Raincoat

It might actually rain this winter in San Francisco. A very welcome change.

I've lived here 12 years with no raincoat. I do have a Goretex shell that's mostly for camping but I do wear it now and then on really rainy days. Otherwise, an umbrella plus jean jacket has served me well.

But it might be nice to have a raincoat and I saw this waxed cotton anorak from Helmut Lang. It's the style I'd want but:
-is it too big?
-it isn't actually waterproof...
-even on super discount it is quite expensive and I might prefer to buy something I'd wear more often, like a warm wool jacket for winter

Keep or return?

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18 Comments

  • Bonnie replied 9 years ago

    I really like this raincoat. I bought one this year from REI and it is waterproof but not as cool looking as this one is.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Hmmm. Do you use an umbrella? 

    A raincoat that isn't waterproof....I wear 'em, but we don't get too many super rainy days here. If I lived in Vancouver or Seatlle and had rainy winters, I'd have a whole wardrobe of raincoats, including water resistant like this one, and downright waterproof. 

    I like the coat and don't think it is "too big" -- but the sleeves seem a bit wide. Then again, that allows you to layer. 

    It definitely fits with your style. Did you try it with other potential outfits to see if hemlines etc. work? 

  • Elle replied 9 years ago

    This is a great coat but if it rains as much as predicted, you are going to need something waterproof as well.

  • replied 9 years ago

    I love a deal and think this coat is so much better than a gearish gortex camping jacket for city-wear.
    I think waxed cotton is probably good enough protection. Plus, you can wear it on non-rainy days.
    Not sure whether you should invest in this jacket vs. a wool coat. I guess it depends on how badly you need a winter coat. If you've been trying to save for a winter coat, and this jacket is a distraction, then you should probably take it back.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Love the jacket as jacket. Raincoat it is not.

  • Bijou replied 9 years ago

    This is a stunning coat and the fact that it is water resistant is a bonus, it actually photographs as looking like leather.  Technically, it is not a rain coat, but will be better in the rain than a woollen coat. I vote keep it - but that is mainly because I love the fit and style and the lighter weight of a coat like this.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Not very practical, I guess, but it sure looks great.  Tough decision, arrgh!

  • catgirl replied 9 years ago

    What Shevia said... It's fab, but a raincoat like a puffer is a thing unto itself in my mind.

  • Carole replied 9 years ago

    I think you've already answered your question....a warm wool jacket for winter..might make you happier!

  • dakotacheryl replied 9 years ago

    I really like this coat on you. It would make a nice layering piece over a warm sweater if the temps drop.

  • Joyce B replied 9 years ago

    If it's a raincoat it should be waterproof, otherwise what's the point? Unless you just want it to function as a jacket.
    The last time I was in San Fran it rained all week. I guess I hit the only bad week there...
    It sounds to me like you are not too convinced about this raincoat.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I like the concept. Have you tried a size down? 

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    When you say not waterproof, do you mean it's only water resistant or will it get soaked at the first hint of precipitation? If the former, I think that's prob ok, with an umbrella. I like the look.

    To be honest, I feel like truly waterproof jackets (like gear ones) are often uncomfortable because they get so sweaty. Truly waterproof means not breathable either! It's the same reason I dislike rubber rain boots....

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    What Diana said.
    I'm also not sure on size--it might depend on how it looks in motion. I know it's not supposed to be fitted--but just needs not to overwhelm.
    If you love it then a question is, is it "rain tolerant"--meaning, you don't have to baby it. Or will a good soak hurt it. That's a difference from a water-resistant cotton-poly trench, for example, that isn't super-downpour-proof for a long walk, but supplements an umbrella and then dries out on the hanger.
    That helped me realize my rainwear for getting to work can be water-resistant rain or trench coat that is about to knee, maybe a bit above, plus an umbrella. This protects my clothing better than umbrella alone, but is more wearable under other conditions as a light coat. So I didn't have to look for super-performance waterproof fabric. I save that for more gear-wear which is for more outdoor activities or getting caught on a hike or sightseeing.

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    I like this jacket. It looks really good and fits your style. But utility wise, as everyone mentioned, I wouldn't think it the answer to rain rain, slogging around the block with the dog. The open collar, the length (dripping on the legs), the non-waterproof nature, the thinness... But for a midday outing to the coffee shop, it would be cute!

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 9 years ago

    I'm kinda in awe that you don't have a raincoat! I agree with most, it depends on how resistant the water-resistant-ness actually is. You don't have to have a yellow rubber slicker, but something that doesn't soak through is a key part of my wardrobe, even if I mostly drive places and carry an umbrella on rainy days. I personally wouldn't buy a raincoat from a high-end brand, and instead look for one from a gear brand that still has the quirkiness you want.

  • Greyscale replied 9 years ago

    Sorry for posting and disappearing - I was away at a work thing that had very spotty internet. 

    -I don't know how waterproof it is. It's coated cotton but not a heavy coating. I would definitely still need an umbrella. But the hood and long length would keep drizzle off more of me.

    -It's the smallest size, and yeah, I agree that it's almost overwhelming me.

    I think tomorrow is the last day to return it (...unless it was today) and I still can't make up my mind. Maybe that means I should return it.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I vote return if you still can. 

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