Traveling in Style: Raincoats
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| Perhaps not Sartorialist bait, but I stayed nice and dry during downpours in the gardens at Versailles. |
Being an obsessive creature, I’ve come to terms with the part of my brain that’s fixated on planning our trip to Italy in May. I love reading about travel, especially about finding ways to stay stylish while living out of a suitcase. I thought this might be a fun topic for a series, so here’s the first installment.
For many people, style takes a definite backseat to comfort and practicality when compiling a travel wardrobe. While une femme will admit that traveling light and comfortably requires some stylistic concessions, there’s no need to look like one is hiking the Andes while strolling along rue Faubourg St. Honoré. Sure, a yellow plastic poncho will keep you dry, but we can do better.
Anonymous in comments last week asked me to weigh in on this Cape Collar Coat from J.Peterman, specifically whether it would be good for travel. While the design is certainly a very romantic one, and I love how the collar converts to a cape, it’s tough to say without having seen it up close and handled the fabric and felt the weight. If it doesn’t pack small, will you be willing to carry on planes, trains and busses? Is it waterproof or at least water resistant? A dark color is smart, but if some drunken rugby player decides to spill the better part of his pint on you (best-case scenario), can it be rinsed out in a hotel sink?
When considering outerwear for travel, there are a few ways to go. (I’m going to leave out travel to destinations with extreme winter conditions, and focus on more moderate climates where rain and wind will be the primary form of inclement weather.)
Trench coat: Probably one of the most beloved and time-tested options, a classic trench can be practical, stylish, and invoke an air of mystery all at once. Think Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca. For the greatest versatility, look for one with a zip-out lining in case the weather takes a turn from the expected. But carry a folding umbrella too, in case of extended periods outside during a downpour. Many trenches are water resistant but not waterproof.
For destinations where heavy rainfall is a real possibility but where one wants to maintain a modicum of style, a Mycra Pac Short Donatella Fashion Travel Raincoat
is a great option. More chic than a poncho, lighter than a standard trench, these are reversible, and have a pleated collar that also functions as a substantial hood. The day we visited Versailles (picture at top), the skies opened up and dumped buckets on us as we walked around the gardens, and I stayed quite dry even when not underneath our single umbrella. These raincoats are lightweight and fold down into a small pouch. They aren’t super warm, and so are ideal for more temperate climates, or you can layer over a sweater on chilly days.
The coat that I’ve ended up using the most on our travels during all but the warmest months is my black leather car coat, similar to this one. It provides enough water resistance for moderate precipitation, is warm and looks sleek. It can dress up for evening, or look appropriate with jeans and loafers.
Do you have a favorite piece of outerwear for travel? Anything you’ve learned to avoid?
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I second the leather long jacket! It’s tough, you can wad it up in a train bin, as waterproof as you need, and it breathes. In hot weather, I wear my usual clothes and carry a folding umbrella.
Last spring I bought a short belted trench in stone, and while I love it, it’s too pale for the inevitable soil of travel, and foreign cleaners are NOT “in by 9, out by 5”.
Write all you like about travel and what to wear while traveling. Traveling and getting ready to travel are my two favorite things. As an aside, I loved Venice and envy you going. Once I was caught without my coat in a chilly rain in Rome and bought a microfiber coat with fur trim. It’s been my favorite winter coat for about 3 years now so anything microfiber gets my vote.
For travel in winter, I have always taken my 20+ year old Burberry khaki trench coat with a zip out lining. It’s longer than any coat Burberry currently makes, but it is very warm and keeps the rain off too. It was a splurge back in my early 30s and here I am at almost 60 still wearing it. That’s what I call a good investment!
I like the leather car coat. It is both chic and practical for travel.
I don’t have a Burberry trench but I have a Barbour jacket that I’ve been wearing in the rain for 14 years. It isn’t chic but it is certainly sturdy.
I have wanted a Barbour jacket–mostly for our farm, but for travel to places I like to go like Big Sur and Santa Fe, it would work also. Our son has a Barbour jacket (inherited from his grandfather) that I have admired.
I pack my black trench, and then compensate for any weaknesses with an umbrella:). But I do need a leather jacket. At some point.
