If there's one type of weather I dislike the most, it's the current climate in Hanoi - gloomy skies, persistent drizzle, and dampness everywhere. Just thinking about going out is discouraging, and figuring out what to wear is another challenge. However, rain or shine, looking good is up to us! We shouldn't let the weather affect our appearance, right?
Let's tackle this together: What should you wear on rainy, humid days? The criteria are convenience and style, and all items can be purchased in Vietnam.
Mackintosh Raincoat
Don't confuse it with Apple's Mac computer. A Mackintosh raincoat is a waterproof fabric coat with a sleek, simple design. Unlike typical raincoats in Vietnam, this one keeps you looking sharp. Made from treated cotton coated with rubber, it’s soft, thin, and water-resistant.
The Stutterheim coat, for instance, is of this type and can double as a regular coat when the weather is dry.
Beautiful, functional, and lacking unnecessary details, a Mackintosh is a great choice. I’m wearing one today.
The main downside is the price. They can cost up to $700 – $800. Fortunately, we live in Vietnam. I once bought a navy Mackintosh from Massimo Dutti for just a few hundred thousand VND. Shops specializing in VNXK (Vietnamese export goods) often have such bargains. They might not be as high-end, but they're still practical and stylish.
Mackintosh raincoats usually extend to the thighs for better rain coverage and have a comfortable fit. Just wear your stylish outfit comfortably, then add a navy or dark gray Mackintosh, and you're set. You can also opt for a shorter fit to wear as a windbreaker on chilly days.
Windbreaker
Windbreakers are also perfect for these days. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and dry quickly, which is a fantastic advantage in humid weather. Many come with a hood, convenient for a quick dash outside.
Wearing a windbreaker is a familiar practice. One small tip: go for bright, youthful colors. A gloomy sky doesn’t mean we should dress gloomily. Windbreakers are casual attire, and sports brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma have plenty available at reasonable prices in Vietnam.
Gray Pants
Light-colored pants on rainy days are a disaster. No one likes mud splashes and dirty water streaks on their pants. Put those light-colored pants back in your closet immediately. Blue jeans are slightly better but still show dirt easily. Trust me, I just scrubbed my pants yesterday.
Gray pants are the best option. They are incredibly easy to mix and match, go with any color, and hide dirt well. You'll still have to wash them eventually, but on days like these, no one wants to do laundry frequently.
Gray is the best color to hide stains.
Gray pants also work well for a monochromatic look, playing with an all-neutral outfit. Just choose a coat, T-shirt/shirt, and shoes in black/gray tones, and you're done. Stylish, easy to wear, and not as boring as an all-black outfit.
Hiking boots
These are the Timberland, Clarks, or Dr. Martens boots that many people love. They keep your feet warm, have thick rubber soles, provide good water resistance, and prevent slipping. I’m not a fan of these boots, but they are perfect for these days.
When wearing boots, choose casual, slightly edgy clothes. A T-shirt with masculine graphics or a chambray shirt is a great choice.
Items to Avoid
Besides light-colored pants, avoid these items:
Wool sweaters: They absorb water and develop an unpleasant smell in humid weather.
Office-style leather shoes: I love leather shoes, but they hate water. I’ve had to take mine to the spa after getting caught in the rain. Suede shoes should be avoided even more; nothing ruins suede faster than water. If you must dress up and wear leather shoes, buy waterproof sprays. Germany's Woly or France's Saphir are excellent options.
Dress pants: First, dress pants with boots don’t look very good. Second, when they get dirty, jeans or khakis are more acceptable. Dress pants need to be clean to maintain a respectable image, which is challenging in this weather.
How about you? Do you have any tips or favorite items for this weather? Please share in the comments.
Goodbye and have a beautifully wet day!
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