I am surprised at the number of people in inappropriate rain gear

[Anonymous]

If I'm running errands, I end up being more wet and uncomfortable either taking a raincoast on/off and sitting in a wet raincoat in the car.

[Anonymous]

I hate rain coats because they don’t breathe; I’m menopausal and sweaty enough. That said, I did wear one yesterday. And I spent half the day without an umbrella because I left it on the metro (as I always seem to do).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a rain coat, but find rain boots uncomfortable, probably because mine are cheap.

I have Hunter wellies and still hate them. Heavy and clunky to walk. Never seems worth it to wear them even when it's so wet and gross out.

I like the look of my Hunter wellies because they are red. But I’m always afraid I’m going to slip in them. I’m sure the traction is fine in a wet garden; on the polished floors of the lobby of an office building, or the metro platform, not so much.

[Anonymous]

Why are you so concerned, OP? Did you feel overdressed for the situation?

I didn't have what you would call 'appropriate rain gear' yesterday and was 100% fine.

It is water, not acid rain. It wasn't even cold.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:About 12 years ago I invested in a really great pear of rain boots (French brand named Aigle, highly recommend) and a really good rain jacket and it was such a game changer for me. Before that I just had cheap rain gear -- knock off Hunter wells and whatever cute but only minimally rain resistant rain jacket I could buy on sale.

It's like finally getting a proper parka and lined snow boots for truly cold winter weather after years of scraping by with cheaper, less functional options.

I don't really know why, but when I was young I had this idea that practical clothes were not attractive, but also I had very little money so I often bought cheap versions of even impractical weather gear and it was so unnecessarily miserable.

NP and interested in all these replies because I'm in Southern California and when it rains, I have nothing good to wear and I end up being a cold, wet mess.

So I'm looking up the Aigle boots, thank you PP.

When you say "proper parka" can you give a brand or link? And anyone who has links to great raingear, I'd appreciate it. (I'll go back now and read more posts)

[Anonymous]

^^ okay just went to their website and there are too many choices...what would be "the basic" if you were just getting one pair?

[Anonymous]

Because a majority of people don't think ahead, simple as that. Don't even need a fancy gear, just grab a small collapsible umbrella when leaving house.
Why do you think people tailgate? My bet is that majority of people are wrapped up in their own worlds and are purely reactive. Ones who do think a couple of steps ahead have a nice advantage so that's what I teach my kids.

[Anonymous]

I have been on the hunt for a great raincoat for my pear-shaped body. Thanks PP for the Eddie Bauer recommendation. TNF and HH didn’t work for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^ okay just went to their website and there are too many choices...what would be "the basic" if you were just getting one pair?

I have these and love them: https://www.aigle.com/int/en-us/p/alya-S061_taillis.html

I used to have a pair that was taller, and I liked them in a colder climate because they were lined and kept my legs warm. But I wouldn't buy them now because DC does not get that cold in the winter anymore and they would be totally inappropriate in warm weather months for rain. Whereas a short pair like the ones I linked can be worn in colder weather with thick socks and warmer pants, but could also be worn in a downpour in July without being overly hot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About 12 years ago I invested in a really great pear of rain boots (French brand named Aigle, highly recommend) and a really good rain jacket and it was such a game changer for me. Before that I just had cheap rain gear -- knock off Hunter wells and whatever cute but only minimally rain resistant rain jacket I could buy on sale.

It's like finally getting a proper parka and lined snow boots for truly cold winter weather after years of scraping by with cheaper, less functional options.

I don't really know why, but when I was young I had this idea that practical clothes were not attractive, but also I had very little money so I often bought cheap versions of even impractical weather gear and it was so unnecessarily miserable.

NP and interested in all these replies because I'm in Southern California and when it rains, I have nothing good to wear and I end up being a cold, wet mess.

So I'm looking up the Aigle boots, thank you PP.

When you say "proper parka" can you give a brand or link? And anyone who has links to great raingear, I'd appreciate it. (I'll go back now and read more posts)

I have this one and really like it: https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/womens/womens-jackets-and-vests/womens-parkas-c327273/womens-city-breeze-rain-parka-ii-pNF0A52YL?color=DYY

The keys for me are:

- Hood stays in place (especially when zipped all the way up) so I can get away with not taking an umbrella everywhere. I have enough stuff to carry and I don't like having to fuss with an umbrella in one hand while trying to fish out keys or my phone or hold a child's hand with the other.

- Extremely breathable. People keep complaining about rain jackets being hot. This one is not at all, it's very light. Some jackets also have vents under the arms or under a flap in back and that can help with breathability too, but I liked the streamlined nature of this one.

- Actually waterproof. Look for something rated as "waterproof" not water resistant. I wanted something that I could wear to walk 10 minutes in a steady rain and not get wet. This does that.

- Long enough to keep my butt and upper legs dry. To me there is no point in a rain jacket that just hits at the hip, because then my pants get super wet. I want to be able to sit down in my office chair without getting it wet after being out in the rain.

- Fun color. I got a limited edition of this jacket from several years ago -- it's teal (might lean more blue) and has a colorful patterned lining. A black raincoat is extremely practical but I actually like that mine is colorful because on gray, rainy days, I like that shot of color. Also makes it easier for drivers to see you when you cross the street -- I always make sure my DD wear a bright rain jacket as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About 12 years ago I invested in a really great pear of rain boots (French brand named Aigle, highly recommend) and a really good rain jacket and it was such a game changer for me. Before that I just had cheap rain gear -- knock off Hunter wells and whatever cute but only minimally rain resistant rain jacket I could buy on sale.

It's like finally getting a proper parka and lined snow boots for truly cold winter weather after years of scraping by with cheaper, less functional options.

