
Mernini
Natural Hue Maxi Raincoat
Natural Hue Maxi Raincoat is a long waterproof raincoat by Canadian brand Mernini, constructed from rubberized material with a matte exterior and mid-calf length. It includes an adjustable drawstring hood, two-way zip closure under a magnetic flap, a mesh-lined back slit for ventilation, zip flap pockets, and microfibre cuffs with thumb slits. Intended for heavy rain use, it is particularly cited for Atlantic Canada weather, though user reviews report fit variability and mixed opinions on quality following overseas manufacturing.
Color
Size
Specifications
- Material
- Outer shell: 100% polyurethane; Backing: 100% cotton; Mesh lining: 100% polyester
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
Product Insights
The Natural Hue Maxi Raincoat by Mernini is a stylish, breathable raincoat born from 17 years of maritime industry experience and tested in Newfoundland's harsh weather. It features a cotton-backed A-line silhouette, magnetic storm flap, thumb slit cuffs, and a back vent for active heat release. Profiled in British Vogue and Dragons' Den-backed, it is praised as a fashionable alternative to standard rain gear. However, tradeoffs include inconsistent sizing (narrow shoulders in Small, oversized in Medium), potential back vent leakage in heavy rain, hand wash-only care, and quality concerns after a supplier switch, compounded by a high price point that undercuts premium fishing coats but triples work rainwear.
Verified claims
- Founder origin
- Designed from 17 years of maritime industry experience, tested in Newfoundland's wind and rain.
- Design features
- Cotton-backed A-line silhouette, magnetic storm flap, thumb slit cuffs, and back vent address commuter pain points.
- External validation
- Profiled in British Vogue, Dragons' Den-backed, and recommended for Atlantic Canada weather.
- Style
- Vogue praises its design, and buyers see it as a fashionable alternative to standard rain gear.
- Silhouette
- A-line silhouette allows graceful movement and layering, though sizing can be inconsistent across chest and body.
- Sizing guidance
- True to size based on bust for average builds; some find shoulders narrow in Small, oversized in Medium.
- Cuffs
- Fitted cuffs with thumb slits create snug seal; sleeve length should be tried.
- Ventilation
- Back vent actively releases heat and moisture during active wear.
- Front closure
- Two-way zipper and magnetic flap enable quick seal and leg airflow.
- Cuff design
- Thumb slit cuffs serve as built-in wrist warmers and rain seals.
- Waterproof construction
- Welded seams, YKK zippers, and magnetic storm flap keep rain out in normal conditions; back vent may leak in heavy rain or with a backpack.
- Durability
- 100% PU outer shell is inherently waterproof and stain-resistant; hand wash only to protect coating bond to cotton backing.
- Layering
- True to size based on bust; size up one size for bulky layers
- Weather protection
- 48-inch length, windproof shell, sealed cuffs, and magnetic closure block wind and rain
- Care instructions
- Hand wash only, no bleach, no iron, hang dry; magnetic flap aids hanging.
- Weather performance
- As waterproof as rubber fishing gear but breathable through a mesh back vent.
- Convenience
- Packable, with magnetic closure, thumb cuffs, and soft cotton lining.
- Quality consistency
- Buyers report a quality drop after a supplier switch; no brand response.
- Value
- Made in China despite Canadian brand; some call it overpriced.
- Competitive pricing
- Costs less than $400 fishing coats but triple the price of work rainwear.
- Brand story
- Founded by a maritime professional and featured in British Vogue and on Dragons' Den.
- Sizing and quality
- Buyers report inconsistent sizing and quality decline after a supplier change, with production in China.
Product record
- Title
- Natural Hue Maxi Raincoat
- Brand
- Mernini
- Price
- 325 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Newfoundland design heritage and founder story
- Founder Maria Halfyard spent 17 years in Newfoundland's maritime sector arriving at client meetings with her pants soaked — her inability to find a long, stylish, fully waterproof coat directly drove her to design the Mernini raincoat, meaning the full-length A-line silhouette and rigorous waterproofing are answers to a real professional's problem, not a fashion-trend response.
- Mernini was profiled in the December 2023 Designer Profile of U.K. Vogue, which highlighted the brand's blend of traditional fish-harvester lines with modern detail — for a coat that started on a St. John's kitchen table, this editorial nod from a global fashion gatekeeper signals that its design DNA has transcended its utilitarian roots to appeal at a high-fashion level.
- In 2025, Maria Halfyard secured a $500,000 investment from Arlene Dickinson on CBC's Dragons' Den for a 7% royalty stake — a deal that validates the brand's commercial momentum (now in 65 Canadian stores) and brings high-level marketing mentorship to a company founded in a Newfoundland basement, giving buyers confidence in Mernini's staying power and ongoing product evolution.
