Protection from rain or wet snow and a stylish element of the wardrobe - it would seem that there can be nothing in common between these two concepts. However, before making such a conclusion, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the widest assortment of storm jackets and raincoats. Among them there are purely utilitarian things, as well as real works of design art.








Features
Moisture-proof fabric is of two types:
- water repellent;
- waterproof.
Each of them has its pros and cons. So, the first owes its properties to the special composition of the protective layer, which is washed off over time, and the second to achieve complete protection against moisture deprives the skin of the ability to breathe. Therefore, now raincoat designers use combined technologies.








The classic raincoat has a bright yellow color. Initially, it was an element of the working clothes of fishermen. It was in the sea that such a noticeable color scheme became a guarantee of survival in the event that a person fell into the water - a yellow jacket made it possible to quickly see who was overboard and save him.




Later, all the charm of canary shades was appreciated by road workers and cyclists. With their supply, the yellow raincoats began to be equipped with flickers and strips of retroreflective material - so the owner of such a jacket is much easier to notice even in conditions of limited visibility.

Models
An unpretentious buyer, for whom the protective function of a raincoat is important, can go for a thin pelerine to go to the forest for mushrooms or fishing. Such a cloak then is not a pity to throw away. But still it would be wiser to choose a more thorough model of a raincoat, which will please its owner much longer than “disposable” cellophane or oilcloth wraps.




Designers delight connoisseurs of stylish clothing with raincoats with transparent pockets and unisex models.
Sets from a raincoat and pants from the same material are also popular. Such overalls are suitable for the most hectic and active fashionistas: the child will be reliably protected from rain and wind.






The pull-down hood is also extremely important, thanks to which maximum protection is achieved both from the wind and from moisture.
If the hood is not equipped with special laces, allowing you to tighten it if necessary, making its owner look like the character of Kenny from South Park, the raincoat can be called rather decorative clothing.







Popular manufacturers
Historically, Scandinavian manufacturers, such as the Swedes Stutterheim, Danes Elka, Finns Reima, have been the trendsetters for rain protection jackets.



But in recent years, in the wake of the growing popularity of raincoats, more and more models from brands from other countries appear on the market: for example, British Folk and YMC and companies from the USA: Patagonia and Woolrich.







Also, raincoats began to appear in catalogs of companies involved in creating equipment for lovers of extreme sports - for example, you can pay attention to the Shelter Rain Jacket model from the Macna brand, known to every lover of thrills and powerful motorcycles.

How to choose?
A properly selected raincoat will turn the once irreplaceable umbrella into an optional accessory that you can leave at home or in the office to free your hands.

When buying a raincoat jacket, experts advise to pay attention not only to the appearance and practicality, but also to how well the seams are sealed, whether the product is moisture-tight, whether it is possible to adjust the raincoat with laces on the cuffs and waist. The cohesion of the parts of which such a jacket is made is the main determining factor affecting its properties.




The material used to create the raincoat can vary from nylon and membrane fabric to polyvinyl chloride or PVC. At the same time, it is highly recommended to pick up a jacket in which there are undercuttings under the armpits, as well as in the area of pockets and on the back - this will help the holder of the raincoat not to feel the so-called “greenhouse effect”.








What to wear?
Despite the fact that the latest fashion trends offer to consider a raincoat to be just one of the varieties of outerwear, you should not forget about its original purpose, which is included in the name. A raincoat is primarily a protection from the weather, and therefore it is already a thing for everyday use.

Accordingly, the image built on its basis should correspond to this message. Even the most stylish designer raincoat is unlikely to be appropriate with patent leather shoes and a trouser suit.
But street fashion and a seasonally suitable casual look will do just fine. Add a raincoat to your favorite dresses and combinations of tops with jeans or shorts - and the thematic look is ready for the off-season.








If the weather forecast promises rains and a gusty wind, you should also wear a warm cozy large-knitted scarf and cute rubber boots of any color to the raincoat. Gloomy autumn and early spring does not have to be gloomy and plain!



The images
Stylish khaki raincoat with comfortable pockets, protected from moisture inside them, on simple and reliable rivets goes well with a light sweater and classic denim jeans. The black hat echoes the color scheme of the inside of the jacket, and the elongated and forked back of the cut “fish tail” protects from the cold wind.

A transparent raincoat with a wide black zipper does not appear as a utilitarian thing to protect from the weather, but as a spectacular touch that completes the creation of a trendy casual look that is equally appropriate both on European streets and on the catwalks of the best model houses.

Children's raincoat, the style and color scheme of which is inspired by the uniform of North American firefighters. The pepper-red gamut is complemented by horizontal reflective stripes along the lower edge of the jacket, on the sleeves and the hood, which, if desired, can be unfastened. A striking example of functional and stylish clothing for both boys and girls.