I recently bought a Calvin Klein (low-priced line) thigh length, anorak-style jacket in a nice dark grey python print. It’s unlined, light weight polyester, so can be rinsed out in case of any bar mishaps. It has a hood that is hidden in the collar, and rolls up into a pouch for packing. I think it’s quite stylish for the price, although it wouldn’t be much good in cold weather, without layering a sweater underneath.
Off topic, I found nice elbow sleeve tees at J. Jill the other day. Wish they had a bigger color choice, but I got a nice teal blue.
A lightweight, hip length trench is my preferred travel jacket. I hate hauling a bulky coat around, so if I’m going to a colder climate I rely on layers, since all of my outerwear is only suitable for the mild SF weather anyway.
Another great alternative is to only travel to warm climates, thus eliminating the need for outerwear altogether. 🙂
As I travel as little as possible, I trust on my good luck, and don´t worry about the possible rain. A change in travel program on a rainy day, might fit me, or then I would simply buy an inexpensive umbrella if needed. Many hotels have umbrellas to take along for the day-free.
Off topic, but a pair of really comfortable shoes ( which can be worn if it rains too ), is my most important equipment for traveling.
Sweet buckets of fortune and awesomeness! You blogged about raincoats at exactly the point when I needed this kind of direction. As always, I thank you for your excellent work!
I don’t have a separate raincoat. I just wear whatever coat I have and carry a pretty umbrella.
I travel far too much…which sounds crazy but that’s the truth….I never ever leave home without my Burberry trench coat….the best value I have ever ever had from a piece of clothing…I wear it every day and everywhere…xv
My parents bought matching Burberry trenches about 30 years ago when the pound was $1.00. I have both (I disobeyed the request to “sell it on ebay”). I’ve only worn the coat once, but it does create a sensation of the upscale sort. it still looks new, so I would say these are good investments for the long term.
When I travel, I usually take my chances, since I go with a single tote bag. We’ve gotten soaked a time or two when caught without an umbrella.
I’ve lusted after the Mycra Pac raincoat for many years, but can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money on it. I wind up using a cheap waterproof windbreaker that weighs almost nothing and takes up no space – a sad triumph of budget over style.
I agree with the black leather jacket, I have had one for years and it is very useful for travelling. I also have a great Parka style raincoat by Ilse Jacobsen a Danish designer who does great outerwear that is extremely light weight and scrunches up into its own bag yet is very stylish.
I recently invested in a Cole Haan packable rain coat. Lovely black with a slight sheen and some nice details. I adore it and will wear it for years to come. Layered with a sweater or blazer, I’m comfortable in almost any temp. Planning my April travel wardrobe right now. A bit more challenging with uncertain spring temps as Mater as found this week in France!
metscan – oh yes, I’m planning a separate post about the shoes. 😉
Duchesse – the funny thing is, I wound up taking the leather jacket instead of a light trench coat due to a last-minute whim on our first Paris trip. It turned out to be a lucky hunch! Now I always take it unless our destination is a decidedly warm one.
LuxeBytes – that usually works too. I just try to avoid taking a coat and a separate raincoat.
vicki archer – Burberry trenches are indeed the gold standard. If I ever see one that’s single-breasted, I might be tempted…
Eva – microfiber is fabulous! Your coat with the fur trim sounds amazing.
Susan – another tick in the Burberry column. I know a few people IRL who have these coats and swear by them.
Belle – I love the look of a Barbour coat, though. It has it’s own charm.
Katja – the most important thing is that it works for you. You might watch amazon.com…sometimes they have the Mycra pac’s marked down.
LPC – a black trench sounds eminently practical. I found my leather jacket at overstock.com. They seem to be the only place that regularly carries longer leather jackets, and their prices are great! Mine’s a DKNY, paid $125 for it about 5-6 years ago, have beat it all to hell since and it still looks pretty good. Probably one of my best purchases ever for CPW.
Chicatanyage – I have to imagine the Danish would make a nice weather-resistant coat, what with being right on the North Sea.
Marguerite – I just saw the Cole Haan coats the other day; they do look nice and CH usually has good quality for the price. We’ve been told that we could experience anything from chilly and wet to rather warm in late May. I may end up leaving my leather jacket home this time.
Jill Ann – your jacket sounds both practical and stylish!
