London rain gear

[GBR]



He also appears not to have visited the thread since he started it 2 weeks ago.

That is quite normal.

He really was making too much of it - a simple all weather outdoor coat such as made by Berghaus (or even just an umbrella) is quite enough for the vast majority of occasions given the occupation quoted and his general environment. As to foot wear, London's streets are paved and ordinary shoes, trainers or sandals are quite sufficient. I would not expect raging torrents of water passing down them to merit waders etc.

 

[sturm07]

Barbour is a good choice but, you have to have the country or biker look to go with the selection. If not, go for Aquascutum or Burberry. Personally, I would recommend Burberry since it has great selection and great quality. You can go with the Burberry Brit line if you are on a budget. It is a younger and slimmer cut than the Burberry London or Prorsum lines. The quality is not as good as the other two but, it is made for the younger generation that is on a budget and looking for a decent to good quality product.

 

[HoratioNelson]

Hmm.. Umbrella the most useful thing - go along to James Smith & Sons on New Oxford Street - they do decently built and quitessentially British umbrellas starting from about £45.

As for clothing, on the assumption you will be using an umbrella and not relying on the clothing item to stay dry, it doesn't need to be waterproof or anything as rural as a Barbour. Pea coats are quite fashionable - see here for one on sale at a decent price (although it looks a tad thin) http://www.gievesandhawkes.com/shop/online/sale/outerwear/navy-classic-pea-coat.html

I've always liked the idea of Harry's of London "Downing" shoes with vibram soles, but I get the impression the construction quality of the rest of the shoe isn't great (and at £295, not sure the price is right).

Seriously though, even in the most torrential rain, you don't really see people in London with ridiculous waterproof clothing. Just an umbrella and something reasoanbly warm.

Also, if you're coming to grad school, I assume that starts in September/October? If so, you won't get much rain - that seems to come in May, June and July.

 

[Apollotrader]

Aquascutum raincoat (if you can still get one) or Burberry raincoat. A Barbour might be OK in London, but IMO you really should be driving a Range Rover, Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 or a BMW X5 to complete the look.

Alas, I do.

 

[joonian]

Hi folks,

Thanks for the comments, all extremely helpful. I must apologise for not checking in sooner, as I've had to prepare two properties for rent and travelled to three countries for various errands in the last two weeks.

About the rain: Average rainfall probably is higher in tropical Malaysian than the United Kingdom; the issue is not the amount of rain, but its distribution. Tropical downpours are torrential but last about 20 minutes. No one in their right mind goes out when a tropical storm is underway. You simply avoid it and stay indoors. London of course is afflicted with something that I've often heard called 'pissing' rain. That rather evocative word suggests a constant drizzle. It's not enough to keep you indoors, but sufficient to soak your clothes without the appropriate rain gear. So that's where my question comes from.

I was keen on Barbours initially, but now I'm not so sure. An International or other motorcycling jacket is still appealling though.

A trenchcoat is useful, and I will look out for good examples of used Burberrys, Aquascutums or other 'classic' ones. A bit dressy for everyday wear, but useful to have in hand.

I've ordered a yellow rain slicker from LL Bean for dog walking and general pottering around. I'm not sure if that will be my daily beater, though. It seems like it might be too much.

Probably something thigh length would be more useful. Any ideas for something like that?

I will also get an umbrella, although I generally prefer raincoats.

Footwear: I'm definitely looking for a dainite or rubber soled boot. I think Herring was probably the cheapest English boot I could find. But there are a couple of interesting options in B&S right now: the Alden Pitt boot with double waterlock sole, and the Allen Edmonds Bayfield with commando sole. The AE is about 100 pounds cheaper than the Alden, of course, but I wonder if the Alden might actually be better value. It all depends on how well the double waterlock sole deals with actual water, I suppose.

 

[imunique]

Wish you luck in London

 

[joonian]

I'd like to modify this thread a little and ask what outerwear would knowledgable members recommend for the winter? I am looking for recommendations for a daily beater.

I am thinking that the coat should be insulated and padded, so you can be wearing just one layer underneath for very quick trips outside, like buying a coffee, or taking the dog out for a pee. It should probably also be waterproof or at least water resistant to some extent. I might also be cycling in this coat. (Probably an upright or relaxed sitting position).

I am not looking for a dress overcoat at this point.

So far, I have arrived at a few options. I'd like to know what people think:

Thigh-length quilted jacket of some sort. Probably a Barbour.
Duffle. Gloverall if I can find a good used example.
Some sort of classic-looking anorak. I'm thinking of this Bean Northwoods parka.​

Would people recommend a Barbour Border or International at all for the winter? Are they warm enough to wear with only one layer on underneath?

 

[Balfour]

I think you can still buy lining to attach inside your Barbour when it gets cold, so it is quite a versatile option for Autumn, Winter and early Spring. I have no problem with the 'country look', but whatever you do don't wear it over a suit.

EDIT: Here they are: http://www.barbourbymail.co.uk/Mens-Barbour/Mens-Waxed-Jackets/Liners.sub