Product Review: Target Dry

After the summer, that wasn’t really a summer, we have the autumn, that isn’t really autumn. Of course, it’s not proved to be an Indian summer either, just more of a murky-not-really-cold-yet-not-really-sure-what-it-is, kind of season. 

Until this week that is. Anyone who was caught in the downpour yesterday definitely felt a little bit soggier than normal – or at least my legs did when a cyclist sped through a puddle while I huddled under a bus shelter (I’d have been drier in the rain, but no chance of social media, so…).

But it did give me opportunity to give my new coat a proper Manchester road test, rather than this half-arsed drizzle we’ve had recently. The last couple of weeks have given us some proper downpours and opportunity to splash about in the rain like Peppa Pig (any resemblance is purely coincidental).

Target Dry is a little company from Northern Ireland, most people will know for their ‘Mac in a Sac’ range. They very kindly asked me to review one of their jackets. Being completely impractical when it comes to clothing, though they had offered me the gorgeous Kendal to try, I had seen the colour of the Lexa in Lollipop and asked if I could possibly be a bit rude and have this one instead please?

There is reason behind my madness (not all impractical now, huh?) When it comes to winter, much as I love maroons and navies and tans, everyone is in those colours. It’s quiet, dark, and subdued.

Not very like me really. 

I like colour, splashes of bright, loud. And so Lexa in her bright pink/red lollipop tones, with the blue polka dot lining suits me perfectly. 

It’s a light coat, with a gentle rustle that tells of it’s 100% waterproof nature, but it’s breathable, so you don’t feel that running about in it all day will leave your overly warm and, er, sweaty. Given how much rushing about I do, absolute bonus. 

I also love the details. A double zip on the interior, and brass fastenings from the toggles on the matching blue cord, to the poppers on the pockets, they’re that little bit different. 

Size wise, I did go a size up – to an 18 – for this jacket. This gives it a little bit more flexibility for the winter – I can put a jumper on underneath without fear of a Michelin man style look – but the tie being in a just below the bust (on me anyway) means that I can pull it in to make it fit closer and show my shape, rather than hiding it beneath layers.

The Target Dry range in general have items that go up to a size 22, which I know is not as far as it could be, but for a brand that specialises in outdoor clothing, this is higher than many. 

So, that’s all the pretty bits sorted, what about waterproof. Does it stand up to Manchester weather?

Well, yes. It’s put up with a few downpours without grumbling already, and I know that if I go yomping up any hills, it won’t be my parka I reach for, but this little number. And unlike heavier jackets, it dries really quickly too, so even if I do get an utter drenching from on high (don’t go getting any ideas please) it’ll be back to good as new in no time. 

My only teeny grumble would be about keeping the hood up in high winds, but firstly, I don’t pull the cords tight enough around my face to quite create the Tubbs look, and Manchester architects will keep creating wind tunnels about the city that create this effect even on a relatively calm day. 

Squirrel! Er sorry, got distracted.

Overall this is a bloody good jacket, perfect for the undecided nature of Manchester weather, and I’m so glad Target Dry let me select an alternative from their range. 

This coat is very much me.