It’s safe to say that winter weather has finally arrived in Rhode Island. With a sudden shift from moderate temperatures to downright cold days and nights, we’ve seen a tremendous amount of traffic lately from gentlemen looking for outerwear to ward off winter’s chill.
An unfortunate trend I’ve been noticing is men throwing on a ski parka over their business attire and thinking that it’s a suitable look for all occasions. Unfortunately, for those who appreciate style, it’s such an eyesore, but the fact that it keeps you warm usually negates any sense of sophistication.
Instead of donning outerwear more suitable for the slopes, I have suggestions to keep the stylish gentlemen warm and cozy, while also maintaining an appearance appropriate for the business world.
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CAR COMFORT: Often made of wool blends, cashmere and nylon, the car coat allows men to remain comfortable while avoiding the restrictions of a traditional overcoat when getting in and out of cars and while driving.
/ COURTESY MARC A. STREISAND[/caption]
The car coat
The car coat is the modern man’s bomber jacket of the ’80s and ’90s, reimagined and updated to reflect today’s contemporary look and feel. These coats are often made of wool blends, cashmere and nylon. It’s called a car coat because it was made for the man who is often getting in and out of his car on a regular basis and wants to be comfortable in the process. It’s challenging for a man to wear a traditional overcoat while driving, because of its restrictive length.
The trench coat
We’re not talking about your father’s khaki trench that was most often seen worn by detectives in black-and-white movies of the ’50s. Today’s trench is shorter in length to give a man a longer and leaner silhouette, and almost always made of cotton or technical waterproof fabrics. The lengths vary with these coats, but I’d try to keep it no more than 2 inches below the knee. This versatile coat will protect the wearer from any type of winter weather, be it snow, sleet or rain.
The travel coat
This is by far my favorite because it gives a man all the elegance of a top coat, without all the stodginess and formality. The modern travel coat is best worn about 2 inches above the knee and adds an air of sophistication and polish without the bulk. These coats are most likely the most expensive, as they are typically made of cashmere or cashmere blends. Some companies even make them in a waterproof cashmere, so they’re good for all kinds of weather and will keep you incredibly warm.
With so many types of stylish and modern coats to choose from, there is no reason to don a ski parka unless you’re heading for a mountain. From very casual to more dressed up, from weatherproof fabrics to more-luxurious blends, there is definitely a coat to suit any taste and occasion.
Marc A. Streisand is the owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers in Providence and Newport.
