Get a chic raincoat

Raincoats make a fashion statement on their own. They will enhance any outfit you have in your wardrobe, says Homai Sagar

THE style quotient in the monsoons is to look chic and comfortable at the same time. After all, what matters most is how you carry yourself, come rain or shine! Coordinating your outfit and footwear can be quite a task, but here are a few tips on how to look your best through the wet season.

Colourful and attractive raincoats, jackets and trench coats or windcheaters have been in vogue for sometime now, and continue to be so. Many of the raincoats you can find in the market today have come a long way from the plastic raincoat that came in a very small plastic envelope with a snap on it that would fit into a woman’s purse. The raincoats today make a fashion statement all on their own. They will enhance any outfit you have in your wardrobe, from jeans to the formal gown you wear on rare occasions. The traditional design has been transformed to suit the needs of the modern woman, which has led to a variety of lengths. You will just as easily find a short anorak-style rainjacket, as a full-length raincoat. Old, heavy style fabrics have been replaced by breathable lightweight materials, which allow them to be packed up neatly into a small bag. Some models also have a hood, which may be detachable. The garments not only come in the single-breasted, but also the double-breasted, and zipped fastening design. This makes them more suitable.

Again, there are two types of raincoats — breathable waterproof and non-breathable waterproof. When maximum warmth and dryness are the goal, non-breathable rain gear is the top choice. It holds in all body heat, while keeping outside moisture from penetrating. On the other hand, when you find yourself in need of rain protection during strenuous times, breathable rain gear is a great choice. Breathable rain gear has moisture transfer qualities. It allows the fabric, to move, accumulating body moisture from the inside of the fabric to the outside. You stay dry inside and out.

Not all of these raincoats can be folded away into travel pouches, but there are several that can. These travel pouches will fit neatly into your purse for the occasional shower that can come on suddenly. Plus, most of them are made with a wrinkle-resistant fabric, so that you will still look your best while protecting you and your clothing from the rain.

To look really good in them, you should pick the ones with belts. Choose rubber, leather or the glossy plastic belts and avoid black metals and silver, which tend to darken or lose shine when wet. Also, while choosing a handbag, make sure you choose a waterproof one.

If you really want the top of the style raincoats, then you have to go to raincoat designers like Sonya Bhandari. The maestro says: "I accessorise my pieces with sequins or beads wrapped in a net fabric to give a 3D effect. I also like using different textures. My raincoats have a thin cotton or satin lining inside. So you don’t feel hot, and at the same time they are completely hand-washable." She currently sells a designer raincoat at about Rs 4,000.

The term rain jacket is sometimes used to refer to raincoats that are waist length. A rain jacket may be combined with a pair of rain pants to make a rainsuit. On the go, simply pack it and tuck it into a purse, briefcase, backpack or glove compartment; when it starts to rain, unpack the jacket and slip it on to stay completely dry. How does it chase away the rain? The nylon shell repels water, and the seams are sealed to prevent water droplets from leaking through the jacket’s stitching. Other details to appreciate: a storm flap at the zipper and zip-close pockets. Reversible jacket can be worn on both of sides.

The trench coat is hot and happening, especially the double-breasted ones. Trench coat is a raincoat made of waterproof heavy-duty cotton drill or poplin, or in some cases leather. It generally has a removable insulated lining; and it is usually knee-length or longer.

Trench coats are generally a material less shiny than a raincoat. Raincoats are made specifically for propelling rainwater. So the material is a lot more shiny. Trench coats are normally long, length past hips/butt, and sometimes further down to your knees, and generally have straps and pockets. Raincoats don’t normally have either, unless these are like the early 90s wind/rain jackets, which I don’t think exist anymore. Buy a trench coat of a bold colour such as blue, pink, orange or brick red.

Get boots that match with your coat. If rain boots are too large for you, try the different designs of rubber shoes and slippers. Socks are an absolute no-no in the monsoons. They will be soaked by the time you reach office and you are likely to fall sick with the AC blowing hot and cold on you, and will stink like hell, too. — MF