The Raincoat - McQueen’s Outerwear Essential
Few garments strike the balance between function and sophistication quite like a well-tailored raincoat. It’s a piece that has quietly evolved through centuries, from military necessity to modern style icon. Long before it became a staple of every gentleman’s wardrobe, the raincoat began as protection against the unpredictable British weather. By the late 19th century, Thomas Burberry’s development of gabardine transformed it from a heavy, waxed outer shell into a lightweight, breathable essential. The trench coat soon followed, taking its name from the soldiers who wore it in the First World War. After the war, officers returned home and continued to wear their coats in civilian life, cementing the raincoat as a permanent part of menswear.
Through the decades, the raincoat adapted to changing times and tastes. In the 1950s and 60s, as men began to commute into cities, the clean, single-breasted mac became the practical companion to the tailored suit. It protected against the rain, of course, but it also said something about the wearer. It suggested order, composure and a sense of quiet authority. And then came Steve McQueen.
In films like Bullitt and The Thomas Crown Affair, McQueen turned outerwear into an extension of his personality. He wore it with the same calm self-assurance that defined him on and off screen. His coats were sharp but never stiff, understated but unmistakably masculine. Whether chasing down villains through San Francisco’s streets or orchestrating an art heist with effortless charm, McQueen’s raincoats became part of his character. He showed that a man didn’t need flash or excess to make an impression - he only needed good tailoring and confidence.
That’s what gives the raincoat its timeless appeal. It doesn’t demand attention; it earns it. Worn over a suit, it completes the silhouette and adds a touch of polish. Worn open with denim or knitwear, it brings sophistication to casual dressing. The right cut flatters the body while allowing freedom of movement, and the right fabric ensures performance as well as style. These are the details that separate an everyday coat from one that becomes part of your identity.
At Roberto Revilla London, we take that same approach. Every bespoke raincoat and overcoat is designed to work seamlessly with your lifestyle and wardrobe. Whether you want the sharp elegance of a city mac or something with the heritage of a trench, each coat is cut and crafted entirely by hand using the finest materials. From Loro Piana Storm System wools to water-resistant cottons and technical blends, your coat will be as practical as it is refined.
A great coat should do more than keep you dry. It should make you feel confident the moment you put it on. That quiet strength is what Steve McQueen understood instinctively, and it’s what we bring to every bespoke commission we create.
