The Weatherproof Jacket Spectrum

Styling Tip

It is possible to dress up a GORE-TEX jacket. The trick is to let everything else be traditional. Wear trousers, jeans or corduroys, and maybe some duck boots for a old/new feel.

If the wild, unpredictable weather of the past weekend proved anything, it's that it helps to have weatherproof outerwear in your closet. While wool pea coats and topcoats will earn you style points, and waxed canvas ages well over time, the truth is technical fabrics are miles more effective against the worst inclement weather. That's why, when it comes to fighting the elements, we're strong advocates of outerwear that utilizes fabrics like GORE-TEX. While there are many readily available shell parkas from brands like The North Face and L.L. Bean, we're also fans of fashion-forward interpretations from cult labels like Isaora and Nanamica. Whether you choose to splurge or save, we've rounded up a few sturdy choices that can withstand just about anything:

 

Craghoppers, $175 / $89

With its simple design and stand collar, this jacket is like a Harrington, but can keep the elements at bay.

 

Cabela's, $280

Articulated sleeves provide more mobility, while fleece-lined handwarmer pockets keep digits toasty while others stow your gear.

 

The North Face, $399

With a performance shell exterior, this seam-sealed jacket is prepared to scale mountains, so it's more than enough for city sidewalks.

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L.L. Bean, $179

Waterproof and packable: this hooded shell jacket also comes with improved ventilation for maximum breathability.

 

Isaora, $549 / $329

Made from Gore windstopper and fused to bonded Japanese wool, this plaid Japanese-made jacket is surprisingly weatherproof.

 

Nanamica, $816

Built from a waterproof linen, you can layer it over sweaters and denim jackets now, and wear it alone when April showers come around.

 

Published on

February 12, 2013

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