Here’s how to weatherproof yourself against April showers
To dress for the climate’s whims, here’s a refined selection of some of our favourite gear to wear for April showers...
Words: Josh Lee
There are four things that are certain in life: death, taxes, another sequel in the Fast film franchise, and the annual melodrama that is the British spring weather. Though late March often sees the break of sunlight and expectations of ceaseless high climes until the tail end of the year, the inevitable dwindle into April’s downpour shows that such hopes are just a flight of fancy.
So, even if you might be aching to completely overhaul your wardrobe with some fine linens and camp-collar shirts, gearing up for the drizzle might be a more pertinent move for just a few more weeks. To assist you in dressing right for the climate’s whims, here’s a selection of some of our favourite shower-proof gear to try right now.
Protect yourself before you wreck yourself, with a water-resistant coat
Let’s take it from the top. We’re now in that awkward period in which a wool coat will get you hot under the collar, but a suede bomber just won’t hold up against any sudden downpours. So, the first thing to take note of is that, rather obviously, you want a layer that gives you a barrier against any water droplets from reaching your suit jacket, shirt, knits or whatever you’re wearing underneath. Then, with the mercury on the rise, despite any rainfall suggesting otherwise, do also consider something with a lightweight quality, so as not to overheat when on the move.
Understated and decked-out in a go-anywhere colourway, Sunspel’s waterproof mac is breathable, unlike many of its winter counterparts, due to its unstructured design. For a more formal slant, this water-repellent Italian-cotton mac in beige, by Oliver Sweeney, is suitable for commutes to and from the office space. A.P.C.’s ‘Thibault’ jacket pairs well with plain t-shirts, slim jeans, and minimalist footwear, and is styled in a straight cut.
Safeguard your possessions, with an all-weather bag
Now, to protect the items you cart with you on your everyday ventures, whether that be your running gear, a spare change of clothes for the post-work dinner, your iPad, on-the-go reading material or grooming kit. Your intrecciato-woven Bottega Veneta holdall or the monogrammed Louis V may indeed keep your sartorial game looking at its optimum during grey days, but we’d make a safe bet that they are best kept away from periods of mercurial weather – with that in mind, we have a trio for your consideration, below.
When heading to business catchups and long power lunches, try out Bennett Winch’s brief, which contrasts waterproof cotton canvas with brass hardware and full-grain leather – and the panel on the back is designed to be slipped over a suitcase handle, were you needing to dash to the airport terminal. Carried either on your back or by your side, this duffel by Rains, the Danish label whose expertise lies in its name, is best suited for when packing a handful of ensembles for a long weekend. Patagonia, masters of the outdoors, has a more lightweight piece that functions as both a tote and a backpack, and can be easily packed away in a larger bag when travelling.
Take shelter under an old-school-style umbrella
When done right, there are few things more classy and quintessentially British than an umbrella, an accessory that, when seen in its most elegant of form, brings to mind suave tailoring and the dandies of the previous century. As such, you should consider this item as something that could be handed down generations – so circumvent the inexpensive pocket-sized options from the corner store, and invest a little bit more in something that melds sturdiness with a sleek aesthetic, so it can be used for the ensuing decades.
A blend of block-colour and pattern, Baracuta’s umbrella acts as a halfway house between making a statement and going timeless. If you want to opt for something bolder, perhaps so you don’t lose an eye on it whilst out and about, Turnbull & Asser’s wine-hued brolly, or James Smith & Son’s, complete with a handsome leather handle, are particularly noteworthy.
But when the sun’s out and you’re considering dining alfresco, check out our guide on the best barbecuing gear you can buy right now…
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