Stylish rain gear for a rainy city (Vancouver) ?
September 15, 2013 4:55 PM Subscribe
Moved to Vancouver not too long ago, I'm still getting used the rainy weather that's upon us. I'm looking for outerwear that can withstand the rain and still look pretty stylish. So, parkas and other standard North Face/MEC outdoorsy gear is out of consideration for now. Male, late 20s here.
I'm a fan of the classic raincoat but most look too baggy on me, or seem too unwieldy. Is there any hope for me?
Thanks (:
Arcteryx does make a rain gear line that is supposed to be more 'urban', eg. the solano jacket. Not cheap, but unbelievably well made.
posted by Pre-Taped Call In Show at 5:18 PM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Pre-Taped Call In Show at 5:18 PM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
You could thrift/eBay/Etsy a first-rate Mac and take it to a tailor? Older ones don't sell for much and adding the cost of having the sides and sleeves taken in would still come in under the price of a good new coat.
Belstaff waxed cotton is sharp, and expensive, but imitations abound and just searching for 'waxed cotton' will fetch up loads of options. I have a waxed cotton jacket and it's got a few years on it now and it's still holding up well to rain, without re-waxing.
I think the L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Anorak is stylish ("iconic" might be more the word), especially in a classic yellow, but that might register as 'outdoorsy'? Also (even more) iconic: K-Way.
Some Filson cuts are a tad boxy but it's very well-made stuff.
posted by kmennie at 5:33 PM on September 15, 2013
Belstaff waxed cotton is sharp, and expensive, but imitations abound and just searching for 'waxed cotton' will fetch up loads of options. I have a waxed cotton jacket and it's got a few years on it now and it's still holding up well to rain, without re-waxing.
I think the L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Anorak is stylish ("iconic" might be more the word), especially in a classic yellow, but that might register as 'outdoorsy'? Also (even more) iconic: K-Way.
Some Filson cuts are a tad boxy but it's very well-made stuff.
posted by kmennie at 5:33 PM on September 15, 2013
Mmmm, stutterheim. Prettiest, most simple raincoat ever. Nice Norse take of the classic raincoat. Spendy, but really good construction.
posted by furnace.heart at 5:48 PM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by furnace.heart at 5:48 PM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
Ventile might be a bit (okay, a lot) spendy and occasionally look a bit too huntin', shootin' and fishin', but it is comfortable and lasts for approximately ever.
posted by scruss at 6:19 PM on September 15, 2013
posted by scruss at 6:19 PM on September 15, 2013
I live in Vancouver too. The climate/city is a really tough one to crack if you want to not look like you're dressed for either cycling/hiking and/or yoga all the time.
I cracked and bought an Icebreaker Boulder jacket, which is water repellent enough to keep of all but the worst of the rain, and goes with both jeans, hiking pants, and smart trousers. Not so good for biking to/from work, though.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 7:02 PM on September 15, 2013
I cracked and bought an Icebreaker Boulder jacket, which is water repellent enough to keep of all but the worst of the rain, and goes with both jeans, hiking pants, and smart trousers. Not so good for biking to/from work, though.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 7:02 PM on September 15, 2013
I can't believe no one has mentioned Barbour yet! I have one (as a woman) and it's unbelievably nice.
posted by pando11 at 7:41 PM on September 15, 2013
posted by pando11 at 7:41 PM on September 15, 2013
Response by poster: Oh god so many excellent replies. I must say I'm in love with the stutterheim jackets. Sort of remind me of these things from Take Ivy Thanks everyone. I guess trying any of these on is out of the question? I'd hate to spend $300+ without seeing how they fit.
posted by prufrock at 9:02 PM on September 15, 2013
posted by prufrock at 9:02 PM on September 15, 2013
Stutterheim lists a few retailers. I'd call to see what they have in stock before making a trip, but presumably they could order alternate sizes or styles for you.
Hills of Kerrisdale
Holt Renfrew on Dunsmuir
Neighbour
Email Nau to see where their stuff is stocked in Vancouver. I'd be really shocked if it wasn't available locally. It's definitely available in Seattle though, should you be in that area.
posted by barnone at 10:40 PM on September 15, 2013
Hills of Kerrisdale
Holt Renfrew on Dunsmuir
Neighbour
Email Nau to see where their stuff is stocked in Vancouver. I'd be really shocked if it wasn't available locally. It's definitely available in Seattle though, should you be in that area.
posted by barnone at 10:40 PM on September 15, 2013
Yeah, stutterheim has a couple retailers in Vancouver, and a couple in Seattle if you're down there.
posted by furnace.heart at 10:42 PM on September 15, 2013
posted by furnace.heart at 10:42 PM on September 15, 2013
I'm a little further south than you (Portland) and I swear by three different weight Filson jackets and a London Fog raincoat.
The Filson coats would make you look like a lumberjack on the East Coast, but in these parts they are recognized as an excellent, functional choice.
None of these are cheap, but I have had all of them for years and they will probably outlast me.
Also, I'm a big fan of wool hats*. John Helmer is my go to, but Goorin Brothers have some that will keep you dry and warm as well.
*Like most natives, I have lost far too many umbrellas.
posted by drfu at 1:53 AM on September 16, 2013
The Filson coats would make you look like a lumberjack on the East Coast, but in these parts they are recognized as an excellent, functional choice.
None of these are cheap, but I have had all of them for years and they will probably outlast me.
Also, I'm a big fan of wool hats*. John Helmer is my go to, but Goorin Brothers have some that will keep you dry and warm as well.
*Like most natives, I have lost far too many umbrellas.
posted by drfu at 1:53 AM on September 16, 2013
A trenchcoat is always the most stylish option for rain. I'm in love with my Scottevest trench, and as a bonus you can carry everything you might need with you, in style.
They're a little pricey but the quality is excellent. Keep an eye on their daily sales to get a good discount on the item you want; the trenchcoats always show up.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 2:50 AM on September 16, 2013
They're a little pricey but the quality is excellent. Keep an eye on their daily sales to get a good discount on the item you want; the trenchcoats always show up.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 2:50 AM on September 16, 2013
Lots of good suggestions here. I just moved to Montreal from that area, but have you considered just getting an umbrella? You don't *need* a rain jacket, and I often got by just fine with a canvas jacket and an umbrella.
Or you could go balls to the wall and get a Barbour jacket. I bet you can get one on main or in gastown.
posted by NoEatingdogs at 6:52 AM on September 16, 2013
Or you could go balls to the wall and get a Barbour jacket. I bet you can get one on main or in gastown.
posted by NoEatingdogs at 6:52 AM on September 16, 2013
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posted by saradarlin at 5:11 PM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]