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Fashion & Clothing - Mens & Ladies
Year: 1953 Item #: 1089 Views: 105,080 Comments: 977
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everyone needs a Pakamac. Gents models from 17/6 - Ladies models from 10/6 ...but make sure it is a Pakamac. The original "Raincoat in your pocket"...
977 user comment(s) below:-
When I was young my mother took me into woolworths stores, she took me over to where the plastic macs were stored usually on long metal racks, the womens and young ladies were normally very bright blues and whites etc, where as the mens and boys. were very drab usually black grey or a horrible brown colour, mens and boys didnt have hoods, as they were women only.
My mother put a long length pvc mac against me it was bright blue, it had a large hood and two pockets that I could get into my trousers through the plastic pockets you were advised not to put your hands in the pockets because they tended to split easily.
At this time I was going fishing quite alot, so I saved up and bought a pvc walking suit to keep me warm and dry, but no hood as it had a label stating it was for men, and had a man smoking a pipe to prove it, later in 1967 I was out shopping with my new wife when it started to rain heavily, we dashed into a small shop, and bought a Pakamac for me and a packmac for my wife, they didnt feel very comfortable very rough,I think they went out of fashion because dirty old men wore them, to carry out dirty things in public also they were thought to be part of a gay persons attire.
Hello all you Pakamac enthusiasts, can anyone explain why my previous comment are not appearing here, it is strange.
When its raining cats and dogs women go out in Y shirts last weeks warm weather quite a few had macs on crazy or what
Hi were are all the pac a mac lovers gone even the ones who pretend to be.
Hi pac a mac fan.
Just so there's no confusion for anyone else, Rainwear-bound on Yahoo is free, so is book number one 'Apprentices in Rainwear' free on my blackpool-frog website.
However, the books have taken me eighteen years to write and paint the cover pictures so I hope you'll appreciate why they're not free.
Hi Cole I see your site is not free
Hi Ken.
I set up a yahoo group called Rainwear-bound several years ago because someone wanted a group, although it covers a wider subject than merely pacamacs which would be very limited if you kept only to that one brand.
It's still up and running, and if you want rainwear stories try blackpool-frog.co.uk.
Hi it would be good if someone would start a pac a mac club
Hi Agnes do not worry I will not bother
hi Frank if joined a few of us would leave
Hi I think somebody did try but it went quite.
Hi Frank because no one ever asked well not for a very long time and we only like floral macs why do you not start a mixed one yourself then you never know who might turn up
Hi Jane why not let males join your group
I saw a video clip of a woman launching a USA navy ship during WW11 whilst wearing a plastic mac.
Hi who cares were they came from lets hope they make a comeback ASP
Hi Jane I think they are much older probably came from America
Hi does any body know when the plastic mac first came out I had one in the late fifties as a school girl was it British made the first macs.
on monday hi di high programe. very brief but about half way through girl in pink pakamac
hi Agnes yes i know any ladies do have a plastic mac are over sixty and beyond but were are they I never seen any
Frank lots of women have plastic macs most are over sixty the younger women want the latest fashion .
Hi Frank Barnard you are wrong my friends and myself have plastic macs what do you expect someone to call in a mac wake up and smell the coffee
Hi does anybody in Canada read this blog in Tronto there used to be a shop under a hotel near the CN tower that sold just plastic and pvc macs must be some mac fans there lets hear from you.
Realising that Susie now lives in Spain, I have to agree with Frank.
Hi women wearing plastic macs in the UK Brian there is more chance of seeing the Dodo
If any of our male contributors doubt whether or not women have a genuine love of plastic macs, I would invite them to investigate "Plastique Unique Rainwear" on the net, and view Susie's Gallery 1. If those pictures do not convince you, then nothing will. Good viewing!!
HI Gareth you are probably right I have not seen one been worn for many a long year most a pity
Hi I do not think they is any woman in the uk who has a plastic mac afraid they are a thing of the past
Hi did anyone see the latest episode of East Enders as Dot Cotton sports a plastic raincoat. Perhaps this look will become more popular..
hi I thought this blog was for plastic macs
View NO 100 000
Wonder if Brian ever dreamed his board would get so muchg attention....
