It's Gonna Rain Eventually — Get Your Guy A Cute Raincoat

Behold, a versatile waterproof rain jacket for the everyman. (Yup, we said it.) Beyond the rubber ducky yellow color, they’ll appreciate this topper’s functionality (hello, extra pockets for storage… err, ticket stubs). The hood makes it great for spontaneous rain showers ‘cuz you know they didn’t remember to bring an umbrella. The 100% nylon shell is water resistant, while the inner mesh lining keeps drying time to a minimum. The casual nature of this rain jacket—toss it on over a shirt or sweater and go—makes it optimal for daily wear. Business trips? This hero piece is compact (and light) enough to pack into a suitcase or carryall with ease. The price point is just right, too… if he ends up misplacing it or squirting ketchup on it at a baseball game, all is not lost. 

Not-so-basic basics—that’s what our guy is here for. Everlane’s ReNew Storm Jacket is a match for the dapper city fella or dude who likes to kick it cool. Available in dark slate, fatigue, and black, this high-performance jacket includes an adjustable hood with toggles (all the more to keep out wind and rain), a two-way zipper, and three-layer waterproof breathable shell. Amidst the layers, there’s a micro-perforated middle layer to let heat escape. The clean, minimalist design is successful in its marriage of form and function. It’s laid-back enough for the weekend but could look business casual AF when teamed alongside khakis and a dress shirt. We imagine him throwing it on with jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers for a cool dad-approved lewk (emphasis on the word cool). Bonus points for the radically transparent price and the fact that this jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester (which amounts to 29 recycled plastic bottles).

We look to the purveyor of rain boots for a dope waterproof bomber jacket that’s easy on the eyes and fully waterproof. Hunter’s uniquely British heritage lends itself well to this hooded jacket’s ergonomic design which is achieved through a welded seam construction and a storm flap closure. The lightweight rubber material is just that—light as a feather! He’ll never feel weighed down or stuffy thanks to the open back ventilation and mesh body lining that keeps air flowing. Complete the look with a sweatshirt, cargos, and (dare we say) wellies for the ultimate rainy day ensemble. If he’s not digging the military red hue then it also comes in other neutrals. According to one male customer, quality reigns supreme: “Fit is perfect. Seals you up nice with button cuffs, zipper front closure with snap buttons. A bit on the pricey side, but workmanship is worth it.” That’s what we like to hear. 

There’s something to be said about a style essential that has the power to pull an entire look together in the snap of a finger. That little-unknown-something just so happens to be a dress rain jacket. If your man doesn’t already have one of Stutterheim Stockholm’s handmade rubberized cotton raincoats in his possession, then shame on him. The simple and uncomplicated design requires zero effort (seriously, nada!) to pull off—plus, it looks fly with a baseball cap and Vejas (that’s all he wears anyway). Pop this light beige number over a crisp button-down and black slacks for an equally sharp look. This unsung hero has double welded seams, ventilation grommets, and a drawstring hood for maximum versatility in the rain. Pssst: Technically, it’s unisex, so if you’re even remotely the same size then you could probably snag it without him being the wiser. *Wink* 

For the dad next door who doesn’t buy into designer $h*t (Calvin Klein, who?!), we recommend this 100% polyester waterproof rain jacket from Columbia (a reputable brand that we know and love). It looks like something the weather guy would wear during a fierce tropical storm so we’re betting this one will go the distance, too—be it a light drizzle or the heaviest rainfall. They don’t call it the EvaPOURation Rain Jacket for nothing. It’s designed with omni-tech and omni-wick fabric to keep rain out and repel moisture. Whether your man is hiking in the wilderness or doing drop-off duties in the parking lot of Chuck E. Cheese, he should be good to go. Not only does it come in a ton of colors (19 to be exact) but it’s available in sizes ranging from small to 4XL.

There’s something to be said about shopping from a brand you already trust. If you’ve ever purchased anything from L.L. Bean—a backpack for the kiddos or duck boots for the entire fam—then you know their stuff lasts a lifetime (literally!). This cactus leaf printed packable anorak will have everyone’s favorite off-duty dad channeling Tarzan in no time. The supplex nylon fabric is wind-and-water-resistant, while an adjustable hood can easily be popped on and off depending on the rain forecast. Fans of the brand’s OG anorak will love the updated, contemporary fit and playful kangaroo pocket (they’ll deny it, but it’s basically the equivalent of having a dress with pockets). This loyal L.L. Bean shopper says, “I absolutely love all of the anoraks from LL Bean, I have this one and two others in different colors. I absolutely love the design on this one in particular, though. It’s perfect for any weather!”

Your hubby is tough… The North Face’s Resolve 2 weatherproof rain jacket is tougher. (Oh snap, we said it.) We recommend this beast of a jacket for the serious outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, fishing, running, coaching JV football, you get the idea. Major kudos to this hooded rain coat for being both water-resistant and 100% windproof. In addition to a polyurethane coating, breathable mesh lining, and velcro stormflap covers, TNF utilizes a DryVent technology to ensure the best possible durability and function. Shop this traffic-stopping windbreaker in “clear lake blue” or pick from one of the other colorways. For many customers, it’s love at first purchase. Tony raves, “My first North Face, but won’t be my last. Looks and fits great, keeps me warm and dry in 35-45 degree North Carolina weather. Quality made, I have a similar style Columbia jacket and the difference is like night and day.” The lifetime warrant isn’t too shabby either.

Your hubby will find it hard to resist this water-resistant quilted jacket from Old Navy. It doesn’t have a hood so we wouldn’t recommend it for monsoon season, but it’s game for light rain showers (especially, if he came prepared with an umbrella). The ochre hue is pretty season-less and goes with err’thang. Have an upcoming trip? Previous customers love that it’s packable (no joke—it comes with its own pouch!) and warm enough to bite off the chill in the morning. Pro tip: Be sure to size up if you think he’ll be layering it over a zipper-front sweater or a hooded sweatshirt. This hassle-free topper is by definition the optimal jacket for running errands or picking up the kids from school. Dress it up for Sunday’s church service or dress it down with running shorts for b-ball with the boys.  

Alex Mill’s best-selling Officer’s Hooded Trench is for the modern guy (Mr. Joe Cool) who’s less concerned about trends, more focused on establishing a timeless uniform of workwear-inspired essentials… even if it means building it one piece at a time. This utilitarian style—flaunting a longer length, dropped shoulders, and an oversized fit—will command attention rain or shine. As a rule of thumb (we just made this up), dress as though you’re about to be snapped by The Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman. If there’s one thing we know about dudes, it’s that they don’t want to have to try too hard to create a good first impression. Trying, but not trying too hard is their vibe on any given day of the week. For top style marks, this water-resistant cotton coat in army green pairs marvelously with high-top sneakers, cuffed jeans, and a striped tee.