V for Ventile: The Smart Raincoat is back

We’re not big on compromising on our core values. This can make things a bit trickier at times, but it also pushes us to overcome the status quo and make clothes that you really want. One of our recent challenges was to create an overcoat that's both elegant and suitable for everyday wear. And there’s a fair chance that wherever you’re reading this, rain is an inevitable part of your life.

Short on time? Maybe the sun’s out in full force and you’d rather be out there than reading about a raincoat? Here’s a quick video we put together with all the key info and pics.

Why choose when you can have both? we ask.

When it came to style, we understood the assignment. We drew inspiration from coach coats, Macintosh's, and trench coats. But the issue with these pieces is that they're made of cotton or wool and let the rain in. Not ideal.

So, staying dry was the tricky part. Especially since no one wants to show up to work or a dinner party in a big yellow raincoat or a poncho that looks like a bin bag. So we dug deeper and found just the right magical fabric: Ventile.

Like the internet, sat nav, and the microwave oven, Ventile fabric was invented by the military. While technical innovations are a small comfort for conflict, we might as well make the most of them.

Originally invented by the Royal Air Force during World War II, Ventile afforded downed pilots a vital extra few minutes of survival in icy waters. The fabric's ability to slow water penetration for up to 20 minutes saved a lot of lives.

But the Ventile story doesn’t end there. Edmund Hillary wore it when he first climbed Mt Everest.

Ranulph Fiennes also became the first man to circumnavigate the globe via both the North and South Poles. Guess what he was wearing?

Well, as you probably understand by now, rain won't be a problem moving forward.

Ventile fabric is tightly woven cotton with very long and fine fibres, spun into a yarn with optimal twist. A bit like Oxford weave, only denser.

When the air gets humid, the cotton swells naturally, tightening the weave and keeping rain (or a slosh of your neighbour’s drink) out. Yes, all scenarios have been tested.

So, the material choice was clear, but we still had to select the actual fabric that best met your expectations. In the initial Smart Raincoat questionnaire, keeping it 'light' was the keyword.

After a few tests, we chose a 240g/m2 fabric with a water resistance of 600mm. Above 1300mm, a fabric is considered fully waterproof. Since you’re probably not ejecting from a fighter jet anytime soon, we figured 600mm would be more than to meet your regular needs. This thickness also ensures a good drape and crease-free fit.

As we said the cut is slightly tailored and the length is mid-thigh to give you maximum movement while shielding your legs in heavy rain.

The collar is 9 cm high to fully cover the back of your neck and there's a collar button to lock it in place for added protection. We’ve added a layer of fabric to the collar to give it extra hold so it stays up when need be.

We've subbed the straight flap pockets in the previous version for slanted welted pockets for a cleaner look and easier use.

The buttons are made of horn, have a reinforcing backing button and are secured with Ascolite thread. This special thread is machine-sewn and then welded, ensuring the buttons stay put.

We’ve also redesigned the cuff strap as a cleaner, more modern detail.

Now you know everything. The Smart Raincoat will be on sale for 279€ for 6 days starting next Tuesday. If you miss out this time round, you'll need a bit of luck to come across it at a stock sale, where its price will rise to 359€. So if you want to join the club of the great gentlemen of this world, we warmly recommend that you sign up for the notification below.

And as usual, to avoid missing out, sign up for the alert just below. The first to place their preorder will be the first to receive delivery.

Need to know anything else? Drop it in the comments below or check our international Instagram page for the answer. Possibly.

Thanks,

The Asphalte Team