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Looking good in the rain

post #1 of 38
9/30/10 at 2:54am
Thread Starter 
It looks like I'm going to be moving to Vancouver, Canada, so I'd like to start a discussion about rain-related clothing and gear. From what I hear it's a pretty precipitation-laden place, and I'd like to look good while keeping dry.

I dress pretty casually (jeans, sneakers, etc.) so I'm thinking a full-on formal men's raincoat is out of the question. That being said, I'd like to get something with a hood that can keep me dry.

I'm also debating between rain boots or not. I think for the sake of my shoes, I'll leave my baller sneakers at the office and wear some rain boots out in public. I've seen Hunter boots which are OK (if not a bit bland) and I jus saw that Marc Jacobs has some rain boots. That being said, maybe there's a waterproof boot that isn't specifically the rubber "rain boot" look?

Any cool / stylish / modern umbrella picks? Again, not looking for the refined English gentleman look (well, maybe, but probably not.)

If any people from Vancouver, London, or similarly rainy places have any comments about how they make it work, I'd love to hear them.
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post #2 of 38
9/30/10 at 3:03am
Not trying to troll or derail, I'm sure you'll get plenty of real responses... but I haven't had any rain gear for a long time. I literally just wear canvas sneakers, cheap(ish) jeans, and hold my head high. I've gotten used to it enough that unless it's an absolute downpour I don't even flinch. I think it looks awesome to just strut through the rain like it's no big deal while everyone is ducking for cover. If I wanted to, I'd get a mac and just waterproof some leather boots. Keep a face towel in the pocket to dry hair and face, and forget about the umbrella. I throw a face towel in my bag when it's raining out and do this anyways, it's sorta hilarious but also really easy and effective.
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post #3 of 38
9/30/10 at 3:05am
I like that idea, listi but the problem is it's not practical. I mean, kidna hard if you have to be somewhere and are dripping water all over the place and can't even sit anywhere because you'll leave a giant pool of water. If i had stuff like that on i wouldn't mind it when walking home from somewhere but not if i'm going to meet someone for dinner
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post #4 of 38
9/30/10 at 3:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chronoaug View Post
I like that idea, listi but the problem is it's not practical. I mean, kidna hard if you have to be somewhere and are dripping water all over the place and can't even sit anywhere because you'll leave a giant pool of water. If i had stuff like that on i wouldn't mind it when walking home from somewhere but not if i'm going to meet someone for dinner

Yeah, that's true. For me it's just to and from class... and when it's raining, almost everyone is wet so you're not out of place. If I'm ever in that situation, I'd get a mac.
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post #5 of 38
9/30/10 at 3:12am
Seriously just waterproof casual boots and an umbrella, the thing with vancouver is alot of heavy rain gear will make you overcook.

On a side note, weak el nino front means southeasterlies will drop down into california and oregon, leaving a dominany northwesterly trend.

Sooooooo, contrary to traditional Vancouver winters, excpect alot of freaking snow.
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post #6 of 38
9/30/10 at 3:14am
The quantity of rain in the PNW is greatly exaggerated. I only carry an umbrella during the winter months. Generally the rest of the year it isn't raining enough to make you wet.

Just carry around a compact umbrella or wear a hat until you have been here a while and get a sense of what works. A jacket with a hood isn't a bad idea. You asked about rain boots - don't need them.
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post #7 of 38
9/30/10 at 3:56am
just get a few umbrellas and try to avoid leather soles on days when it's raining relatively hard
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post #8 of 38
9/30/10 at 4:00am
In the Tokyo area it rains a lot, I mean A LOT, June is almost a straight month of rain and in the fall it rains for days at a time. Most guys here just wear normal shoes (sneakers, leather shoes, whatever) and carry an umbrella. No special rain coats needed. In fact most rain gear is simply too hot to wear in the non winter rainy season.

My rainy day outfit is a sturdy cheaper pair of Chelsea boots (paid about $40 for them at Asbee's and spent an hour dying them blue black with shoe cream), damn things have been holding up better than my more expensive shoes, a decent umbrella (unless I am caught without one when Im out, then I get a cheap clear plastic one or steal one), and normal clothes otherwise.
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post #9 of 38
9/30/10 at 4:11am
I have a light nylon rain jacket but I never wear it. A collapsible umbrella (always kept in the car) and a beater pair of sneakers/boots is enough for me.
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post #10 of 38
9/30/10 at 4:24am
Second the Mac that Listi suggested. You can dress it up or down. And I would waterproof some leather boots like others have in here instead of buying the rubber rain boots.
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post #11 of 38
9/30/10 at 11:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DLester View Post
The quantity of rain in the PNW is greatly exaggerated.

+1

I'm from Vancouver, never really wore raingear or carried an umbrella - the thing about Vancouver is that it's always raining, but it never rains that hard. Living in New Hampshire (not typically known for its rainy season) was the first time I've ever felt the need to own an umbrella.

Caveat: unless I'm hiking or playing rugby or something, I'm usually indoors when it's raining. But even if your lifestyle demands otherwise, I think a light-but-waterproof raincoat would do ya fine. Everybody I know wears gore-tex soft shells or equivalents, but maybe you want something more stylish.
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post #12 of 38
9/30/10 at 11:11am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the replies, some good things to think about.

If actual "rain boots" are overkill, what's a recommended waterproof leather boot? I had a pair of Redwings as a winter boot last year and was not pleased with them (particularly due to a crepe sole that pretty much disintegrated after a month of use.) I like the idea of waterproof footwear, I'm not a big fan of the "old pair of sneakers" technique, though I've certainly used it before.

Any recommends on stylish, waterproof, light coats with a hood? I've got a Canada Goose jacket (Japan Line - Calgary Style) for any snow / cold weather, so I'm covered on that front. I bought it for Ontario winter, but it also might be overkill for Vancouver!
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post #13 of 38
9/30/10 at 11:16am
Hey, we have the CG! I recently ordered this coat to wear in the rain when I'm lazy and don't feel like carrying an umbrella: (the fur is removable) Other than that, just wear a rubber soled boot or high sneakers, I don't think you really need a "waterproof" boot unless you're going through water. Getting your shoes a bit wet isn't the end of the world. Buy a waterproofing spray and spray them if you're that concerned. I'm planning to get one of those umbrellas that's wider than it is long for two people
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post #14 of 38
9/30/10 at 12:21pm
I think the w+h waterproof chambray parka would be perfect for the winter in vancouver. Lots of designers make gore-tex shells just keep your eye out and you'll be set for the winter months. If I was in vancouver I'd pick up the waxed canvas bean boot from llbean signature immediately...
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post #15 of 38
9/30/10 at 12:49pm
For sale at gilt group right now. http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/up...?51_1265669032
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