The outerwear you need to make spring/summer dressing easy.

It’s an oft-repeated cliché that trends in style come and go without much warning. But in reality, when it comes to menswear, new propositions tend to arrive at a more seismic pace. Yes, occasionally we find our attention grabbed by outre styles from the likes of Vetements, Saint Laurent and Givenchy, but it’s also true that if something just works, we’ll keep on wearing it. Which brings us to Ventile®, a completely water- and wind-proof, close-woven cotton fabric which even today feels techy and modern, but was actually invented in the 1930s, to protect sea-bound British pilots during WWII.

We at MR PORTER are thinking a lot about Ventile® this week, not just because it’s the perfect, lightweight and breathable fabric to sport during a season which, according to another cliché, is full of unexpected showers, but because British heritage brand Private White V.C. has created a capsule collection exclusively for us, in which Ventile® is the star attraction. Drawing on the brand’s long history of producing classic military outerwear, the collection encompasses two lightweight jackets and a raincoat, all of which are rendered in steam-sealed Ventile® with a ripstop finish to make it extra sturdy. These are pieces that, we can say with the utmost confidence, will not only stand the test of time, but convert your next spring outing from “bracing” to “breezy”. Scroll down for our advice on how to wear them.

With its sporty, race-worthy design, Private White V.C.’s track jacket is clearly designed for a man on the go (preferably atop a motorcycle or behind the wheel of a stylish car). Embellished with ample patch pockets (including a slanted variety on the left breast, which makes for easier access to important items), it’s a happy marriage of sleek, pared-back aesthetic and effortless practicality. On a sunny but windy day, we’d recommend throwing it over this linen sweater from New York brand Todd Snyder – you’ll feel protected from the weather but won’t overheat.

A jacket with style as well as practical pedigree, the Harrington was made popular by the likes of Messrs Elvis Presley and Paul Newman in the 1950s and 1960s, and went on to become perhaps the most iconic garment in the mod wardrobe. This streamlined 2017 version from Private White V.C. improves upon the mould with its waterproof Ventile® fabric and military-grade copper hardware, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it mod-style with a classic checked shirt. We like this example from Japanese brand Beams Plus.

This elegant mac is a prime example of why some things should never change – Private White V.C. has been manufacturing such garments (in one form or another) for more than 100 years, and clearly have got the whole process down to a fine art. Embellished with the brand’s trademark copper-taped seams and copper hardware from Swiss brand Riri, this coat is unlined yet exceptionally hardy, thanks to the ripstop finish of its Ventile® fabric. Keep it simple by pairing it with a pair of streamlined navy chinos from Officine Generale.

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