The Balmacaan is a long, loose-fitting single-breasted coat, usually styled with the triad of fly front, short bal collar and Raglan sleeves. The model is named after an estate in Inverness, Scotland, and created for protection rather than rakish good looks. The clothes chronicler Alan Flusser tells us that the model comes from the coats once worn by the Prussian army. The purpose of Raglan sleeves in this case is to improve the coat’s waterproof qualities, as this construction has the sleeve cut and attached to the collar. The more common set-in sleeve leaves a straight seam on top of each shoulder, and from this seam moisture is more apt to seep inside, when the crooked Raglan makes rain drip better to ground.

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Woollen 1950s Balmacaan with leather buttons

Thanks to its loose cut, the Balmacaan will fit nicely over several layers of clothes and movement is unhindered. The coat usually has a clean, rain-proof fly front and often comes with hacking pockets with buttons. It can be cut and made from any fabric available, but the densely woven and impregnated gabardine is among the finest in wind and rain. Woollens and worsteds, in turn, keep one warmer in chilly climes.

A 1930s version in windowpane wool

The Balmacaan’s collar is rounded, at least 8 cm high and short-pointed. It can be handily turned up for protection in the wind, and most models have a button below the collar for closing. The traditional and protective coat reaches the knees, fashion cuts have shorter hems. The cuffs have no buttons, but some versions have sleeve straps for added comfort and looks. The back has one vent for comfy wear.

A contemporary Balmacaan with loose, understated cut

Woollen Balmacaans usually sport a chest canvas for comfort and form, but true rain coats are typically unstructured and very light. Some makers offer belts that hug the waist and guarantee a nice silhouette in any storm. The coat’s name is Gaelic, but the Joneses have shortened it to bal, which also serves as the name of the collar.

Fly front

Sleeve straps and hacking pockets with buttons

The word itself is rarely used in 2014 as all rain coats can be handily called rain mac(k)s. This name comes from Charles Macintosh, who developed the very first rubbery rain proof fabrics in the first decades of the 19th century. Still, it’s useful to know the Balmacaan because this model is among the oldest coats still in use. This piece of clothing is simple, eminently functional and timeless proof against all climates. It can be made from any fabric, which guarantees nearly endless variation. As long as one wants protection in style, the humble Balmacaan is topical.

The bal collar in its element

Photos: original uploaders