Hi you are right mate that's what I call a plastic mac in plastic mac art have not seen one of them for real for donkey years
If anybody wants to see a real plastic as they should be then look at Plastic mac Artwork
Hi Ken I said I did not want emails off men thats why I have deleted my email and you are wrong ladies do read this blog and love macs a couple have been in touch and if anymore want to just write on this blog and I will give another email you and Frank just like to moan smile and the world smiles with you.
Hi Frank I also read that It was more trench macs still they all help and Jane I thought you only wanted to talk to other women you will not find any here.
Hi Jane I do think positive its just I tell the truth its said in one newspaper this week that the mac is back lets hope so
HI Frank do you ever think positive.
Ken you right but finding a woman to wear one a camel through the eye of a needle springs to mind.
Why all the fuss over a hood the mac is what counts
Hi Jane and myself have seen a few ladies in all sorts of nice macs of late
I wave the flag in favour of the hood - integral or attached. Not only do you avoid the risk of the rain seeping through any gap between rainhat and mac, you also get the maximum sensual experience - the noise of the rainwater beating down and the PVC aroma, in particular. It's a lovely snug feeling to walk in the downpour with the hood tied up.
Elizabeth Anne red mac or no red mac stop flirting with me you are married now do you think the man in the moon is a mac lover as well.
Hi let's get back to Frank
Well folks, my preference is a mac without a hood and worn with a folding rainbonnet/mate. I have lots of these in assorted colours and patterns.
The rainhat just sets off the classic look and carrying a folding rainmate in your pocket is easy to wear in emergencies as it is so small and compact. Mind you they are pretty fragile and tear easily when windy.
Not too keen on the rainhood type hat as they look so big. Perhaps we can start a mac and rainbonnet revival, what do you all think.
Hi lets get back to macs
I love the visor style rain bonnets too Roy. I have loads, bought 2 spotty ones hust last week.
Hi Susan and Cole , it's nice to know that we agree that wearing a rain hood with our coats instead of a fixed hood is the preferred choice when out in the rain. But I still prefer wearing the visor type rain hood than the flimsy concertina one. The reason is because the visor type is made of a stronger material , covers more of your head and extends over you coat collar giving complete protection. You may not see many guys wearing them , but as I said earlier (7th Dec)I wear one that has a visor , is clear with black trim and fits nicely over my collar and there is nothing to beat them when out in the rain.
Yes Susan and Cole that is the look I prefer also, although ldeally I have a good umbrella (ie not mis-shapen, a decent size and a nice bold color, and definitely NOT a $2 job from the Reject Shop). If a brolly is inconvenient or I don't have one, a rain bonnet is always a better alternative than a hood, especially if the coat you're wearing doesn't have one, which most of mine don't.
The only time I ever wore a hood was when the kids were in pushers in the 80s, when you needed both hands free and you couldn't buy a new plastic concertina hat that would last five minutes.
Peter and I hope everybody had a happy Christmas, and best wishes for 2015.
Merry Christmas to all, although I don't think we will be seeing much rain.....
Yes Cole, that's the look I like to wear.
Merry Xmas everyone.
How about combining Roy's preferences (7th December) with Frank's likings (20th December)? A women in a hooded (and belted) mac with the hood down and a rainhood for her hair? Especially the concertina pleated ones.
If a woman wears a mac with a hood up and has high heels and is slim it is great
Hi Merry Christmas to all pac a mac fans and keep the comments coming
I agree BJ and Roy. Hoods should be worn down. I much prefer a mac with a collar and definitely no hood.
Try hair spray
I agree with Roy about hoods - I have always found them uncomfortable to wear, and completely unflattering on most women, as they hide their hair and ruin the shape of their face and head. On another forum somebody said they were like the bag they stick over your head just before they hang you.
But I know I'm in a minority. Put a series of pics up on flickr or somewhere of a lady in a hooded raincoat, and leave the hood down for a few of them, and you're guaranteed to cop whinging about it.
I am still in waterproof love with Susan. I have a video clip of her, where she looks absolutely gorgeous, even before she puts on her plastic mac. Beautiful is too weak a word.
I hope we can reconcile our differences, somehow or other, and start meeting and macking.
