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Raincoat

Greyscale

Veteran

It might actually rain this winter in San Francisco. A very welcome change.

I've lived here 12 years with no raincoat. I do have a Goretex shell that's mostly for camping but I do wear it now and then on really rainy days. Otherwise, an umbrella plus jean jacket has served me well.

But it might be nice to have a raincoat and I saw this waxed cotton anorak from Helmut Lang. It's the style I'd want but:
-is it too big?
-it isn't actually waterproof...
-even on super discount it is quite expensive and I might prefer to buy something I'd wear more often, like a warm wool jacket for winter

Keep or return?

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Bonnie

Veteran

I really like this raincoat. I bought one this year from REI and it is waterproof but not as cool looking as this one is.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm. Do you use an umbrella?

A raincoat that isn't waterproof....I wear 'em, but we don't get too many super rainy days here. If I lived in Vancouver or Seatlle and had rainy winters, I'd have a whole wardrobe of raincoats, including water resistant like this one, and downright waterproof.

I like the coat and don't think it is "too big" -- but the sleeves seem a bit wide. Then again, that allows you to layer.

It definitely fits with your style. Did you try it with other potential outfits to see if hemlines etc. work?

Elle

Veteran

This is a great coat but if it rains as much as predicted, you are going to need something waterproof as well.

Anonymous

I love a deal and think this coat is so much better than a gearish gortex camping jacket for city-wear.
I think waxed cotton is probably good enough protection. Plus, you can wear it on non-rainy days.
Not sure whether you should invest in this jacket vs. a wool coat. I guess it depends on how badly you need a winter coat. If you've been trying to save for a winter coat, and this jacket is a distraction, then you should probably take it back.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Love the jacket as jacket. Raincoat it is not.

Bijou

Veteran

This is a stunning coat and the fact that it is water resistant is a bonus, it actually photographs as looking like leather. Technically, it is not a rain coat, but will be better in the rain than a woollen coat. I vote keep it - but that is mainly because I love the fit and style and the lighter weight of a coat like this.

Anonymous

Not very practical, I guess, but it sure looks great. Tough decision, arrgh!

catgirl

Veteran

What Shevia said... It's fab, but a raincoat like a puffer is a thing unto itself in my mind.

Carole

Veteran

I think you've already answered your question....a warm wool jacket for winter..might make you happier!

dakotacheryl

Veteran

I really like this coat on you. It would make a nice layering piece over a warm sweater if the temps drop.

Joyce B

Veteran

If it's a raincoat it should be waterproof, otherwise what's the point? Unless you just want it to function as a jacket.
The last time I was in San Fran it rained all week. I guess I hit the only bad week there...
It sounds to me like you are not too convinced about this raincoat.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the concept. Have you tried a size down?

Diana

Veteran

When you say not waterproof, do you mean it's only water resistant or will it get soaked at the first hint of precipitation? If the former, I think that's prob ok, with an umbrella. I like the look.

To be honest, I feel like truly waterproof jackets (like gear ones) are often uncomfortable because they get so sweaty. Truly waterproof means not breathable either! It's the same reason I dislike rubber rain boots....

unfrumped

Veteran

What Diana said.
I'm also not sure on size--it might depend on how it looks in motion. I know it's not supposed to be fitted--but just needs not to overwhelm.
If you love it then a question is, is it "rain tolerant"--meaning, you don't have to baby it. Or will a good soak hurt it. That's a difference from a water-resistant cotton-poly trench, for example, that isn't super-downpour-proof for a long walk, but supplements an umbrella and then dries out on the hanger.
That helped me realize my rainwear for getting to work can be water-resistant rain or trench coat that is about to knee, maybe a bit above, plus an umbrella. This protects my clothing better than umbrella alone, but is more wearable under other conditions as a light coat. So I didn't have to look for super-performance waterproof fabric. I save that for more gear-wear which is for more outdoor activities or getting caught on a hike or sightseeing.

rachylou

Veteran

I like this jacket. It looks really good and fits your style. But utility wise, as everyone mentioned, I wouldn't think it the answer to rain rain, slogging around the block with the dog. The open collar, the length (dripping on the legs), the non-waterproof nature, the thinness... But for a midday outing to the coffee shop, it would be cute!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I'm kinda in awe that you don't have a raincoat! I agree with most, it depends on how resistant the water-resistant-ness actually is. You don't have to have a yellow rubber slicker, but something that doesn't soak through is a key part of my wardrobe, even if I mostly drive places and carry an umbrella on rainy days. I personally wouldn't buy a raincoat from a high-end brand, and instead look for one from a gear brand that still has the quirkiness you want.

Greyscale

Veteran

Sorry for posting and disappearing - I was away at a work thing that had very spotty internet.

-I don't know how waterproof it is. It's coated cotton but not a heavy coating. I would definitely still need an umbrella. But the hood and long length would keep drizzle off more of me.

-It's the smallest size, and yeah, I agree that it's almost overwhelming me.

I think tomorrow is the last day to return it (...unless it was today) and I still can't make up my mind. Maybe that means I should return it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote return if you still can.