10 of the best 1960s-style raincoats

It’s raining. A lot. So time to pull together my list of 10 of the best 1960s-style raincoats to keep you dry.

Once upon a time, something like this was a case of working your way through the racks of a vintage shop or charity shop. That’s what I used to do, and I still have a decent Marks and Spencer vintage raincoat in the wardrobe to prove it. And a Baracuta one, now I come to think about it.

But this is the 21st century, and pretty much everything is being remade or brought back. 1960s-style raincoats are no exception. In fact, it’s a great time to pick one up, with various designs covering everything from budget to premium.

Frustratingly, my favourite seems to be no longer available. That’s the one pictured above, and just below, which is/was the made-to-order Harry Palmer raincoat by Lancashire Pike, inspired by the coat worn by Michael Caine in the Funeral in Berlin movie. A button-fly front raincoat made in single-layer L24 Ventile and lined in retro silk with a luxurious iridescent appearance.

I have left it in just in case the maker (a one-man band) decides to bring it back. More details can be found here.

But for the rest, please read on…

 

1. John Simons 1960s raincoat

A thing of beauty and it is available in three colours. But this natural version is the one for me.

The current John Simons overcoat is based upon a vintage Burberry model purchased and worn by the proprietor back in 1961, whilst he was working as a window dresser for Cecil Gee on Charing Cross Road. With a seamless one-piece raglan sleeve, which flatters all shapes and sizes, our raincoat is the perfect combination of functionality and elegance.

It is made in naturally treated waterproof cotton and with a seamless one-piece raglan sleeve, a check cotton lining, adjustable cuffs and a centre vent.

Most sizes are available, and the price is £450. A longer version is also available for £495.

Find out more at the John Simons website

 

2. Uniqlo Blocktech single breasted coat

The budget option. And that’s always worth throwing in.

The downside is that Uniqlo has updated its classic raincoat. The look, when fastened, doesn’t look different. But once opened you’ll see there buttons have been replaced with a zip and press stud system. Might be a deal breaker.

But this is still a well-priced coat, made with a ‘high-performance fabric’ with durable water-repellent, windproof, water-resistant, and water-breathable properties. Coverted fastening, vent at the back, you get the idea.

Now in the sale at £79.90 too.

Find out more at the Uniqlo website

 

3. Baracuta G12 archive raincoat

As I said earlier, I have a vintage Baracuta overcoat, and it’s still doing me proud despite being over 50 years old. So, longevity is a selling point here.

This is the larger of the two raincoats by Baracuta – the G10 is a short car coat and worth checking out, too. But this is more substantial and more for this time of the year.

An archive design, the G12 is typical Baracuta with the maker’s usual cloth, signature Fraser Tartan lining, and the classic umbrella back yoke, as well as the diagonal front pockets, and adjustable buttoned cuffs. Side buttons to adjust the fit, too, plus a shirt-style collar with a detachable frog fastener.

Three colours, with each selling for £550.

Find out more at the Baracuta website

 

4. Classic 1960s raincoat at Jump The Gun

If you want a 1960s raincoat, you probably want to look at a 1960s retailer. Like Jump The Gun, for example.

Another coat inspired by the Harry Palmer look, this is a fitted raincoat in various colours and minimal details. Outside pockets, a buttoned inside pocket and concealed buttons.

£180 for one of these. Note that you will need to size up if you want to wear over a suit and there are four (unusual) shades available, including this rather fetching blue.

Find out more at the Jump The Gun website

 

5. Lightweight showerproof trench coat by Lacoste

The first time I did this round-up, I threw in a ‘logo’ – which was a houndstooth Fred Perry mac. That’s no longer available, so I’ll throw in another. This lightweight showerproof trench coat.

It’s available in two shades (light and dark) and, like most here, has concealed buttons, a comfortable fit, plus inside and outside pockets. But it also has a logo – and your view on it will largely depend on your view of the crocodile on the chest.

On the plus side, it is in the sale and can be yours for £231 right now.

Find out more at the Lacoste website

 

6. British Millerain raincoat at Community Clothing

A lovely thing in more ways than one.

Community Clothing uses spare capacity in established British factories to produce quality clothing and sell it at a reasonable price. Plenty of classic silhouettes, too – like this one.

This is a 295g, showerproof, 100 per cent cotton from British Millerain, used to create a timeless coat that’s three-quarter length, half-lined, and two side welt pockets and a detachable collar strap.

Prices have crept up here over the last couple of years, but for the quality on offer, £195 still seems reasonable.

Find out more at the Community Clothing website

 

7. English Raincoat by Cordings

A maker with a heritage going back longer than anyone can remember and a client list featuring the great and the good. They should know how to make a coat like this after all that time.

And they do. Different colours are available, but all are pretty similar. It’s a raincoat made exclusively for the retailer in London using British woven cotton gabardine and lined in Mackenzie tartan. Not just the inside. You might also notice the collar has a similar pattern, not unlike Aquascutum (who no longer seem to be around).

Not the cheapest at £495, but once again, it is a coat built to last.

Find out more at the Cordings website

 

8. Water-repellent raincoat at Muji

Not sure why so many photos of these coats have someone wearing a hoodie underneath. Regardless of that, this is another budget option that’s not a million miles from the Uniqlo offering.

Concealed buttons, button cliffs, water-repellent cloth side pockets and a centre vent at the rear. Pretty much par for the course.

£99.95 and three colours are available.

Find out more at the Muji website

 

 

 

9. Mackintosh Manchester Coat

It is in the sale right now, but this is still a premium option.

Mackintosh coats usually are. This is a longer version of the label’s iconic Cambridge style, made using the brand’s signature Raintec cotton that’s waterproof, windproof and breathable.

Side pockets, hidden buttons…you know the score right now. Originally £795, this one sells for £557 in the sale.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

 

10. Mac coat by Real Hoxton

If you can’t afford a Baracuta G10, you can always opt for the similar – and much cheaper – mac coat by Real Hoxton.

It’s that kind of look, both in terms of length and detail. A few colours to pick from if you don’t fancy the racing green pictured here, with each one made with a lightweight 100 per cent cotton outer shell.

There are also retro cuff tab adjusters, fine-stitched internal pocket details, a combined tonic and tartan lining, button-down flap pockets and a fold-over collar.

Plenty of sizes and a reasonable price of £99.

Find out more at the Real Hoxton website

Talking of classic, I didn’t quite have the space to mention Grenfell on my best 1960s-style raincoats, which also has a strong reputation when it comes to this kind of coat. Check them all out here, with prices starting at £595.