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By Heidi Quill , Faye Fearon and Jessie Atkinson
From Percival to Arc'Teryx, the best men’s raincoats will stylishly weather the storm. You're never quite safe from an unexpected shower in old Blighty
Raincoats will see you through torrents and tepid days both, ride or dies through any kind of inclement weather. The best men’s raincoats, though. Now those are a different story altogether: wet weather warriors, yes, but also some of your favourite, most distinguished outerwear.
You have only to look at the history of Hollywood to observe the powerful wardrobe potential of a high-quality waterproof. Heroes and anti-heroes both have slayed (sometimes literally) in parkas, trench coats and anoraks. Think Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, Christian Bale in American Psycho and Harrison Ford in Blade Runner.
Here to help you select your very own watertight raincoat for downpours and down days — and to help you wear it properly — is our edit of the best out there, plus a couple of styling tips to see you through any deluge.
Make like Hedi Slimane at Celine and team your classic trench with a super-slim-cut suit. Your trench should be stone or caramel, your suit should be slim-cut and ideally, navy and the belt of your trench should be tied – you want to keep your silhouette as slim as possible, after all. Opt for something close-cut, black and high-shine for optimum high-fashion effect.
A single-breasted style is your best bet for an easy-waring waterproof. Though you'd do well to keep the shell of your coat simple, bring a bit of life to the look by opting for a coat lined in a bold, bright print from a brand such as Versace. Team with a patterned shirt, some slim black trousers and an excess of jewellery to help banish the grey.
The world of winter coats is one positively fraught with options. From your trenches, peacoats and overcoats to your puffers and wax jackets, there's a hell of a lot out there to choose from. That said, when it comes to selecting the option that's going to keep you (and, more importantly, your outfit) dry in blustering storms, our suggestion would be to reach for specialists brands - AKA, the Rains, Mackintosh and The North Faces of the world, who use things such as ripstop, pit zips and DWR (Durable Water Resistant) materials in their composition.
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Rain, storm or shine, Percival is a brand that won't let contemporary style slip when pitted against a couple of grey clouds. This waterproof outer layer has been a staple of the label for seven seasons and the bare bones have barely changed since its inception. And why would they? The slim-fitting cut works well with all manner of 'fits and its roomy internal pocket can hold a 13-inch laptop if you really need it to…(sometimes, we do). £239. At percivalclo.com
As its name suggests, Rains is the label for brightening gloomy days, with its expertise in battling all the palaver that the British weather puts us through. Given a mid-length and a boxy cut, this unisex raincoat is defined by its drawstring hood and press-stud fastening. £95. At rains.com
With a touch of football manager chic, Uniqlo's seamless hybrid down coat combines sporty and streetwise style codes into one everyday piece that hits notes of ponchos, anoraks and rain jackets. Plus, its charcoal grey hue brings a perennial timelessness into the fold. Orange slices all round. £109.90 £89.90. At uniqlo.com
Glasgow’s Mackintosh has been the purveyor of stylish outerwear since its inception in 1824, making the brand a failsafe source for some of the best rain jackets in the world. Our top current pick? This Granish parka design. Handmade in the UK, it's assembled from a waterproof bonded cotton and is fully tape-sealed at the seams to withstand all the elements. Practical in design and slick in its slimming black silhouette, rest assures that it will serve you well for endless winters to come. £1,295. At mackintosh.com
The North Face is an acclaimed source of functional yet stylish garments, and this latest raincoat proves just why. Originally released by the outerwear brand in 1968, this navy RMST mountain parka has been updated with modern Futurelight technology in order to ensure the most breathable and durable water repellent layer possible. Extra points for its stylish front pocket structure. £630 £315. At thenorthface.co.uk
Falling under the ‘Craftsmanship Code’ of Mr Porter’s in-house collection, this camel-coloured raincoat is as classic as it gets. Relaying the retailer’s expertise for quality design, it’s crafted from a cotton-gabardine blend – tightly woven for rain-resistance – and keeps its construction details discreet, from the concealed button placket to infused side pockets at the waist. As far as a simple (and effective) raincoat goes, you won’t find much better. £375. At mrporter.com
We all know that Cos is a brand which masters minimalism, and for its latest Spring/Summer collection, this failsafe approach to design has been fused with codes of utilitarian style. The best piece released? This black trench coat. Made from a showerproof cotton blend, its workwear side is spotted in the range of ultra-practical details: including a double-entry placket, wide welt pockets and silver-tone hardware. It also incorporates recycled polyester in its construction, making for an ethical purchase which will see you through years to come. £225. At cos.com
Gloomy weather aside, rest assured that your style score will still be high if you opt for this raincoat by Auralee. Assembled from a rare Egyptian Finx cotton — which is carefully treated for the softest handle — its deconstructed frame is shaped to a stunning trench coat silhouette – complete with a coordinating belt, elegant collar and buckled cuffs. If the weather turns from rain to shine, make use of its reverse status and show off its silk-satin lining. £1,220. At mrporter.com
Crafted from 100 per cent cotton (water repellent FYI), Mango’s latest addition to its outerwear department promises to keep you looking elegant whatever the weather. The perfect trench at a more budget-friendly price, it's designed with a double-breasted front closure and comes complete with an excellent set of notch lapels. It’s available in four colourways, our top pick being the beige option to accommodate spring's arrival (even if there is a bit of rain involved). £139.99. mango.com
