I love coat season. Anytime I can add an extra layer to an outfit is a good day. And while winter and spring have their fair share of jacket-wearing opportunities, there’s just something magical about fall. The post-summer digging out of outerwear is almost as much a part of autumn as the leaves changing. One of my favorite coats for guys this time of year? The mac jacket.

You don’t want to get caught wearing your denim jacket in an abrupt rainstorm, and it’s not a good look to sweat through your puffer coat on a surprise 72 degree day, either.

Enter the mac jacket. Waterproof so it’s totally functional in crappy weather, yet sructured enough to wear over a suit.

What is a mac jacket or mac coat?

GQ put it nicely:

The water-repellent outerwear staple delivers the same British gentleman vibes as your classic trench, but in a stripped down, not-so-stuffy silhouette. One breast instead of two means it’s a more casual coat, and because there’s less going on in the details department, it’s not as likely to take over an outfit. (Translation: you won’t be “the guy in the trenchcoat.”) 

Mac jackets are also lightweight and durable. Meaning? You can stuff it in your bag if the weather takes a turn for the better, and it won’t come out all rumpled.