We are in 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. If you want more, there’s a wider round-up over on His Knibs.
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, and they made them to last.
But there are options for buying new, so check out the five here. Sadly, the one featured above and below doesn’t seem to be in production anymore – but I’m keeping it here in the hope that it does come back/. That’s the Harry Palmer raincoat by Lancashire Pike. Based on the classic from Harry Palmer series of movies with Michael Caine, it is/was 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.
It was made to order for £375, and you can find out more here. If it comes back, I’ll update it and let you know.
But for what is available right now, read on…
1. Classic Mac by Adam of London
Probably best-known for their suits and shirts, Adam of London also does a nice raincoat too.
Everything is as you expect of a 1960s-style Mac, with this one made of a cotton bells waterproof fabric, but in this case with a contrast lining under the collar. For the green pictured here, that’s a black watch lining.
Flap pockets with buttons too, as well as a button strap on the sleeves. All the sizes and various colours, with a price of £275.
Find out more at the Adam of London website
2. 1960s raincoat by Jump The Gun
Something more affordable from the noted 1960s/Mod retailer – and a coat that’s been a staple of the shop’s range for as long as anyone can remember.
That’s usually a good sign. Another one inspired by the ‘Harry Palmer’ look, it is a fitted raincoat in variety of colours and details kept to a minimum. The colours are a selling point too – shades not seen elsewhere if you want to stand out.
Outside pockets, a buttoned inside pocket and concealed buttons, as well as a rear vent. £180 is the price but note that you might need to size up if this is going over a suit.
Find out more at the Jump The Gun website
3. G12 Baracuta Cloth Overcoat
I can vouch for the longevity of a Baracuta raincoat because I have a vintage one in my wardrobe that’s still going strong and looking good.
Outside of a couple of details, it doesn’t look much different to this archive design.
An oversized, made in the UK raincoat, it has the look of a 1960s design with the bonus of some classic Baracuta touches, like the Fraser Tartan lining and rear umbrella yoke.
Outside of that, you are looking at a shirt style collar with detachable frog fastener, two button pockets, raglan sleeves, central hidden button closure, adjustable cuffs, side buttons to adjust the fit, internal pockets, and a rear vent. In terms of construction, the cloth is coated in a WR treatment to make it water-repellent.
Not cheap though, with the list price at £580.
Find out more at the Baracuta website
4. Classic raincoat by Community Clothing
A less obvious choice, but for something well made and on the more affordable side, have a look at this one.
Community Clothing works with established British clothing makers, essentially using their ‘down time’ to make some classic designs. So UK-made, classic look and shape and not as much as some out there.
This is a three-quarter raincoat in two colours, each with a detachable collar strap, two side welt pockets, concealed button placket and a half lining.
Plenty of sizes and a price of £195.
Find out more at the Community Clothing website
5. Mac Coat by Real Hoxton
This maker always does a classic look for a fair price and yes, there is a raincoat in the range.
Several as there are various colours to choose from here. pretty much what you expect really – single-breasted raincoat with a lightweight 100% cotton outer shell, retro cuff tab adjusters, fine-stitched internal pocket details, combined tonic and tartan lining, button-down flap pockets and fold over collar.
What you might not expect is the price. This one sells for just £99.
Find out more at the Real Hoxton website
Also keep an eye out for…
The John Simons 1960s raincoat
This isn’t available right now but it does come and go out of the range. So worth mentioning in case you want to keep an eye out for it. Because if anyone knows how to do a 1960s raincoat, it’s John Simons.
Available in three colours (if you don’t fancy the natural finish), this one is based on a vintage Burberry coat purchased and worn by John Simons himself in 1961 when he was working as a window dresser for Cecil Gee on Charing Cross Road.
Details include a seamless one-piece raglan sleeve, a naturally treated waterproof cotton for the cloth, a check cotton lining, adjustable cuffs and a centre vent.
£425 is the likely price when it reappears.
Find out more at the John Simons website
And one to look out for secondhand…
Paul Weller x Sunspel raincoat
This came out in 2022, so it’s unlikely that we will see a restock. But it’s the kind of thing you mght find on eBay and Vinted secondhand if you missed out on one.
Part of a wider collaboration between Paul Weller and Sunspel, this was from the second range a year on. The raincoat was a key piece, available in a couple of colours and with fastening cuffs and hidden contrasting buttons. The lighter shade was the one for me, but both are worth checking out at the right price.
As I said, this is nailed on to appear on the secondhand market, so keep an eye out if you missed out first time and fancy one.