Hi everyone ,I have only ever worn a pakamac once and that was in the 1980s in Bridlington.It served me well when I spent a few days there on holiday. But I now wear a water proof 3/4 length jacket that keeps me warm and dry in cold wet weather. I do not like wearing coats with hoods as they feel uncomfortable and move around a lot messing up your hair. To keep my hair dry and in place I wear a plastic rain hood which comes with black trim , has a visor and extends over my coat collar preventing rain water going down my neck.There is nothing to beat it for keeping you dry , as for what people think when they see me , well I don't really care I just think to myself this is 2014 and not the 1950s.
Hi Constance is it true that you have remarried of late.
There are some very brave men about
Hi Elizabeth Anne and congratulations why does it become a problem most women I have known all say is it me or my mac you want why do you think like that if it was the other way around I would be only to happy to wear anything I bet Frank is heart broken good luck to you both Its good to have you back.
Hi if there are any ladies who read this what do you think of men who wear Pac a macs or nylon do you think they are smart good or wimps or just silly old farts
Hi everybody, in case anybody's missed me I've been quite busy for the last little while, getting married. Pete and I made it 'official' three weeks ago at a reception centre on the Great Ocean Road. Three weeks...who said it wouldn't last?
We all have 'preferences'. Pete does seem more attentive when I am wearing my nylon mac, or after I've been with him with it on for a while, but that is not the only way I can 'turn him on', he doesn't demand it on call, and there is nothing that can't happen without it. If I ever convince myself that the mac matters more than I do, or it is becoming a 'power play', then Houston we have a big problem, but until that day I am happy to accommodate his preference as long as that's all they are.
Supposed to be the wet season in SE Australia but apart from it raining all night last Saturday it's been bone dry.
Hi Anna k or any other ladies out there Margaret lets hear from you or any other ladies.
Hi Anna k can we have some more comments about your pac a macs please
Hi Frank do you not meet women dog walkers when you take yours for a walk try a smile and a chat not all women are after money they may even have a pac a mac
Hi Agnes with respect I have tried that and only caught grasping females who were strangers to the truth I think I will stay with my old dog and forget pac a mac females.
Frank Barnard soft soft slow catch a monkey
Hi Agnes you were married but when a women finds out a single man is into macs its another story
Hi I never thought of my late husbands love of plastic macs as perveted funny at first but harmless it just the same as black stockings or high heels or anything that turns men on.
Gosh Ken, that was a few years ago. Sadly, I haven't heard from either of them for ages. I thought they were mac fans. At the time there were still a few shops in various towns there which still sold nylon macs, presumably for the holidaymakers. We would go and buy them. My local shops have either gone or stopped selling them. It's still easy though to buy plastic rain bonnets.
Susan were the women I saw you with in Wick mac fans do you still meet
Hi Jeff its a long time till then.
Hello Sam, I will be in Blackpool again next September. Keep an eye on this forum.
Hello Susan, you are right, Blackpool is no longer a mecca for plastic macs as I remember in the 1950's, when every shop seemed to have a stock of plastic macs with many souvenir shops hanging macs of all colours outside, fluttering in the wind. Happy memories !
Hi Jeff I was just down the road.
Sounds like a lovely day out in a plastic mac Jeff. I'm guessing that Blackpool is not the mecca it once was for plastic macs.
Very true Sam, but they are women who don't like them and very few do. That would go for men too. We are all of us, men, women or whatever, in a minority for our love of the Pakamac and it's a fact that even fewer women like them. That's not disputed. I don't care, I'm just enjoying being a part of the community that does like macs.
Hello Sam, I'm sorry but I did not see your post until I returned from Blackpool, I arrived Wednesday afternoon (22nd Oct) and left Friday afternoon. I stayed in a B&B near the North Pier. Wednesday afternoon I walked from North Pier to Bispham in the rain wearing my Jeantex see-through plastic mac and then went to Fleetwood on the tram. On Thursday morning I walked between the North Pier and Central Pier and back again in the rain and then went on the bus from Blackpool to Poulten-le-Fylde on the bus and the then walked around Poulten wearing my mac. I really enjoyed myself ! Would you have been anywhere near ?
