If you love the North Shore then you love the rain. Well, maybe you don’t love the rain, but you have almost certainly learned how to cope with it. A good raincoat is your best defense against the fall drizzle, winter deluges and spring showers that characterize our climate.

If a peek in your closet reveals that your old faithful anorak didn’t survive this past winter, then now is a good time to consider replacing it for spring. However, before you invest in a raincoat, there are some important features you should consider to ensure your new purchase will be as practical as it is stylish.

Certainly, the first raincoats invented were more about function than fashion. In 1836 Charles Macintosh of Scotland developed a way of making fabric waterproof by sandwiching a sheet of flexible rubber between two layers of durable wool. Then in 1879 Thomas Burberry patented a tough, tightly-woven gabardine twill cloth which was later used to make coats for the British military to wear during World War I. With its masculine tailoring and rugged details, the Burberry trench coat has remained a wardrobe classic to this day.

While the timeless design of the trench coat has endured, the fabric used in its construction has improved significantly. Today’s raincoats are fashioned from various waterproof and water-resistant fabrics. While water-resistant coats will give you limited protection during a light spring shower, only outerwear constructed from waterproof fabric will keep you dry in heavy rainstorms.

A raincoat made from a technical fabric like Gore-Tex will not only be waterproof, but wind-proof and breathable as well. The use of technical fabrics also means that today’s raincoats are much lighter than the shiny yellow slickers of past generations, making them perfect for warm spring days. If you are really serious about staying dry then look for a coat with sealed seams and covered zippers for added protection.

What else should you look for in a raincoat? Knee-length styles are easy to move in and will keep your legs dry. A belted trench looks polished but if you usually throw your coat on as you run out the door then you may find a fitted style with a zippered closure less complicated. A removable fleece lining will give you the option of adding some extra warmth to your coat on cooler days.

Also, look for a high neckline and generous collar for some additional protection. Deep pockets for holding gloves and car keys are a must. Hooded jackets are fine if you are running from the house to the car but are generally useless on windy days. Instead, try a snug fitting waterproof hat with a brim to keep the rain off your face.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new raincoat this spring there are many colours to choose from. Besides classic tan and navy, look for coats in slick black patent, cool white, fire engine red, soft grey and trendy metallic shades. This spring designers have chosen to accent the clean lines of their coat designs with interesting details such as oversize buttons, cuffs and collars. Pick a coat in a modern A-line silhouette or personalize a trench by replacing the fabric tie with a wide leather or elastic belt.

No matter what colour or style of raincoat you decide to buy, you can be certain that if you choose wisely it will be worth every penny you spend. By the time “April showers” have evaporated and summer has arrived your new raincoat will have become the hardest working item in your closet.

Christine Hambleton is a part-time fashion design student at VCC and a full-time mom. chrishambleton@shaw.ca

Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Feb - Mar 07