What we liked about Swedish designed raincoat
By Elena del Valle
Photos by Gary Cox
The Stutterheim Mosebacke Long Lightweight Zip Raincoat in Oyster
Over the last few months I have been praying for rain so I could try the Stutterheim Mosebacke Long Lightweight Zip Raincoat in Oyster. My first impression was positive. The raincoat (and a pair of rain boots) arrived from Europe in a compact, efficient package. I liked the neutral color and design. The a-line shaped raincoat for women is knee length and has a hood. I specifically requested a lightweight model in a light shade (Oyster) to wear during long walks and rainy day errand running in South Florida’s (United States) subtropical climate. The Stutterheim website description of double-welded seams and an aqua guard zipper promised to keep moisture from getting past the raincoat’s protection. That extra promise to keep me dry was particularly appealing on cool and rainy days. While on warm days an umbrella or an umbrella and water repellent rain jacket usually work well enough when the temperatures drop my priority is staying dry to avoid getting chilled.
According to the website the raincoat includes under-arm eyelets, complete waterproof protection (I assume that is what the +20 000 millimeter water column pressure refers to in the product description) and a drawstring hood. The retail price was $385. As of this writing it’s on sale for $193.
I liked small touches like the branded bold letters on the raincoat’s see-through bag.
I liked small touches like the branded bold letters and stickers on the raincoat’s see-through bag. I also liked its clean lines and roomy fit. As per the suggestions on the company website I selected a size I thought would allow me to comfortably wear a sweater or a layer underneath the raincoat. Its pleasant and mild rubber scent was the first thing I noticed once I tried it on. I wondered if it would linger once it got wet. Although I have worn it several times in the rain it looks and smells like new. It has not needed to be cleaned. I hung it to dry and kept it on a hanger until the next time.
It seemed we had low precipitation during our rainy season. It would rain, but not enough to justify wearing the raincoat or the rainfall would be at an inconvenient time of the day. Finally we had some proper rain showers worthy of the garment. After several two-hour long walks wearing the raincoat I returned mostly dry. Some drops would fall on my shoes and if I moved my arms some of the drops would wet my sleeves. For the most part the raincoat kept me dry. The single challenge was that in summer I sometimes was too warm, mostly I was fine and thankful for the protection.
The raincoat was designed in Sweden and made in Europe, according to the company website.
The company website described the Coating as 100 percent PVC rubberized coating and the Membrane as 100 percent polyester. The raincoat was described as designed in Sweden and made in Europe. Although the company shared sample products we received no reply to questions sent to their public relations representative by email multiple times. Their website described the Mosebacke Long Lightweight Zip as “artisanally made” as well as “perfect in unpredictable weather and for travelling.”
Although I have worn it several times in the rain it looks and smells like new.
I would wear it again. I would travel with it. I would consider buying it as a gift.