Hi Sam all the women that I have known were just like that.
Hi Susan I am one of the doubters as soon as a woman knows you are intrested in her because she wears plastic macs or you want her to wear plastic macs you go down in there eyes they look at and think pervert sad but true.
Ken, my interest in macs, particularly Pakamacs began at a very young age. They were still very popular then. It also coincided with my awareness of my gender confusion. Feel free to contact me by email. That goes for anyone because I always endeavour to reply openly and honestly.
Hi Susan did your intrest in macs start as a boy or a woman how do they differ.
I'd be surprised if there were many women who read the contributions to this site although I'm sure there are many around the world who share the special interest that I have for the garment.
Despite the doubters, there are loads of women who are quite happy to be photographed wearing 'pakamacs' and have them publicly available, as I do myself.
Obviously, for anyone who has taken the time to look at mine, they'll realise I'm not the gender my name suggests. It's the gender I feel I am though.
Hi Jane yes I would like to know that well genuine ones not somebody taking the mick.
Hi does anybody know how many ladies read this blog it seems to men only who write in are there any ladies who like plastic macs floral macs out there lets hear from you all.
Hi Jeff were in Blackpool will you be
Hi plenty of people wearing plastic macs at last weeks Japanese Grand Prix
I'll be in Blackpool next week and will be wearing my see-through plastic mac when it rains.
Hi mac wearing men are thin on the ground these days but have seen one or two about town.
HI Ainslie I do not know were you live but I see a few pac a mac wearing men if you would like a date with one then I am free.
Hi Frank I have not seen one mac wearing any kind of mac for years let alone a plastic one.
Hi Gareth,
If you're not already familiar with Rainwear Central I recommend it to you.
If you ignore spitfire 617 (and you'll see why I say that) who seems to be trying to take the whole site over, there's a lot of photos you'll like, including some recent ones of the woman who you asked me about a month or so ago.
I think her name is Hannah.
Hi young people do not care what you are wearing some old men give odd looks who cares wear your macs with pride.
Hi Anna k I think I should have gone to Sweden being a big Abba fan and Volvo cars do you have many plastic macs now can you tell us about your walks in the rain Robin is a very lucky man many would like to be in his shoes myself included
There was lots of rainwear in Sweden when I was young. I cannot remember details because this had no special meaning for me. I used to have a couple of plastic macs that I wore for Robin.
Hi Ken,
You're right there, and I think a certain amount of smearing has been done by flashers, the mainly Sunday press and by comedians who used men wearing plastic macs as good for a cheap laugh.
Hi Ainslie men do not wear pac a macs because they are afraid of looking like a big girls blouse but I do wear mine now and nobody bats a eyelid expect people who are intrested in macs
It was really nice to read about your holiday in Ireland Robin, it reminded me of our holidays there. We have been quite a few times and always had some rain. It sounds like you were both well prepared though, did you have a lot of wet weather?
Hi my husband was a big Pacamac fan yet he would never wear one himself in fact I have not seen very men wear them why not.
Hi there is a old saying if something sounds to good to be true then its because it is.
Hello Anna k did you have plastic macs in Sweden and how many have you now we would all love to hear more off you I am sure.
Hi Anna k welcome hope we will hear more from you.
Robin asked me to look in here and write some words. Well, after so many years I am not so surprised that this place exists. From our beginning, I did not have psychological attachment to rainwear but Robin wanted to wear a plastic mac in the rain. I found it easy to join in and enjoyed the effects. It was fun for both us. He loved the Pakamac brand, but I had not heard it as I grew up in Sweden.
Hi Robin good to hear your wife is alive and well does she read this page maybe you could ask her to comment on her side of things ladies are a bit thin on the ground here.
My second wife, whose name is something other than Brenda, is thankfully still with us on the planet - and still with me. As we both approach our seventies (and over 60 years after the original advert that sparked this discussion thread was in circulation), it's perhaps more nostalgic and sentimental that we are still able to enjoy wearing plastic Pakamacs in the rain.
Hi Margaret you have gone very quite or is it Mel Constance could be Chris very strange.
