The London Lounge

Where should I look for a high quality, raglan sleeved cotton raincoat, prefereably with removable wool lining in London?

I have heard about Cordings, Aquascutum and Burberry. How do they compare in terms of style and quality? Are there other makers that I should consider?

The last time I looked at raincoats in London was about a year ago.

Burberry's is no longer made in the UK and I find the quality inferior to what it used to be and rather disappointing. I have seen some beautiful coats at Aquascutum, and they have an MTM department that could cater to almost any whim.

I have no experience with Cordings. Another maker to explore (again I have no personal experience) would be Mackintosh in the Burlington Arcade. Rubinacci in Mount Street also had some beautiful Raincoats.

TVD wrote:Another maker to explore (again I have no personal experience) would be Mackintosh in the Burlington Arcade.

I would stay clear of Mackintoshes.

They are not only made in a special material - cotton with a rubber membrane - but also in a special construction - they are not stitched but glued together. (As every stitch has a hole at either end, water will eventually work its way through the holes.) By the nature of their material and their construction they are essentially water proof, while a traditional raincoat is only shower proof.

But, and that’s a big but, they get really hot. (I believe, kolecho, you live in a tropical climate). They also come unstuck (literally) within a few years. The glue tends to try out and all the seam bindings come apart. When I complained, I was told they had to be kept at the right humidity. Fancy, getting a humidor to store your rain coat.

Mackintoshes might be fine as utility garments for heavy use (riding, hunting, military). I think the company’s aim to promote them as fashion garments is simply misguided. Never again would I get one, thinking they are ordinary rain coats.

Generally, I favor natural fibers but when it comes to rain gore-tex is just much much better than cotton, rubber and wool. Is it possible to buy a well-cut gore-tex "garment" somewhere?

I think that there's no more elegant alternative to rain wear than a cotton trench coat and would even venture to say that trench coats are not for trenches only.

That, plus an proper umbrella with beautiful malacca handle.

I would avoid anything synthetic; having said that the Loro Piana storm or rain system is not so bad and it comes in cotton too.

Even something as British as waxed cotton doesn't fit in the city despite many people liking this option.

I didn't know that Rubinacci makes a raincoat and I would like to see what is probably a very stylish design. Leave it to Rubinacci to sell rainwear to the British.

I can only underline the comments of bengal-stripe regarding the MacIntoshes. I bought one (a riding Mac) several years ago from Cordings and used it solely for riding (although it looked a little funny as I ride in the Western style). It is really waterproof but extremely hot in rainy summer days. In addition the waterproof capacity ceased to exist after five years although I closely followed all instructions (it was stored in a humid area without sunlight or direct heat). I am a little disappointed now but I am still thinking to buy a new one for this purpose only as I dislike all the "modern" riding equipment.

Aquascutum carry some splendid raincoats, including the trenchcoat (which looks too studied for me). If you have the time their MTM service is good. Cordings does a fine selection of high quality raincoats. I bought a new raincoat from Cordings last year, with removable lining.

This might have been covered elsewhere, but will Aquascutum do MTM anywhere but London?

The Rubinacci raincoats are absolutly fantastic. THey have a very 50s-era cold war spy look to them. If it wasn't 75 degrees and sunny the last time I was in London, I surely would have purchased one.

Greetings from the Amalfi Coast!

I am also not fond of the Mackintosh. Noted about Burberry. It is between Aquascutum and Cordings.

Kolechco, are you buying the rain coat for the Amalfi Coast? Or just having gloomy thoughts?


Did you visit Napoli?

Uppercase,

I am heading to Napoli later today by ferry. I am looking for recommendations to get some RTW Neapolitan sports jackets. Please chime in if you recall where to head to. I am staying in Piazza Martiri and will be spending a weekend in Napoli.

For RTW you probably should go to Eddy Monetti. It is a very nice store with a relatively high overall taste level.

Enjoy your stay in Napoli!

You can find great RTW clothes in Napoli without spending too much. Always ask for a discount; maybe you can get 10-20% off of the sticker price. Try it. It's expected.

For RTW, try Eddie Monetti whose store is at 45 Via dei Mille, right next to where you are staying.

Also, Milord for hipper Neapolitan clothes. 53 Vico Cavallerizza with another store on Via Filangieri.

For affordable RTW suits, try Nino di Nicola at 69 Via Santa Caterina.

Magnifique for RTW shirts. 37C Via Fliangieri.

Also, Rubinacci for RTW ties; they are the best! Via Filangieri

Also for ties, which I have not tried though, is Capelli on Via Cavallerizza a Chiaia, 37

Let us know what you find and your impressions!

And do write a report on your experiences for other LL members to benefit.

The LL members should probably put together a resource guide to Napoli with so many of us travelling there this Summer.

I saw some RTW jackets in the places you mentioned. Suffice to say that I am spolied by bespoke, even though they are from Hong Kong. Will do a fulll report when I am home.