A-line fit and outfit layering capacity
- The YKK waterproof two-way zipper is central to the coat’s layering functionality: unzipping from the bottom grants extra leg room for brisk walking or sitting in a car with a thick sweater on, without having to unfasten the magnetic storm flap and expose your front layers to rain.
- The 48-inch length falls to the ankle on average heights, eliminating the gap between coat and boot that would expose trousers to rain — with this full-coverage cut, every layer from your base top to your thickest leggings stays dry, and the A-line sweep keeps the hem from restricting stride even when you add a liner.
- The brand’s purpose-made quilted Long Liner vest slips under the A-line shell without adding visible bulk — one reviewer reported it fits seamlessly and makes the unlined coat comfortable down to at least 10°C, with the option to go colder by wearing the liner as an insulated mid-layer.
- Unlike most raincoats that use polyester backing and fall into a boxy silhouette, Mernini’s 100% cotton backing gives the A-line shape a structured, graceful drape that holds its form over chunky knitwear while moving fluidly as you walk — the result is a coat that layers without collapsing into a sack.
- Because the polyurethane-cotton shell has zero mechanical stretch, the brand advises using your bust measurement to choose your size; the relaxed A-line cut accommodates sweaters through the waist and hips, so most can wear their true size for layering a midweight knit, but if you plan to zip a bulky shearling or heavy down sweater underneath, sizing up one size keeps the shoulders and upper back comfortable without compromising the coat’s lines.
- A large mesh panel across the upper back, hidden under a waterproof flap, actively vents heat buildup caused by layering — so wearing a sweater and the quilted liner inside a completely waterproof shell doesn’t turn into a sweatbox, keeping you comfortable from 10°C spring showers down to near-freezing maritime drizzle.
Ventilation design and wear comfort
- Opening the YKK two-way zip from the bottom creates a ventilation gap at the hem, giving your legs room to breathe when speed-walking or sitting—an underrated comfort upgrade for a full-length raincoat.
- Mernini specifically chose a cotton backing over the polyester common in competitor raincoats, producing a softer interior that moves with your body and avoids the stiff, plastic feel that can make non-breathable shells uncomfortable against the skin.
- The fitted microfibre cuffs with thumb slits not only seal the sleeves against wind and rain but double as cozy wrist warmers—a detail that makes a real difference in comfort on raw, damp days and reduces the need for separate gloves.
- The back vent is not a simple slit but a large mesh panel protected by a waterproof flap, designed to let body heat and moisture escape while keeping rain out—the primary mechanism preventing the polyurethane shell from turning clammy during walks.
Compared to traditional fisherman rain gear
- Cozy, water-resistant wrist warmers line the cuffs and include a thumb slit, providing an extra layer of warmth for commuters that industrial fishing jackets never offer — the kind of detail that turns wearing a raincoat into a comfortable, almost cozy experience.
- A magnetic flap that snaps closed over the two-way YKK zipper in a split second — absent from any heavy-duty fishing jacket — not only seals out rain instantly but also lets the coat hang securely on a hanger, a small touch that reflects the design's urban, convenience-first mindset.
- Founder Maria Halfyard’s upbringing in Newfoundland — where the North Atlantic serves up instant weather changes — informs the coat's relentless waterproofing, but the design is meant for city glamour, not deck scrubbing; it channels Atlantic fishing heritage into its aesthetic, not its material spec.
- At full length the coat can still be folded or rolled small enough to pack in a suitcase — a feat that heavy PVC commercial jackets simply cannot match, making the Mernini the choice for travelers who want ankle-to-hood rain protection without dedicating a bag to it.
- The large back vent with mesh lining — protected by a waterproof flap — is engineered to release body heat during active commuting; this breathable design sidesteps the interior condensation that makes non-breathable rubber fishing jackets sweat-soaked even when they keep you dry from the rain.
- At $325 CAD, the Mernini costs less than many commercial fishing jackets (Grundens lines run $400-700+ USD) yet delivers fashion-forward, full-length waterproofing; it’s a one-coat investment for daily urban wear, not a tool you replace every season on the water.
- Where Grundens and Helly Hansen Impertech are boxy and functional, Mernini's A-line cut with a 48-inch length and colors from neutrals to brights — like Chocolate Brown and Peony Blue — turns the raincoat into an intentional outfit layer that gets compliments from strangers.
Care and maintenance for long-term waterproofness
- Bleach degrades polyurethane by breaking down the polymer chains, so even oxygen bleach is too harsh; the care tag's explicit 'do not bleach' instruction means only a gentle, additive-free soap should touch the coat.
