Here at The Coolector, we have a complex, long-standing relationship with the rain. While we appreciate the excuse it provides to hole up in a well-stocked pub, the reality is that most men are woefully ill-equipped for a proper, relentless downpour.

The modern man is often forced into a false choice: either a hyper-technical, brightly-coloured mountaineering shell that makes you look like you’re attempting K2 on your commute, or a flimsy fashion piece that wets out the moment the drizzle turns serious.

Finding a true waterproof shell that performs under pressure and possesses genuine, rugged character has been a long-standing challenge. That is, until now. The masters of modern-heritage wear, &SONS, have delivered their definitive answer to the elements: the &SONS Ark Raincoat.

This, frankly, is the piece we’ve been waiting for—a waterproof shell designed for consistent, heavy rainfall that absolutely refuses to compromise on that signature &SONS character.

This isn’t your average ‘shower-resistant’ mac. The Ark is an impenetrable fortress, engineered from a high-grade 25k/mm waterproof fabric. For the uninitiated, that technical rating means it’s not built for a light spray; it’s built to withstand heavy, driving, consistent rainfall for hours on end.

&SONS didn’t stop there; they meticulously sealed every single seam with a contrast green tape. It’s a classic Coolecor detail: a flash of colour that is both a confident stylistic choice and, more importantly, a crucial, functional barrier against the weather. Cut with a relaxed fit for easy layering over a chunky knit or chore jacket, this coat delivers uncompromising performance from every angle.

The silhouette of the Ark draws its lineage from the most reliable outerwear in history: classic military rainwear and the uncompromising fisherman’s slicker. These were garments built for men who spent long days outdoors, enduring relentless conditions, not just dashing from the car to the office.

Where those originals relied on heavy, high-maintenance waxed cotton or stiff oilskins, &SONS has smartly updated the concept with a modern, high-performance fabric that offers superior, reliable protection without the associated weight or upkeep. The result is a coat that honours its heritage while being perfectly suited for the modern pioneer.

True craftsmanship is found in the details, and the Ark is loaded with them. Every single element has a distinct purpose. The peaked hood provides real, functional coverage, keeping rain off your face, not just the top of your head.

A robust storm gun flap at the front and a back yoke storm flap—both with concealed snap fastenings—create a layered defence that blocks wind-driven rain from finding an entry point. The coated, water-resistant zip is itself hidden behind a concealed placket, offering double the protection.

The cuffs are adjustable via snaps, but the masterstroke is the internal rib cuff, a heritage detail that seals in warmth and stops cold water from running up your arm. Add in underarm vent eyelets for breathability (crucial in a waterproof shell), a classic back fishtail vent for movement, and darted, shaped sleeves for a superior fit, and you have a truly considered piece of outerwear.

This is a garment for real conditions, a sophisticated tool built for those who don’t let a grim forecast slow them down. Finished with robust leather and recycled polyester trims, the &SONS Ark Raincoat is a testament to the brand’s commitment to enduring quality.

It’s the piece you’ll reach for when the heavens open, and at £295, it’s a phenomenal investment in staying dry without ever sacrificing your style. When the rain sets in, head for the Ark.