Possible trench epiphany: viscose/rayon/acetate linings

I've been pulling out my hair and bleeding my eyes looking at gear coats lately, because of my yearning for a lightweight, water resistant, *breathable*, and at least somewhat packable raincoat. Some of you have followed the Nau saga, and Angie's words keep ringing in my head that it is not the one. I keep thinking, if I were on vacation taking tons of photos in beautiful places, is that what I want in my WIW?

Then today, when I mentioned that my leather trench is breathable, Sarah A wisely asked if I could waterproof it. I'm not saying I want to use a suede coat as my go-to rainwear, but it really got me thinking about my options - if I can weather treat fabrics, then maybe all I need to look for is a viscose/rayon/acetate lining in an otherwise lightweight coat. My wool Karen Millen is lined in viscose, and it is much warmer than any of my raincoats, and I walk just as briskly in it, yet I don't overheat and sweat when I'm wearing it.

Anyone happen know of other brands that line in these fabrics as opposed to polyester? It is a tough search, since plenty of stores don't list the lining fabric.

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Sorry I don't know of any but bumping for others.

Sarah A

I totally missed that your coat was suede yesterday. I probably wouldnt have suggested it if i had realized tho, so maybe thats a lucky coincidence.

Anonymous

Try a search using the words Bemberg lining. I think it's a brand name for a rayon fabric used exclusively for lining.

rae

(website)

Sarah, I actually had water treated it already with a different product (I tend to spill), so the suggestion seemed normal to me! Fortuitous as well.

Claire, thanks! Adding bemberg to the search - I'm actually finding a lot of candidates on Yoox... doesn't always say what the lining is, but a good amount of unlined in good fibers.

Diana

No idea about the lining, but your comment about the suede coat actually reminded me that for years I wore a leather short trench-style jacket in the rain. The point being that thick smooth leather (not suede) is actually pretty waterproof on its own. Would you want to consider something like that? might be too warm though...

Hm, that is an interesting thought, Diana! How thick are we talking? My motorcycle leathers were pretty darn waterproof, but very, very heavy.

Hmm, mine was a fairly thick smooth leather, I think. Like you'd find on a bomber jacket maybe? I wonder if something like waterproofing spray for shoes could be used on a jacket too...

My old one was kind of like this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/el.....0Relevence

Or what about patent? Although I don't know about breath ability. (this is sold out, but you get the idea):
http://www.gilt.com/brand/via-.....her-trench

Mia

This is interesting line of thought. Really, what did they do before Gortex? Waxed cotton like the Barbour coats? Wool and just let it dry later?

I used to sew with Bemberg linings back in the day too...

I was able to order 4 new options to try: dark gray, lined cotton; copper 100% viscose; and army green unlined cotton. Yay! Pretty darn optimistic, and hopeful about the army green. It says it runs small, so I ordered two sizes... hope I sized up enough.

Mia, good question! I think sailors used waxed cotton? Or oilcloth? Then there used to be rubber rain macs, but they would get really stiff in the cold and didn't breath when it was warm.

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