- The 'do not iron' and 'hang or line dry' instructions exist because polyurethane softens at temperatures far below cotton's heat tolerance — ignoring either can melt the coating or shrink the cotton backing, causing irreversible damage.
- Polyurethane is inherently stain- and scratch-resistant, so for everyday dirt a quick wipe with a damp cloth often suffices, extending the time between full hand washes and reducing overall wear on the coating.
- The 100% polyurethane exterior is bonded as a thin layer to the cotton backing, so machine agitation or wringing can cause the coating to separate from the fabric — making hand washing with cold water and mild soap the only safe cleaning method to prevent premature peeling.
- Unlike many DWR-treated shells, the polyurethane coating on this raincoat retains its waterproofing after contact with soap, so you can hand wash it with a mild detergent without worrying about stripping the water-repellent finish.
Welded seams and YKK zipper durability
- A magnetic flap snaps over the front zip to form a first-line water shield; this barrier deflects rain before it reaches the zipper, reducing the chance of water pooling against the zip and extending the life of the waterproof coating.
Real-world performance of the polyurethane shell
- Mernini was founded in Newfoundland, where the combination of high winds and Atlantic rain demands a coat that is truly windproof and sealed — not just water-resistant — so the product reflects real-world testing in conditions that overwhelm lesser rainwear.
- The magnetic front closure snaps shut instantly, covering the zipper and blocking wind-driven rain from sneaking through the front placket — a feature borrowed from sailing smocks that keeps the coat securely closed even when you're fumbling with an umbrella or glove.
- The inside is a 100% cotton backing, so the fabric next to your skin feels soft and absorbent rather than rubbery or sticky — a comfort upgrade that matters when the PU shell traps body heat and you start to perspire on a warm rainy day.
- The microfibre inner cuffs with a thumb slit anchor the sleeve and create a soft barrier at the wrist, keeping rain from running down your arm when you lift your hand — a crucial detail for a brand named after a coast where the rain often travels sideways.
- YKK waterproof zippers — the same hardware trusted by high-end marine foul-weather brands — secure the front and pockets, so the points most likely to fail in a downpour are built to the same standard as the sealed seams.
- A slit across the back is lined with polyester mesh, creating an escape hatch for trapped humidity that makes the coat wearable for hours without the inside turning slick — it's the difference between an airless vinyl raincoat and one you can actually commute in without arriving drenched from condensation.
- Because polyurethane is thinner and lighter than the thick PVC used in classic fisherman's coats, this full-length raincoat weighs little enough to fold into a daypack or carry-on without consuming half your luggage space.
- The 48-inch length and flared A-line silhouette mean the non-stretch polyurethane fabric hangs away from the legs and allows a full stride without pulling or binding — so you can walk up stairs or cycle in it without feeling restricted by the stiff shell.
- The 100% polyurethane outer shell is a continuous polymer film that doesn't rely on a DWR finish to shed water — it is fundamentally impermeable, and with seam-sealed welded construction there are no needle holes to leak through, so the coat maintains its waterproof integrity even after years of use and abrasion.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01

Product
Front view of a long, hooded raincoat with a matte dark exterior, contrasting light beige hood lining, full-length snap-button placket, welt pockets at the hips, and inner wrist cuffs visible.
- Silhouette and lengthMaxi-length straight silhouette falling to mid-calf on the model with a straight hem and a center front opening.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.64 · h 0.78 (high) - Exterior material and finishSmooth matte dark exterior that appears water-resistant and slightly structured, with subtle panel seams across the chest.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (high) - Hood constructionAttached three-panel hood with an exposed light beige fabric lining visible around the face and neck.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.05 · w 0.32 · h 0.16 (high) - DrawstringsContrasting white drawstrings emerging from the hood area and hanging down the front on both sides.
2 regions
x 0.60 · y 0.12 · w 0.06 · h 0.25 (high); x 0.34 · y 0.12 · w 0.06 · h 0.22 (high) - Front closure hardwareVisible snap buttons along the center front placket and a partially open front revealing the interior lining.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.30 · w 0.10 · h 0.50 (high) - Welt pocketsHorizontal welt pockets set into the side seams at hip level with the pocket openings aligned with coat panels.
2 regions
x 0.62 · y 0.46 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.22 · y 0.46 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high) - Sleeve cuffsInner black knit wrist cuffs extend past the sleeve hem and are visible at the model's wrists.
2 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.44 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.44 · w 0.14 · h 0.14 (high) - Interior lining visibleLight tan/beige interior lining visible along the inside of the front opening and hem facing when the coat is open.
