Outerwear for Rainy Spring Days

Stay dry and protected in unpredictable weather

25 April 2019

Wet, blustery, unpredictable weather is a shared predicament in many parts of the world—as are the woes that come with it. Here in NYC, the rain arrives in the spring, pays several visits through the summer and occurs sporadically until the precipitation ultimately turns to snow. In the warmer, but still wet months, having outerwear that’s breathable is essential—so many raincoats trap in heat, making wearers sweaty and uncomfortable. Of course, the best options are not only lightweight, but also offer plenty of movability and protection from the elements. Here are some of our favorites this season.

Parachute Coat

Made from lightweight nylon, Proenza Schouler’s parachute coat ($550) is two garments in one. Thanks to a zip, the bottom third can be removed, making a shorter cropped jacket. Bright, adjustable hiking-style cords at the waist can be adjusted to create a looser or tighter fit, while adding a little color to the otherwise all-black coat. With silver hardware and elastic drawstrings at the cuffs, hem and hood, it’s a super-functional coat that can change forms depending on your outfit and the weather.

Aspen Hooded Anorak Coat

Part poncho, part raincoat, Ganni’s Aspen Hooded Anorak ($480) is incredibly practical without sacrificing style. With sleeve straps and a drawstring hood, it’s adjustable depending on the weather, and also features a flap pocket for a few essentials. Crafted from 100% water-resistant polyester, the anorak’s poncho style (complete with side slits) offers plenty of movability too.

Rhomb Jacket

Plenty of raincoats trap heat while keeping the elements out, but Veilance’s new Rhomb jacket ($650) is impossibly lightweight and highly breathable, so it’s perfect for humid, summer rains. It also looks a lot like leather, making it a great city accessory. Made from a single layer of black Gore-Tex, the hood features elastic sides for a snug and secure fit (even on windy days) as well as a reflective patch for visibility. Slightly elongated sleeves have a hidden elastic cuff and side outer-pockets offer basic storage.

Stockholm Patch Light Sand

Stutterheim’s classic Stockholm raincoat ($395) is crafted from a matte, rubberized cotton so it may appear less technical, but it still protects from blustery weather thanks to its 100% PVC coating and heat-welded seams. Available in countless colorways, our pick is the patchwork-style iteration—with green- and sand-colored blocks on a black base. Made in Poland, this raincoat is available from XXXS to XXL.

Sportive Green Jacket

Made from medium-weight, water-resistant poly-cotton gabardine (70% polyester and 30% cotton), Arpenteur’s Sportive jacket ($371) is a sensible option for wet weather. With a silhouette akin to sailing jackets, wearers will stay dry—thanks in part to the high-rise neckline and elastic drawstrings at the hem and hood.

50,000BC Jacket

Truly an all-encompassing garment, Vollebak’s 50,000BC jacket (available for pre-order at the time of publish) features four layers of protection and added wool insulation, making for a technical piece that will shield wearers from the elements. Made for extreme weather, it features a waterproof membrane and a sturdy, windproof nylon shell. The hood also fastens just below the nose, offering thorough protection.

Memory Reflex Noragi Jacket

This Noragi-style shell ($430), made from a blend of three fabrics, is a lightweight and sophisticated jacket (albeit not 100% practical for rainy days). Since it’s produced without a hood and the sleeves are a tad shorter, you may need another layer below or a cap, but style is guaranteed. The exterior is water-repellant and abrasion-resistant, while the interior is made from featherweight Dyneema.

Gore-Tex Mountain Jacket

Melding together a famous fly-fishing silhouette and an iconic raincoat colorway, Goldwin’s Gore-Tex Mountain Jacket ($990) is a rugged option for the worst weather. The fit is short and wide to allow for optimal movement. It features watertight front and side pockets (which are all uniquely placed and clasped for specific purposes) and velcro cuffs for a more customizable fit.