To those who thought that Gucci was defined by '70s-cued silhouettes, we’re here to tell you that the Italian house also has a strong penchant for off-duty pieces. Case in point: this impeccable raincoat. Made from camel ripstop nylon, it will see you through any kind of weather scenario thanks to the high neck and hidden hood, and will also put you in good fashion standing thanks to the brand's iconic GG canvas insert across the back. Run, don't walk. £2,500. gucci.com
Searching for a classic raincoat which ticks the box for style at a budget-friendly price tag? High street brand Jack & Jones has got you covered (literally). Always on hand to serve affordable menswear pieces, this lightest of rain resistant designs is cut with a regular fit and shaped with a drawstring hood, press-stud placket and practical side pockets. For just £60, it’s an easy win to weather the storm. £60 £33. At asos.com
A walking, talking, double-breasted icon, it doesn't get much more emblematic in the realm of raincoats than a good old Burberry London trench. And just about the most recognisable amid Burberry's iconography, the Kensington Heritage trench in honey beige is an effortless piece that instantly ups the sartorial game, no matter the weather. £1,890. At burberry.com
Weather-resistant and windproof both, Arcteryx’s ‘Sawyer’ is one of those crossover events marrying fashion and function. While it’s one of the golden children of the gorpcore revival, then, this is a label that’s been at the centre of outdoor gear for over three decades. The result? Gorgeous coats in waterproof fabrics that stand the test of terrain. £370. At arcteryx.com
We love a fashion collaboration, especially one which marries the technicality of backcountry outerwear with the pizazz of the runway. Enter 8 Moncler and Palm Angels’ masterful raincoat. Crafted in Italy to a billowing yet flattering fit, this quilted cotton parka is emblazoned with a camo-print across the entirety of its silhouette, which features a drawstring hem to cinch, insulating hood and flapped hand pockets. If you’re interested in fully embracing the motif, good news: there’s a pair of trousers to match. £1,845. At moncler.com
The Norwegian brand that's championed innovation and practicality for over 140 years, Helly Hansen doesn't do things by halves. A fully weatherproof number, the brand's ‘Seven J’ rain jacket is clean and modern in aesthetic, while its ability to keep even hikers high and dry amid the turbulent climates of Northern Europe. £110. At hellyhansen.com
A lot of raincoats are pretty long in length, but if you’re searching for something more cropped to show off your lower half, Canada Goose provides the perfect option. Short structure aside, this slate-grey shaded parka is a mighty finishing layer thanks to its DynaLuxe fabric: a double-layered windproof wool blend, which is packed with plenty of down for extra warmth. Big yes from team GQ. £1,250. At canadagoose.com
The Venn diagram that represents parkas and raincoats has a rather crowded middle section, with Everlane’s handsome entry also hitting the best parts of the puffer jacket. Perfect for a cold and rainy day, it's a bit of a high-performance all-rounder. Plus, it's a sustainable option too, with everything (save the zips) being made from recycled materials. £263 £105. At everlane.com
Innovative and outdoorsy, you can rely on the Gorpcore expertise of Stone Island to deliver a pretty damn good raincoat. Ultra-warm thanks to the insulating down feathers which fill its silhouette, this quilted parka coat is structured with a high neck, detachable hood, zip fastening chest pockets and a finishing stamp of the brand’s iconic compass motif across the sleeve. A failsafe companion to see you through winter. £1,380 £1,104. At farfetch.com
Yes, Raey's outerwear pick is practical, functional and ideal for both rainy days in the city and mud-laden countryside walks… but it’s also one of our top picks for bringing a sense of drama that we just can't resist. In its oversized cut with lightly puffed sleeves, this raincoat creates a broad silhouette that carries a suave European vibe on its structured shoulders. Take a bow. £795. At matchesfashion.com
Just another tailored car coat? Look again. Keeping your sharp and dry with minimalistic, timeless panache, this sleek Mac from Marks & Spencer isn't just water-resistant, but water-repellent. Just like water off a duck's back… but more stylish. £130. At marksandspencer.com
The high street brand that does exploration-wear right, Mountain Warehouse can be relied upon for all manner of outdoorsy staples. Case in point: this layered-up and multi-faceted coat. With a detachable inner fleece layer below the waterproof membrane, packable hood and fully water-repellent design, this is as close to a transformer as a simple raincoat is possible to come by. £49.99. At amazon.co.uk
A water-repellent pick that puts equal emphasis on form and function, Mackintosh's Manchester coat is a stand-out for a reason. Available in a range of earthy hues (though our pick goes to the bottle green), the Manchester benefits not only from the label's signature water-repellent, windproof Raintec cotton, but a sleek, ultra-versatile silhouette that's effortlessly layered over all manner of ensembles. When it comes to rainwear, simply no one does it like Mackintosh. £795. At mackintosh.com
Born on a dorm room floor, Marmot's story is one of majorly humble beginnings. Created out of a love for all things outdoorsy, Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley founded Marmot with an “oddball spirit of community and inclusion” that is felt in every design it creates. This Gore-Tex jacket is sleek and minimalist in design, but it's its impressive specs (water resistance, taped seams, small pack size and low weight) that set it apart from the competition. From rainy walks to high-octane explorations, it can handle it all. From £105.99. At amazon.co.uk
Expert proprietor of all things formal and tailored, it should come as no surprise that Moss' raincoat is sleek, subtle and majorly sharp. In a streamlined, mid-thigh length, this pick boasts a simple and timeless style that will last season, after season, year after year – keeping you (and your suit) dry, and looking good doing it. £199. At moss.co.uk
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