We are entering the rainy season, so if you want to keep dry and stay stylish, check out my five of the best 1960s-inspired raincoats.
Of course, five is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a number of designs out there offering ‘the look’, but I picked out five that work across all price points and have a distinctly 1960s look.
You could buy vintage too. I have a vintage M&S raincoat that looks amazing. Probably common back in the day, it’s the kind of thing that would turn up on eBay (there is a good number on there right now) and in charity/vintage shops too. Plenty of other retailers and brands were making similar things 50 or 60 years ago.
But there are options for buying new, so check out the five here and if you want more, I did compile a few more over at His Knibs too.
1. The Harry Palmer raincoat by Lancashire Pike
I think the best place to start is via one of the best, but an option that doesn’t come cheap.
Despite that, the Harry Palmer is a popular option, not least because this has an authentic 1960s look and feel. As you might have guessed by the name, this is based on the coat Michael Caine wore in Funeral in Berlin.
It’s a button fly front raincoat produced from a single-layer L24 Ventile, with a lining of silk that has a ‘luxurious’ iridescent appearance. Raglan sleeves, concealed pockets and an inside zip pocket finish off the details.
Each one made to order, so there will be a wait and £375 is the price.
Find out more at the Lancashire Pike website
2. 1960s raincoat by Jump The Gun
Another Harry Palmer-inspired coat, but a more affordable option.
This one is off-the-peg rather than bespoke, hence the price difference. But the look is much the same and very ‘60s, as you would expect from a maker/seller inspired by the era.
Take your pick from different colours, with each of the macs having concealed buttons, side pockets and a button inside pocket. Plenty of sizes (but perhaps go up if you want to wear it over a suit), each selling for £150.
Find out more at the Jump The Gun website
3. G10 Jacket by Baracuta
Shorter and a little more detailed, the G10 Jacket by Baracuta is worth considering.
I think this one might be called a car coat rather than a raincoat in light of that length, but it still does the same job. Keeps you dry in a downpour.
But with the Baracuta coat, you get the trademark details of the Harrington in a longer format, including an umbrella-style yoke at the rear, button pockets and a partial Fraser Tartan lining. All in a raincoat with concealed buttons and in a variety of colours and finishes.
The standard one is actually in the sale right now, down from £450 to £315.
Find out more at the Baracuta website
4. Showerproof raincoat by John Simons
Of course, John Simons does a classic raincoat. I would be surprised if the iconic retailer didn’t do one.
Just the olive green available right now, although the new season stock might well be arriving soon. If you like the look of it, this one offers a classic 1960s profile, buttoned cuffs, buttoned pockets, ore of that concealed fastening, a single vent and a blue check cloth lining.
£395 is the price of this one and if the colour doesn’t work for you, keep an eye on the site for more in the coming weeks.
Find out more at the John Simons website
5. Single-breasted raincoat at Uniqlo
If all of those 1960s-inspired raincoats seem a bit on the pricey side, let me introduce you to the cheap option. Really cheap too, as it currently sits in the sale.
This single-breasted raincoat at Uniqlo has the look and although the cloth might be a little more contemporary than some on here, it has all the right details for the right price.
Different shades available, with the coat offering up the concealed buttons (once again), slant pockets, a water-repellent coating and a single vent at the rear.
Sizes are selling through with this one being in the sale, but if they have yours, you can pick this raincoat up for just £49.90.
Find out more at the Uniqlo website
Oh…and a late addition to those 1960s-inspired raincoats…
The Real Hoxton Mac
I spotted this one recently, courtesy of a label that does a lot of Mod-flavoured clothing for men.
Available in navy blue and beige, this is another take on a typical 1960s look, mixing in features from most if not all of the above. So largely concealed buttons and a three-quarter length fit, but differing with the button outside pockets and a more substantial collar than most you might encounter elsewhere. It also has a tartan and tonic lining, which isn’t obvious from the pictures.
£95 is the price of this one and it’s available in plenty of places. Just a few of those are Lammyman, Mr Free or Modfather Clothing.
