One Coat Wardrobe: Find me a versatile coat

[greekonomist]

Inspired by the Foof.

Assume I'm starting from scratch, which is more versatile? Raincoat with liner or topcoat? Is there another option?

- I would layer and add scarves/hats/gloves as needed to stay warm.

- For Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern climates. I don't get cold easily, but do get overheated.

- I typically dress casually, but want it to be wearable with a suit or sportcoat.

The question is whether to prioritize staying dry on the wettest days or being warm on the coldest days.

Corollary:

The coldest temperature a raincoat with a liner could keep one warm is ____?

 

[RedLetterDay]

I think one of the main deciding factors here would be where in the country you live or spend the majority of your time. I live in Northwestern PA and I don't think a raincoat/liner would get me through some of the winters.

 

[DocHolliday]

I would not get a raincoat. I have two but rarely wear them. They've not very warm, and I dislike dealing with a wet coat. They also look weird when it's not raining, like you think you're a secret agent. I'd rather have a nice coat and a nice umbrella.

If I were to have only one, I'd get a plain gray wool coat cut slightly above the knee. No duffles, no coverts, no velvet collars. Casual enough for khakis, dressy enough for a suit.

 

[greekonomist]

Originally Posted by greekonomist

- For Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern climates.

Originally Posted by RedLetterDay

I think one of the main deciding factors here would be where in the country you live or spend the majority of your time. I live in Northwestern PA and I don't think a raincoat/liner would get me through some of the winters.

United States; see above for region.

 

[greekonomist]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I would not get a raincoat. I have two but rarely wear them. They've not very warm, and I dislike dealing with a wet coat. They also look weird when it's not raining, like you think you're a secret agent. I'd rather have a nice coat and a nice umbrella.

I guess you're on to something about raincoats looking weird when it's not raining. My old roommate used to wear one all the time, and he did look a little like a spy.

If I were to have only one, I'd get a plain gray wool coat cut slightly above the knee. No duffles, no coverts, no velvet collars. Casual enough for khakis, dressy enough for a suit.

I have trouble finding knee-length coats that come to my knees and not much, much lower. Suggestions?

 

[TheFoo]

Isn't a camel hair polo coat the orthodox answer?

 

[romafan]

Assuming you found the coat that works, the question becomes "would one do it?", o rwould you then need to ponder how many you'd need?

 

[greekonomist]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Isn't a camel hair polo coat the orthodox answer?

Is it? I haven't heard Manton or your mentor, Iammatt, say that.

I like camel but

(1) aren't those a bit heavy for mild days?

(2) is camel really the most versatile color?

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

If I were to have only one, I'd get a plain gray wool coat cut slightly above the knee. No duffles, no coverts, no velvet collars. Casual enough for khakis, dressy enough for a suit.
I would never have just one, but if had to, which I won't, I'd go with this too. I'd add single breasted for versatility. Maybe something interesting yet versatile for the cloth (e.g. grey herringbone).

 

[greekonomist]

Originally Posted by romafan

Assuming you found the coat that works, the question becomes "would one do it?", o rwould you then need to ponder how many you'd need?

Obviously once I settle on the right coat I'll by 5 additional copies.

 

[greekonomist]

Originally Posted by gdl203

I would never have just one, but if had to, which I won't, I'd go with this too. I'd add single breasted for versatility. Maybe something interesting yet versatile for the cloth (e.g. grey herringbone).

Sounds nice, but hard to find. All I see in the stores is black, really. And I'm not going bespoke.

 

[TheFoo]

I'd be wary of grey coat because I wear a lot of grey pants and grey suits.

 

[greekonomist]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

I'd be wary of grey coat because I wear a lot of grey pants and grey suits.

Hmm, I find grey on grey (different shades) looks better than blue on blue, FWIW. But I agree camel goes well with grey.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by greekonomist

Hmm, I find grey on grey (different shades) looks better than blue on blue, FWIW. But I agree camel goes well with grey.

I dunno. Neither is optimal. But since I don't ever wear khakis, a camel/rust/brown coat would be my picl.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by greekonomist

Sounds nice, but hard to find. All I see in the stores is black, really. And I'm not going bespoke.

Really? Grey herringbone coats are quite common. Nitro on eBay consistently has Isaia ones
http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-285O-ISAIA-W...3A1%7C294%3A50