Foulies.  Foul Weather Gear.   The stuff you wear sailing to stay dry.  Nathan Detroit's post on AAAT got me thinking that this stuff hasn't been touched on here.  Perhaps that because the discussion is largely driven by Brits who've bought into some sort of tough, street look.

From the American point of view, this stuff must, I contend, be part of the Traditional American look.  It's the jacket you grab in spring-summer-warm fall.  Says sailing and sundry seagoing pursuits.  Conveys an impression of being properly in the know during warm weather.  Those Baracuta jackets are really for a bit earlier or later in the season and they don't exactly keep the rain off.

Ms. Birnbach, to mention She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, even gives foulies a pass in the OPH permitting their use in the city.  They are a notable exception to the all natural fibers stricture.  They foulies in question were lightweight, rubberized, yellow garments.  They didn't breathe at all.  Wearing them represented a sort of Hobson's choice.  You could either not wear them and be wet with rain or don them and swim in your sweat.

There has, however, been evolution.  I suggest the following from Henri-LLoyd as a good example:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,92463_Henri-Lloyd-Breeze-Jacket-Waterproof-For-Men.html

This is the modern, lightweight equivalent of those yellow buggers of days past.  It breathes, it flexes, it keeps light to mid rain off wonderfully.

Check out the cut.  A nice, trim blouson style jacket with a stand-up, contrast collar and two side pockets.  Perfectly consistent with the ivy cut in outerwear.  There's a nice detail in the velcro cuff adjustors.  On the back of the collar, there's a reflective strip to do justice to its function as seagoing gear.  This jacket is casual, fit and stylish. 

A few notes about color.  This particular model represents two branches in development of modern foulies.  It's available in traditional, bright, primary sailing colors.  Very preppy and, let's face it, Ivy has to own up to, and own preppy.  At the same time, there are lots of greys and carbons.  Even a natural.  What does "natural" nylon look like?

Why do we see this dichotomous color scheme?  I suspect the high-tech revolution in sailing is at the bottom of it.  Carbon fibre hull and spars, carbon colored jackets.  Horses for courses.

Whatever your taste in colors, I commend to your attention foulies as the great, overlooked part of the look discussed here so often.  Perhaps those overseas, rather than on the seas, might give them a chance?