What to wear on a rainy day - Mac coat
After a few rainy days, let’s talk about how to stay dry while still looking stylish. A Mac coat is probably the most obvious answer. It’s a classic style that dates back 200 years, and it can be worn with a suit or with jeans and a sweater. Plus, if you get one with a detachable lining, it can be worn basically all year round.
The coat was invented in 1824 by Scottish inventor Charles Macintosh, using a rubberized cloth he patented. The material became widely used for army, police, and railway uniforms, and was even worn by explorer John Franklin and his crew during their 1824 Arctic expedition. Early versions were stiff and melted in heat, but in 1843, Thomas Hancock solved these issues by vulcanizing the rubber. This process improved the coat’s durability, strength and heat resistance.
The original Mac design is simple and practical, with a straight shape, single-breasted style, and hidden buttons to block water. It also has a rear vent or pleat for easier walking. Unlike a trench coat, it has very little decoration, and the buttons go from the knee up to the collar, which can be fully fastened. The coat is usually cut below the knee for better coverage and has adjustable cuffs to tighten around the wrists. It can have standard sleeves or Raglan sleeves.A shorter Mac worn above the knee is called a ‘car coat.’ It became popular because most early cars had open tops, and the shorter length made it easier for drivers to use the pedals.
Source: British Fashion council
But when we are talking about the evolution of a Mac coat, we can't forget these two Englishmen. John Emary patented a water-repellent fabric in 1853, founding Aquascutum and gaining success with his "Aquascutum Wrapper." Thomas Burberry, shortly after, patented gabardine fabric in 1886, which was durable, water-resistant, and breathable.
Humphrey Bogart wore the Aquascutum “Kingsway Trench” in the 1941 film Casablanca.
When World War I began in 1914, Burberry was asked to create rainwear for soldiers. His single-breasted raincoat is still a popular Mac design today. He also made a double-breasted trench coat for officers, featuring shoulder straps for insignia and D-rings for grenades and water bottles. These coats were initially unlined, so Aquascutum later created a warmer trench coat with a removable lining. By World War II, Allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen were wearing Aquascutum coats in battle.
But the Mac coat gained iconic status in the 20th century, especially after Humphrey Bogart wore the Aquascutum “Kingsway Trench” in the 1941 film Casablanca.
Unfortunately the original Aquascutum brand is no longer around; its trademark is now owned by Shandong Ruyi, a Chinese company, which sells clothing made in China under that name. Macintosh now has a new name, Mackintosh, and it is owned by the Japanese company Yagi Tsusho. The Mac coats are still made in the same Scottish factory but use fabric from Japan. There are also a few other, smaller brands that still make quality Mac coat and I included them on the photos below.
From left to right: Private White The Ventile Mac, Bonne Gueule Mac Glencoe khaki, Grenfell Campbell Cotton Rain Coat
I know that a raglan sleeve version of any coat is always the more relaxed option, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work with most of your wardrobe. I prefer it because raglan shoulders are more forgiving, allowing you to layer it fully or not at all, and it will look perfect in both scenarios. It can be easily worn with tailoring as well, but if you need a coat that fits perfectly for very formal occasions, this probably won’t be your first pick. Let me know if you own a mac coat from any of these brands or if you would suggest any other brands I should check out.
