When the monsoon season begins in India, rainwear ceases to be an occasional accessory and transforms into a staple. From avoiding soaked undergarments at local Mumbai railways and Bengaluru traffic jams to enjoying the weekend in the Western Ghats and school commutes across Delhi’s rains, a good raincoat makes the drizzle days infinitely more bearable.
But are bright raincoats really a woman’s thing?
Not at all.
Rainwear is no longer a domain of black, navy and grey. Men, women and children can now experiment with their style quotient in the rain without having to compromise on weather-proofing. Bright rainwear can be fun, especially during the gloomy monsoon season.
The question that haunts Indian buyers is not ‘isn’t it a woman’s thing’, but how can they incorporate style, comfort, protection and practicality into their everyday urban Indian monsoon lives.
Why has colour become so important in contemporary rainwear?
For a long time, the function of rainwear was its selling point. Heavy, dull and boring, the conventional raincoat was about keeping you dry and nothing more.
Modern rainwear now balances between being a useful tool for the rain while also fulfilling the need to express personal style in the monsoon. The bright yellow, the red, blue, green, pink, orange and the patterned raincoats allow the buyer to experiment with their style and protect them from the rain at the same time.
As far as functionality goes, colour itself does have a role to play. It can make you more visible on the roads, especially during heavy downpours.
Is rainwear in bright colours practical for the Indian monsoon?
Colour itself does not make a raincoat waterproof. The practicality of rainwear is defined by:
- Water/wind proofing or water resistance
- Sealed seams
- Secure zippers or closures
- Whether the hood covers the head or not
- The comfort of the inner layer
- Breathability and freedom of movement
- The length of the garment
A bright raincoat made from a water-resistant material will keep you as dry as a black raincoat.
Is rainwear for women more colourful?
While women’s rainwear does tend to lean more towards a variety of colours, patterns and designs, that does not mean that colour is exclusively a woman’s thing.
In today’s dynamic Indian rainwear marketplace, men can choose from a wide range of bright colours like royal blue, orange, red or green and bright prints for the monsoon while kids can have their pick of the rainbow. As for women, their rainwear can range from light everyday wear raincoats to long waterproof garments, depending on their requirements. Women can even choose their raincoat in a manner that complements their daily wear without making them feel bulky.
The buyer has to choose their rainwear according to their lifestyle rather than gender-specific colour stereotypes.
What makes rainwear appropriate for commuting in Indian cities?
India’s monsoon season sees a broad spectrum of commuting requirements, depending on which city you live in. From Mumbai’s waterlogged streets to Bengaluru’s sudden downpours while on two-wheelers, Delhi-NCR’s rains accompanied by high humidity, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata’s frequent showers – the commuter has to keep their eyes peeled for the rain at all times.
While style is important, commuting rainwear has to do more than just look good. Here are a few things to consider:
- Water/wind-proof fabric
- Light fabric
- Moisture-wicking properties if any
- Good coverage including hoods
- Freedom of movement
- Sleeve length
- Length of the raincoat
Commuters who often use two-wheelers, public transport, autos and walk long distances need to pack a raincoat that is compact and can be carried anywhere. This is especially important for rainy-day commuting in India.
Can men wear bright coloured raincoats?
Of course they can. As previously mentioned, the assumption that men can only wear dark-coloured rainwear is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Bright clothes offer much-needed visibility during the monsoon. For the man who likes to keep a low profile, dark-coloured raincoats with bright highlights are a great option. For the more adventurous and sporty man, bright colours are an excellent choice.
What are the best colours for men’s raincoats?
It depends on what the man is looking for.
- Navy and dark blue – timeless options
- Black – minimal, sleek and pairs well with a lot of colours
- Red – eye-catching, bright and perfect for the rains
- Orange – extremely visible, good for adventure sports
- Green – light, easy-to-wear and great for the outdoors
- Yellow – high visibility in the rains
The best rainwear in India is not about the most expensive or the brightest garment, but about finding the right combination of protection, comfort, style and functionality.
Why is bright rainwear great for kids?
Kids are a curious bunch and are often enthralled by the bright colours and patterns of rainwear. The right colourful raincoat can transform a reluctant monsoon morning into a happy adventure for your child.
However, it is important to keep in mind that kids’ rainwear should also be functional, not just pretty.
Here are some things to look for in children’s rainwear:
- Water/wind-proof material
- Good hood coverage
- Comfort
- Light fabric
- Good sleeve length
- Visibility
- Easy maintenance
Children’s school rainwear should allow for good backpack space while also letting them move freely. Bright colours are ideal for kids who walk to school or travel in the rains.
