How Would You Build a Better Waterproof Breathable Jacket for the City?

[Becks23]

I was tossing around the idea of putting together some high-quality (don't we all?) waterproof breathable shells that operate somewhere in between your traditional performance purveyors (like your Arc'teryxs/The North Face/Patagonia/Mammut etc) and of course your more fashion driven lines (Acronym, White Mountaineering, visvim etc). There doesn't seem to be a lot of options out there for people who simply want something with considered functionality that don't go hiking and climbing on the weekends. What sort of features would you want to see?

For me personally:
-something that would make it easier to carry a micro 4/3rds and larger camera within the shell
-easy access to transit pass/notebooks/pens
-more tailored fit but while trying to ensure proper movement when needed (this is obviously though as not all waterproof breathables have stretch)
-fit is a big issue for sure
-hoods vs. removable hoods vs. no hoods, tough to figure out since in a more stylistic setting, a hood defeats the purpose but then again it's necessary on a functional level.
-thumbholes in the sleeves? I like the added understated functionality
-weight? Something super lightweight or something that's the norm?
-price <$250 USD

The price seems low, but if you're able to go direct, it shouldn't be that big of an issue.

 

[GucciMonster]

Make sure it has pockets that are immediately accessible, ideally diagonal.

 

[Runcible]

For me it has to be very functional, and nice looking.

Water proof, not water resistant, but water proof enough that I can survive a decent deluge. Breathable enough to not feel clammy when it's just cold and windy out.

Long enough to keep my trousers dry, and so that I can stay dry when sitting. Trench coats, dusters, and ponchos are popular in wet conditions for a reason. You just need to be sure that it isn't so long that it becomes a tripping hazard, so probably to the knee but not much longer.

Thumb holes could be a nice subtle addition, but I'd prefer cutting the outside of the sleeve longer (possibly coming to a gentile point to look interesting) works just as well to keep the hands covered and is easier to put on and use with gloves. The longer flap also acts as drip edge to keep water from running into pockets.

I'd sacrifice a tailored fit to allow me the freedom to wear a sweater, blazer, or fleece underneath. If you want to carry a camera I expect you're going to have to make the same sacrifice, but perhaps a zippered front with a magnetic flap, that way you could partly unzip the coat and just pull the camera out when you want.

A hood that can roll up into the collar. I don't want the look of it most of the time, but it's very helpful when it rains.

Lapels that can be folded in and buttoned up to the neck when the weather turns fowl.

Pockets and more pockets. Not patch, but jetted with a flap, on the diagonal for hip pockets, and zippered pockets within the hip pockets so I can secure a wallet or keys and not have to worry about dropping something when I sit. I also like vertical zippered pockets on the chest, and with a flap or subtle sipper they don't have to be ugly. If the coat is lined, have the outside pockets go into the insulation so I can warm my hands.

Weight. Don't try to make it too light, your in the city not climbing a mountain. It needs some weight to drape properly.

On the style front Norwegian Rain has some lovely raincoats, but they aren't in the price range that you're talking about. http://www.norwegianrainshop.com/raincoat-single-breasted-classic.html