What happened to summertime in the UK? We know Britain has a bad rep for grey days, but seriously? The dreary weather has left us casting our summer wardrobes aside and slipping back into the layers we bid goodbye to in April – and quite frankly we’re soaked.
At the moment, the centrepiece of every London wardrobe is a raincoat, the humble foldable umbrella being its best accessory. And it's fair to say that neither splashproof staple is particularly good at instilling excitement in us fashion lovers. Too sporty, too stiff or outfit engulfing all together – a practical but chic raincoat, that actually keeps you dry when the heavens unexpectedly open, is often hard to come by.
To lighten the mood, we’ve done the hard work for you and have pulled together the best raincoats to tackle your weather woes.
The Fashion Collab
We’ve seen designer-approved iterations of storm-faring fashion in recent months. Like this Adidas Consortium x Wales Bonner metallic silver anorak which will revive your rainwear in the most dazzling way; or this Moncler x Richard Quinn bold floral alternative, fit with an adjustable crystal buckle belt and concealed press studs for keeping the drizzle and wind out in style.
The Budget-Friendly
Caught in a storm? Purveyors of understated high street cool, Uniqlo and Arket are reliable choices for rainproof wear that doesn’t break the bank – and that you can pick up on your lunch break. Their lightweight oversized silhouette prevents that stuffy, human-greenhouse feeling and they both pack down to a bag-friendly size in case the sun eventually decides to come out.
The Skandi Brands
Makers based in equally wet and cold climates also seem like a safe bet when it comes to raincoats. Denmark-based Rains’ rubberised coats (and accessories) have gained a cult-like following amongst London commuters, while Swedish brand Stutterheim's coated cotton coats are renowned for their storm-faring capabilities – all with a high dose of Skandi-chic, what’s not to like.
The Technical
Despite our attempts to move away from outerwear that looks too sporty, sometimes a techy brand is the only option when it comes to proper protection. And the so-called gorp-core trend means that performance brands are still cool, right?
The Festival Friend
As festival season is full steam ahead, despite the inclement weather, we’ve also sourced some waterproofs that bring a bit of life to the mud and showers. This floral packable parker and see-through coat are a great way to show off your festival attire even in the rain.
The Best Brollies
