Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Review: Helly Hansen Welsey II Trench Coat

Lately I've been obsessed with getting a raincoat - a real raincoat that's actually waterproof but that doesn't look like a raincoat.  I am going to Ireland in November and part of this obsession is to have the right coat for that trip but also for life. I do have this cute thing from Costco which is good but it doesn't allow much layering underneath and I've never tested it for true waterproofness. (It's also got really shallow pockets which is such a pet peeve.)

Helly Hansen was a brand suggested to me for Real Raincoat action and I immediately fell for the Belfast Jacket. However, I want it in the ivy green which is sold out completely in my size. Of course. It's also insulated, which might be more than I really need. I'd rather have a regular raincoat that I can wear layers under because it seems like it would be more versatile. I checked out the other green Helly Hansen raincoat options and immediately fell for the Welsey II Trench. I love that it doesn't really look like a raincoat and, damn, those copper accents are SO GOOD. I found it on sale at Moosejaw so I ordered it for blog science:


It showed up crazy-fast because Moosejaw offers free 2-day shipping on items over $49. So nice! Also nice: this damn raincoat. It's looks and feels expensive and is really well-made. I LOVE the shiny copper zippers and snaps and that it has a good, deep hood that tucks into the collar when you don't need it. The zippy pockets are also deep and big enough to hold my giant cell phone securely. 


Now, the negatives. The sleeves are a little too long so I have to fold the cuffs, which is annoying. Also, as much as I love a double-breasted trench, it looks like a mess if you leave it hanging open: 


That is a lot of coat right there. A note on sizing: I went with a medium because I wanted enough room to wear a few layers underneath. In these photos it looks a little big on me, but I'm wearing it over a short sleeved blouse. (Also, no way would the small fit my hips.) Did I mention the copper zippers? 


And here's a little spin for you so you can see the rest of it: 




I am about 90% sure I'm going to keep it, though Helly Hansen has a few other nice looking raincoats that are also under consideration. The Kirkwall II Raincoat looks appealing and the Lyness II Coat also has potential. All three are on sale at Moosejaw with free 2-day shipping (though the Helly Hansen site offers free shipping on orders over $100 and free 90 day returns.) What do y'all think?

13 comments:

  1. For point of comparison: I have this raincoat and love it! It also does double duty as light trench, but doesn't appear to come in green. However, I think Via Spiga makes other similar options and the quality is great!

    https://www.hautelook.com/events/320670/products/2569425

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    1. I bought that Via Spiga coat this past spring, for a rainy vacation in France. I love the way it looks, but the hood is so dumb! I wish there was a way to make it stay on so as to avoid an umbrella, but no.

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    2. Thanks for the rec, that's really cute! Is it actually waterproof, though? I had to return that (very similar) Athleta jacket because it wasn't truly waterproof, just more of a windbreaker. I want something that will really keep me dry in a downpour.

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    3. Can't say that I've worn it with no umbrella in a downpour, but so far it's definitely more than a windbreaker!

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  2. You must keep that jacket, it looks phenomenal on you! It is the perfect combo of jaunty, functional, and stylish.

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  3. We are about to be raincoat twins. Helly Hansen stuff lasts FOREVER, and this is very, very cute. (Those copper zippers, indeed!!)

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  4. That looks smashing on you, and I think you will be glad of the insulation unless you're going to Ireland in August.

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  5. I have and love the JCrew perfect rain jacket: https://www.jcrew.com/p/shops/40offselectstyles/coatsjackets/perfect-rain-jacket/H8701?color_name=black

    But yours is wayyyyyy cuter. The JCrew has a good hood and great pockets but no insulation. Very packable though!

    You're smart to take a raincoat (Ireland in November = wet) but have a glorious time! If you're spending any time in Dublin I highly recommend dinner at The Winding Stair...and about 1,000 other things...but enjoy, wherever you go!

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    1. Thanks! I'm always happy to have travel recs. :)

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  6. You absolutely need to keep it! It's beautiful on you. And a tailor can shorten those sleeves for you so you don't have to cuff them. I'm a T-Rex, so I know a thing or two about sleeves being too long. :-)

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  7. I think it looks fab and you can always have the sleeves shortened. BUT you did say "to have the right coat for that trip but also for life."
    I'm old enough to know that if it isn't perfect, there is always the next great thing around the corner that is perfect - no matter how much I want it to be the one! If you truly want one and done, make sure this one is perfect.
    If it's not a HELL YES!, it's a HELL NO!.

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  8. Thanks for posting a picture. I want to order this jacket online but it only shows pictures of their model. I'm not tall with an hour glass figure and a flat chest. I'm short! And I wanted to make sure it won't swallow my short self so voila. Your picture helped. Thanks.

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