Men’s Raingear
There are three basic types of men’s raingear: dressy, casual and work. Raingear needs to be either waterproof or water resistant. Water resistant is suitable for formal or casual wear when the only time you plan to spend in the rain is when you are darting to or from your car. You will need waterproof raingear if you are going to spend any extended length of time outside in the rain.
Raingear materials
The old choices were simple: a trenchcoat or rubber raingear for work, like the classic yellow slicker. Now with manmade fibers and materials there is a wider selection of raingear to choose from. You can easily find a raincoat that not only is waterproof, breathable and windproof but also looks great. One such fabric is Squaltex. If you have worn those old raincoats and pants then you know how noisy they could be. With this fabric you do not need to worry about that noise. This fabric is soft to the touch but does not easily get snagged on things if used out in the woods. The best raingear will have a inner layer or liner that is breathable and helps keep moisture away from the skin. This is feels especially good in warm weather and helps you keep warm by staying dry in the cold.
Quality raingear
Raingear runs in price from cheap to very pricey. You may not need the most expensive but the cheap stuff can rip and tear, rarely looks good, and does not feel good when worn. To find the best remember to look at all aspects of the garment. This includes the fabric and materials it is made of, how breathable it is, and how durable. Heavy raingear should have three layers, the outer waterproof layer, the inner membrane that pulls moisture away from the skin and the lining for comfort. For less harsh conditions the extra linings may not be as important as long as the basic water resistance is in place. Look for a good waterproof fabric first even for short rain exposure or mild conditions. Microfiber raincoats look and feel like silk but are waterproof. This fabric is resistant to wrinkles and sheds rain droplets easily. Microfibers are the way to go for rain-proof pants. They look good and even help limit odor because the microfiber is anti-bacterial.
Raingear for working outside
For serious outdoor work in the rain you may want to consider a one-piece rainsuit. Having a one piece overall suit with hood will prevent any water making its way to your skin through the waist line. If you prefer separate pieces then you may also want to go with a rain hat instead of the hood. For hats you have a wider range of fabrics and materials to choose from.
Extra waterproofing
In raingear, you can go with the old reliable materials such as waxed cotton, oilcloth or soft wool. Some fabrics such as wool will need some extra waterproofing applied to them. Waterproofing clothing that is not already water proof can sometimes be done. Leather trenchcoats are an old favorite for this treatment. You will need to apply a spray or wax. Test a part of the leather with the spray before spraying the whole thing to be sure there is no color change. An oil or wax should be tested as well but they are often designed to enhance the color of the leather as well as protect it and extend its life. The waterproofing sprays can be applied to other tightly knit fabrics with a high thread count.
Waterproof shoes
Apply the same protective techniques to leather shoes. If they do get wet let them dry slowly out of the sun. You can also protect your shoes by getting boots that slip on over your shoes like galoshes. You can find waterproof shoes in most any style made with modern waterproof materials like Gore-Tex. You can find some very nice waterproof sneakers by the big name brands like Reebok. Clark and Timberland make some very nice looking waterproof boots.
Gloves and glasses
Some other items you may find helpful in the rain are gloves and goggles. In the case of high winds you may need protection from rain coming at your eyes. Raindrops at high speeds cans sting. Look for a good pair of goggles or work glasses treated so they will not fog up. A home remedy for this is to polish your glasses with shaving cream but there are applications you can buy made specifically for fog proofing your glasses. Gloves need to be waterproof but breathable. Synthetic fabrics are the best choice here. Golf gloves are a very nice way to protect your hands from the rain when it is not to cold. You may want to look into gloves designed for heavy work for harsher conditions. For cold weather look for something that has a lining.