Hi Robin I am green with envy what luck is your second wife stil with you a bit of heaven on earth lucky lucky man
Hi Colin I can not remember that much detail they were from Woolworths they had plastic buttons it was well over Forty years ago the good old days
My second wife was initially less enthusiastic about wearing plastic macs in public but, as our relationship developed, she became increasingly supportive of my desire to wear a plastic mackintosh in the rain. She helped me to overcome a lot of my legacy inhibitions. In the mid 1980's, as plastic rainwear for men became less popular, my wife accompanied me to Millets to buy one of the long, grey "made in Taiwan" plastic macs that they sold in little plastic pouches. It rustled noisily and gave off a strong, almost noxious smell of vinyl. With my wife's encouragement, I wore it in public many times.
In 1988, whilst ladies see-through plastic macs were undergoing a bit of a revival, my wife surprised me during a holiday trip to Ireland. We were walking along in Limerick and it started to rain. She opened her bag, took out a brand new C & A blue see-through plastic mac, and proceeded to put it on in front of me. That turned out to be a pretty good holiday.
Hi Ken,
Are you referring to the stitched plastic macs with stitched hood strings that Woolworths used to sell?
Bought two of those together one time. It was raining outside and the assistant said it looked as if I'd need them both.
Hi Robin the Winfield plastic mac was wonderful my wife had a few of them its a crime they are not about today
Hi Frank I will second that BJ get a life.
BJ what a horrible thought
Hi Robin can you tell us about your second wife
Hi Robin sorry to hear that but wow what a lady better than winning the lottery lucky lucky man
Elizabeth, I can well imagine that cold wet plastic on your knees when you were wearing short pants wouldn't have been too pleasant, but I can assure Pete that in that respect nylon wasn't much of an improvement! Also I found that when I wore a knee-length raincoat over short pants, I always imagined people who saw me were wondering if I was wearing anything underneath!
I think I also know that 'new plastic' smell. When i was at high school, most of us carried our books in cases (now called 'airline bags' or 'sports bags') which were made of rubber or maybe PVC and when new, as most of these bags were at the start of a school year, the smell was unique, unmistakable for anything else.
Hi Robin I had a AustinA55 that had plastic seat covers never had a wife that would wear a plastic mac just moan and nag
Sadly, like "Dolly" - DLL 505G - my first wife is no longer with us. Within 2 weeks of first meeting her (and knowing that she was "the one" for me), I told her that I had a fetish for plastic macs. I just felt I had to tell her. Narrow public views about such matters at the time meant that the most likely reaction would have been negative.
Instead, she reacted like an excited child that had discovered a new toy at Christmas. I could not easily interpret her response - it was the total opposite of my expectation and I remember feeling quite nervous. She couldn't wait to observe my reactions to seeing her wearing a plastic mac. On the first rainy Saturday following my disclosure, we went to Woolworths in Oxford Street where she insisted on trying on at least half a dozen different plastic macs, before selecting a long, shiny see-through turquoise plastic mac.
I remember her gaily walking to the counter, wearing the new plastic mac, buttoned to the neck and announcing that she wished to buy it. The young female shop assistant asked my wife to turn round so she could see the label and the price. The shop assistant actually read the price by looking at the Winfield label through the virtually transparent plastic. My wife was quite content to leave the shop with the label still in place - hanging inside the mac from the coat hook by a length of white cotton thread - thereby demonstrating that she was wearing a brand new Woolworths plastic mackintosh.
The Winfield plastic mac labels at the time contained guidance about not laying the raincoat on varnished surfaces or attempting to iron them.
Hi Robin what a wonderful lady your wife was is she still with us I would loved to have met her i can only dream of a lady like her.
I should have additionally mentioned our Austin 1100 - lovingly nicknamed "Dolly" by my wife - which we bought second hand in 1971. The previous owner had kept the heavy duty transparent plastic fitted seat covers that adorned the majority of new BMC cars in those days. A rainy day outing in "Dolly" was a treat. Even on a short journey, the smell of plastic emitted from the combination of the seat covers and my wife's plastic mac was intense. This incredible sensation was further enhanced by the squeaking and sticking noise made by my wife's plastic mac coming into and out of contact with the plastic seat cover. It was pretty hard to concentrate on the driving at times, so we tended not to travel very far.
