Rain Maker: Nine ways to make a splash in a raincoat

"Given our country’s rainy reputation, weather-worthy regalia is a must. So is the new era of outerwear that will have you longing for ‘grand soft days’."

Thu, 21 Mar, 2024 - 02:00

Annmarie O'Connor - @aocdotme

As we get ready to put our clocks back and officially welcome spring, the temptation to divest a few layers is real. So, are those iconic April showers.

Given our country’s rainy reputation, weather-worthy regalia is a must. So is the new era of outerwear that will have you longing for ‘grand soft days’.

Take Danish lifestyle brand Rains, which recently opened its Dublin flagship store at 21 Wicklow Street. Known for neo-Scandinavian unisex collections, its design-led rain jackets are lightweight, waterproof and windproof, making them ideal for anyone on the go.

Styles like the ‘String’ parka give strong fashion game with a cap brim-cut hood, waist-sculpting silhouette and exaggerated fishtail while the commute-friendly ‘Cape’ wins big with cyclists thanks to a snap-fastened half-placket and secure thumbholes.

Swedish brand Stutterheim’s ‘Mosebacke Lightweight’ is another any-weather contender.

Crafted from ultra-light waterproof fabric and tailored with double-welded seams, this beauty makes moisture seepage almost impossible.

Ilse Jacobsen Hornbæk’s waterproof raincoats are equally iconic.

Whether glossy and lined with soft fleece or boasting acid-bright rubberised PU material: features like welded and taped seams, detachable hoods, and water and dirt-repellent surface treatment, qualify them as true legacy pieces.

Elsewhere on the high street, Boden’s colour-block raincoat brightens up any dull day while H&M’s adjustable jacket unzips to a multi-functional cropped length.

Worth a mention is the soft, stretchy material used in Uniqlo’s Blocktech coat. Ideal for layering and for packing; size up for a comfortable fit.

Bye-bye, umbrellas! This is one trend I can happily get behind.

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