Find Your Rain Gear Personality

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During this wet season, especially for big city dwellers, finding the best rain gear is essential. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, though. What it looks like for you is entirely up to your personality and needs! Do you carry an umbrella and call it a day, do you wear a poncho, or is a decked out rain coat and boots your ideal? Here are some fun tips for determining your best rain-self. :)

1. Urban or Suburban?

Foremost, how much will you actually be rained upon? Now that I live in New York, I find that one of the most important pieces of rain-day clothing is a great pair of boots. When I lived in Miami, my footwear mattered little because it didn't rain consistently. And of course, I was only walking from the door to the car. But if you're walking all over, you'll want to be sure to buy a solid pair of boots. They can be a bit pricey, but your health is worth it. Don't go cheap here, even if you have to save up. Wet feet can bring a myriad of undesirables like vulnerability to sickness, athlete's foot, ruined bacteria-collecting socks, etc. If you're in colder climates, snow boots are great for rainy days.

One word on shoes no matter where you are, though: make sure your feet are 100% covered! I had a friend who used to love going out in sandals in the rain. He said it allowed his feet to dry quickly when he arrived at his destination. But this is not a good idea. Think of the dirt on the sidewalks and streets when it's not raining, now think of that same gook sweeping over your feet by way of rain puddles. Exactly. :)

2. What Kind of Rain?

This may sound strange, but different climates create different kinds of rain. In Miami, rain gear meant little. It rarely rains steadily down there like it does in the Northeastern US. When it does rain, however, it pours! Here in NY, it could easily rain for a whole day. An umbrella or poncho would be the best remedy for a downpour, while a great raincoat would be best for something more steady given that you can move more easily in a coat than a poncho.

Also consider the temperature. Do you need warmth and rain protection? Or is it way too hot for boots and a jacket? If the latter is so, umbrellas and rain shoes are a solid choice! If you're walking a lot, try booties. They aren't as cumbersome as boots, but they keep your feet drier than other shoes might. Also, if the weather is really windy, you'll want to ditch the umbrella and find a strong, structured raincoat that goes at least to your knees.

3. What is Your Taste?

Are you one of those people who loves to brighten a dreary day with bright colors? Do you appreciate having a whole matching set of coat, umbrella and boots for your rainy days? Or maybe you prefer the simplest solution so you don't have a bunch of gear to discard when you get to your destination! Are you really into purses? In that case, you may consider a waterproof bag to use on wet days, or even a large waterproof purse into which you can put your everyday purse so it doesn't get wet (we all know what happens to leather when it gets wet too often).

Whatever your desire, there are solutions out there that fit every taste and budget. Hopefully these questions help you determine the rain gear that fits you the best!

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