Irish weather is fickle at best. Sunshine over your morning coffee, drizzle by lunch and a curtain of rain by the time you’re heading home from work.
To manage those shifts without looking like you’ve strayed from a hiking trail, a raincoat needs to be more than just functional, but be part of your wardrobe’s identity.
So to find a stylish piece that also withstands the erratic winter weather – we hear from seasoned experts on how to find the perfect chic raincoat.
Length and silhouette
Getting the proportions right is the first most important thing to bear in mind.
"The key is versatility. A mid-thigh or knee-length raincoat strikes the balance between coverage and ease of movement," says celebrity stylist and image consultant 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, founder of Holland Cooper, agrees that mid-thigh to knee-length is usually the sweet 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 the most timeless "eternally chic and flattering" style, says Kyte, noting that A-line or cocoon shapes allow for layering underneath "when the weather gets worse and you need more layers to fight off the cold."
And subtle functional details, she says, can be transformative, "a detachable hood or concealed drawstrings can have a discreetly functional edge and give a great utility ‘cool girl’ style."
Some silhouettes perform better 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."
Colours, cuts and finishes
A great raincoat shouldn’t be the stand-out piece in your wardrobe, but rather the staple. It should be neutral, timeless and versatile.
Holland Cooper says to opt for a refined palette. If you want to go for something dark, "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 cut, she says the less hardware, the better to make the coat appear less bulky.
"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."
Best fabrics to go for
Fabric choice underpins everything. Kyte says you don’t have to limit yourself to one type 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."
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."