My most recent post was entered on the 2nd July 2014. As the years have gone by, I have enjoyed wearing plastic Pakamacs in the rain and have been lucky enough to have two successive wives that have willingly participated in my interests. My first wife was very outgoing - almost too much for me at times. She happily wore all sorts of plastic rainwear outfits in public. During a short trip to Innsbruck in 1970, she bought a very thin and rustly see through charcoal grey plastic mac with matching rain hood. It gave off the most incredibly strong plastic smell which I found highly attractive. She just loved wearing it on every rainy day opportunity.
Hi Robin so lets hear your tales then
I agree Robin, let's embrace the Pakamac and the people who wear them, in this tribute site. I felt a bit left out of your list though, unless maybe I'm the Martian or banana.
Hi Liz L love you as well
My partner Pete lived in the UK (Kent) up to age 10 when the family emigrated to Australia in the mid-sixties, and he remembers pitch black or battleship grey plastic macs which were probably Pakamac, and matching sou-westers. He says he hated them, especially the wet plastic on his knees when he was wearing shorts, and didn't think they were much chop quality wise, because he remembers his Mum having to buy him a new one every new school term.
His sisters had brighter color macs, he recalls a bright red one his older sister had when she was about 13, with a rainhat and a matching umbrella, and although he'd never have worn a mac that bright he did think it was unfair that as a boy he didn't have more choice of colors. In Australia he wore nylon, today he wears a short jacket, nylon in summer and something thicker and heavier in winter, and generally uses an umbrella - like most Aussies do. Raincoats have never been a universal here.
Straight after reading Agness telling Frank to 'grow up' I heard on the news that Joan Rivers, who made a trademark of the phrase, had died. I can only fantasise what kind of gibbering mess Joan R would have made of a heckler such as Frank.
Three cheers for Alan. Whilst it is entirely possible that any contributor may be a man, a woman, a gay or a lesbian, a Martian or a banana, Alan's observations are entirely reasonable. Surely this space is for participants who would like to share their views and experiences on Pakamacs?
Its been a while since l visited this site because l got the impression it had become a place for certain people to constantly bicker amongst each other.
Let me just say that when l found this site a few years ago l was so thrilled that it gave people like me to chat to like minded people devoted to Plastic Pakamacs.
l am sure that any genuine Plastic mac & Pakamac lovers are contented to just use this site to chat freely and openly about their shared love of plastic rainwear, I am not really interested if they use a false name for protection or what sex they are just as long as the mutual subject is plastic rainwear and Pakamacs. So l suggest we treasure this site and not abuse it.
Hi Janice it seems we have a lot in common my Dad also had a grey plastic mac but it would have to be thunder rain for him to wear it you can contact me via Jane if you wish and Frank Barnard grow up.
Hi Agnes,
I'm afraid plastic macs worn by ordinary people for the rain have become an endangered species thanks to smears from the press, cheap 'jokes' from comedians, and the almost universal car use.
Hi Agness I was in Blackpool about the same time my sister and myself had pink plastic macs Mum a white one most people had one in the rain how times have changed
Skegness was like that in the 70s, shops full of plastic macs and nylon macs.
Hi were have all the plastic macs gone when I was taken on holiday to Blackpool with my family in the late fifties the place was full of plastic macs
Hi please no more emails off men only ladies who have a interest for plastic macs floral or transparent thank you .
I'm not sure there is much more we can add Gareth other than to say the weather in this country is so unpredictable we are still drying out!
Hi Rob can you ask Beth to post some something all the other ladies seem to have vanished into thin air
Hi Elizabeth Anne, don't worry the grey comes to us all..lol. I think it would add to the classic look a rainbonnet brings with your mac. I bet you look lovely out in your mac. I've been trying to coax my new girlfriend to try one for me when it rains, however no success yet!
Hi Gareth I did stop reading this page sometime ago but having just got back from holiday I thought it would be interesting to see what has been added recently. Sorry I didn't see your post in July.
Hi BJ, I suppose it does no harm for me to tell you I'm 5 foot 6, so slightly taller than average, a size 12, and I have shoulder-length hair that I usually put in a ponytail. My hair was jet black when I was younger but now, alas, there's more than a few hints of grey.
