From the Mailbag: Wet Weather Wardrobe Essentials
Originally Puglished 3/30/11 Above Photo Credit: Bernt Rostad
Lately it’s been dumping rain where I live, and I’ve realized my wardrobe isn’t equipped for the weather. My job requires me to wear slacks a shirt and tie and I also have to commute for a bit on foot. My shoes have been getting destroyed and I don’t really have good outerwear for the rain. Got any thoughts on how to dress for the rain while still looking decent?
– Billy
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Remember in elementary school when rainy days meant recess was indoors and you were doomed to countless mind numbing rounds of heads up seven up? (*cough* the cheat: sneak a peak at the tops of the person’s shoes, then match when it’s heads up time) Now you’re an adult and a rainy day means laying low, maybe a good bowl of soup, or better yet a dark beer. Stormy weather also allows you to flex some of your style muscle. Here’s how to look your best without getting all wet:
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The Coat: A Slim Fit, Water Resistant, mid thigh to knee length Double Breasted Trench
From Left: B.R. Water Resistant trench (discontinued), B.R. Monogram Nylon Trench, Calibrate Trench
For the shape and length: Double breasted just looks better on past-the-waist outerwear. And feel free to lose the belt. Skip the traditional London Foggish mid shin length coats that cut you off. Opt for a mid-thigh/above the knee that abides by the rule of thirds. You’ll look more athletic and less like a ready to flash pervert.
For the fabric: most trenches and macs are all-cotton and won’t actively shed water. If you want protection against a steady rain, you need one with a water resistant coating or one made of a cotton/nylon mix. Bad news is they’re rare and expensive. Good news is you can wear them almost all year and they travel much easier than a heavy wool coat.
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The Umbrella: Tote’s Gentleman’s Umbrella – $16.00
An umbrella you’ll actually want to carry. Just as important as the coat, because your look is shot if you’re wearing a great trench, yet carrying a turquoise pocket umbrella. Insanely cheap, good and sturdy (although I haven’t tried to use it in 40mph winds or anything) and incredibly sophisticated.
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The Shoes: Florsheim Waterproof Ashland Boot – $112
w/code LINK20 (reg. $140)
One of the very (very) few semi decent looking waterproof boots. Could pull these off with some chinos and a button up, or jeans and a blazer. Not suit worthy. They’re better looking than duck boots
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The Water Resistant Bag: J&M 1850 Dowel Rod – $300 ($400) | Marc N.Y. Rivington – $140
Both of these come equipped with water resistant waxed canvas. The Marc New York has that current urban tactical look to it, while the Johnston & Murphy is a well executed throwback. The J&M should have plenty of room for your wear-once-you-get-there work shoes inside.
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The Rubber Strap Watch: Victorinox – $316
w/ MARCH FF ($395) | Lacoste – $195
Besides sounding like a terrible hair band, Wet Leather isn’t a feeling you want on your wrist. But come to think of it, Wet Rubber sounds like they could open for the boys in Wet Leather who in turn would open for Cinderella during their 25th anniversary tour this year. There’s always the more traditional stainless steel dive watches.
Got a go-to trench or other wet weather gear? Leave it all in the comments section below…
Trench’s are fine, but I recently saw someone wearing s similar-length jacket with a zip-up hood. He was wearing it with a suit and looked sharp, but I can’t find anything like it anywhere.
How about something like this that doesn’t cost you your first child?
http://www.bonobos.com/store/item/allegri-milano-city-nylon-hybrid-blazer
Does anyone have any recommendations on what I like to call a “Florida weight” trench/raincoat? By that I mean something I can wear when it’s 80 degrees out while raining, but without making me any hotter. So unlined, maybe just a simple nylon or poly material to make it lighter?
Just an FYI – H&M has some really nice looking dark grey trenches right now too.
I’m a big fan of Penfield for lightweight outerwear. If you’re set on black, you may not have much luck, but khaki, olive, and navy are all usually options. Great quality, and Made in the USA.
