Skip to main contentIf we live in the outdoor-gear capital of the world, then why is my butt wet?
Rainwear is typically designed with function first. That's all right and just, except when it leaves style in the mud and transforms even the sveltest among us into over-padded, nylon gnomes. But the good news is that certain progressive weathergear companies have finally discovered the urban commuter.
Previously, "niche" designers (think snowboarders, cyclists and extreme sport enthusiasts) have rolled out raintime styles just dripping with puddle-proof modernity. Sure, some of these products push the limit of what most of us want to pay for stay-dry duds, but it's important to think of these pieces as more than seasonal splurges. They have style to spare that will pay back year-round.
And there is a budget (and very PDX) alternative: Go retro. Because most modern raingear requires a certain outlay, those yellow slickers and plastic hats (à la Freddy's and Mervyn's) woo us with a modest Paddington charm. For boys, the classic, corduroy-collared Carhartt arctic jacket is water-repellent, though it should be re-treated after washing (like you ever wash it). And don't neglect those clear and daisy-printed vinyl toggle coats and deep-dish umbrellas (Goodwill and vintage stores stock up this time o' year) for that naughty (and dirt cheap) Edie Sedgwick translucency. But if you've got jingle in your wet jeans, drop it here:
Pearl Izumi women's Vista jacket: This cool two-tone windrunner is fitted, flattering and mesh-vent breathable. There are plenty of pockets for cell phone, lipstick, smokes--whatever urban ephemera you typically tote. Anti-brand zealots beware: Reflective tape is printed with the Pearl Izumi logo. River City Bicycles, 706 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 233-5973.
Püsch wool zip-up: Canada-based Püsch is a modern menswear line at heart, but its fall stuff dabbles in warm wrap-ups that perform equally well for boys and girls (if it's good enough for the Barenaked Ladies, it's good enough for you). Try the slate wool knit cardigan; the micro-woven sleeves will send raindrops bouncing.
Lit, 214 SW 8th Ave., 827-3300.
Marmot Vindi windshirt: Marmot has mastered the street-styled jacket in kick-ass colors (are you ready for Electric, Petrol and Stardust?). This one has reflective piping and a shirttail hem for the bike commuter who prefers not to endure a damp derrière from back-tire spray. REI, 1798 Jantzen Beach Center, 283-1300; 7410 SW Bridgeport Road, Tigard, 624-8600.
Patagonia VST pants: At $78, these trousers lurk on the low end of Uncle Pat's product line. But they say a tidy "touché" to those rain-resistant pants that bunch and balloon (no elastic waistband here). The low-rise, flat-front silhouette in supplex nylon is not only becoming, it insulates you from the climate challenges of a bar crawl (or, OK, a mountain trek). Patagonia, 907 NW Irving St., 525-2552.
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upcoming events:
The Password Is...
Uniform will open its institutional doors a crack for a "come-check-out-our-winter-clothing" show that goes by the name of Speakeasy.
Uniform, 1421 SE Stark St., 234-0343. 7 pm Thursday, Nov. 8.
Vergotis Holiday Fashion Show
This seasonal runway event will feature house styles and Vergotis originals, in the festive and oh-so-girly atmosphere of the Broadway boutique. Reserve by Nov. 5. Vergotis, 1433 NE Broadway, 284-4065. 7 pm Friday, Nov. 9.
To let us know about special events or sales, send information to Elizabeth Dye,
, 822 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97205 (fax 243- 1115), at least 10 days prior to publication.
WWeek 2015