Hope that helps.
Hi Ladies have any of you seen the wonderful floral plastic mac on Pinterest have any of you got macs like that if so love to hear from you.
Hi Margaret if you or any other ladies are still reading this page can you please write in because its gone like the Punch and Judy show ladies would make this site great again.
Hi just for the record BJ I was leaving comments on this rainwear site for grown ups before you blew in with your insults and rudness
Personally I couldn't give a monkeys whether Elizabeth Anne or Margaret or Agness or any of the others 'exist', as Frank insists they have to prove to gain his seal of approval (in return for which Frank gets a set of 'private' pics to do whatever takes his fancy with - which I'm guessing is the whole point of the exercise from Frank's viewpoint). They all exist in my mind and imagination. My mind has a picture of Elizabeth for instance, in her bright nylon coat and her rain bonnet and that is enough. (Although EA, if you don't mind, some idea of your height and hair style would help my mind fill in the details).
But to do that you need a mind and you need some imagination. I doubt very much if Frank has to groan under the weight of an excessive amount of either.
I actually have doubts whether Frank's e-lackey Ken exists but that's not something I stress much about either. I imagine him to be like one of those Woodentop minders most politicians have these days when they're sound-biting for the evening news, standing behind them saying hear-hear and grinning inanely and nodding their head like a toy dog on the car dashboard. Professional yes-men....
Some time back someone suggested there should be a place for seeing plastic rainwear photos.
As a result I set up Rainwear-bound on yahoo groups for anyone who wishes to show rainwear photos or pictures.
Hi Margaret my apologies for Frank do not let him put you off leaving comments we are not all like him I for one really enjoy hearing from you and other ladies keep writing and ignore the Frank Barnard,s of this world.
Frank, Frank, Frank, ever the sceptic!!!! When I first encountered Plastique Unique, in 2003, I put in some really big orders, and received some personal letters of thanks from both Alan and Susie. Reading those would convince you how wrong you are!!
I do have much more to say on this subject, but it is late at night. I wish you all a good night's sleep, and sweet dreams with your own ideal waterproof partner.
Hi Brian if that was the same site I saw you need to go to spec savers and Margaret a new lady claims to be a mac fan well I will call your bluff email me your photos put or up
Hi Margaret welcome back hope you stay this time I would love to see your photos.
Hi Frank I agree with you
Hi Brian but have you met her talked to her does she go to the supermarket in a plastic mac anybody can claim anything until I meet one myself I will be very sceptical of claims on the net.
Exactly Brian, I'm even contemplating showing some of my own pictures. It's not that I need to prove a point, it was a suggestion from my husband this morning when we looked in on this site.
It's a pity that Plastique Unique stopped selling their goods. I've had quite a number of plastic coats bought for me from there.
If anyone has any doubts as to whether or not there female plastic mac enthusiasts, just visit the Plastique Unique rainwear site, and view Susie Boult's Gallery 1.
For me Susie is both an icon and a mentor. She claims her wardrobes contain over 1500 items. So when my own wardrobes exceed that item, then I will contemplate pruning my collection. I have over 850 to date, and could willingly purchase a new item every day, space permitting.
So there!!
Hi Lost soul well said we all miss your comments Constance come back please.
Hi thats the way to te Frank well said Elizabeth Anne
Constance lets hear your commenets again please
Hello Elizabeth Anne its good to hear from you your mac and hat sound nice I used to have a couple of Rainstar nylon macs my late husband loved them I grew fond of them myself talking with Jane and the others they say you can not get them new anymore does any body know what happened to the Firm.
hi Elizabeth Anne you sound very exciting in your nylon mac but you need to be on and in the arms of a man who appreciate a mac wearing woman like me
Hi Agness - good to hear from you again.
I wore my rain hat as I walked to church this morning (about half a kilometre), with a full-length blue nylon raincoat.
It'd be good watching Frank eat his hat, for a start he'd have to find something else to talk through. But ultimately the care factor about whether he believes I'm real or not, refuses to move off zero.
