The mac: a timeless raincoat in menswear
Despite its decidedly modern appeal, the mac has roots going back two centuries. In 1823, Charles Macintosh (without a “k”) invented the mackintosh (with a “k”).
At the time, raincoats were heavy, stiff, uncomfortable and had a strong smell due to their oiled finish. Charles, a chemist by profession, came up with a more flexible, comfortable garment that was just as effective against rain by sandwiching a layer of rubber between two layers of cotton.
It is a garment that has stood the test of time remarkably well, with a shape that has changed little from its original design.
Over the decades, it has become a staple of rainwear. It was time to bring it back into our collection: meet the Beaubourg mac, un imperméable performant, fonctionnel et au style affirmé.
Beaubourg: a waterproof, windproof and breathable raincoat made from Italian fabric
| Feature | Mac Beaubourg |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Technical twill by Olmetex (Italy) |
| Composition | 62% polyester, 28% cotton, 10% polyurethane |
| Fabric weight | 309 g/m² |
| Waterproofing | Membrane rated above 5,000 mm (hydrostatic head test), plus a water-repellent finish |
| Seams | Taped (waterproof seam tape) |
| Lining | None |
| Fit | Straight, not oversized; choose your usual size |
| Colors | Beige, sage |
| Made in | Portugal |
Our ambition is to offer clothes that look great and make everyday life easier.
That is why, for over a decade, we have paid particular attention to our coats and technical outerwear.
With its history and straight, protective silhouette, the mac is a garment designed to shield you effectively from wind and rain.
To achieve this, we wanted neither a simple cotton fabric, which would not offer enough protection, nor an entirely synthetic fabric with an overly shiny, plastic-like appearance.
What we were looking for was a fabric with hidden technical performance.
Et c’est précisément ce que propose Italian mill Olmetexoffers, specializing in technical fabrics for urban outerwear that combine performance with a natural-fiber feel.
The fabric we selected, made from 62% polyester, 28% cotton and 10% polyurethane, offers:
- a very high level of wind resistance thanks to its dense weave,
- a waterproof protection (over 5,000 mm in the hydrostatic head test) thanks to a membrane that keeps you dry, as well as a water-repellent finish that makes raindrops bead up and roll off the surface without soaking in. For more information, read our full article explaining the difference between waterproofing and water repellency,
- a beautifully natural appearance, thanks to Olmetex’s expertise in developing rich textures and colors.
You can feel the dense weave of this twill, with its subtle diagonal lines. It gives the fabric a reassuringly firm hand and, above all, helps the Beaubourg hold its shape when worn.
But its moderate weight of 309g/m² means you can wear it for much of the year : in spring and fall, of course, but also on milder winter days over a warm sweater, or on cooler summer evenings over a simple T-shirt.
The details that make a great raincoat
1 - A removable belt
Unlike a traditional mac, the Beaubourg comes with a belt that lets you define your waist and shape your silhouette.
If you prefer a straight silhouette, you can simply remove the belt or tie it at the back.
2 - Taped seams
In a heavy downpour, water may not penetrate the fabric, but it can still sneak in through the seams.
To make sure you stay completely dry, we asked our Portuguese workshop to apply waterproof tape to every seam (including the sleeves and inside the pockets), preventing water from getting through.
3 - An unlined construction
To help body heat escape more easily, we opted for a completely unlined construction, both in the body and sleeves.
What you see when you open the mac is simply the inside of the fabric.
4 - Thoughtfully designed outer pockets
Pockets are another place where water can get in, especially when they have open, slanted entrances.
On the Beaubourg, the outer pockets have flaps with inward-facing openings : this means water running down from above cannot enter the pocket and instead continues to flow off the coat.
It is a classic detail, particularly found on vintage raincoats.
5 - Two large zippered inner pockets
A detail that is still relatively rare in ready-to-wear: all our outerwear features zippered inner pockets so you can keep your belongings secure.
We tested them: even a large phone like an iPhone Pro Max fits comfortably.
How to style a men’s raincoat
The mac’s clean silhouette makes it easy to wear with a wide range of styles : it fits naturally into smart-casual outfits, but you can also take it in a more tailored direction (a suit), a sportswear direction (sneakers and a sweatshirt), or a workwear direction (a henley, boots and a denim jacket).
What size should you choose for your raincoat?
The Beaubourg has a straight, comfortable fit.
Its shoulders are defined enough to frame your build, while the chest offers room for layering without being excessively wide. This mac is not oversized.
We recommend choosing your usual size, quite simply.
Find the detailed size guide below:
If you are unsure, we are here to answer your questions in the comments below this article or on our social channels: Instagram, Youtube, Discord, mail ( client@bonnegueule.fr) or even on Whatsapp.
Mac, trench coat or parka: which raincoat should you choose?
| Mac | Trench | Parka | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silhouette | Straight, clean lines, simple collar | Double-breasted, epaulettes, storm flaps | Relaxed, with a hood |
| Style | Versatile, from suits to jeans | Dressy, classic | Casual, technical |
| Protection | Rain and wind | Light rain | Rain and very cold weather |
FAQ
What season can you wear the Beaubourg mac in?
The Beaubourg’s 309g/m² fabric makes it suitable for much of the year: spring, fall and even milder winter days with a wool sweater.
Can you wear a raincoat in winter?
It depends on the temperature and how sensitive you are to the cold. Generally, you can wear a raincoat on mild winter days with a thick sweater underneath. For very cold winters, with below-freezing temperatures for example, a coat or parka will be more suitable. If you rarely feel cold, you may be able to wear a raincoat all winter.
What is the difference between a mac and a trench coat?
A trench coat is double-breasted and traditionally has epaulettes. A mac is simpler, with a straight silhouette and no epaulettes. The term “trench” is sometimes used loosely to refer to a mac.
Is it waterproof?
Yes. Its fabric features a waterproof membrane (rated above 5,000 mm in the hydrostatic head test), and its taped seams prevent water from getting in through the stitching.
What does “5,000 mm” mean?
A fabric’s waterproof rating is measured using a hydrostatic head test: a column of water is placed over the fabric and pressure is gradually increased until water passes through. A 5,000 mm rating means the fabric can withstand the pressure of a 5-meter-high column of water before leaking. This provides a good level of rain protection and is sufficient to describe the fabric as waterproof.
Waterproof vs. water-repellent: what is the difference?
A water-repellent fabric has a surface treatment that causes water droplets to bead up and roll off. This protection works against light rain but is not enough for prolonged exposure.
A waterproof fabric prevents water from passing through thanks to its construction (including a membrane), even in heavier rain.
A fabric can be both waterproof and water-repellent, as is the case with our Beaubourg mac. Discover in this detailed article all the differences between waterproofing and water repellency.
What size should you choose?
Choose your usual size. The complete size guide is available in the article.
Where is it made?
This raincoat is made in Portugal in a workshop specializing in outerwear.
