Spring Outerwear

One of the great things about cold weather from a menswear point of view is outerwear. But who says this can’t continue in spring? Here is some of my favourite outerwear for the coming months.

Burberry Raglan Coat

First up is a recent addition, a 90’s Burberry raglan cottoncoat. I like it for its simplicity and the subtle drama the length adds - which is something I really appreciate in my PS Donegal coat too, a winter favourite of mine.

The longer length was important to me, as I think it is more flattering than the often above knee-length raincoats that are more mainstream (at least here in Copenhagen).

Choosing a pre-owned Burberry raincoat has two purposes: First, I want to get a first hand experience of the quality and make to find out whether there is anything to fuss about in terms of fit, design and quality, and second, I want to find out if a classic raincoat like this really is for me, as I’ve been eying the PS x Drake’s raincoat, but don’t want to splurge on it before I am sure I will give it lots of wear. First purpose is done (it’s great, but not fabulous), the second I expect to learn over the coming months.

Barbour Beaufort

This could be any of my three Barbour wax jackets (four, one is currently undergoing thorough restoration). But I suppose this one, a rustic brown 90’s Beaufort, will get the most wear this spring.

In the last four or five years my olive green Beaufort has been my go-to, but I felt it was time to size up (from 36 to 38), and I picked this rustic brown one up on Ebay for a very fair price (even with taxes and shipping costs), and after a little patching up (at the tailor’s) and a rewax (at home), we’re ready to go.

What I appreciate in the Beaufort in particular is the length and the pockets. It covers the hips, but still works well for my bike commute, and the front pockets and the game pocket on the back are really spacious, which is nice when temperatures change from chilly mornings to warm afternoons and scarf and gloves needs to be stoved away.

Stylewise, I find the Beaufort works across both more casual outfits as well with tailoring. Also, if you want to invest a little time in searching for and some money and/or time in renovating a jacket, there are some nice pre-owned garments out there.

Ripstop Jungle Jacket

Perhaps my favourite outerwear in warm weather, where it’s really more about pockets and comfort than about keeping warm. I currently have two of these, both vintage (1969 and 1970 respectively, judged by the production labels).

I find the jungle jacket works both as a layer over a light chore jacket or a tailored jacket, or more casual over a knit or tee. As with my chore jackets, I like to pop the collar and, if worn with a tee, roll up the sleeves a bit. Incredibly versatile, but I am aware that it can come off a bit costume-y.

For those who are not into vintage clothing, there are several nice options available from brands like Buzz Ricksons, Real Mccoys and Drake’s.

Private White VC Moleskin Bomber

If I am not mistaken, I think this was my first or second piece of outerwear from Private White VC. I am about 10 PWVC garments deep now, and I am rarely disappointed. The PWVC garments do really give a “made to last” feeling, which is quite nice when it comes to outerwear, where you (or at least I) often are willing to spend a decent amount of money, but in return expect something that lasts.

The Moleskin Bomber is to me a great example of how a short jacket that sits quite tight at the waist can be quite flattering. In fact, I think a bomber like this could also be something a non-menswear interested guy could find useful in his wardrobe. I will probably wear it with jeans and a knit, typically a crew neck, which I find works best with the bomber. A shirt can also work, best in denim, chambray or another material with a bit of structure. A formal shirt less so.

A nice alternative to the bomber could be a Harrington jacket, like the Baracuda G9. I am considering picking one up in the second hand market to see how it works.

Drake’s Suede Chore Jacket

I have written about this jacket before and across different posts, so not much new to add here. But I am pleased that I actually wear this jacket a lot, given the considerable amount of money I’ve spent on it. With a distinct garment like this there are of course the risk of being “that guy”, but with this jacket, I’ll take it.

The lovely suede does limit the use to days with no rain, although a few drops of rain wouldn’t be catastrophic. Still, there is no reason to actively seek out a torrential downpour.

I’ll wear the suede chore in much the same way as the moleskin bomber, probably leaning into something a bit cold-coloured. Oh, and if there is a risk of a little rain, I’ll probably throw the jungle jacket on top just in case.

This works for me: Brown, Cream, Black

Five Trousers For Spring And Summer