Hasta La Ideas

Seven waterproof solutions for keeping drier without the bulk

For general inclement weather, we rely on a sharp rain shell, layering it for colder months and tucking it into carry-ons, to see us through a wet day. While it’s a less bulky way to stay dry than expedition-grade wear, those that hit at the waist leave your behind unprotected from soaked bike seats or sitting on wet concrete steps—generally making for an overall soggier experience. The solution comes in the form of the parka-length shell. From those designed specifically for biking to a pink number that looks swiped from a stylish kindergardener, these seven picks will wick away the moisture without sacrificing style.

Outlier

Constantly outdoing themselves, Outlier’s Storm King Parka, a functional garment with a great cut, uses the most technically-advanced fabric available. Supermarine Cotton, along with full sleeve ventilation and invisible pit zips helps keep you dry without the clamminess caused by “breathable” synthetics. Further intuitive design details include a wraparound storm flap on the zipper to protect chins and necks, as well as extra fabric on the front envelope pockets that help keep water out and assist with buttoning. For $650, you get top-of-the-line technology and the same trim fit, clean lines and timeless style found in all Outlier gear.

Salvor Projects

Salvor constructs the Snow Feather Parka with eight-ounce organic cotton twill, finished with a mix of water-resistant base and white pigment. The mixture, applied by hand with a pallet knife, gets into the weave of fabric that’s actually nailed down during the intensive process. Resembling white feathers on the black twill weave-based fabric, the resulting finish is unique to each piece. Each jacket comes made-to-order for $750 from the Salvor Projects Soho store and will also be available soon via the web store.

Athletics Far East Hooded Parka

Produced as part of Nike’s exclusive Athletics Far East collection, the three-layer Hooded Parka has essentially everything you could want in a jacket like this—unsurprisingly, it’s virtually impossible to find. The Gore-Tex shell’s fully-taped seams and laser-cut ventilation holes keep you comfortable while sheltering from the elements. In keeping with the design-minded AFE aesthetic, the details are the real focal points, here including leather accents and hidden zipper grips. We heard a selection of the limited-run parka was last seen at 21 Mercer in NYC, but Hano has it online for £330.

Nau

Waterproof, breathable and lightweight, the street-conscious Rebound Jacket features fully-taped seams and zero flair. Made of 100%-recycled polyester fabric with just enough stretch to keep you comfortable—whether it’s on a brisk walk to work or jogging through a sudden downpour. Get it from Nau online for $340.

Patagonia

The Torrentshell Parka does the trick as an everyday rain jacket. Completely waterproof with a clean, streamlined fit that’ll work with any wardrobe, it packs into its own pocket for ultra-lightweight portability. It’s not hard to see why the Torrentshell has become Patagonia’s best-selling rain jacket. Get it online from the Patagonia online store for a relatively reasonable $150.

Folk

Bold, daring colors don’t often show up in men’s outerwear. The Rainmac, a salmon-pink bright exception, has a removable hood and taped seams; drawstrings lend an adjustable fit. The back vents, a nice touch as well, help out on those unexpectedly warm days. Find the Rainmac for $330, alongside some more subdued designs from Folk clothing, online.

Grundens

The Grundens Parka wins for all-around best design. Heavyweight cotton twill, coated with a specially-formulated PVC coating designed to resist dirt and grime, remains flexible, even in extreme weather conditions. We like the combination of the jacket’s perfectly-toned orange hue and minimalistic silhouette too—often seen sported by stylish seniors in NYC. Available from Erik Schedin, this traditional fisherman parka sells for $215.

Contributions by Graham Hiemstra, Evan Orensten, Josh Rubin and Tim Yu

Modern threads for the urban explorer in a designer’s debut line

Los Angeles designer Terence Yeung brings extensive industry experience and subtle creativity to Tovar, a functional menswear line set to drop Spring 2012. Inspired by traveling and the jet-set era of modern explorers, Tovar aims to fit in with your everyday wardrobe no matter where you might be. The sizable first collection features everything from basic cotton tees and classic button-ups to slim cargo pants and sturdy water-repellant jackets, all designed with your suitcase in mind.

Tovar takes basic outerwear up a notch, seamlessly blending intricate detailing with modern, streamlined cuts. The waxed cotton Ethan and Lucas styles are ruggedly slim-fitting, each donning an adjustable drawstring around the waist that is also hard to notice when not cinched. The shorter Ethan jacket sports a hide-away hood and waist-length cut while the longer Lucas coat removes the hood altogether for a more sophisticated silhouette. Heralding the early charm of Eddie Bauer, Tovar also has a traditional barn coat that is as well-suited for the fields of Ohio as the streets of London.

