One of the more challenging aspects of curating good style is what to do when the weather takes a downturn and the skies begin to downpour.
It’s all very well and good to have a good outfit, but what’s the use if you get caught in the rain and end up looking like something the cat dragged in?
Let’s be real for a second. Your Maison Margiela GATs may be nice, but they’re a lot less impressive if you get them (and the rest of your fit) absolutely soaked.
Thankfully, a man needn’t venture forth into the storm unprepared. As luck would have it, there are plenty of options to stay dry. The ingenuity of some rainwear may present itself through its utilitarianism, purely serving a functional purpose to protect the real clothing underneath. Other times, rainwear can be just as stylish and statement-worthy all on its own.
From good, sturdy rain boots to elegant umbrellas, there’s a whole world of options to keep you dry. The best kind of gentleman is one who is always prepared.
The following guide delves into the stuff of sailors to tasteful pieces worn by aristocrats. All of it though, will thwart the rain the way it ought to.
From the Boots on Up
When it’s storming out, your choice of footwear can truly make or break the rest of your day. After all, there’s hardly anything worse than soggy socks. But luckily, you’ve got what to choose from here.
While there do exist waterproof leather shoes and water resistant sneakers, sometimes, your best option is going to be a good pair of rain boots.
There are several major variations of rainboot, differing in materials, height, and general aesthetics.
L.L. Bean Boots
Also frequently and more generically referred to as “duck boots”, these boots are an American classic with a slightly rugged, casual appeal, though they can be paired with smart casual styles to great effect, especially if you’re trying to capture the aesthetic of the American northeast.
Constructed from a contrasting rubber sole stitched onto a supple leather upper, L.L. Bean Boots are admittedly a bit of a “Frankenshoe,” though their character is undeniably charming. They’ve retained their original design since 1912. Sewn in their origin state of Maine, these embody the spirit of New England life and look great with anything from jeans, to khakis, to corduroys. They’re affordable too, running only a bit over $100 for their signature pair.
2. Rubber Chelsea Boots
Another smart option, these tend to lean a bit more sophisticated in their simplicity. Easy to pull on and off with tabs typically affixed to the uppers, chelsea boots work with nearly every type of outfit combination. Heck, you can even pair them with a suit. Consider brands like Totes, Barbour, Hunter, Sperry, and Blundstone.
3. Tall Rain Boots
As their name suggests, these are the tallest type of rain boots you can buy without getting into wader territory. Typically made from rubber, these will keep you dry in almost anything, even during periods of flooding.
To get the most out of these it’s recommended that you tuck your pants into them to stay fully dry. Available from iconic brands like Hunter, Burberry, and Barbour, these are the most effective rain boots around. Even British royalty has been known to make use of these.
Pertaining to Pants
Before we move on to raincoats, the arguably most important rainwear component, we wanted to take a moment to make a note on pants. Particularly, what kinds are best for rainy weather, and which kinds of pants to avoid.
For the most part, you want something that can get a bit wet without soaking through. These will usually be thicker, more tightly-woven fabrics. Heavier jeans will usually do the job, but corduroy pants aren’t a bad bet either. Try to avoid thin, loosely-knit fabric pants in the rain, like some types of chinos and especially linen.
Ultimately though, this part isn’t necessarily the biggest deal, since a good rainwear outfit will almost certainly include a quality raincoat.
Picking a Proper Raincoat
This part is easier said than done. At first glance, there appear to be a myriad of options for protective rain garments. But not all of these are created equal, and some will earn you more style points than others. We’re here to guide you in the right direction – so listen up!
Trench Coats
Some more modern iterations have tried to cut down on the length for the sake of trends, but try to avoid these. The classic length should at least hit your knees, if not even longer.
Shorter trenches are a bit of a misfire because they feel somewhat neutered, like the coat is ashamed to be what it is.
A longer length isn’t just more effective due to coverage – it looks better, too! Worn open or closed, a long trench coat packs a ton of drama.
Some trench coats include removable linings that add a bit of warmth. While they rarely work as a true winter coat, with and without a good insulating lining, trenches can be used for three out the four seasons in a typical year.
Classic colors like khaki/tan, black, olive, and navy go with most colors, and are just as good casually as it is with a suit.
You can find plenty available second-hand on marketplaces like eBay, but there’s nothing wrong with buying new if you can afford it. Brands like Burberry, London Fog, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Armani, and others are great places to look in both new and more affordable second-hand markets.
Parkas and Field Jackets
While trench coats can work casually, sometimes you want something a bit more contemporary – and warm.
A good water resistant field jacket will keep you dry, while the insulation provided by a parka jacket will keep you dry and warm. Almost all parkas have a hood, as do some field jackets. Brands like L.L. Bean, Patagonia, and Brooks Brothers all carry good options.
Waxed Jackets
Arguably one of the finest pieces you can add to any smart casual ensemble, a quality waxed jacket is also an incredibly versatile piece of rainwear. The most famous one in particular comes courtesy of British brand Barbour, known for their iconic design and practicality.
They aren’t the cheapest, and there are more affordable brands for a decent waxed jacket, but Barbour models are a worthy investment to make. Most familiar in shades of brown or olive with a contrasting corduroy collar, the waxed texture of these jackets repels rainwater and keeps the wearer nice and dry.
Mac Jackets
A close cousin to the trench coat but without the double-breasted (and often belted) enclosure, mac or “macintosh” jackets are a simpler take on the raincoat, and often run a bit shorter, as well, typically ending around the knee or lower thighs.
They’re somewhat similar to the “car coat,” a type of overcoat named so due to its ease of use getting in and out of a vehicle. Classic and contemporary, you can’t go wrong with a mac.
Pack an Umbrella
Lastly, you shouldn’t overlook an umbrella! It seems that some fellas don’t want to bother with umbrellas at times because they believe they’re seen as a bit “fussy.” And truth be told, a bad umbrella will be fussy, especially as it blows around in the wind and collapses in on itself, leaving you drenched.
But a quality umbrella can make a major difference. We’re not introducing anything radical here – umbrellas work, obviously. But investing in a quality one is well worth your while. There are also umbrellas featuring luxurious materials such as finely crafted wooden handles, such as various models available from brands like Church’s and Burberry.
However, size can matter, too! A skimpy, wimpy little umbrella may be convenient if it fits in your bag, but a proper, generously sized umbrella will keep you and a potential date dry in the stories of conditions. Don’t underestimate the gentleman points you can score with the right one.
Stay Dry, Fellas
From good boots to fashionable raincoats, having the right equipment for the rain almost eliminates the restrictions that bad weather can impose. You’ll never be underprepared or underdressed, and knowing how to get suited up properly for rainy conditions is something of a minor life skill, if you ask us. No one wants to show up somewhere looking like a wet dog. So don’t!
Get yourself some proper rainwear. And stay dry, fellas.