My Lolë Trench Coat Can Handle Pittsburgh Downpours
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Before moving to the Pittsburgh suburbs, I had no idea that Steel City was considered one of the rainiest in the country. As I’ve learned, it gets sporadic, often intense bursts of rain that always tend to happen just when I’m about to head out to check the mailbox or take my dogs for a bathroom break. I quickly invested in tall Hunter rain boots, and as this site’s authority on clothing basics, I set out to find a sufficiently waterproof coat.
Surprisingly, the winner turned out to be a two-for-one: parttrench coatandpart raincoat. TheAlizé Rain Trench Coatfrom the activewear brand Lolë has become my go-to the past six months. Designed in Montreal, it’s made with lightweight, 10K waterproof fabric — that 10K measurement reflects that it can handle 10,000mm of water pressure over a 24-hour period before leaking —and features a CO coating, which means it has a PFAS‑free, non‑fluorinated-water‑repellent finish. In other words, the exterior repels water very effectively without any toxic chemicals.
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In terms of its features, it has a large, adjustable hood that can be rolled back into a snappable pouch in the tastefully pointy collar. With a sturdy front zipper, the Alizé is actually fully seam sealed, so I’ve never noticed my clothes underneath becoming wet or damp, even in sudden heavy rain and windy thunderstorms. The polyurethane (PU) membrane acts as a waterproof layer, and while PU is traditionally considered less breathable than Gore-Tex, this coat has a large upper-back vent. I’ve never felt overly clammy or sweaty from moisture getting trapped inside the coat.
I love that it looks more polished than the other raincoats I own, yet it performs so well I can wear it on long trail walks with my dogs. It also wipes clean even if it gets sprayed with mud splatters or dog drool. The silhouette makes it incredibly versatile because it has several clearly trench-coat-inspired details, including a large storm flap and button cuffs on the wrists. Other features I love are the hidden chest pocket and the two-way zipper. The fit is relaxed, and while it runs pretty oversize, the removable belt is great for cinching the waistline. I’m five-five and opted for a size medium so I’d have room for layering a thick sweater, but I could have easily gone down in size to my regular size small or even an extra-small for a snugger fit.
At under $185, it’s also a solid investment, since most trench coats can run you well over $250. From fancier dinners downtown to quick errands in drizzly weather to walks around the neighborhood, the Alizé coat is my new favorite trench coatandraincoat. And the next time it pours when I’m heading out the door, I’ll be ready.
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