Now that it’s spring, I am looking for the perfect lightweight urban raincoat — not one for hiking in the woods and not a classic trench, which can feel a little stuffy. Is there something between that and one that is overly trendy and won’t last? — Ilene, Denver
“April showers bring the need for a raincoat” is not as felicitous an adage as the one having to do with May flowers, but it’s equally true. Especially because during this weird in-between time when winter coats are too heavy but spring jackets too light, the raincoat is the perfect piece of outerwear, whether or not there’s actually moisture in the air.
That’s why the trench has become such a popular resource: It’s elegant enough to wear without a downpour and protective without being sweaty. Which is also why it has become so multifaceted: gender-fluid and replete with reference, especially cinematic, be it law enforcement (“The Pink Panther”), romance (“Casablanca”) or simple chic (“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”).
Which is, in turn, why it can feel like a wearable cliché.
There are, however, other options. For pure functionality, our sister experts at Wirecutter have a list of raincoat recommendations, but if you want to balance protection with a bit of flair — or if you don’t want to look as though you are about to set off for a hike in the Pacific Northwest — you have to consider a few more factors.