Audi – I hate shlepping around a heavy coat too. I’m probably going to leave my leather jacket home this time and go with lighter layers. Apparently May is the least rainy month in Italy…
A-Dubs – oh so happy to be of assistance! Any coat in particular catch your eye?
Tiffany – I’ve never really been able to justify the price of a Burberry as we get so little rain here, and we don’t travel enough to make it worth the expense. But I have seen a lot of nice trenches at lower price points, if you can forgo the plaid…
frugalscholar – wow, I certainly would’ve kept them too!
Susan Tiner – check out Travelsmith.com and Landsend.com. Both have some microfiber raincoats available (and on Lands End they’re on sale…)
Rose AG – doesn’t that drive you crazy when you can’t replace a beloved item?? I prefer a shorter length coat too for exactly that reason.
The only type of raincoat I’ve ever owned is the hideously unstylish type required when you climb mountains or go trekking. I really want a good trench – but I haven’t bought one because I can’t afford the Burberry and I can’t bring myself to buy a cheap imitation … And I travel very little, so I suppose I don’t really need one.
Love the pic from Versailles. Always so fun to visit there.
I wonder if there are classic trench coat looking coats made out of micro fiber. Will need to do some searching. I’ve been unhappy with all of my bulky coat choices on the last several trips.
I have a black micro-fiber pea coat I bought from LL Bean at least 10 years ago for a trip to Italy.
It was lightweight, semi-water resistant, didn’t show a thing, and wasn’t so long that it was flapping around my legs. A scarf and hat plus a sweater took care of cooler days and when the sun was out it was perfect all by itself.
It’s a bit worse for the wear and I wrote them to see if they would be offering it again, but alas they have no plans to resurrect it.
So it stays in my closet for my next trip.
I like a light raincoat – like a little trench – hoping to get a new one soon too. Great post and so looking forward to coming along on your next European adventure via the blog!! XX
I like that Myra Pac raincoat you’ve recommended. I have a versatile reversible coat that has black waterproof fabric on one side and leopard velveteen on the other. It’s easy to do the switcheroo if it starts raining.
Femme! Thanks so much for responding to my query about the Peterman capecoat and for your feeback in general. I ordered the Peterman coat and will post a “review” upon receipt. I guess I am predisposed because it reminds me of my fav raincoat of all time, which is sadly, on its last legs. My coat is a long, black oversized balmaccan shape, has a hood, weighs *nothing* and does a good job of keeping the rain out. If it does get soaked, it dries in an instant. It fits well under OR over heavier coats to layer and protect. It works for both casual and dressy occasions, and it has even served in a pinch as a robe! I found it years ago in one of those specialty boutiques and have never again seen anything like it. Here’s hoping the Peterman coat works. As I said, I’ll post about it when I get it…
My husband and I are planning on heading to Paris next Spring for our 5th anniversary (and my 28th birthday). So before then we’re both getting Burberry trench coats (the style and shape suits us). I think an addition I would add though is scarves with the jackets, not only for style, but for warmth. When the wind blows there is nothing like a warm silk or cashmere around your neck.
WendyB – isn’t Versailles amazing? I hope to visit again sometime.
Semi-Expat – I’m looking forward to sharing our trip with everyone too.
Couture Allure – a reversible coat is a great choice. Can’t go wrong with leopard print!
Kalee – sounds like a good plan and a great investment. Oh yes, scarves for sure. I’m going to cover those in another installment.
Anonymous – yes, please do report back on the J. Peterman coat! It’s a really lovely design. I hope it turns out to be a suitable replacement.
I would like to put in my vote for the 3/4 length tan trench coat. I can layer it several sweaters when the weather is wet and chilly. When its clear and mild, I wear it over a tee shirt or blouse. I love you black leather jacket. Mine are either too heavy or too lightweight. Yours looks perfect! In the fall I take my olive green quilted Barbour.Its very light and I can add or subtract sweaters as needed. I bought it 10 years ago in London, and it still looks good– an excellent investment. Given that May can be very chilly in France I would take a pair of gloves. On a freezing Sunday in Paris when all the stores were closed, I had to wear my husbands socks on my hands for warmth. Its not an easy look to wear with style.
Thanks, I ordered the Lands’ End Women’s Petite Heritage Mac Raincoat!