With summer slowly slipping into the distance, it’s time to start preparing for some wet winter weather. It’s easy to get down about the darker skies and colder temperatures right around the corner but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. A number of brands and garments exist to allow you to face the perils of winter head-on and not let a bit of rain ruin your day.
JACKETS
Let’s start with the jackets. Investing in a good waterproof coat is an absolute must for anyone who encounters rain of any kind. The criteria you’re looking for is fairly simple but in a market as saturated as this, we don’t blame you for needing a bit of guidance. The first thing to look for is quality. The jackets need to be well-made from high quality, technical materials to make sure there are no unwanted leakages at the seams. The second thing is the weight. The best waterproof jackets don’t necessarily need to be the warmest. More importantly, they need to be breathable, light and packable so you can whip them out, layer them and rely on them if there is a sudden downpour. The final thing to look for is any additional technical features like waterproof zipped pockets to keep your belongings safe and dry. Hoods are obviously also important in the rain, but if for some reason your jacket doesn’t have one, we’ve got you covered in the next category.
HEADWEAR
We have all experienced the feeling of inadequacy when that umbrella gets blown by the wind, turns inside out and falls apart. So this rainy season, we are opting for waterproof hats to keep our head tops dry. Boonie style hats feature a wide brim and offer the most shelter from any precipitation. Caps are a more lowkey silhouette which focus on technical materials to stop rain going through, but only have a protective peak at the front. And bucket hats are a nice in-between.
FOOTWEAR
The choice of waterproof footwear is of an extensive nature. And it really depends what kind of rain and terrain you plan to be traversing. For outdoor adventures and hikes then you will need a sturdy silhouette like a boot, with stability, a grippy sole and obviously a watertight upper. For running around the city in the rain, something that merges with your daily style and that is comfortable and dependable is more appropriate. Whatever the weather, there will be a waterproof shoe just for you.
BAGS
By now, your head, body and feet should all be bone dry. So the only things left to protect from the rain are the important possessions in your bag. It’s no good being dressed for the rain yourself if your laptop, homework and belongings are just going to get soaked anyway. Waterproof bags are therefore an essential part of a waterproof wardrobe, and the final element for unlocking your potential in the wet weather. The main thing to consider is the bag’s type of closure. Wherever the bag opens is generally the point where water might get through. The typical design has a roll top, enclosing the zipper in rolls of waterproof material.
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