As you know, fashion is capricious, unpredictable, cyclical. Each season it offers completely new models and styles of familiar clothing items or changes, sometimes beyond recognition, "old" things. Meanwhile, there are also such items in the wardrobe that remain in demand and relevant always, not subject to time or newfangled trends. A fairly striking example of this is a rubberized waterproof coat, known as a macintosh, a popular type of outerwear, the history of which goes back about 200 years. During this time, the raincoat saved from rain and bad weather, and in the modern interpretation it has expanded its functionality, becoming a key detail of a stylish female or male image.
What is it
Few people know that the mackintosh raincoat was invented not by famous fashion designers, but by an ordinary chemist. In 1823, Scottish scientist Charles Mackintosh stained his jacket sleeve with a rubber solution during an experiment - so unexpectedly for himself, he accidentally invented a waterproof fabric. The scientist patented his discovery and began to produce rubberized raincoats. Initially, wearing clothes made of waterproof material was an unpleasant pleasure due to the sharp smell of rubber and the significant weight of the product. Raincoats were in demand only among soldiers and sailors. They were not distinguished by grace or elegance, but they performed their main task well.
Thomas Hancock continued to work on improving the waterproof fabric. As a result of his hard work, he managed to vulcanize the rubber, making it light, comfortable to wear, while maintaining its waterproof properties. And the once unpleasant smell was subsequently masked with fragrances.
The main disadvantage of clothing made from this material up until the 20th century was poor ventilation.
Modern manufacturers offer many variations of the traditional macintosh. This type of clothing is becoming increasingly popular. The only significant difference between modern models and the classic raincoat is their shorter length. Today, manufacturers sew items from mercerized cotton or polyvinyl chloride. In general, the design of the Macintosh does not change, for many years occupying not the last place in the everyday wardrobe of men and women.
Features of the cut
Mackintosh is a comfortable, simple garment that has distinctive cut features:
- the raincoat is sewn with a turn-down collar and a hidden fastener on a cut-off stand, which reliably protects from rain and cold wind;
- Unlike the very first models with narrow shoulders, modern models are characterized by a loose cut, allowing you to wear a fairly thick jacket under the mackintosh;
- side pockets always come with a flap;
- optimal length: slightly above the knee for men and slightly below for women;
- The main fabric for sewing is waterproof cotton.
The coat should have a comfortable raglan sleeve, which provides freedom of movement, although some modern manufacturers sew it with a set-in sleeve.
The main differences between macintoshes and trench coats are the absence of buckles and belts, single-breasted cut, a vent instead of a slit at the back. In addition, gabardine is mainly used for sewing the latter, and the seams are not rubberized.
Types of products
The original purpose of the mackintosh made it an item of exclusively male wardrobe. Today it is universal, comfortable and practical clothing, which is actively used in girls' outfits. However, the products are classified not only into women's and men's.
By appointment
Men's raincoats are single- or double-breasted items above the knees, often made in a classic style, complemented by various overlays. As a rule, they have a straight cut. Colors can be different: from black and other dark tones to light, and sometimes even bright colors.
Women's models are longer and are complemented by various decorative details, such as large or bright buttons, stylish zippers, and creative collars. A popular model is a coat with a belt. Transparent macintoshes and bright colors, such as red, look original and stylish. Pastel and snow-white items, "masculine" khaki colors are popular. This season, macintoshes made of patent and perforated leather, printed raincoats are in trend.
By seasonality
Another classification of macintoshes is by season. Today, manufacturers sew raincoats not only for spring or autumn, but also offer insulated options for mild winters. Both women and men will be able to choose a product to their taste.
- Autumn-winter raincoats reliably protect from bad weather. Models can be narrow or loose, the length is also different: there are shortened options or floor-length styles. Warm products are sewn from synthetic bologna, knitted fabric, there are leather models. For insulation, flannel, synthetic padding or fur are used. A quilted raincoat will look very stylish and elegant in the fall or early winter.
- The spring-summer version is needed in cool, windy or rainy weather. It goes well with skirts, airy dresses, jeans, classic trousers, blouses, T-shirts, light jumpers. The basis is fleece, taslan, twill, oxford, duspo, robe terry, cotton, yarn, linen and even silk or lace (in women's models).
Knitted models are of particular interest. Transparent raincoats made of silicone, vinyl, and polyethylene are also in trend.
Color and decor options
Waterproof raincoats are available in a wide variety of colors and shades. The most popular are classic single-color models. The choice of color depends on the place or event for which the image is intended. For an office set, dark tones are traditionally chosen, for going out - pastel or brighter ones, for a walk it is preferable to wear practical models of swamp color or khaki.
It is better to choose the color of the Macintosh in accordance with your color type:
- For “winter” (dark hair, dark skin, blue or brown eyes, or white hair, transparent blue eyes, pale skin) bright colors are suitable: white, black, red, blue, fuchsia, emerald.
- For “summer” (gray eyebrows and eyelashes, wheat-colored hair, eyes with a shade of gray or green, milky skin with a cool shade and a slight blush) you can take a blue, gray, lilac, gray-pink, brown, blue coat.
- For "autumn" (people with red, brown hair, gray, green, brown eyes, freckles, golden skin and red eyebrows) orange, red, brown, olive, purple, yellow macintosh will work well.
- And for “spring” (pink-peach complexion, golden freckles, flaxen or straw-colored hair with a yellowish tint, almost invisible eyebrows and eyelashes, blue, green, light brown eyes) pastel colors will suit, as well as light blue, coral, apricot, purple, lilac.
