The London Lounge

Does anyone have an opinion re the bespoke trench coat in Belseta fabric that Alan Flusser sells?

I have an old Burberry trench, and Alan pitches the Belseta as something lighter in weight and more versatile than what I have, but still a pretty classic look.

Flusser describes the garment in this video:

http://youtu.be/ci6OZBCo4EY

loarbmhs wrote:Does anyone have an opinion re the bespoke trench coat in Belseta fabric that Alan Flusser sells?

Dear loarbmhs,
I have owned a custom made AF microfiber Belseta trench coat (medium brown-olive with detachable lining) for almost 10 years now. I wear it sparingly and by far, it is NOT my favorite rain coat.
Pros: It's a good complement to my other rain gear and perfect for some ensembles. Rather light without the lining. Overall comfortable.
Cons: with the lining on, the coat it's not that light. The fabric feels synthetic and a bit too soft for my taste. It does get too rumpled around waist and hips when worn with a belt.
Also the trench coat is rain proof up to a certain extent but it needs to be retreated with repellent to stand a good downpour.

I have one in RTW rather than MTO.

It's a lovely coat with a unique color (bamboo). My coat does not have a removable liner. Therefore, I cannot comment whether it could be a good coat in the winter.

A good attraction is that you can pick your colors and liners. I also assume that you can pick your length. MTO was not available when I bought mine.

I recently tried-on a Burberry with a removable wool liner and collar. It is a heavy coat similar in weight to an overcoat. I am sure that it could be used on the coldest days of the year and double as a storm coat during the snow and slush. I cannot comment on the Flusser model in this regard.

All raincoats are pretty disposable. After a couple of dry cleanings the water resistance is gone. Of course, the standard answer is "don't clean it." But one must otherwise you will look more like a homeless man than a dashing correspondent.

I found that the Belsetta material has a unique hand, but it tends to get dirty quickly, and it ages in a different manner than cotton or wool. It seems to pill.

Good luck.

hectorm wrote:

loarbmhs wrote:Does anyone have an opinion re the bespoke trench coat in Belseta fabric that Alan Flusser sells?

Did anyone on the forum ever get a raincoat/mac made from cotton ventile? I would be loathe to go for a synthetic fabric with out having exhausted that option first. At the minute I'm having trouble convincing my tailor to make one.

cathach wrote: Did anyone on the forum ever get a raincoat/mac made from cotton ventile? I would be loathe to go for a synthetic fabric with out having exhausted that option first. At the minute I'm having trouble convincing my tailor to make one.

Dear cathach, your tailor is right.
I believe we already had this exchange regarding the use of ventile for a bespoke raincoat (see link below).

http://www.thelondonlounge.net/forum/vi ... ile#p61230

hectorm,

Mea maxima gravitas culpa! We had indeed. Although I was never able to find someone who had a mac or other raincoat made. We really do seem stuck for a good standard piece of clothing for hot/humid weather in those summer months which are also prone to sudden downpours. If I do manage to convince my tailor I'll let you know how I get on. It probably won't look very well, but its main function will be to protect the glories within.

We really do seem stuck for a good standard piece of clothing for hot/humid weather in those summer months which are also prone to sudden downpours.

An umbrella?

Raincoats need their seams to be sealed, to prevent water leaking in through the holes made by the needle. Not all tailors are familiar with this process, which is fair enough.

A simple and inexpensive RTW solution is the Inverness cape, which is cooler in warm weather than a raincoat. Good quality treated cotton versions are only $150-200 and can be MTM if needed. http://www.misterantony.com/#deluxe