2 regions
x 0.40 · y 0.58 · w 0.20 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.58 · w 0.18 · h 0.40 (high) - Chest seam detailHorizontal seam line across the upper chest forming subtle paneling visible on the front.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.22 · w 0.44 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio front-facing product shot on a standing model with plain light gray background and soft, even lighting.
- Model and poseStanding female model facing slightly to viewer left with hands clasped at waist and one foot slightly forward.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.02 · w 0.72 · h 0.96 (high) - Background and lightingUniform light gray seamless background with soft, diffused lighting and minimal shadows under the model.
- Visible stylingModel wears additional garments including a white crew neck top and blue denim jeans and red sneakers, which are props in the shot.
2 regions
x 0.36 · y 0.28 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.30 · y 0.66 · w 0.40 · h 0.30 (high) - Image framingFull-body crop includes headroom above the model and space below the hem to show coat length; centered composition.
Colors
dark charcoal black· exterior#242424light beige· hood lining and interior facingwhite· hood drawstrings- Silhouette and lengthMaxi-length straight silhouette falling to mid-calf on the model with a straight hem and a center front opening.
- 02

Product
Close-up view of the upper front of a matte black long raincoat with a hood, white drawcords with metal aglets, a vertical center front placket, long sleeves with inner knit cuffs, and a small rectangular metal patch on the left sleeve.
- Hood and drawcordsAttached hood with visible beige inner lining and two white round drawcords that pass through metal grommets; cord ends have small metal aglets.
3 regions
x 0.35 · y 0.06 · w 0.32 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.44 · y 0.20 · w 0.08 · h 0.42 (high); x 0.33 · y 0.24 · w 0.10 · h 0.40 (high) - Front closure and seamsVertical center-front placket concealing closure with visible stitched seam lines forming a horizontal seam across the chest area.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.25 · w 0.24 · h 0.60 (high) - Sleeve and cuff constructionLong sleeves finished with an inner black knit cuff that extends past the outer sleeve hem and forms a fitted sleeve end.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.40 · w 0.30 · h 0.36 (high) - Left sleeve badgeSmall rectangular metal patch attached to the outer left sleeve near the cuff area; patch has a raised border and an inset plate.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.51 · w 0.08 · h 0.07 (high) - Material and finishSmooth, matte-finish coated fabric with low sheen consistent across body and sleeves; appears water-resistant.
- Pocket placementTop edge of a vertical side pocket opening is visible at the lower left of the frame on the coat body.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.75 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio portrait crop showing model from mid-torso to top of head against a plain light gray background with even soft lighting and minimal shadows.
- Model and poseFemale model shown from mid-torso up, facing slightly to viewer right, left hand raised to the hood area with fingers touching the neckline.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.02 · w 0.76 · h 0.66 (high) - Background and lightingEvenly lit neutral light gray background; soft studio lighting with gentle shadowing under the chin and at sleeve folds.
- Image crop and framingTight vertical crop framing the upper body and coat details; lower coat hem is outside the image.
Colors
matte black· coat body and sleeves#1B1B1Clight beige· hood inner lining#E3AC93bright white· drawcords- Hood and drawcordsAttached hood with visible beige inner lining and two white round drawcords that pass through metal grommets; cord ends have small metal aglets.
- 03

Product
Rear view of a long, hooded raincoat with a smooth, slightly glossy finish and a cape-like back yoke; straight vertical center back seam visible.
- Overall silhouetteFull-length straight-cut raincoat seen from the back, extending below the model's calves to mid-calf, with a relaxed fit through the body.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.08 · w 0.64 · h 0.86 (high) - Hood and back yokeAttached three-panel hood with a smooth outer surface; a horizontal cape-like back yoke (rainshield) sits across the upper back under the hood.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.06 · w 0.45 · h 0.20 (high) - Center back seamSingle vertical seam runs down the exact center of the back from yoke to hem.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.18 · w 0.02 · h 0.70 (high) - Sleeve and cuff detailLong set-in sleeves with visible cuff area; a strap with a snap or tab is visible on the lower outer side of the right sleeve (model left side of image).
1 region
x 0.65 · y 0.28 · w 0.20 · h 0.45 (high) - Surface finishSmooth, slightly reflective finish consistent across body and sleeves suggesting a coated or synthetic rain fabric.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.10 · w 0.60 · h 0.70 (high) - HemStraight hem that falls evenly around the lower edge with a small visible seam fold.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.78 · w 0.60 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio shot showing the model standing on a seamless white background viewed at three-quarter rear; neutral even lighting with soft shadows on the floor.
