help me find a… warm piece of outerwear? for traveling.

September 14, 2014 1:40 PM

This is a "what should I wear; please show me exactly because I haven't figured this out in twenty years of adulthood" question. Today's topic: a reasonable looking, but not bulky layer for traveling.

The goal here is to find a warm layer that can reasonably balled up into a carry-on or travel day pack, for traveling to places where it might rain. The kicker: it has to look decent on a curvy woman.

Historically I've used a basic knit zip front hoodie a lot like this. This fulfilled the goal of being a not-too-bulky layer, that could protect my head when it rains, and could easily be balled up into a pack without taking my a ton of room or weight. But, having reviewed some travel pics recently, I can confirm that it looks like hell. I don't know, maybe it wasn't that bad when I was 20 and backpacking around Europe in shorts, but it looks very sloppy now.

I have tried on a few long belted sweaters, I love the way they look on other people, but they just don't work on me, because I'm round, short waisted and busty, and I look like a lumpy sack tied in the middle in these. Maybe if they were lined they would fall more forgivingly? Is there such a thing?

A hood isn't 100% necessary but it would be ideal. A regular coat takes up half the bag and is disqualified on those grounds.

I'm not looking for a nylon windbreaker type item. Nothing that looks like it ought to be worn with sneakers, you know what I'm saying? I want something that I can wear when traveling in fashionable cities and not be conspicuous.

Does my thing exist? Links to specific examples necessary because I've searched already on my own and come up empty handed. Thank you shopping experts of AskMeFi.

posted by fingersandtoes to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (19 answers total)

A nice wool top or base layer. Seriously. I went on a road trip through Europe this summer and packed all summer clothes and was horrified when it was wet and cold. Luckily I had packed 2 wool tops (bergens of Norway and norheim make) and i lived in them. And they would scrunch up into a ball I could easily stuff in my handbag...
posted by misspony at 1:52 PM on September 14, 2014 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Here's an Eddie Bauer Trench Coat that might work for you. My mother 'borrowed' my purple EB parka a decade ago and 'forgets' to give it back. GREAT outerwear! Available in all sorts of sizes too!

This travel trench is classic, lightweight and will look good on your figure. I have one similar and I LOVE it!

Instead of a hood, how about a cozy scarf that can be a pretty accessory as well as functional. I bought one while traveling in France because they were on chic women EVERYWHERE.

Happy Travels!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 1:54 PM on September 14, 2014

This type of thing:

https://www.devold.com/outdoor-no/nettbutikk/dame/overdel/563-g/5-c/562/0/
posted by misspony at 1:55 PM on September 14, 2014

Yeah, in cold, damp weather, wool is awesome (unless you are allergic). A quick search turned up this. Maybe something like that will work for your purposes?
posted by Michele in California at 2:01 PM on September 14, 2014 [1 favorite]

I think a peacoat might work? I mean, that's what I use for what you describe and peacoats always look classy.
posted by AppleTurnover at 2:02 PM on September 14, 2014

Good old-fashioned longjohns, preferably silk.
posted by easily confused at 2:02 PM on September 14, 2014

Response by poster: Hopefully this will count as a clarification not an argument: I can't wear wool under any circumstances. And, if more clarification is needed, this question is about outerwear. Idea of pulling longjohns on over my clothes for a quick stride over to my director's office down the block is amusing but not entirely on point.

I think Ruthless Bunny may have gotten this in one. That coat looks great and I think there may even be EB stores where I live to try on in person.
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:08 PM on September 14, 2014 [1 favorite]

Best answer: A couple of options that have worked for me in similar situations:

- a zip-up but tailored knit jacket/blazer, like this:
http://www.brooklynindustries.com/women-jackets/nancy-blazer

- asymmetrical zip-ups can look way cooler than regular ones, and recently I've seen a lot of longer ones around that are especially cozy. Like this:
http://www.polyvore.com/long_asymmetrical_zip-up_hoodie/thing?id=96551770

- shawl-front cardigans, like this:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8993&vid=1&pid=989042012
(especially nice when paired with a scarf)

Good luck!
posted by ethorson at 2:18 PM on September 14, 2014 [1 favorite]

A trench? I would get a shorter one that can be folded up in your luggage easily. You don't mention exactly how warm you need this item to be, especially since it's replacing a hoodie. Which to me is not really a "cold weather" item.
posted by Sara C. at 2:19 PM on September 14, 2014

Response by poster: Doesn't need to be real warm. Like, anything quilted or with a fleece lining would probably be too warm. If I'm out in a seriously cold place I will have a coat like a normal person. I'm talking more "something to have in the bag in case it gets chilly."
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:40 PM on September 14, 2014

I am curvy and I love the Uniqlo down for travel and everyday. It folds up into a tiny pouch & it's not too heavy.
posted by judith at 3:23 PM on September 14, 2014 [2 favorites]

Nthint short trench coat. Range of colours/fabriques are available. Some have insulating layers you can add/remove as required for warmth although these add bulk when storing in bags. For that reason I'd also stay clear of anything that feels too solid/waxy because these fabriques will be the most difficult to fold small for storage.
posted by koahiatamadl at 6:37 PM on September 14, 2014

Look at the Eddie Bauer Travex coats too. They have some very cute military inspired hip length coats and they're designed for travel.
posted by fshgrl at 7:43 PM on September 14, 2014

I would still look for some kind of base layer, even if it isn't wool- I live in Norway and use them all the time as outerwear- since they are High tech and pretty flattering and have nice cuts. And they make it super easy to insulate/layer (if I want- not necessary) and are light. And you'd be surprised how smart and flattering they can look. And also they are super comfortable. They do the trick for me all year long.
posted by misspony at 7:51 PM on September 14, 2014

Best answer: Looks like travex had been renamed Voyager. Here's one that's water resistant and a longer coat
posted by fshgrl at 7:57 PM on September 14, 2014 [1 favorite]

LLBean sells silk long underwear that is warm in proportion to its weight/ thickness.
posted by theora55 at 8:38 PM on September 14, 2014

I have a trenchcoat I got from a Filene's Basement sale 5 years ago that has a removable (button-in) quilted vest layer that takes it from rain jacket to cold-and-rain jacket and it is the best thing ever.
posted by deludingmyself at 9:58 PM on September 14, 2014

I recently bought a great, and great-looking coat from Patagonia. Great in the rain. Has a nice hood that snaps off if you don't need it, and a super-cozy down liner that you can take out or add on, or even wear on its own. Skip the liner and it can be easily packed, and is still nice and warm. Very versatile.
posted by CruiseSavvy at 10:20 PM on September 14, 2014

Following up to say that there are lots of cool coat-sweatshirt hybrids at Title Nine:

http://www.titlenine.com/category/womens-sweaters-jackets-vests/womens-jackets-coats-vests-hoodies.do

Similar items at Athleta.
posted by ethorson at 8:15 AM on September 15, 2014