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Nov 05, 2024

Best Men's Raincoats 2024: From Uniqlo to Mackintosh | British GQ

From Percival to Arc'Teryx, the best men’s raincoats will stylishly weather the storm. You're never quite safe from an unexpected shower in old Blighty

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Raincoats will see you through torrents and tepid days both, ride or dies through any kind of inclement weather. The best men’s raincoats, though. Now those are a different story altogether: wet weather warriors, yes, but also some of your favourite, most distinguished outerwear.

You have only to look at the history of Hollywood to observe the powerful wardrobe potential of a high-quality waterproof. Heroes and anti-heroes both have slayed (sometimes literally) in a collection of parkas, the best men's trench coats and anoraks. Think Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, Christian Bale in American Psycho and Harrison Ford in Blade Runner.

Here to help you select your very own watertight raincoat for downpours and down days — and to help you wear it properly — is our edit of the best out there, plus a couple of styling tips to see you through any deluge.

A.P.C. car coat, modelled by Senior Commerce Editor Robert Leedham

Shot by Jeeba Mari, styled by Heidi Quill

A.P.C. car coat

Rains

Rains

As its name suggests, Rains is the label for brightening gloomy days, with its expertise in battling all the palaver that the British weather puts us through. Given a mid-length and a boxy cut, this unisex raincoat is defined by its drawstring hood and press-stud fastening.

Mackintosh

Mackintosh

Glasgow’s Mackintosh has been the purveyor of stylish outerwear since its inception in 1824, making the brand a failsafe source for some of the best rain jackets in the world. Our top current pick? This Granish parka design. Handmade in the UK, it's assembled from a waterproof bonded cotton and is fully tape-sealed at the seams to withstand all the elements. Practical in design and slick in its slimming black silhouette, rest assures that it will serve you well for endless winters to come.

Farfetch

Just because the rain is out doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a brighter dose of style. Enter Lacoste's latest raincoat. Clad in a crisp white shade, this lightweight design is made from a cotton twill weave and boasts a showerproof status through its water-repellent technology. Complete with a classic pointed collar as well as the brand's acclaimed crocodile logo, your fashion aura will be higher than ever (added bonus that you're protected against the weather).

M&S

Just another tailored car coat? Look again. Keeping your sharp and dry with minimalistic, timeless panache, this sleek Mac from Marks & Spencer isn't just water-resistant, but water-repellent. Just like water off a duck's back… but more stylish.

Helly Hansen

The Norwegian brand that's championed innovation and practicality for over 140 years, Helly Hansen doesn't do things by halves. A fully weatherproof number, the brand's ‘Seven J’ rain jacket is clean and modern in aesthetic, while its ability to keep even hikers high and dry amid the turbulent climates of Northern Europe.

Percival

Percival is a brand that won't let contemporary style slip — even when pitted against severe storms. This black waterproof raincoat has been a staple of the label for more than seven seasons now, and for good reason. Aside from the fact that its slim-fitting cut works well with all manner of ‘fits, it’s also detailed with a roomy internal pocket, 2000g/sqm breathability, taped seams and bonded PU lining. Put simply: an essential addition to your wardrobe.

Canada Goose

A lot of raincoats are pretty long in length, but if you’re searching for something more cropped to show off your lower half, Canada Goose provides the perfect option. Short structure aside, this slate-grey shaded parka is a mighty finishing layer thanks to its DynaLuxe fabric: a double-layered windproof wool blend, which is packed with plenty of down for extra warmth. Big yes from team GQ.

Paul Smith

We all know that Paul Smith is a man who masters classic menswear, so it's no surprise that a stylish raincoat can be pulled from his latest collection. Made from a two-layered recycled polyester blend (water repellent, of course), it pulls from the codes of military style through the range of ultra-practical details. From the high neck fastening and drawstring waist to the quartet of patch pockets across the front, you'll be equipped to battle any terrain, and look seriously stylish in the process.

Farfetch

Innovative and outdoorsy, you can rely on the Gorpcore expertise of Stone Island to deliver a pretty damn good raincoat. Ultra-warm thanks to the insulating down feathers which fill its silhouette, this quilted parka coat is structured with a high neck, detachable hood, zip fastening chest pockets and a finishing stamp of the brand’s iconic compass motif across the sleeve. A failsafe companion to see you through winter.

Everlane

Somewhere in the middle of the parkas and raincoats universe, you'll find Everlane's smart entry, which blends the puffer elements of the former with the slick silhouette of the latter. Excelling in style and sustainability alike (it's made from an organic cotton and recycled nylon blend), this stark black design features oversized cargo pockets, high-performance 'PrimaLoft' insulation and a protective hood on top. The best option from the mid-priced category, if you ask us.

Amazon

Born on a dorm room floor, Marmot's story is one of majorly humble beginnings. Created out of a love for all things outdoorsy, Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley founded Marmot with an “oddball spirit of community and inclusion” that is felt in every design it creates. This Gore-Tex jacket is sleek and minimalist in design, but it's its impressive specs (water resistance, taped seams, small pack size and low weight) that set it apart from the competition. From rainy walks to high-octane explorations, it can handle it all.

