10 Outerwear Picks to Brave Manila’s Rainy Season in Style
It’s raining, it’s pouring. The old man is likely not snoring. But let’s leave politics out of it. Tag-ulan na! What to wear on those rainy days when it’s sometimes cool, sometimes hot?
Esquire Philippines chose 10 brands that offer stylish outerwear for when you can’t even go on a quick stroll for some sunshine. These picks are simple enough to shrug off and place on the back of your office chair, or even wear inside if the office thermostat is set to winter wonderland. Best of all, they all work well on vacation to slightly chillier destinations.
For a super cool, kinda rockstar vibe: Alo
Since its successful opening in Greenbelt 5 a few weeks ago, Alo has been top of mind for those in the business of getting fit. But Alo isn’t just about clothing for sporty activities. It’s also cool and casual and everything in the store can be matched with everything else. If it’s good enough for Jin of BTS, whose hot looks and vibe might leave your wife or girlfriend sighing as she browses his Instagram, it’s good enough for us.
For a classic with a twist: Burberry
The Burberry Festival campaign stars the likes of Liam Gallagher and Goldie and aims to capture the wallets of adoring fans, as well as the young and young at heart. “Think of the campaign like a collage,” says Burberry Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee. “Candid moments capturing off-duty fans and headline acts in between gigs.”
Of course, you can never go wrong with the trademark tartan-style pattern that is often referred to as the “Burberry check.” If you want to show that you wear brand-name clothing, this is the jacket to get. Plus, it helps cover your back from raindrops.
Cha Eun-Woo in Calvin Klein
When you want to look hot, even when it’s cold: Calvin Klein
You’ve got the labeled underwear; dare you show the band peeking out when pairing it with a jacket? Brand Ambassador Cha Eun-Woo does just that, and gets away with it spectacularly. According to the press release, “Directed and shot by Dai Yamashiro, the campaign highlights Cha Eun-Woo’s confidence in Calvin Klein’s signature refined essentials, amplified through edgy, streetwear-inspired styling.” It’s Calvin Klein AND Cha Eun-Woo, so we don’t need to say much more.
When you want to look hip and happening: Coach
Since its transformation into a brand for Gen Z-ers, Coach has had the youth on its mind. This cropped jacket perfectly fits the millennial vibe too. “My vision . . . was to ground the collection in all the things that make Coach so distinct as a fashion house: our heritage materials and palette, our commitment to repurposing and ‘re-loving’ secondhand garments through craft, and our belief in the power of community and self-expression,” says Coach’s Creative Director Stuart Vevers about the collection featuring this hip jacket. “There’s a clear, cohesive idea here in terms of materials, silhouette, and styling, and that comes from knowing who we are and what we stand for.”
When you want to look super casual but still on point: Gap
This checked long-sleeved shirt can double as a jacket for cooler weather in the city, or inside the building at work. Sure, top off your suit with it if you’re asking for attention. “Feeling comfortable is the ultimate confidence,” says Mark Breitbard, President and CEO of Gap. “Our Spring collection with softer-than-ever essentials is designed to empower you to move freely and authentically.”
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For a chic look: Kenzo
"A trench coat in the Philippines? Isn’t that a little pretentious?" you might be asking. Actually, we see them on fashion stylists in Manila pretty often. As long as the fabric isn’t too thick, a trench coat is a cool option that doesn’t constrict your body. You can also match it with absolutely anything.
A trench coat is perfect for cooler weather and heavy drizzle. Reimagining concepts from the Maison’s Train Show from Fall-Winter 1998, Artistic Director Nigo lets the idea of passage inspire a cultural cross-pollination between dress codes, textures, and patterns, painting it in a playful and preppy palette invigorated by the energy of travel.
When you want simplicity and practicality: Baleno
This bomber jacket couldn’t be more practical. Available in all SM Department stores, it quietly matches everything in your wardrobe, whether printed or plain. You can wear it to work or on the weekends. It’s also ultra-affordable at around P1,500, making it the best bang for your buck in this weather.
When you want to go all out: Lacoste
Many people know Lacoste to have a sporty aesthetic, but it’s also a pretty creative brand. Show off the alligator on a floofy cardigan, best for nights on hilly areas and higher altitudes. According to the brand, “Lacoste Creative Director Pelagia Kolotouros presents a new take on contemporary French elegance, transcending the brand’s tennis heritage to focus on founder René Lacoste’s life off the court, as an entrepreneur, innovator and socialite.” Pair this sweater with jeans or shorts to tame it down.
When you don’t want to wear a jacket: Versace
This is a tank top you can swim in—and throw on no matter what the weather holds. Rain or shine, you don’t care, you’ll wear what you want. “Illuminating the adaptation of Versace’s visual language from fashion to ambience, [this] campaign photographed by Zoë Ghertner illustrates the transition between shore and city central to the collection,” says the press release. Nobody said you had to cover yourself from light drizzle.
When you want to look different: Sandro
Sandro is actually full of ultra-wearable looks. But the styling in this photo, replete with slippers and hat, shows how you can mix and match things and achieve a unique look. This green sweater could be paired with chinos, sans hat, and be perfect for a day in a cooler province. You could also just wear it around the house if your A/C is on 24/7. Best look? Wear it under a sports coat at the office and beat the CEO stylewise.