I don't really know why, but when I was young I had this idea that practical clothes were not attractive, but also I had very little money so I often bought cheap versions of even impractical weather gear and it was so unnecessarily miserable.

NP and interested in all these replies because I'm in Southern California and when it rains, I have nothing good to wear and I end up being a cold, wet mess.

So I'm looking up the Aigle boots, thank you PP.

When you say "proper parka" can you give a brand or link? And anyone who has links to great raingear, I'd appreciate it. (I'll go back now and read more posts)

I have this one and really like it: https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/womens/womens-jackets-and-vests/womens-parkas-c327273/womens-city-breeze-rain-parka-ii-pNF0A52YL?color=DYY

The keys for me are:

- Hood stays in place (especially when zipped all the way up) so I can get away with not taking an umbrella everywhere. I have enough stuff to carry and I don't like having to fuss with an umbrella in one hand while trying to fish out keys or my phone or hold a child's hand with the other.

- Extremely breathable. People keep complaining about rain jackets being hot. This one is not at all, it's very light. Some jackets also have vents under the arms or under a flap in back and that can help with breathability too, but I liked the streamlined nature of this one.

- Actually waterproof. Look for something rated as "waterproof" not water resistant. I wanted something that I could wear to walk 10 minutes in a steady rain and not get wet. This does that.

- Long enough to keep my butt and upper legs dry. To me there is no point in a rain jacket that just hits at the hip, because then my pants get super wet. I want to be able to sit down in my office chair without getting it wet after being out in the rain.

- Fun color. I got a limited edition of this jacket from several years ago -- it's teal (might lean more blue) and has a colorful patterned lining. A black raincoat is extremely practical but I actually like that mine is colorful because on gray, rainy days, I like that shot of color. Also makes it easier for drivers to see you when you cross the street -- I always make sure my DD wear a bright rain jacket as well.

this coat looks perfect but so drab in only black and grey!! who wants a grey raincoat?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About 12 years ago I invested in a really great pear of rain boots (French brand named Aigle, highly recommend) and a really good rain jacket and it was such a game changer for me. Before that I just had cheap rain gear -- knock off Hunter wells and whatever cute but only minimally rain resistant rain jacket I could buy on sale.

It's like finally getting a proper parka and lined snow boots for truly cold winter weather after years of scraping by with cheaper, less functional options.

I don't really know why, but when I was young I had this idea that practical clothes were not attractive, but also I had very little money so I often bought cheap versions of even impractical weather gear and it was so unnecessarily miserable.

NP and interested in all these replies because I'm in Southern California and when it rains, I have nothing good to wear and I end up being a cold, wet mess.

So I'm looking up the Aigle boots, thank you PP.

When you say "proper parka" can you give a brand or link? And anyone who has links to great raingear, I'd appreciate it. (I'll go back now and read more posts)

I have this one and really like it: https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/womens/womens-jackets-and-vests/womens-parkas-c327273/womens-city-breeze-rain-parka-ii-pNF0A52YL?color=DYY

The keys for me are:

- Hood stays in place (especially when zipped all the way up) so I can get away with not taking an umbrella everywhere. I have enough stuff to carry and I don't like having to fuss with an umbrella in one hand while trying to fish out keys or my phone or hold a child's hand with the other.

- Extremely breathable. People keep complaining about rain jackets being hot. This one is not at all, it's very light. Some jackets also have vents under the arms or under a flap in back and that can help with breathability too, but I liked the streamlined nature of this one.

- Actually waterproof. Look for something rated as "waterproof" not water resistant. I wanted something that I could wear to walk 10 minutes in a steady rain and not get wet. This does that.

- Long enough to keep my butt and upper legs dry. To me there is no point in a rain jacket that just hits at the hip, because then my pants get super wet. I want to be able to sit down in my office chair without getting it wet after being out in the rain.

- Fun color. I got a limited edition of this jacket from several years ago -- it's teal (might lean more blue) and has a colorful patterned lining. A black raincoat is extremely practical but I actually like that mine is colorful because on gray, rainy days, I like that shot of color. Also makes it easier for drivers to see you when you cross the street -- I always make sure my DD wear a bright rain jacket as well.

this coat looks perfect but so drab in only black and grey!! who wants a grey raincoat?

Right, that's why I mentioned I got it in a limited edition color. I think they release it in other colors periodically.

I have a gray raincoat once though and always got compliments on it. It had a high stand color and was a-line and kind of retro looking. But it wasn't truly waterproof (I got it at Zara) and I learned my lesson. But it was cute!

[Anonymous]

I cant stand the feeling of being soaked from rain. Several years ago I bought a winter rain jacket and spring/summer rain jacket. I also bought so really good rain boots. Came in handy yesterday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I cant stand the feeling of being soaked from rain. Several years ago I bought a winter rain jacket and spring/summer rain jacket. I also bought so really good rain boots. Came in handy yesterday.

I don't get the people saying they wouldn't wear it enough to justify buying. I had my last pair of rainboots for 15 years, I expect to have the new pair for as long or longer. A good classic raincoat can last decades. I don't understand why you wouldn't just make those investments even if you live in a place where it doesn't rain that often. I often bring my rain gear for travel to rainy locations too -- Europe is super rainy, but also Seattle, Boston, the midwest, even LA during the June gloom. The idea that anyone lives anywhere where you don't need a raincoat at least 10x a year is crazy to me.

[Anonymous]

I don’t own rain boots but in weather like yesterday’s I wear my much neglected snow boots. Of course I wouldn’t wear them for a summer storm but in January they’re perfect.
Bought them over ten years ago and wore them a lot the first few years when it used to snow. Now they’re just gathering dust.