Silk trench in the rain?

[deaddog]

I've been shopping for a trenchcoat. I've seen some nice 100% silk ones - but having experienced water stains on ties I wonder how they really hold up in the rain - I'm not overly worried about it being gore-tex dry, I just don't want it ruined in a light sprinkle. Anybody have experience with silk trenchcoats?

 

[Roger]

Deaddog, where have you found silk ones? I'd be interested in something like that, given the frequent spring and summer showers we get here.

 

[texas_jack]

Brioni makes one. I've seen them at Neimans.

 

[deaddog]

So - does this mean that you guys think it can withstand a few showers without showing spots, etc?

 

[lakewolf]

No.

I think this is a luxury item.

For a dress raincoat chose a mac or a trech in a solid and tight cotton gabardine.

EOA

 

[yachtie]

Originally Posted by lakewolf

No.

I think this is a luxury item.

For a dress raincoat chose a mac or a trech in a solid and tight cotton gabardine.

EOA

Or something in Loro Piana's Storm System line.

 

[Roger]

What I was getting at was a super-light raincoat for summer use--one that is unlined and not having any warming effect. Not exactly a luxury item, just a special-purpose one. They are legion in women's wear, but I've seen very few in men's.

For general raincoat use, heavier cotton ones--like the iconic Burberry--are more appropriate.

 

[Master Shake]

I'm with Roger. A lighter raincoat for use in the summer would be great. I too have seen the Brioni trench coats, but I have no idea if silk would protect against the rain. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

[deaddog]

And to be clear on my original question - its not whether the silk would protect me from the rain but whether the rain would ruin the silk. Having written that, I realize that it is kind of stupid to be looking at a coat to wear in the rain that doesn't protect one from the rain - but, so be it.
The question stands - will rain harm a silk trenchcoat?
Thanks

 

[lakewolf]

I have a silk scarf that got wet under the rain... some drops not too much.. and it is as good as new.

The weaving is very simple, nothing fancy...

 

[VMan]

I have a jacket I bought to resell (Bobby Jones Collection) that is made of a 100% silk outer shell that has been treated to resist water. I tested a small area to satisfy my own curiosity and lo and behold the water beaded off and left no residual spot. YMMV though.

 

[kitonbrioni]

I have the Brioni trench in silk. I would not wear it in the rain. It really doesn't seem like it would make a viable raincoat. For a raincoat, I do various Loro Piana Storm System coats in cotton, camel hair, cashmere or nylon.

 

[texas_jack]

KB just gave me an idea, maybe you need a lightweight nylon trench. It will be light but totally water proof.

 

[JamesT]

I have a linen trench coat (which I have yet to wear either in the rain or in the trenches). I'm unsure as to how water-repellent it is - I think I shall test it tonight.

 

[RJman]

Aquascrutum made a silk ladies' trench. I assume silk _can_ be treated to be waterproof. Certain umbrella fetishists insist on silk canopies for their umbrellas, for instance. However, I've also heard whispers that the silk can lose its proofing. Then again, many raincoats need reproofing now and then.