When the water runs so deep that a man needs his wellies, ordinary raincoats may not keep him dry. And that is when a length of rubber coated cotton from the Mackintosh folks in Glasgow, Scotland might serve him well.
Produced in one form or another for about 150 years, the Mack is utility with a thin gloss of fashion. Unlined, it does little beyond keep between its wearer and the wet, but a combination of rubberized exterior and taped and glued seams do that task as well as anything.
Less citified than a trench coat, the Mack evokes images of the silver screen hero riding his Vincent Black Shadow through the storm to a rendezvous with destiny. Or it would if it were any color other than banana yellow.
For men of more conservative mien, J. Crew has an above the knee Mack in navy for $800. The Alan Flusser Custom Shop is nearly sold out of the exclusive-to-the-store version in the photo, but interested parties should inquire.
Friday, October 16, 2009
When a Man Needs His Wellies
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11 comments:
Will,
I am a student soon to be entering the workforce and am in need of a couple outercoats to wear to work. I'm located in a fairly cold city (Montreal). I am currently trying to decide between getting a lighter-weight mackintosh-like raincoat and a reversible wool/cotton raincoat/overcoat or getting one raincoat with a zip-in lining as well as a wool overcoat. Which combination would you suggest, or would you suggest a different combination altogether?
Stephen
Will, You look like you should be standing aboard a ship in the north sea. All that is missing is the hat that sea captians wear when they are in a storm at sea. I hope never to need a macintosh in So. Cal.!
Will, as much in awe as I am of your sense of style and sartorial erudition, I believe that coat does you no favors. Even more, I am aghast that a commonplace boyhood necessity with work wear roots should cost anywhere near $800.
Hot as blazes mother would have said of said Mac.
Also, please in future knot belt.
Fortunately for the wearability of my Mac, rain here is generally accompanied by cold.
Good point about the belt Bob.
Stephen, get a raincoat with a zip-in lining and an overcoat.
i like everything except the color.
The Banana Mack. Donned by the conspicuous fellow, but also perfect for skulking quietly around shadowy allies before the motorcycle gang returns.
Love the coat!
What a color! You remind me of the man in the Curious George stories -- all you need is the hat.
If I may, I'll spring to Will's defence on the colour. We are all entitled to a few items in our wardrobe that appear bold, even eccentric - I would include Will's safari jackets in this grouping. It's important to give some rein to the impulse for individual expression. It's called having fun.
Thanks for the defense DB, though once again we seem to live in different places. Most of the bespoke-wearing men of my acquaintance own one or more safariana.
Tim, if only it were just $800. But remember that Burberry and Aquascutum are more than double that price for the same rubberized cotton, though with a lining.
Will..the Mac is great! I wore mine all weekend in DC and wish I had it here in Boston with me for tomorrow. The color is exactly what it should be-I passed on the tan one at Flusser and had one custom made that's even a bit brighter than yours. Secure the belt behind the coat and just button one or two buttons and you've got a more relaxed look.
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