- Model and poseFemale model standing with weight on left leg, head turned slightly to her left showing profile; hands relaxed at sides with right hand partially visible.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.02 · w 0.50 · h 0.92 (high) - Background and floorPlain seamless light gray to white background and matching floor used for product isolation.
- Props and styling visibleModel wears blue denim jeans and red sneakers that are visible below the coat; these items are staging, not part of the product.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.82 · w 0.24 · h 0.16 (high) - Lighting and shadowEven soft studio lighting with minimal harsh shadows; slight shadow appears on floor behind model toward bottom of frame.
Colors
dark charcoal· main body and hood#2B2B2B- Overall silhouetteFull-length straight-cut raincoat seen from the back, extending below the model's calves to mid-calf, with a relaxed fit through the body.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
13 total13 reviews · out of 5
Well made
Well made
Great and stylish raincoat
good looking and clearly effective.
Parfait!
Parfait!
Natural hue maxi raincoat
beautiful!
J’ai adoré ce manteau
Fait au Canada et de belles qualitées
Superbe
Très beau design, fabriqué au Canada! Très satisfaite
Achèté plus grand pour mettre
Achèté plus grand pour mettre pull ou veste en dessous
Wow!
Très belle qualité!!
Perfect raincoat
Love the length which keeps me fully dry and the loose cut so I can wear an underlayer on cooler days. Truly the perfect raincoat!
Excellent quality
Excellent quality
Too long for short people
Coat was as described. Well made and comfortable.
Longueur
Se porte très bien avec une robe ou jupe longue . . . qui reste au sec. Matériaux et fabrication de qualité supérieure. Un must dans une garde-robe
Love!
Love this coat, better than expected. Very nice fit and well made good quality.
Q&A
5 answered- How does the sizing compare to standard raincoat sizing, particularly in the shoulders and chest, given mixed reviews about narrow shoulders?
- We've seen feedback that the shoulders can feel narrow, especially compared to standard raincoat sizing. Some customers recommend sizing up if you have broader shoulders, while others find the fit generous in other areas. Checking the size chart and reading recent reviews can help you decide.
- Does the back ventilation slit compromise waterproofness in heavy rain or when wearing a backpack?
- The back ventilation slit with mesh is designed for breathability, but in heavy rain or when wearing a backpack, some moisture may enter through the slit. For typical rain without a backpack, it should not compromise the coat's waterproofness.
- Where is this coat manufactured, and has Mernini addressed quality consistency after changing suppliers?
- According to community feedback, Mernini raincoats are manufactured overseas, and some customers noted a decline in quality after a supplier change. The brand has not publicly addressed these consistency concerns. We recommend checking recent reviews for the latest impressions.
- Is the magnetic closure safe for phones?
- According to users, it does not affect phones but may cling to metal objects like cars.
- Is the coat worth the high price?
- Opinions are divided; some find it worth every penny for the style and weather protection, while others consider it overpriced for a Chinese-made shell.
Reddit Insights
3 threads · r/newfoundland, r/halifax, r/BuyCanadianReddit users have mixed feelings about Mernini raincoats: they are praised for style and Atlantic Canadian weather performance, but criticized for high cost, overseas manufacturing, and inconsistent quality.
Positive remarks on style and utility are offset by widespread criticism of the price point, manufacturing in China, and some quality concerns.
Themes
Use Cases
- Commuting in rainy weather
- Atlantic Canada weather protection
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Grundens and Helly Hansen
Considered a more fashionable but significantly more expensive version of traditional fisherman’s rubber rain gear.
vs Patagonia
Some prefer Mernini over Patagonia for Atlantic Canada weather, citing it as their first choice.
Source Threads
Criticism of quality decline and overseas manufacturing
That's what blows my mind. It's literally an overpriced garbage bag made in China. Apparently they were nicer when she first started, but once she started making money, she switched suppliers and now they are much cheaper than the original. This is what I've been told anyways.
u/AfraidHelicopterView thread →
Recommendation for Mernini as ideal for Atlantic Canada weather
If this was in the range of what I could pay - I would choose Merini 💯. It was made for Atlantic Canada 🇨🇦 weather. Second choice a longer Patagonia.
u/thejaneiusView thread →
Fit issues and comparison to traditional rain gear
I love the look of them but when I tried them on they just didn’t fit me right. The small was too narrow across my shoulders and back (which is not normally an issue for me), but I was absolutely swimming in a medium. I would really recommend trying one on before you commit. That said it really seemed like a more fashionable version of the standard fisherman’s rubber rain gear. Even if it had fit I’m not sure I could have justified paying 3 times as much for what’s essentially the girly version of the Grundens/Helly Hansen stuff I wear at work.
u/SedixodapView thread →