Raincoats

From their purely functional origins, raincoats have slowly but surely found their way into the well-dressed man’s wardrobe. They are characterised by the use of waterproof materials, where even seams and other details are taped or glued on to make them completely water-resistant.

The original raincoats were made of heavily oiled, thick cotton fabrics. The introduction of rubber and plastic into the world of textiles brought with it a new generation of even more highly waterproof raincoats. Lately, many innovative Nordic brands have dedicated themselves to giving the classic raincoat a new lease of life when it comes to cut and fit, allowing it to regain its place as a natural and stylish choice of outerwear.

Rubber raincoats in canary yellow, navy blue and white are an eternal staple of the preppy-leaning wardrobe. Knee-length raincoats in black or anthracite are a natural choice for a minimalist street style. Variants in Gore-Tex and other water-resistant synthetics can, with the right model and cut, do the same job as an overcoat worn over a suit – in this case, navy, grey and black make for a good starting point.

If you are looking for waterproof outerwear that more closely resembles a “real” jacket, driving coats, also known as “Mac coats” or simply “Macs” are a great alternative. These are often constructed by adhering a cotton outer layer to a middle layer made of thin rubber. “Ventile” fabric also allows for completely waterproof outerwear. Moreover, certain classic, high-quality trench coats are practically waterproof thanks to the fabrics used.