Spring is officially here, and that means one thing: rain. Lots of rain. And as crummy as it is to be blindsided by random, shower-filled days, you'll find that the season is way more bearable when you've got the right stuff to stay warm, dry, and looking on-point. So do yourself a favor and snag these rainy-weather essentials ASAP. And while you're at it, don't miss our collection of the 10 Stylish Foul-Weather Boots That Will Last Forever.
1 | Formal Rain Jacket
$1,095; Buy now at bloomingdales.com
Just because the weather's terrible doesn't mean you should look anything less than sharp for an important day of meetings or a formal event. That's where the Armani Collezioni Trench Coat comes in handy. This topper is 100 percent polished and water-repellent, so you don't have to worry about your suit getting soaked. And for more great outerwear options, here are Nine Super-Smooth Suede Jackets.
2 | Portable Umbrella
$60; Buy now on Amazon
Compact umbrellas that will fit in your briefcase or backpack are super convenient, but they tend to be flimsy and give out after a few months—usually right when you need them the most. Enter the Blunt Metro, a cleverly-designed travel umbrella that's both aerodynamically sound (it won't get caught in the wind) and aesthetically pleasing.
3 | Proper Rain Boots
$215; Buy now at hunterboots.com
On some rainy days, you can get away with wearing your regular shoes. But on others, you risk ruining your go-to footwear by merely stepping outside. If you're forced to take the full-on rain boot route, having a manly yet effective pair, like these cool Hunter Original Short Layered Desert Camo Rain Boots, is crucial. And for more stylish camo gear, here are 12 New Cool and Classy Ways to Wear Camo.
4 | Sophisticated Rain Hat
$395; Buy now at mrporter.com
Wet, scraggly hair is definitely not a good look, so a hat that will protect your head is a no-brainer. Something with a stylish vibe like the Hopper Strasberg Wool-Felt Hat is ideal, since it doesn't ruin the mojo of your well-planned outfit. These styles are also great for days of off-and-on spring showers when an actual umbrella might be cumbersome and unnecessary, but a hat can protect your from intermittent drizzles.
5 | Business Casual Rain Jacket
$1,795; Buy now at burberry.com
Maybe you don't need polished outerwear every day, but you should have a rain jacket that fits into the "business casual" dress code, like this Burberry Showerproof Technical Trench Coat. Plus, it has a detachable lining so, when the weather unexpectedly changes, you'll be covered—literally.
6 | Cool Waterproof Watch
$570; Buy now on Amazon.
Your normal watch probably isn't going to get ruined by the rain, but you never know. For extra rainy days, why not invest in a sporty and sleek waterproof piece, just in case? The Suunto Traverse Alpha Foliage GPS Watch will do the trick. As they say, better safe than sorry, and this one has some pretty cool tracking capabilities you'll definitely want to mess around with. Watch lovers should also check out these Eight Handmade Watches that Double as Works of Art.
7 | Cozy Sweat-Wicking Sweater
$250; Buy now at aetherapparel.com
Believe it or not, ski sweaters (the Aether Apparel Alpine Crew Sweater included) are some of the best wardrobe choices for rainy days, especially when it's chilly out. Made from merino wool, which wicks moisture from sweat and rain away from your body, you'll be feeling dry underneath your jacket no matter what. And here is a list of Ten More Amazing Sweaters.
8 | Waterproof Headphones
$299; Buy now on Amazon
April showers don't have to mean you need to embark on your commute or morning run without music. Headphones that are specially made to withstand the elements, like the Bragi Dash, are all you need to make sure you can still listen to your beats or favorite podcast. Plus, they're wireless, so you can stash your phone away safely in your jacket. Headphones junkies, you should also check out this list of The Five Best-in-Class New Headphones.
