British climate is fickle at greatest. Sunshine over your morning espresso, drizzle by lunch and a curtain of rain by the point you’re heading residence from work.
To handle these shifts with out trying such as you’ve strayed from a mountain climbing path, a raincoat wants to be extra than simply practical, however be a part of your wardrobe’s identification.
So to find a fashionable piece that additionally withstands the erratic winter climate – we hear from seasoned specialists on how to find the right stylish raincoat.
Length and silhouette
Getting the proportions proper is the primary most vital factor to keep in mind.
“The key is versatility. A mid-thigh or knee-length raincoat strikes the balance between coverage and ease of movement,” says superstar stylist and picture guide Angela Kyte.
“Essentially they’re long enough to shield against a sudden downpour, yet not so long that it feels cumbersome and clunky in light drizzle.”
Jade Holland Cooper, founding father of Holland Cooperwhose designs are incessantly noticed on the Princess of Wales, agrees that mid-thigh to knee-length is normally the candy spot.
“[It’s] long enough to protect most of your body from wind-driven rain, but not so long that it drags or restricts movement, and I personally love the option to belt, it looks much more flattering,” she says.
Belted trenches are probably the most timeless “eternally chic and flattering” fashion, says Kyte, noting that A-line or cocoon shapes enable for layering beneath “when the weather gets worse and you need more layers to fight off the cold.”
And refined practical particulars, she says, might be transformative, “a detachable hood or concealed drawstrings can have a discreetly functional edge and give a great utility ‘cool girl’ style.”
Some silhouettes carry out higher in downpours than drizzle. “The classic trench coat is timeless, elegant, good protection, especially with tightening cuffs and a belted waist,” says Holland Cooper. “A well-made mac is perfect for lighter showers, but when built well can handle heavier rain.
“A parka with technical waterproof fabric and taped seams is a great option if you expect serious downpours or are outdoors a lot. A shell jacket style for layers is lightweight, easy to pack, and are good as over-layers.”
Joules Holkham Brown Check Waterproof Packable Raincoat, £69
Lands’ End Women’s Long Rubber Raincoat, £59 (was £120)
A terrific raincoat shouldn’t be the stand-out piece in your wardrobe, however fairly the staple. It needs to be impartial, timeless and versatile.
Holland Cooper says to go for a refined palette. If you need to go for one thing darkish, “navy, charcoal, forest green all hide splashes and dirt which may have marked the coat, and are a less-obvious choice than black.”
“I also find these colours look elegant and smart, even on days where the weather is miserable. Camel, tan and stone also warm up the grey skies, they are a classic colour which goes with everything while still looking elevated.
“Olive or khaki, with the right cut and fabric, these have every ability to look elegant and chic rather than rugged and outdoorsy.”
On reduce, she says the much less {hardware}, the higher to make the coat seem much less cumbersome.
“Belted or semi-fitted styles show shape, I would tend to avoid full boxy unless that’s a deliberate style choice.
“A collar that can be turned up helps to protect your neck from the rain and also looks smart. Hem styles that aren’t too flared also keeps the look more structured.”
Phase Eight Broddie Hooded Coat, £169
Seasalt Cornwall Penweathers Waterproof Trench Coat, £170
Best materials to go for
Fabric selection underpins every part. Kyte says you don’t have to restrict your self to one kind of waterproofing that makes you look too technical.
“Each fabric brings a different character,” she explains. “Waxed cotton is the heritage choice and we’re seeing so much of it at the moment with the classic barn coat style.
“They’re beautifully matte, they soften with age and they can add a stylish touch while keeping you dry.
“Modern recycled synthetics and bonded cottons are lightweight and crisp, ideal for a more ‘city sharp’ look.
“Gore-Tex and other technical membranes are the most high-performance, and when styled in refined cuts, they can look just as sharp as traditional fabrics while being storm-proof,” says Kyte. “The trick is choosing a finish that aligns with your wardrobe whether that’s matte or a subtle sheen.”
barbour”>Barbour Evette Waxed Car Coat, £329
Get a coat that can do both
A raincoat that works not only Monday to Friday but also on the weekend is the holy grail.
Kyte recommends “a tailored trench coat in a waterproof fabric” as “unrivalled for its dual personality so think boardroom-ready during the week, and effortlessly chic with denim or knitwear at the weekend.”
A single-breasted mac with simple lines is, she says, “another timeless option, as it slips easily over suiting or more casual looks.
“The key is to avoid overtly sporty details, so look for concealed fastenings, minimal branding and elegant proportions so the coat transitions seamlessly between occasions.”
Holland Cooper agrees, noting “for in the office or a smart occasion I would definitely go for a waterproof trench coat. They are full-length, keeping you dry and the tailored lines feel chic while still being practical.”
Holland Cooper Full Length Kendal Waterproof Trench Coat, £299 (was £499)