Vent: A rainy day at the bus stop made me rethink fabric choices

I was waiting for the bus in Portland last week when a downpour hit, and I saw this woman's coat just bead the water right off while mine soaked through in minutes. It made me realize I need to design more with performance fabrics, even for everyday wear. Anyone have a go-to water-resistant material that doesn't look like hiking gear?

4 comments

4 Comments

rileyp491mo ago

Waxed cotton is great, but I've had good luck with nylon blends that don't look too techy.

ray_miller411mo ago

Ever try a waxed cotton jacket? I got one for days like that and it keeps me dry without looking like I'm about to climb a mountain.

simonh741mo ago

That "water just bead right off" line really hits home. I've had the same experience standing in a Seattle drizzle. A DWR treated nylon with a matte finish works well for me, doesn't scream hiking gear. You can find it on some car coats or field jackets without the technical look.

shane6551mo ago

Yeah, that Seattle drizzle is relentless. @ray_miller41 mentioned waxed cotton and that's a solid option too, especially if you want something that breaks in nicely over time. I just prefer the low-maintenance side of a DWR treated nylon for a daily jacket.