep your hands warm. There is also a handy inside pocket to keep your phone and keys safe when out and about.

My first day out in the coat was a beautiful day and I got loads of compliments at the school gate on the colour and style. But the good weather didn't last long! This gave me a great chance to test the coat versus my old winter coat which is a pretty decent, warm coat but it stops just below my bum.

As you can see on from the pictures below, day one I wore my old coat and my trainers and I unexpectedly got caught in the rain on my way back home - I was drenched right up to the middle of my thighs. Disasterous.

The next day I wore the same trainers and my new Lands' End maxi coat. The weather was the same heavy rain and literally only the bottom couple of inches of my jeans got wet - if i'd been wearing my winter boots my jeans would have been completely dry. (Note: that splash on my knee came from me leaning against the wet outside of the coat after I had taken it off! )

At £230.00 this coat isn't a cheap option but due to the quality of the design and the usability it will last season after season, making it a great investment. Plus Lands' End regularly have promotional deals which slash the price of their whole range. Currently discunt code CEM8 takes 50% off this coat making it an incredibly reasonable £115.00!

Snap one up now and banish the wet school runs!

This coat was gifted for review purposes but all opinions are my own.