Its WWI heritage is well-documented—British officers wore it in the trenches, using details like the shoulder flap for rifle recoil and belt rings for canteens and grenades serving real military functions. Today, it’s less about battlefield utility and more about how that water-resistant cotton gabardine will keep you dry in light city rain. I like the black, but the classic tan is always an option for you too.
Best Old-School Raincoat: Barbour Bedale Waxed Cotton Jacket
We dig an ultra-futuristic waterproof rain jacket as much as the next guy, but sometimes occasions calls for a more, uh, analog way of keeping out the elements—and a coat to match. Enter: the Barbour coat—a versatile buy-it-for-life staple that works just as well with tailoring as it does with weekend wear. The waxed cotton shrugs off weather and ages like a fine whiskey (or wine, whatever you prefer), making it a year-round piece that gets better the more you wear it. As for fit, the Bedale is the shorter, more contemporary option, while the Beaufort runs longer, making it ideal for layering over sport coats. Whichever you choose, wear it to death for a few seasons and then re-wax it at home, a veritable rite of passage for many a menswear enthusiast. The reward for your grunt work is a jacket you’ll keep for decades to come.
Best Raincoat for a Light Mist: J.Crew 1989 Heritage Anorak
J.Crew’s resurgence is well-documented, and pieces like this prove why. Brendon Babenzien, the ex-Supreme honcho, and his team have restored this anorak from the archives and mixed authentic vintage detailing with modern updates like premium 100 percent cotton, a full lining and easy-on-easy-off side zippers. In 2025, there are plenty of heavy-duty alternatives to keep you dry during an unexpected thunderstorm. But if the weather outside is just a little drizzly, a retro-doused pullover like this will look a heckuva lot better… and might just come in handy for the next Liam Gallagher lookalike contest near you.
Best Highly-Technical Raincoat: Stone Island Nylon Hooded Jacket
Stone Island isn’t just about clothes—it’s about innovation, materials, and obsessive attention to detail. This Crinkle Reps Nylon jacket is a prime example. It’s Stoney at its best, designed with a unique recycled nylon rep that features ultra-tight weaving and a resin coating that makes it both water and wind-resistant, yet exceptionally light. And due to that in-house treatment, the color penetrates unevenly into the material, leading to the nice crinkled look. This is a raincoat for summer, too: The lightweight shell means it works as an all-season piece layered over a tee or a sweater when things are brisk. It all adds up to the kind of innovation that’s instantly recognizable—even if you’ve taken the famous logo patch off.
Best Packable Raincoat: Goldwin Rip-stop Hooded Jacket
If you need something ultra-light and ultra-packable, this ripstop nylon hooded shell is perfect for light showers and breezy days—easy to stash in a bag, and ready whenever you need it. Hailing from Japan, and its rich tradition of crafting high-quality outdoor gear, Goldwin, which has been around since the ’50s, has mastered the blend of understated minimalism and premium materials. At the intersection of function and streetwear, its approach is all about staying dry—but doing it with a knowing sophistication.
More Raincoats We Love
Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch Rain Jacket
Lemaire Boxy Water Repellent Rain Coat
18 East Cascade Water Resistant Shell
Ghaia Cashmere Waxed Cotton Trench
Anglo-Italian Raglan Raincoat
Patagonia Granite Crest Waterproof Rain Jacket
Mackintosh Oxford Bonded Cotton Mac
Loro Piana Storm System Car Coat
Canada Goose Snow Goose Squall Jacket
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