Men's Style Guide: Buying And Wearing Raincoats
If you're the kind of practical dresser who fits his fashion to the weather outside
, it can be a little difficult when the weather's all gray and undecided. It's chilly outdoors, but the sky shows some potential of sun later in the day. When it's that type of day and a fullon overcoat would be too much and just a suit too little, a raincoat is the ideal go-between. Hardy and versatile, a raincoat is many a business traveler's best friend.
The Raincoat Range
One thing you should know about raincoats is that, like most pieces in men's fashion, they come in a wide range of styles. Regardless of the cut and label, though, you could generally categorize them into the three essential groups that you have to know.
Made popular to the point of ubiquity by fashion label Burberry in the 90's, trench coats are a versatile pieces that go well with both business suits and shirt-and-jeans combos. Khaki and its derivative shades, though, are typically the more acceptable colors if you're wearing a trench to work. Black is reserved for the more fashion-conscious sets.
Trenches can be worn several ways. You could pop up the collar to give extra protection on windy days. You could also choose between closing it up with the belt for really cold conditions, or leaving the front open and doing the belt up in the back on sunnier days.
Macs, meanwhile, are less detailed but are much more universal than the trench thanks to its sheer simplicity. Without excess belts or too many buttons, a mac in black, gray or navy goes with about anything you could throw on underneath it. Although extra buttons, epaulets and other details may come into fashion every now and then, a simple, no-frills mac makes for the best and longest term investment in your closet.
Hooded zip-up rain jackets are for weekends when you steer clear of the office and stick to polo shirts and chinos all day. Unquestionably the most casual of the bunch, a hooded zip jacket works wonders when you want some weather protection without the weight.
As with most men's outerwear, it's always best to keep your zip jackets as simple as you can. Avoid extra pockets when you don't need them. Zippers going all over the place are rarely attractive. And although a classic color like black or navy is obviously the most universal jacket you could get, a more in-your-face color like yellow or electric blue can work just as well, provided all your base layers are quiet and understated.
Knowing Your Raincoats
Great raincoats start from the choosing at the men's boutique. When you're ready to go buy, be sure to wear your full business outfit to the store. You'll want to make sure that the raincoat you're getting isn't so trim that it can't accommodate all your usual business attire layers under it.
While you're at the store, it's also good to know the right questions to ask. Is the material wrinkle-resistant? Those that are have an advantage because you can easily stow them in a bag. Is the coat waterproof or simply water repellent? The two are different; the latter can still leave you wet in a strong enough downpour and the other gives 100% protection.
Lastly, know when you should wear your raincoat and - more importantly - when you have to leave it at home and swap it with something else. Chilly, sunless days - actual rain optional - are the ideal conditions for raincoats to work their fashionable magic. A snowy day or subzero temperatures, meanwhile, means you have to reach for a heftier overcoat and all the layering pieces, scarves and gloves you can find in your wardrobe.
As far as men's fashion goes, raincoats are some of the most practical, functional pieces out there, and they always make a good investment regardless of the trend or season. And should the weather ever prove uncooperative to your sartorial plans, there's always the option to simply take off your raincoat and use it as an accessory.
by: Hendrik Pohl
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