My spring advice? Vive la water-resistance

Men’s shopping habits are largely driven by shifts in the weather, which makes the unpredictable British spring a bit of a dilemma. The ideal spring jacket should be lightweight, breathable but solidly dependable if caught in a sudden shower. It also needs to look the part, of course.

I’ve always been open about my views on men over 40 wearing camouflage but, going against the grain for once, my jacket of the season is J. Crew’s Brunswick rain jacket in its signature military print. Constructed in a three-layer waterproof nylon fabric, and featuring zippered underarm vents, a cinched hood and flap pockets (to keep your phone dry), it rises to every challenge.

Bomber jackets and Harringtons are a shrewd option. They don’t really look like a rain jacket at all (which is why they work in even semi-formal scenarios), but will offer adequate protection in an unexpected downpour. Next has a great example in a heritage check that is made from breathable cotton with a water-resistant finish. From John Lewis & Partners, I recommend the Wallace shower-resistant Harrington with a Black Watch tartan lining.

Coach jackets, defined by their flapover shirt-style collar and usually a drawstring waist, offer the advantage that they can be folded up and stashed in your bag when not needed. Lyle & Scott, Wax and Polo Ralph Lauren have you covered. With shades of the Gallagher brothers, H&M and Zara’s waterrepellent windbreaker-meets-parka hybrids make a bolder style statement, but it’s a risk worth taking.