Spring is light coat season. Wool cloth feels too warm and waxed cotton too bulky or heavy. The classics for spring are trenchcoats or slipons made of cotton Gabardine. Unfortunately they don’t offer very effective protection against rain. Much better are coats made of Etaproof, a water-repellent cotton weave from Switzerland, for example the coat from the German brand Amity Jackets pictured below.
Etaproof is made by Stotz & Co. KG in Switzerland although waterproof cotton fabrics were invented in England in the 1930s and marketed as Ventile. This name is still being used by English manufacturers and designers because of its positive image, even though it is not made in the UK anymore and they have all been using the Swiss fabric for decades. Etaproof is waterproof because long staple fibers are spun and twisted to create the yarn which is then woven to a high density.
Lightweight coats are also made from a range of synthetic performance fabrics. Some traditionalists still shun these fabrics, but most men appreciate their lightness, breathability and the fact that they are really waterproof. Coats from these materials can easily be folded or rolled up and packed in your handluggage. The only drawback is that these fabrics are rather delicate, you must take care not to get caught somewhere and avoid tears.
Stylewise we usually deal with variations of the familiar themes trenchcoat and slipon, either with Raglan shoulders or set in sleeves. Some hooded coats are inspired by the parka, a good option for men who like to wear dufflecoats in winter. A hood comes handy during a rain shower and it saves you carrying a hat or cap for the event.
The Ventile Mac 3.0 made of waterproof cotton fabric by Private White VC in Manchester. One of the bestselling pieces in their collection. 720 Euro. Waterproof overcoat “Franz” from the German label Amity Fashion. Tailored of Swiss Etaproof fabric. 399 Euro. 
Lightweight traveller coat “Stirling” from the collection of the old established German maker Wellington of Bilmore.
199 Euro.
Lightweight coat from the German mail-order company Walbusch. Waterproof thanks to a membrane. Dark blue works well with casual and business clothes.
229 EuroShort, belted trench “Tony” with classical details from L’ Impermeabile in Italy.
560 EuroSchneiders Salzburg offers a fresh take on the short overcoat with their style “Claas”. 399 Euro. The hooded overcoat “Ruiz” from Coherence, made of their own Kersey Jersey. Inspired by one of Picasso’s personal coats. 1120 Euro. 
The coat “Singin’ in the rain” from German retail brand Mey & Edlich is made of a light, waterproof Polyester fabric.
199 Euro.Private White VC’s Ventile Mac 3.0 comes in several colours including green.
720 Euro.Ventile Mac 3.0, Private White VC,
720 Euro.Short slipon “Martin” from
L’ Impermeabile. The sleeves are set in in the front piece, the back is a Raglan shoulder. 349 Euro.Short trench “Milton” from
L’ Impermeabile. 560 Euro.L’ Impermeabile, 560 Euro. 
White cotton coat”Morten” from Hansen Garments in Copenhagen. Clean chic from Danmark. 385 Euro. 
Carcoat from Gloverall made of cotton and nylon. The English brand has modernized its collection. 389 Euro. 
The hooded microfibre raincoat made by Aspesi in Italy comes with a little pouch for storage. Seen at
Braun Hamburg. 429 Euro