Mango

In recent years, Mango has become a key player in the high street menswear game, and with raincoats like this, it's easy to see why. Cut from a cotton blend which simultaneously incorporates a water repellent finish, its elegant beige frame is straight and loose-fitting for maximum comfort. An easy companion to layer over your favourite winter-warming pieces, rest assured the dreary weather won't dull your style in this.

Mr Porter

Made from a light-grey coated-twill, Danish brand NN07's recent addition to its outerwear department is essential for a rainy forecast. A streamlined take on traditional trench styles, it has been treated with both a water and wind resistant coating during production, and is fitted with a detachable shell placket to give an extra layer of warmth should you need it. Partnered with straight cut jeans and lace-up leather boots, you'll put your most stylish step forward (puddles aside).

Amazon

The high street brand that does exploration-wear right, Mountain Warehouse can be relied upon for all manner of outdoorsy staples. Case in point: this layered-up and multi-faceted coat. With a detachable inner fleece layer below the waterproof membrane, packable hood and fully water-repellent design, this is as close to a transformer as a simple raincoat is possible to come by.

Cos

If you're as excited as us about the upcoming Oasis reunion (definitely maybe), allow us to set you on the road to achieving serious Britpop style through Cos' latest raincoat. Falling into the parka category – AKA the ultimate piece of outerwear for the Gallagher brothers – this navy style is made from an elastane-fused cotton, falling below the knee for extra protection and topped with an enveloping hood. Our only tip to wear it well? It's easy: just have the attitude to go with it.

Mr Porter

As one of the most iconic pieces of outerwear in the history of men's clothing, it doesn't get much better than a double-breasted Burberry trench coat to see you through dreary days. Cut from an iridescent version of the brand's signature cotton-gabardine blend, this updated style is slightly more saturated in its camel shade and features a functional storm flap around the back. Ultra practical and enduring at once, this will instantly up your sartorial game, whatever the weather.

Moss

Expert proprietor of all things formal and tailored, it should come as no surprise that Moss' raincoat is sleek, subtle and majorly sharp. In a streamlined, mid-thigh length, this pick boasts a simple and timeless style that will last season, after season, year after year – keeping you (and your suit) dry, and looking good doing it.

Selfridges

In a sea of simple cotton raincoats, Rick Owens once again stands out. Ready to battle all weather conditions through alternative means of expression, this latest design is the result of excellent shell-down shaping: taking is cues from the codes of flight through the bold quilting and padding over its stark black body. Finished with front popper fastenings and a drawstring waist, you'll be well equipped to tackle the rain while drawing the right kind of attention.

Mackintosh

A water-repellent pick that puts equal emphasis on form and function, Mackintosh's Manchester coat is a stand-out for a reason. Available in a range of earthy hues (though our pick goes to the bottle green), the Manchester benefits not only from the label's signature water-repellent, windproof Raintec cotton, but a sleek, ultra-versatile silhouette that's effortlessly layered over all manner of ensembles. When it comes to rainwear, simply no one does it like Mackintosh.

Mr Porter

Unpredictable weather aside, rest assured that your style score will still be high if you opt for this raincoat by Dries Van Noten. Assembled from a hard wearing shell fabric which is filled with lightweight padding for an extra bit of insulation, its grey frame is shaped to a car coat-like silhouette – complete with contrasting button fastenings, slip side pockets and nifty collar. The perfect piece for fans of minimalism.

Make like Hedi Slimane at Celine and team your classic trench with a super-slim-cut suit. Your trench should be stone or caramel, your suit should be slim-cut and ideally, navy and the belt of your trench should be tied – you want to keep your silhouette as slim as possible, after all. Opt for something close-cut, black and high-shine for optimum high-fashion effect.

A single-breasted style is your best bet for an easy-waring waterproof. Though you'd do well to keep the shell of your coat simple, bring a bit of life to the look by opting for a coat lined in a bold, bright print from a brand such as Versace. Team with a patterned shirt, some slim black trousers and an excess of jewellery to help banish the grey.

The world of winter coats is one positively fraught with options. From your trenches, peacoats and overcoats to your puffers and wax jackets, there's a hell of a lot out there to choose from. That said, when it comes to selecting the option that's going to keep you (and, more importantly, your outfit) dry in blustering storms, our suggestion would be to reach for specialist brands - AKA, the Rains, Mackintosh and The North Faces of the world, who use things such as ripstop, pit zips and DWR (Durable Water Resistant) materials in their composition.

So, how exactly do we choose what constitutes the best raincoats for men in 2024? Simple. We know our stuff, we do our research, and we get out there to experience as much product as possible.

Our section head of menswear for GQ Recommends, Heidi Quill, is obsessed with clothes. Joining British GQ in 2021, Heidi might primarily look after clothing content, but she spends a healthy amount of time up to her neck in samples, checking products for the very best quality, price and design, all before recommending them to you. That includes knowing everything there is to know about an exceptional raincoat.

Part fashion, part function, an ideal raincoat ought to first and foremost keep you dry, but we say that the look of the thing comes a very close second. Whether it's a trench, a peacoat or a full-on waterproof for hikes you're after, Heidi and our team of contributing writers and freelancers (Jessie Atkinson, Faye Fearon, and Adam Cheung) have taken both into account. Scroll on for their findings.

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