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Rain sucks. It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s annoying. Getting dressed for the rain also sucks. Any attempt at being somewhat presentable seems futile in the face of a downpour. Even the slightest drizzle can have disastrous consequences to one’s outfit (and hair). And with spring nearly here, and thus the potential for more showers, resembling a wet dog is an increasing possibility.
So what does one do when faced with such a dilemma? Give up? As tempting as that sounds, you could always just wear … a rain jacket? Yes, it’s an item of clothing that doesn’t necessarily inspire the most excitement; it’s something you have to buy rather than something you want to buy. But rain jackets can be fun! In addition to the functionality they provide, they can add rather than detract from an outfit. If anything, rain jackets are becoming highly covetable items due in large part to their popularity among streetwear enthusiasts. They’re now officially cool.
Besides, there’s no rule prohibiting one from wearing a raincoat even when it’s not raining. A good looking trench is a good looking trench, and you shouldn’t limit yourself from wearing it just because the weather doesn’t necessarily call for it — how boring.
Below we’ve rounded up ten of the best rain jackets/coats, and some rainwear adjacent outerwear like trenches, that’ll brighten up even the bleakest of days.
J.Crew Brunswick Rain Jacket
J.Crew’s recently launched raincoat is pretty much exactly what you’d expect a recently launched raincoat from J.Crew to be. It’s a classic design that’ll work just as well on your way into the office as it would on a rainy Sunday morning trek to the coffee shop. It’s available in three snazzy colors, and you can basically guarantee it’ll always be on sale.
Stutterheim Yellow Stockholm Raincoat
The quintessential raincoat in the quintessential raincoat color. You’ll be a ray of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day. And feel free to top it off with a matching bucket hat for the full effect.
A.P.C. Beige Phil Micro-Checked Cotton-Twill Trench Coat
If the occasion really calls for looking well put together despite the rain, there’s no coat more suited for the occasion than this micro-checked trench from A.P.C. In fact, this coat is cause enough to make someone look forward to the rain, just so they have an excuse to wear it.
GAP Upcycled Rain Coat
You can never go wrong with black, especially when it comes to an item of clothing that’s probably going to take a battering. It’s simple, yes, but sometimes that’s what’s best.
Only NY Packable Waterproof Transit Shell
Even hypebeasts and skaters aren’t immune to the rain, so Only NY has crafted the solution to the dilemma with their transit shell jacket. The plum color is streetwear worthy, but you don’t have to skate to pull it off. Plus, whenever you need to make some extra room in your closet, you can just roll it up in stash it in its mesh bag.
American Trench Belted Trench Coat in Dark Navy
With a name like American Trench, you’re going to expect some top notch trenches. Luckily, that’s just what American Trench does, and their Belted Trench is no exception. While still remaining classic, the silhouette has been ever so slightly updated from the traditional double breasted style.
Penfield Halcott Jacket in White Sand
White is a bold choice when it comes to outerwear, but we’re willing to take the risk for Penfield’s Halcott jacket. It’s an item of clothing you’ll be reaching for, rain or no rain. I mean, just look at that turquoise detailing.
Rains Track Jacket
Most rain jackets hit around hip length, which is nice and all, but it still leaves a lot of leg exposed to the elements. For those in want of a little extra coverage, Rains’ Track jacket extends beyond the hip. The color is different without being overwhelming or impractical for everyday use. What else would you expect from the Scandis?
Uniqlo Trench Coat
The trench is generally spoken of as a wardrobe requirement, yet it always feels like an item of clothing people say they’re going to buy but never seem to get around to it. Now you have no excuse to procrastinate on purchasing the classic when this one is currently available from Uniqlo. It doesn’t get more trench-ier than this.
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