As soon as I saw rain, I was wondering if these (http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Slush-Rubber-Boots-size/dp/B000UVU0OK) were going to make an appearance. Seriously though there are some companies that make designer rubber shoe covers for rainy days that don’t look too bad and you slip them off when you get through the door. Also Kiwi and a few other companies make waterproofing sprays and polishes that you can put on your leather (even suede) shoes.
Joe, nice find on the boots. I have been looking for a dress pair of boots and finding one that is waterproof is a big plus. I did not find any reviews of this one, but I went ahead and put in my order. I’ll give my impressions once I have it. Keep up the great work!
I did a post on the shoe aspect of dressing up in the rain. Part of the article focuses on how to protect a regular shoe to make it rain proof. Check it out: http://5ocs.com/whattowear/dress-shoes-rainy-days/
I bought the Hilfiger trench from Macy’s recently. Very thin, but water resistant – is cotton, but feels more like a nylon cotton mix. Caught it on sale for $60, and tailored.
Regarding galoshes or overshoes, I can throw my support behind Tingley: http://www.amazon.com/TINGLEYS%C2%AE-Storm-Fashion-Rubber-Overshoes/dp/B001O50E60 — they’re not as stylish as a pair of SWIMS, perhaps, but at 1/4 the price, I’ll take it, even if they’re unlined.
i dunno jack, that seems pretty expensive to me..
I’m looking for something similar that won’t break the bank. Found these two, but think they might be a bit too casual:
http://shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4270065 and
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=534594&CategoryID=3763&LinkType=#fn=sp%3D3%26spc%3D200
Just today I ordered a BR Mac jacket, for the soggy spring days here in Seattle: a steal at $90, this coat is billed as “water resistant”. I am sure its no gore tex, but come to think of it, that is the idea… I hate wearing plastic sheeting.
I live in Florida and just bought a cotton/nylon mix trench almost exactly as described here from Express
it was on clearance for $63 (from $178) because its “out of season”
its not online, but I’d suggest finding a bick and mortar and grab one
I just picked one up, they are mid thigh, slim fit, and look great
Hi Joe, I have been tring to find one of these BR trenches snce last year (I hate the new ones to boxy). Anyway, I think I found one of last years online but I’m trying to be sure that it is the right one. Would mind telling me the cotton/nylon mix % on your tag?
Thanks!
Save up for a Burberry someday. It is THE classic trench. Until then, there are plenty of good alternatives.
Joe –
I”m curious on thoughts on a couple of other Florsheim boots.
The Hobson- http://www.florsheim.com/shop/style/18607.html
and the
Trapper- http://www.florsheim.com/shop/style/11295.html
This is perfect that this showed up as I was going to ask yu where I can buy a “damned, good coat” for the rain– I’ll be moving from Florida to Nottingham, UK and I don’t have a “real” coat as my boss tells me. As a student, but still wanting something that will last me a long time what would be a good place to buy or even a specific item? Thanks a lot.
J.crew factory has the exact same Holborn trench at the regular J.crew. The only difference is its a shade lighter and its $100 less.
http://www.jcrew.com/mens_factory_category/outerwearandjackets/PRDOVR~43658/99102354029/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~205+16+4294966725~15~~~~~~~/43658.jsp
I actually just bought a jacket from Penfield. Made in China, not USA.
Here’s a $118 nylon cotton blend trench from GAP http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=52222&vid=1&pid=854531
Are there any cheaper alternatives to this style Barbour style jacket:
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=12EP
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If you’re in NYC you can pickup their trenches for $150. They’re made from cotton and have all the details you’d want in a trench. I bought one in navy a week ago and now actually look forward to rainy days.
http://www.uniqlo.com/us/explorer.html#/code:069747-000-09/
by “their” I mean Uniqlo.
What if you are a manlet (like 5’6) and are too short to look right in a trench? I have been getting by with my RL Bi-swings and Lacoste Barracuta style jacket, but they are more water resistant than waterproof. Was looking at some of Patagonia’s rain jacket offerings but am looking for something that will work with a blazer or suit…
You think those rain shoes will be okay in the snow too? NYC snow, not Colorado snow!