Are breathable raincoats more appropriate for Indian weather?
While water-proofing is important, breathability prevents you from feeling suffocated.
The Indian monsoon is not just about heavy rains but also high humidity. Being dressed in a water-proof garment for long periods of time can sometimes make you feel stuffy. Breathable rainwear helps combat this by allowing moisture from the body to escape the fabric without letting in any water. This is important for people in India who walk, cycle or take public transport to work or for the physically active person who spends long hours outdoors.
A good balance between water-proofing and breathability is always recommended, especially for Indian weather.
Is stylish rainwear really practical?
Style and substance are not mutually exclusive.
Rainwear today can have a good fit, use modern colour combinations and include special features such as reflective panels, transparent detailing and practical pockets without sacrificing its purpose. For women, that means a raincoat for women will always be stylish enough for everyday monsoon wear. Practical pockets on rainwear for women can be perfect for storing personal belongings while commuting outdoors in the rain. For the man, modern cuts and colour options in men’s rainwear means that it can balance between smart elegance without losing its utility. For the child, the option of bright colours and patterns makes the raincoat much more appealing.
How can you style rainwear in the monsoon?
Keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your raincoat do the talking!
- For example:
- A bright raincoat with neutral bottom wear
- A bright raincoat with casual pants
- A matching raincoat and footwear in bright colours
- A compact raincoat with office wear
- Bright kids’ rainwear with simple school or casual wear
You can even make the rain your accessory!
What type of rainwear is best suited for different activities in India?
As mentioned before, it always depends on the activity. Here are a few tips:
- For commuting to office
Go for light rainwear that will not feel constricting or weigh you down when layered over your outfit. - For two-wheeler riding
Look for rainwear with good coverage and a hood that will protect you from the rain while riding in the monsoon. - For school-going kids
Go for comfort-focused rainwear with good mobility, easy closures and good coverage. - For outdoor adventures
Light rainwear with packable properties, good coverage and soft fabric will keep you prepared for any sudden downpours during hikes or other outdoor adventures. - For casual wear
Go for a versatile, everyday raincoat that can keep you protected from sudden showers.
This is much better than buying a raincoat in bright colours based only on its aesthetic appeal.
Does colour matter when it comes to buying rainwear in India?
It definitely does, but not for the reason you might think.
The colour of your choice should be a reflection of your personal style while also taking into consideration that bright colours tend to be useful in adverse weather. At the same time, dark colours tend to be much easier to style with your everyday wardrobe.
So rather than asking if colour is important when buying rainwear for men, women or children, ask yourself if it suits your style and lifestyle because if it does, go ahead and wear it with pride.
How is Indian rainwear being designed towards a more stylish and fashionable outlook?
The Indian monsoon lifestyle is changing and with it are the buyer’s expectations from rainwear. Modern consumers now want more – they want products that satisfy their need for function while also fulfilling their desire for aesthetics. Buyers no longer want to put on a raincoat, squeeze into their daily wear and immediately take it off again after the downpour. Instead, they want comfort, style and reliability in their rainwear so that it becomes a part of their everyday Indian monsoon wardrobe. This has resulted in contemporary, fashion-forward designs and a wide variety of bright colours while also keeping in mind the comfort and practicality of the buyer.
Rainwear is no longer something that people keep tucked away in their wardrobe. Especially for the Indian monsoon, rainwear has become a staple for many.
So, is colourful rainwear only a woman’s thing?
Definitely not.
Rainwear in bright colours is for everyone who wants to express their style while also keeping themselves protected from the rain. While women may have a larger variety of bright and pretty rainwear to choose from, men and kids have just as many options to choose from when it comes to bright colours. For everyone, from the office commuter to the two-wheeler rider, from students to adventure sportspeople, rainwear has become much more than just a dull, dark coat that only serves to keep you dry. So, when choosing rainwear, keep in mind that it is not only the colour that matters but also the water-proofing, breathability, comfort and durability that the rainwear offers. Now go out and explore the monsoon with confidence, knowing that you are well-equipped.
Final Thoughts
Bright rainwear has come a long way in today’s Indian monsoon wardrobe. From the bold commuter raincoats to the stylish options for women and the variety of fun kids’ rainwear, everyone has a choice to make. Real Rainwear has a range of rainwear for every member of your family that fulfils the practical requirements of the Indian monsoon while also letting them express their unique sense of style in the rain. So, choose your bright raincoat and step out into the drizzle with confidence!
