Once the autumn chill sets in, kids will need an extra layer for everything from the school run to getting out and about at weekends. So what better time to invest in a new, season-appropriate coat?
Our round-up includes coats suitable for a light chill, rainy weather or even the whole winter.
1. Original Penguin Boys’ Blue Packable Jacket with Hood: £52, Children Salon
This blue coat with white piping is a great all-rounder that’s good for school, playing outside and going away for weekends – and it’s in a style that suits all ages. Best of all, it has a zipped panel in the back, which the whole jacket can be tucked into for when it’s not needed. Two to 15 years.
2. Fatface Ellie Coat: £35, Fatface
Available in blue or pink, this shower-resistant parka looks great. The soft lining through the body and hood, together with the faux fur hood trim, makes it warm and cosy. There are zip and popper fastening options and handy pockets, and it’s machine washable. Four to 13 years.
3. Monsoon Harry Herringbone Pea Coat: from £42, Monsoon
A great coat for a smarter look, this is actually much more comfortable and cosy than it first seems, with our young male testers telling us it didn’t feel remotely stiff or starchy. The style suits babies right up to tweens and it lasts well too, provided you dry clean it and don’t attempt to wash it yourself. Six months to 12 years.
4. Joules Raindrop Waterproof Coat: from £54.95, Joules
Available in two vibrant and fun designs – zebra-themed or floral – this fully waterproof coat has Sherpa lining to keep little people warm. The large zip is great for little hands and we found it looks good, even after washing. Three to 12 years.
5. Boden Field Day Jacket: from £48.50, Boden
This is lightweight, yet it’s well padded, with a fleece-lined hood and elasticated cuffs to keep the warmth in, as well as being shower-resistant – perfect for colder days. Available in orange, grey, black or blue, we found it is really robust too, making a great hand-me-down. Plus, it’s machine washable. Two to 16 years.
6. Soulcal Heavy Bomber Jacket: £11, Sports Direct
This is a bargain for such a warm coat that will see your child through the winter. There’s a cosy hood, easy-zip fastening, adjustable sleeves and three handy pockets. It uses man-made materials, as you might expect for the price, and is machine washable. 10 to 13 years.
7. Hatley Navy Dinosaur Raincoat: £32, John Lewis
This is a great little raincoat for keeping tinytots warm and dry, with easy-to-use poppers for when you’re not there to help. Kids will enjoy naming the dinosaurs and the pockets are robust. Four to eight years.
8. Next Black Posh Parka: from £55, Next
Our female testers instantly fell in love with this black coat, with its shimmery finish and warm faux fur that doesn’t just surround the hood, but covers the inside of the front of the coat too. A real statement coat for young girls that’s also practical and warm. Three to 11 years.
9. Helly Hansen K Shelter Jacket: £49, House of Fraser
This high quality coat is waterproof, windproof and breathable, which means young kids can run around in all weathers, without getting wet, hot or sticky. Everything is top notch, from the zips to the detachable hood and the lining dries really quickly. Available in a range of colours. One to 12 years.
10. Vertbaudet Girls Wool Mix Coat: £25.90, Vertbaudet
This delightful duffle coat with a faux fur-lined hood is retro without looking old-fashioned, and it is made from a wool mix that keeps kids warm, without getting too hot on days that are less cold. The front pockets are a great size and it is available in navy or red. 18 months to 14 years.
11. Zara Quilted Jacket: £27.99, Zara
This quilted navy jacket gives young boys a dapper, neat finish to their outfit, as well as keeping them on-trend. We like the four front secure patch pockets and press stud buttons that make it really quick to put on and take off – for instance, on those days they’re running late for school. Four to 14 years.
12. Boden The Duffle: £59.50, Boden
For years, this classic duffle has been protecting kids of all ages from the elements, while also keeping them looking good. Boden has really listened to parents about the aspects they have and haven’t liked about – with this season’s including extra padding and a printed lining in soft cotton. Great for both boys and girls. Two to 16 years.
13. John Lewis Sporty Jacket: from £32, John Lewis
This stylish and casual sports-themed coat ticks every box that parents would want – water- and wind-resistant with a well-fitting hood, breathable, machine washable, warm and cosy. Kids told us they felt good in it and they liked how easy it is to move around in it, as well as the large pockets. Two to 12 years.
Verdict
We love the Original Penguin Boys’ Blue Packable Jacket with Hood because you can pack away this high quality coat when it’s not needed – ideal for autumn time. For something to last right through the cold winter, our vote goes to extremely comfy and fluffy Next Black Posh Parka for girls.
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