Brian Maynor August 22, 2013

While most people tend to find ways to stay dry in the rain, it does not appear to have been a well thought out process.  Simply adding another layer may do the job and protect you from the elements, but at what cost to your outfit and style?  Here are my two inspiration outfits to demonstrate appropriate items professionals use to stay dry in the rain:

1.    The raincoat.  A classic piece that seems to have fallen out of favor and use.  Throwing on any jacket may work as a barrier to the rain, but the raincoat has some unique qualities that make it ideally suited for wet weather.  The two main ones are the treatment allowing water to roll off in beads and not penetrate the jacket and the length.  Longer jackets cover more of your outfit protecting it from splashing raindrops and puddles.

The days of the tan, black and grey raincoats are long gone.  Today you can find them in just about any color and pattern.  My only recommendation is to keep in mind how you will be using it.  If you life is more fun than formal go with a great color, but even formal coats can have a subtle pattern or detail to keep them fun and interesting.

2.    The umbrella.  A crucial and often mismatched tool.  Today umbrellas come in various shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, prints, and automation settings, which is great for casual purposes, but no so much for business ones.  I highly recommended a steel-framed; black canopy; curved wood handle umbrella for professional settings.

Professional umbrellas are large enough to cover and protect you without taking up half the sidewalk, because it is the arc that is important not the number of people you can cover at one time.  Arced canopies also withstand wind gusts better than flat ones and a steel frame reinforces that ability.  While they cost more than a disposable novelty umbrella they are well worth the investment and you can find great quality ones to fit any budget.  You will never be taken seriously carrying a Hello-Kitty or worn and tattered golf umbrella, even if it opens and closes with the push of a button.

3.    The hat.  Another traditional item that has become more of trend than a staple.  I am not talking about trucker hats or baseball caps here but rather the fedoras, trilbies and bowlers.  You typically see men of a certain generation sporting them, but they are multigenerational pieces.  Aside from offering protection from the elements hats provide an often-needed style element to an outfit.

That said I do believe some people wear hats easier than others, like my friend Nick.  He is definitely a ‘hat person’ and can pull off just about any hat he chooses.  I, on the other hand, am not.  It is a challenge to find the right size and style to fit my face, but I am not one to back down from a challenge.  Are you?

4.    Leather goods.  If you have to be out and about in the rain you should always opt for leather shoes and bags.  They will hold up to the elements and can be wiped off easily.  Treated leather hold up better and longer than untreated leather but even untreated leather is better than cloth.  If you want to look ‘washed up’ wear cloth in the rain.

5.    Rain boots.  You don’t see them in my storyboards because we do not live in a pedestrian environment.  If you are in a major city where walking in the rain for blocks is not uncommon but necessary then rain boots are essential.  Here they are simply fashion.  Do us all a favor and save the rain boots for your children or the weekend.  Don’t wear them to work.

While the rain has many benefits it is not often seen as an opportunity when you are getting dressed in the morning, but now it can it.  Look forward to the next downpour as the chance to breakout or break-in your raincoat, hat and umbrella.