9 | Quick-Drying Towel
$5.99; Buy now at amazon.com
If you live somewhere where rain is a regular event, grabbing one of these little guys is totally worth it. Yes, they're technically meant for traveling backpackers or hikers. But stowing a small and super-absorbent towel, like this Sinland one, is a move you won't regret—trust us. When you get wherever you're going, you'll want to quickly towel off.
10 | Waterproof Sneakers
$90; Buy now on Amazon.
Feeling casual? Opt for sneakers that won't be affected by puddles, like the Sperry Top-Sider 7 Seas 3-Eye. At first glance, they don't looke like anything out of the ordinary, but the mesh material on the upper part of the shoe is specially designed to repel raindrops. They've also got a rubber sole with plenty of traction, so you don't have to worry about slipping on slick surfaces. For more great sneaker options, check out This Week's Coolest New Sneakers.
11 | Water-Resistant Backpack
$205; Buy now at missionworkshop.com
If there's a day when a backpack is especially appropriate, it's a rainy one. The Mission Workshop Sanction Backpack was specifically designed to protect your most important stuff—laptop, phone, work papers, you name it—from whatever elements are raging on outside.
12 | Just Warm Enough Socks
$21.95; Buy now on Amazon.
Whether you opt for rain boots or some other kind of weather-proof footwear, warm socks that aren't too toasty, like these Smartwool Men's Hiker Street Socks, are a great idea. Made from a merino blend that repels moisture, these will keep your feet dry without creating the opposite result—being so warm that your feet start to sweat.
13 | Heavy-Duty Umbrella
$79; Buy now at endclothing.com
For days when something more compact won't cut it, a full-size umbrella is an absolute must. Make sure it's something stylish (read: not a plaid golf style) like this London Undercover City Fleck Telescopic Umbrella.
14 | Waterproof Dress Shoes
$250; Buy now on Amazon
Waterproof leather is one of the best inventions ever. The Cole Haan Warren Waterproof Chelsea boot allows you to go anywhere, anytime, no matter what the weather is like. For more great footwear items, here are The Most Impressive Dress Boots You Can Buy.
15 | Indestructible Notebook
$12.95 for 3; Buy now on Amazon
If you're a notebook guy, you know that sometimes inspiration strikes at the most inconvenient times. Don't fret, the Field Notes Expedition journal has got your back. It's totally waterproof—and, in fact, is pretty much invulnerable to fire, force, and even bullets. Cool, right?
16 | Emergency Comb
$44; Buy now at mrporter.com
Hey, rain hair happens. If you want to nip it in the bud, it's smart to have comb handy, either in your office or your work bag, at all times. The foldable Buly 1803 Horn-Effect Acetate folding Club is an excellent choice that's versatile enough for a variety of hairstyles and lengths. Just sayin'.
17 | Old-Fashioned Baseball Cap
$125; Buy now at rag-bone.com
If you're not off to anywhere important but don't want your head to get soaked, snag a regular-old baseball cap like this Rag & Bone one. As an added bonus, it will give your outfit a downtown-cool look.
18 | Waterproof Camera
$3,295; Buy now on Amazon.
Don't let a little mist get in the way of taking great snaps. A waterproof camera like this Leica X-U digital model means you can still capture the moment, no matter what's going on with the weather. Plus, your phone stays safe and sound in your pocket. Tech junkies should also check out this list of 15 Visionary Tech and Gear Items.
19 | Water-Resistant Work Bag
$795; Buy now at filson.com
When meetings can't wait, the Filson Weatherproof Leather Original Briefcase provides the perfect way to make sure your files are safe from the elements. And for more great briefcase options, here are 10 Briefcases That Mean Business.
20 | Active Rain Jacket
$299; Buy now at patagonia.com
Highly technical and made with Gore-Tex, nothing's getting through the Patagonia Piolet Jacket, which is exactly what you need when you're hiking, biking, or going for a run in bad weather. The designers have thought of everything, from helmet compatibility (for skiing and cycling) to underarm vents for when things inevitably get steamy. Next, check out this list of The 15 Items Every Man Should Have in His Closet.
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