In addition to the pure cotton coats, Tovar also proffers nylon water-repellent windbreakers in multiple colorways as well as a jean jacket, aptly named the James (shown here in washed denim).

Hitting a moderate price-point with jackets set to sell for around $200, with knits and pants priced at around $100, Tovar’s debut line will be available starting mid-January 2012. . For more information check out the Tovar website.

Pendleton and Nike team up on an ACG jacket designed to keep out some serious cold

For those who grew up borrowing their dad’s outerwear, the wooly warmth of this Big Jim jacket is going to feel cozily familiar. Made using dense Pendleton virgin wool, the material blocks icy chills while its “deconstructed” style means it layers well and is still lightweight enough for running around the city. Everything else about the piece—part of “Triple Black,” the latest collaboration to come from Pendleton and Nike’s outdoor division ACG—has a modern feel thanks to the ongoing partnership that combines Pendleton’s superior wool with Nike’s expertise in sportswear.

Resulting technical details add high function, like magnetic closures on pockets and waterproof zippers, that not only protects from the elements but makes for less fussing when you’re out and about. Other details like the removable hood (cut to fit perfectly), seams and shoulder patches reinforced with ripstop nylon, a storm flap on the collar, and minimal branding make this jacket a good choice for anyone who wants a classic look without sacrificing warmth.

While the jacket is designed for men, the cut is slim enough that it works for girls (with the sleeves rolled up). Get yours from
Nike for $400 or
Haven if you’re in Canada.
Zappos also has it on sale for $280 in limited sizes.

Portland, OR outerwear company designs classic hunting and camping styles for the big city

Clothing designer Erik Prowell originally named his outerwear company La Merde. “We wanted a name that was fancy, and yet…wasn’t. Then Nordstrom refused to carry the line because of the name,” he said when we recently visited his Portland, OR studio. After a moment, he reflected, “If there hadn’t been a recession, we probably would’ve kept it.”

Now known as Bridge & Burn, Prowell’s sleek, yet warm wool coats and waxed cotton jackets are suitable for both city-dwellers and hikers alike. Bridge & Burn provides a solution to that perennial Portland quandary—where to find a decent-looking rain jacket. Prowell grew up in Bend, Oregon and was inspired by his father’s and grandfather’s camping and hunting gear. “I loved to wear my father’s Woolrich and Filson jackets and my grandfather’s old military uniforms from WWII. It’s great to see the resurgence of all the heritage brands. At the same time, I spend most of my time in the city and don’t feel a need to dress up like an outdoorsman,” Prowell said.

Prowell has no background in the fashion industry. His schooling was in computer science, and his introduction to the business came through an avenue that most of us can relate to—making funny T-shirts with a college friend. That project, with Josh Hindson, eventually became No Star, which still bills itself as “A Funny T-Shirt Company.” After a good friend gave the pair a crash course in apparel design, they formed La Merde. But when managing their combined projects became too complicated (Prowell also runs a photography-based T-shirt business called Oh, Snap!) the two agreed to part ways and companies. The Boise-based Hindson handles No Star, while Prowell decided to take Bridge & Burn in a different direction.

“In my mind, La Merde was a little flashier. Bridge & Burn represents my passion for clean, classic and functional design,” said the multi-talented entrepreneur, who also created the branding, shot all the photography, designed their print materials, and programmed the website. For the Fall ’10 season, he branched out from outerwear into button-ups, and Spring ’11 will see shorts for men and dresses for women.

Prowell’s clean, laid-back live/work studio and apartment, near bustling Burnside Street, embodies his holistic approach to life and design. The bedroom, lofted above the work and studio areas, lends privacy, while tall windows let plenty of light and air into the vaulted space. Despite an apparently frenetic work schedule, Prowell remains unassuming, relaxed—and astonishingly tall. “I made a couple of jackets custom-fitted for me, and then decided to get rid of them,” he said, referring to a recent sample sale. “They were XXXL, so I didn’t think they were going to sell. But both did! Just the right people walked in.” Prowell’s success in a downtime economy is due to a distinctive vision, a determined work ethic, and maybe just a little bit of luck.

Bridge & Burn sells online, and across the country in stores such as Mini Minimarket in Brooklyn, NY; Frances May in Portland, OR (the boutique who gave Prowell his start); and Molte Cose in San Francisco, CA. For more updates on future products, check Bridge & Burn’s blog.