RAINCOATS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 385, 17 March 1937, Page 3

RAINCOATS.

Improving On the OldFashioned. The days of dreary raincoats are over. In countries where a good deal of rain is inevitable, they make Euch frequent appearances., and Are such a necessary part of every wardrobe, that manufacturers and designers have realised that some using more attractive than the old-fashioned raincoat must be achieved. Instead of the raincoat, thoroughly serviceable, but somehow too 777 g, illshaped, and made from uninteresting materials, w'e have a whole series of delightful waterproof coats, cloaks, capes; some of them hooded, almost all in delightful colours and pat Term; light in weight, cool, and hard wearing. The materials fron which the new raincoats ami cloaks*, are made have improved astonishingly in later years. There is a. sort of oilskin., light as a feather, and practically tram parent which can be crushed up in the hand into a size not much more than that of a tennis ball. Then there are the waterproof silks, such as crepe de chine and satin, feather-light, and in

very attractive designs. Even the waterproof material of heavier weight has a new pliability, and now that it is.* possible to render most materials waterproof we shall have raincoats made from velvets and all manners of materials. Matching the Raincoat with tjhe Dress There has been a call, too, for colour in raincoat and cloak materials. No longer are black, brown, green, and deep red considered the only possible shades, and besides the ordinary natural-coloured coats and cloaks there are those displaying bright line checks, stripes, plain colours, and others again brightened with coloured buttons, belt, collar, and cuffs. White has become very popular for raincoats, and is usually matched with these coloured accessories. Women are now able to suit their raincoat to the frock they are wearing. Then there is the question of suitable headgear. During the last seasons there has been a great revival of interest in hood j, and many raincoats and capes are row made with hbods attached. This is an excellent idea, since the hood can either be slipped over the bare head, or over a tiny hat or beret too good to be spoiled by lain.

When cloaks and coats are made of ordinary materials proofed against moisture, it is. a. good notion to have a little cap made to match. Few women can afford to have their clothes spoiled by rain, and the girl who works in shop or office has to take care of her clothes., which must last her through seasons and months of wear. For her, a suitable and serviceable raincoat is a necessity which mils', be as lasting as the frocks it protects. A raincoat which is good and serviceable should see several seasons of wear, especially if it is taken care of.

The rival qualities of coats and cloaks as protection against rain largely depend upon the tastes of the wearer. Many women like the hemlength cape wl; ich has slits for the wrists, and hangs from a fastening about th© neck. Others* prefer a proper coat-style raincoat Which may be either double or single breasted in cut, with, perhaps, a collar that can be turned up when the rain is heavy, wide revers, or a scarf neckline. The double-breasted fashion in raincoats is very popular, and quite new.

Roomy Cut Advisable. Most raincoats have raglan sleeves, and should always be roomy. Otherwise, the coat will crush the frock or suit worn beneath it, especially since the linings of some raincoats, when they become slightly damp, tend to stick to frock and blouses and make a. fine network of crushed lines. Moreover, a raincoat can be very warm, and roominess becomes an es sential in warm weather. Many women have found that their raincoat keeps them far warmer in Winter than any other form of wrap.