Fly and dry: A Rainwear Trio You Need To Know
Forgive me for being a pessimist, but the worst is yet to come in my opinion. What do I mean by that? Well, I’m talking about the weather, how very British of me. Here at The Rake, though, we’re longing to start talking about the warmer months and informing you on the latest items that will be sure to make your summer that little bit better. But, unfortunately, we will have to get through January, February and much of March - months which can be considered fairly bleak and miserable. But, we're here to help in regards to the one thing that can really ruin your day: I'm talking about treacherous, cold, heavy rain. We’ve compiled a shortlist of three brands that can keep your spirits high and dry. The common denominator between all three is that they're fine purveyors of British manufacturing, and being British brands, they're sure to know a thing or two about rain, right?
Grenfell has long been a firm favourite of The Rake. The heritage brand was founded in 1922 by Sir Wilfred Grenfell, who was an admirable explorer and philanthropist. In the late 1900s, he travelled to the Newfoundland Coast in Canada and dedicated his life to helping those in need. Due to the conditions he found himself in, he needed suitable clothing and sought out the expertise of a mill in Burnley, England. Working with the mill, he created Grenfell Cloth, which is a tightly spun cotton that repels rain and wind while retaining heat. The cloth has since been used to fabricate a wide range of outerwear garments which appeal to absolutely everyone. Whether you subscribe to a more sartorial way of dressing or to a more rugged and outdoorsy vibe, Grenfell has you covered.
The oldest, most established brand in this roundup, Mackintosh began selling raincoats in 1824. In that time, the recipe has barely changed, which speaks volumes of its propensity to repel rain and keep the wearer dry. So iconic and renowned, Mackintosh has now become a colloquial term for a raincoat. Founded by Charles Mackintosh, who was a keen scientist, he waterproofed cotton using naphtha (which is a byproduct of tar) by applying this sticky substance between two layers of woven cotton. This material then could be applied to create all types of garments, the most popular style being the single-breasted Mackintosh coat. So ubiquitous and simple, it can be slipped over tailoring for a formal twist or worn with denim jeans and knitwear for a more casual appearance. A must-have wardrobe staple.
Hancock is a lesser known brand when compared to Mackintosh, yet its story is inextricably tied to it. Following Charles Mackintosh’s breakthrough moment, in 1830, he journeyed south to Manchester (which was at the centre of the cotton weaving and garment making industry in the UK) and met Thomas Hancock and went into business with him. Hancock was also at the forefront of waterproofing cotton, and today the business is still in great shape. From the classic single-breasted raincoat to interesting takes on the peacoat, Hancock’s range is fitted to the modern man.
Explore the rest of our raincoats offering, here.