Modern manufacturers often depart from the classic design of waterproof raincoats. Models are produced without a turn-down collar, darts are added, women's products are increasingly complemented with belts. The collar is usually made of the main fabric, but can be made of corduroy. The traditional style does not include lapels, but recently famous brands have also been releasing models with such details. Raincoats with a hood or earflaps, in bright colors or camouflage colors look original. Often, the classic design is diluted with such details as a zipper, perforation, decorative buttons or creative collars.
Classic brands
There are many companies that produce modern waterproof raincoats. However, three English manufacturers are recognized as classic brands throughout the world:
- Aquascutum. The brand's history begins in 1851. That's when John Emary opened a studio in the capital of Great Britain, where they sewed men's outerwear. After some time, he invented a special material with water-repellent properties, patented it under the name Aquascutum. Translated from Latin, it means "protection from water." Coats of this brand were purchased for British soldiers during wars and were even supplied to the royal court.
- Mackintosh. The company was founded by Charles Mackintosh in 1823 and still exists today. A large percentage of the raincoats at the company are handmade, just like 200 years ago, so the workers proudly attach the inscription: "Handmade" to the product. The technology for making rubberized cotton has also remained unchanged. The range of clothes produced by the company has expanded. Their latest collection includes models made of linen, nylon and wool.
- Private White VC This company in Manchester was opened in the early 20th century by Jack White, a former military man. The brand produces men's outerwear. For the production of raincoats, they use not only waxed gabardine, but also the technological fabric Ventile. When in contact with moisture, the tightly interwoven fibers of the material swell and do not let water through. Thanks to this product, the following characteristics are characteristic: air permeability, hygroscopicity, thermoregulation. The fabric itself is made of cotton.
Casual macs with panda ears, presented by the ASOS brand, are popular among young people.
What to wear with
The classic cut of the macintosh coat allows you to easily combine it with a cardigan, turtleneck, trousers of different styles, jeans. It fits equally well into the image of a business person and into an ensemble for everyday wear.
For men
A macintosh is present in the wardrobe of any man who cares about his appearance. This clothing is very practical and suitable for people of different body types. The length of the chosen model depends on the height: with an average height, you should give preference to shortened items, tall men are recommended to wear long macintoshes.
To create a stylish look, it is worth combining clothes of a common style in similar tones into a single ensemble. Turtlenecks, sweatshirts, and jeans look good under a raincoat. Shoes, sneakers, or boots of a matching color complete the set.
The best time of year for a macintosh is spring or autumn. A dark blue shirt, a light sweater and brown trousers can be paired with a white garment. A beige macintosh will go with a dark blue suit. A white shirt and a checkered tie will complete the look. In cool summer weather, a man can wear a white shirt with blue stripes and a tie of the same color under a light gray macintosh. Black trousers, a brown leather belt and elegant light shoes will go here. At this time of year, the raincoat is worn unbuttoned. It is better to combine a black garment with light-colored trousers, a green macintosh with dark ones, and a khaki model with indigo-colored trousers.
Thanks to the loose cut of the mackintosh, you can feel comfortable even in a jacket. The coat should cover it in length, but at the same time not visually shorten the legs.
For women
The beautiful half of humanity fell in love with the cloak in the middle of the 20th century, when movie stars began to appear on screens in this clothing. Very soon, fashionistas all over the world began to imitate their favorite heroines. The Macintosh has firmly established itself as a wardrobe essential. It goes well with dresses, skirts and straight-cut sundresses. Ankle boots or shoes are the most suitable footwear. The look can be complemented with an umbrella, bag or scarf in the same color. Business ladies can wear a dark-colored trouser suit with a white shirt under the mackintosh.
Petite girls are recommended to choose short models, and those with massive shoulders are recommended to choose items with set-in sleeves. A light raincoat just below the knees visually stretches the silhouette, making it graceful. For coquettes, there are models with shortened sleeves - in a set with long gloves, you will get a fashionable and light look. A hat with small brims will give the same effect. Various beads or bracelets will add brightness and uniqueness to the image. Jewelry will emphasize the elegance and style of the raincoat and create a mood. The boldest lovers of original images choose models made of transparent material. Such a raincoat is a bright element of clothing in itself, no additional accents are needed for it.
- For spring or autumn, a beige macintosh is paired with a white sweatshirt with a large pattern in the center, worn over a light blue shirt, a yellow midi-length A-line skirt, black thick tights, and slip-ons with thick white soles and a dark blue denim top. A black baseball cap will look great on your head.
- A light top (for example, a shirt or turtleneck), a knee-length skirt of a straight cut made of thick fabric in a large red-green check, opaque black tights, closed-toe shoes in a black and white design with a flat sole, a medium-sized bag in a dark gray color will go well with a dark macintosh. You can put on a light knitted hat on your head, and in the rain - grab a bright blue umbrella.
- A khaki coat allows you to create different looks. In the summer, for an evening out, you can combine it with a little black dress. Pumps, jeans and a loose shirt in tandem with such a coat create an attractive ensemble for a meeting or a walk in the daytime. A summer look can also be made up of a pencil skirt and a tight top, a light, loose-fitting dress will also do, it is good to wear stylish ankle boots with a thick heel.
Mackintosh is a unique piece of clothing that can only be worn with a tuxedo or tailcoat. All other items can be easily combined with this coat - interesting looks for all occasions are guaranteed.
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