Beat spring showers in these stylish raincoats
Leave your gaudy mac behind and stay dry in these chic styles
Words: Zoe Dickens
Been through the wringer a bit when it comes to the weather haven’t we? If it’s not another fearsomely named storm (Dennis we’re looking at you), it’s the unrelenting drizzle which, despite not seeming quite heavy enough for an umbrella, somehow manages to soak through your coat within seconds. Well, enough is enough, you might not want to admit it but it’s time to crack out your raincoat gents.
But, before you start panicking about the dress code etiquette of turning up to the office wearing a primary-coloured Karrimor over your Savile Row suit, we’ve got some good news – there are plenty of good looking waterproof options on the market if you know where to look. Here’s our pick of the best raincoats that won’t spoil your style…
Go incognito in black
Look we get. You feel safe in your big black overcoat. It’s the barrier between you and the rest of the world as you struggle through yet another dismal commute. The last thing you want to do is start attracting attention with a high-tech raincoat. The answer? Keep it simple and stick with black.
Barbour’s Reginald waterproof jacket is about as simple as they come. No over-designed bells and whistles here, just a zip-front and handy hood. If it’s the length of your overcoat you’re attached to then Canada Goose’s Seawolf, with its long-line silhouette and minimalist front pockets, is the answer. However, if you are willing to push the boundaries ever so slightly, why not give Moncler’s Sienne shell jacket a go? Metal fastenings, drawstrings and patch pockets lend it a military air while that high neck is perfect for hiding behind should you find yourself a little too close to your fellow commuters.
Keep it classic with a mac
Work in a job with a very strict dress code? You’re not alone – which is why some of our favourite designers have created waterproof versions of their more formal outerwear. Ralph Lauren’s Herringbone raincoat looks almost identical to its overcoat counterpart and no-one is going to argue with a traditional trench from Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes. For something a little more modern, Sunspel’s navy mac is a classic car coat with added protection.
Lean in with print and colour
Feeling brave? Embrace the weather – and all the opportunities it affords for adding a little colour to your wardrobe. The key is to choose sporty silhouettes in shades that will complement the rest of your wardrobe. Steer clear of primary and neon hues and choose simple designs in blues or earthy tones.
With its unembellished style and functional hood, Norse Projects’ Fyn jacket exudes seafaring style second only to Burberry’s ocean-printed offering. Fun fact: it’s reversible and the other side is printed to look like the inside of a submarine. Speaking of two-in-ones, Nike’s 80s inflected teal jacket also doubles up as the perfect top layer for your run home. Which we know you do every day. Even when it’s raining.
Be won over by clever design details
They’re built primarily for function so we understand the temptation to get technical with a raincoat and, while most additions are frankly unnecessary (no-one really needs air vents in their coat), there are some we think genuinely useful.
Take Brunello Cucinelli’s shell jacket, for example. Wear it blue-side out when it’s raining and reverse when it’s dry for a classic grey melange sweatshirt. Adidas, too, has gone for multi-functional design with its Myshelter parka, which features an internal padded gilet that can be removed and worn separately in warmer weather. Shackleton, meanwhile, has designed its Pilot jacket with comfort in mind. Graphene, the thinnest, strongest material ever discovered, is used for its temperature regulating properties while lateral zips mean pockets are still easily accessible when seated.
Play it safe with a hood
At the risk of sounding like your nan, if you’re not going to commit to carrying an umbrella, what’s the point of having a raincoat without a hood? Honestly, you’ll catch your death out there. Fisherman-style jacket work particularly well with hoods – we’re big fans of the subtly different take on navy and grey offered by Nanamica and Rains. Armor Lux’s zipless-style, meanwhile, gives an on-trend nod to the 90s and is perfect for serious downpours.
Need more dress code advice? Here’s what to wear for a job interview in banking…
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