Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

Uniqlo is the place to shop everything from your everyday fashion basics (we’re looking at you bra tops), versatile barrel leg trousers, chic satin trousers, as well as outerwear. 

It seems like the entire universe owns the Windproof Blouson, so it’s unsurprising the outerwear staple has sold out. 

Don’t panic, we have found an alternative to see you through the transitional seasons when it’s wet and windy one minute, but sunny blue skies the next. Introducing the Cotton Blend Short Parka. 

Cotton Blend Short Parka

Crafted from a blend of polyester, recycled fibre and cotton, with a waterproof exterior, makes this a lightweight but durable jacket for the transitional seasons. It features a funnel neck, hood, balloon sleeves, elasticated cuffs, as well as a zip and popper front fastening. Available in four colours, as well as sizes XXS to XXL.

BUY NOW FOR £49.90

The Cotton Blend Short Parka boasts a similar cut to the sell-out Windproof Blouson. It offers a relaxed boxy fit, is short in length as it falls to the hips, but if you fasten up you can cinch the waistline up and create a balloon silhouette. 

The Cotton Blend Short Parka also features a slight funnel neck and a hood, which ensures no draughts creep down your neck, or you are drenched in a downpour. 

This design also features balloon sleeves, which feature an elasticated cuff that creates an exaggerated silhouette. It also has a zip and popper front fastening, as well as side pockets. 

The Cotton Blend Short Parka is available in four colours, including black, beige, khaki and a rust brown shade, all of which are available in sizes XXS to XXL, though sizes are selling out fast. 

For under £50, we think this is a bargain buy you will no doubt get your cost per wear out of. 

Shoppers are head over heels for the jacket, as one shopper gushed: ‘I am 6 feet tall and I bought size XXL for a relaxed fit, plus I have the puffertech vest from Uniqlo which I want to be able to fit under this jacket when it gets colder. The colour is very nice and the jacket is light with long enough sleeves for a 6 foot tall. Overall a very nice and useful jacket.’

Another happy customer added: ‘Great fit, good quality material. If you’re looking for a jacket to keep you dry during the rainy days of summer then this is definitely for you.’

While another praised: ‘I took this to Thorpe Park and wore it on the ride ‘Tidal Wave’. I zipped it up fully and tightened the hood around my face so only my eyes were visible. Thanks to the water repellent qualities, my upper body was completely dry even after a wave of water splashed over me. 100% recommend.’

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: Uniqlo’s £50 Windproof Jacket is the lightweight layer to keep you dry this festival season

MORE: Uniqlo launches ‘timeless’ satin trousers for £24.90 – and we predict a sell out

MORE: Customers sing the praises of Uniqlo’s £34.90 ‘crease-free’ barrel leg trousers that fit like a glove

The manager of a popular establishment for sex workers has defended her occupation as she shared secrets about her place of employment, which is popular with stag do revellers

King Charles’ sister Princess Anne wore a splash of colour in her otherwise all-black outfit as she attended the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral alongside her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.

From embroidered balconettes to modern plunge bras, discover our fashion editor’s pick of Playful Promises’ most beautiful fuller-bust lingerie pieces…

The Princess of Wales looked sombre as she attended the Duchess of Kent’s funeral at Westminster Cathedral in a black gown and delicate veil.

The Duchess of Edinburgh looked sombre in a large statement hat as she attended the Duchess of Kent’s funeral at Westminster Cathedral.

An expert has warned that the relationships that are often praised in TV shows could cause harm in real life

Autumn – it’s a busy time. The kids are going back to school and need new kits, and things are busier than ever at work.

But with the summer holidays gone, and winter around the corner, it’s so hard to feel motivated.

Never fear – Weetabix’s top team of all-star athletes is on hand to give you all the winning tips and tricks you need to power on through.

Heptathlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has joined forces with Leah Williamson OBE, Sir Mo Farah and Ade Adepitan MBE to help you get the most out of your day to achieve your goals.

