One thing you can count on about the weather is its unpredictability. How many times have you trusted the weather forecast that called for no rain before heading out for the day, only to find yourself caught in a downpour on your way home?
Spring weather between April to mid-May can be especially inconsistent. Here in NYC, every week this month has been a mixed bag of gorgeous spring weather for a day, followed by two days of gusty winds and torrential rain, then to a temperate few days, then back to warm again. The point is, with the weather pattern this schizophrenic, you can't afford to be without a trusty raincoat that keeps you warm during the cool morning and evening commute and protects you from the elements whenever it decides to throw down.
As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." So for the sake of plants and flowers, suck it up and arm yourself with stylish rain gear that not only prepares you for the occasional shower, but one that will make you actually want the rain and clouds to keep on coming.
There are plenty of varieties for you to choose from in style and performance - from the heavy duty storm coats to paper-thin nylon versions. But for the average dude whose only extreme activity is getting in and out of cars and buildings and maybe walking a few blocks for his local coffee fix, nothing beats a classic trench, mackintosh, or any variation of them.
But be careful. The old-fashioned versions that your dad and grandpa wore, the ones that fall below the knees, with massive shoulders and curtains of fabric: STAY AWAY. If you're under 55, there's nothing in it for you except making you look like a tool - a tool that likes wearing his dad's coat.
The best coat for maximum flair and precipitation protection is a cropped version that falls mid-thigh. Look for ones in lighter weights that are made from cotton that's blended with impermeable fibers such as nylon and polyester, or cotton that's coated with resin, polyurethane or any kind of waterproof or water-resistant treatment. The key is to have the fabric look and feel closer to cotton or wool - more natural, but with a high-tech finish or weave that gives it its water-repellency. Turn away from fabrics that are too slick and shiny - you're not that kind of guy, are you?
Opt for tailored styles, but you decide if you want a simpler and less structured style (single-breasted, above) or a more detailed and highly structured style (belted double-breasted below). Choosing single-breasted or double-breasted is up to you. Single-breasted styles tend to be more relaxed; double-breasted exudes a sharper, military feeling. Both have mad style and look smart as hell.
Colorwise, you'll never go wrong with the classics: khaki, stone, grey or black.
Chosen carefully and intelligently, the raincoat is a sound investment piece that will add polish and flair to any ensemble for years to come. A gentleman always steps out in style - especially when it's dark, stormy, and straight-up ugly out there.