As a mother, the champion heptathlete – who was awarded a damehood after taking gold on Super Saturday in 2012 – still finds herself jumping hurdles every day.

But she’s able to apply everything she learned in training to life outside the track – and you can too. It’s all about creating practical, achievable routines.

She even spent time with a typical British family, the Skillingtons, to help them put a new routine into practice – something you and your household can do too.

‘A solid plan is essential to stay calm,’ explains Jessica. ‘Whether it’s chasing medals or managing the morning with my kids, the principles are the same.

‘Sticking to a routine gives me the greatest feeling of control, and I hope to help other families find the calm and confidence that starting the day right brings.’

Starting it out right

Jessica lives in Sheffield with her husband Andy and children Reggie, 11, and Liv, seven, and swears the secret of success at home is a strong start to each day.

‘I have always loved routine,’ she says. ‘As an athlete, you have to be organised, and when I had my kids, I maintained this approach to my family life.

‘The first person to get up and out of the house is Andy, who has to go to work early – he takes care of letting Lenny, our dog, out first thing.

A strong routine has also meant that her children have felt confident enough to take charge of their own mornings, washing and dressing themselves as she gets ready. She says, ‘They are very independent, so I leave them to it!

‘We then all head down to the kitchen for breakfast – I like us all to sit down around the kitchen island while having breakfast. It’s a good time to chat to the children about school and for them to share any exciting news, or if anything is bothering them.

‘I make sure that they both have all of the right books, sports kit in their bags, and we are then ready to go out. On school days, Reggie likes to walk himself to school, and I walk with Liv and take Lenny along. I take him for a walk after the school drop-off, too.

 ‘Our school holiday routine is not dissimilar – it just all happens a little slower.’

Jessica believes in letting her children be independent, and she’s taught them well, as it’s freed up some of her time.

‘My kids really like to do things themselves – and they have their own little routines. I am just there to guide them, make sure they have a good breakfast, and have the right things in their school bags.’

Eating your way to success

Breakfast is vital for a successful day, believes Jessica. As an athlete, it was so important that she used to have to rise hours before she competed to ensure she ate right.

‘In the heptathlon, the morning sessions are usually early – we are often the first athletes on the track,’ she explains. ‘So we have to get up early to allow us to have a good breakfast and allow it to digest.

‘Food for an athlete is the fuel that allows them to train at their optimum, and a good breakfast is really important.’

And Jessica’s go-to breakfast is Weetabix, something she’s eaten since she was a child and whose goodness helped fuel her mornings, especially during the height of her athletic career.

‘I grew up with Weetabix always on the table at breakfast, and my children have too. It’s quick to prepare and helps provide what you need to get your day underway* **.’

And once you have a good start, you’re more likely to have a good finish.

‘Everyone has a different life goal, but I believe having a healthy approach to life, both through activity and eating and creating a structure and plan can really help achieve great things,’ says Jessica.

And as the greatest heptathlete Britain has ever produced, who now enjoys life as a working mum with a thriving career while still keeping up her running, she should know!

Have it YOUR way…

So how can Weetabix help make a strong start to the day? Well, it’s packed full of fibre but low in fat, salt and sugar.

It’s rich in iron, which supports children’s brain development* and key B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin), which help to release energy from food**. Plus, it’s made from wholegrain wheat to help support your gut health***.

And it’s so versatile! Why not add some blackberries and chopped apple for a seasonal bowl and get creative with your toppings – fruit, seeds, nut butters all work well.

And as for Jessica herself? She eats hers with chopped strawberries in the summer and warm milk in the winter. A feast fit for a champion.

*Iron contributes to normal cognitive development of children as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

**Thiamin, Riboflavin and Niacin contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

***Wheat Bran fibre contributes to an acceleration of intestinal transit as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 55 per cent think giving someone a call shows they care about them much more than any other form of digital communication

Sheela Mackintosh-Stewart, who has been a divorce lawyer for more than 30 years, says that there are two sentences that can show a marriage is over – and they’re not what you might expect