Hi Frank Barnard Shame on you there are real mac loving women about I have made friends with them after meeting Jane maybe they do not fall at your feet but they are real and we just might hold you to your word and see you eat your hat.
Hi Trucker I do not know about rain hats but I know my paddy hat is safe.
Hi, lets talk about rainbonnets
Hi Frank Rosemary has been a friend of mine for over forty years she has always loved plastic macs and has some beautiful ones may be you have been unlucky with your wife or do you think that you yourself could be the promblem it takes more than one to Tango.
Hello what a great site.
what I expect is people being honest if you or any other woman who claims to love pac a macs gets in touch and proves me wrong I will put HP on my hat and eat it in front of you.
Frank what do you expect from us
Hi were are all the ladies who used to leave comments Beth Constance this site needs you and to show Frank you are the real deal.
Hi Frank I am not sure about Anna but you are spot on about women not liking Pac a macs .
Hi Frank Anna never said she was a mac lover she just wanted her son to wear one for school she had a blue nylon mac herself but that all there are a few women who have emailed me , it just makes them feel good like a beautiful woman should its not like us when we see a mac wearing women we go WOW life is to short Frank enjoy it.
Oooh Frank, you are SO pessimistic! Have you ever purchased from "Plastique Unique", before Sue and Alan retired to Spain? And have you ever seen Sue's Gallery pictures? Look through those before making your final judgment!! And thanks for your comment too, Sue-carefully noted.
Hi Brian and Gareth you got more chance finding the Loch Ness Monster than a woman who loves pac a macs Anna does not exist no any other name who have claimed too its just some joker taking the Micky show me a mac loving woman and I will eat my words.
It was dry here too Brian. It won't stop me wearing a pakamac though.
Yes, St Swithin's Day-AND NOT A SPOT OF RAIN IN THE BIRMINGHAM AREA!!!! TARNATION!!!!
Hi Brian it is good to have you back hope you leave some comments for us and yes it would be good to hear from Anna again and other ladies.
I haven't contributed to this wonderful, waterproof site for some time-many apologies! I must try to rectify this. However, it is good to see so much activity, and equally good to realise there are female enthusiasts as well as male ones. Good to see the familar names such as Gareth, "Cole" Porter, Robin, Susan(of course!), and so many others. However, Anna, do assure us that you are still around and active. and that you are winning the battles with your son, and his nylon rainwear!!
Hi someone who does not want to be named emailed me and said the price of the exchange and mart macs was one pound seventeen shillings and sixpence. well it was a very long time ago sadly.
Hi thanks
Hello I am one of Jane`s floral friends gosh what a lot of mac fan`s out there they are any lady mac fan you would be most welcome to join us we do not bite really enjoyed reading all your comments carry on the good work.
Hi Frank I do have some sympathy for you my wife left because of plastic macs she said she wanted someone normal what ever normal is you just have to move on try using your imagination that helps.
Aah, Blackpool !! That's where my interest in plastic macs must have started, during visits each September as a child to see the illuminations. What a fantastic place in the 50's to see plastic macs outside the souvenier shops in many different colours and, of course, being worn by many people. I will be visiting Blackpool again in September, hoping for rain so that I can wear my see-through plastic jacket, mac or poncho.
Hi Jane most women think Plastic macs are cheap and nasty my ex wife did she told me plenty of times and she should know she was a expert at nasty.
Hi folks just back from a trip to Japan people wearing really nice plastic macs seem to be popular there I do not know how people get the idea that plastic macs are cheap and nasty I think they are the most wonderful garment ever.
Gosh, I remember those plastic macs with the distinctive round button holes. What a memory, long forgotten.
My interest in plastic macs has spanned over fifty five years and, during that time, I have enjoyed many rainy day experiences. My most prominent plastic Pakamac wearing period was in the mid to late Sixties whilst I was at secondary school. However, during this same period I became tremendously attracted to the distinctive Woolworth's plastic macs which remained popular at that time. I tried to convince my Mother to buy me one but she considered them to be too "cheap and nasty"; she was right but this somehow increased the allure for me. Apart from a strong desire to wear one of these incredible garments, I actually wanted to look and feel totally ridiculous and I craved the opportunity to own a long and baggy Woolworths's plastic mac with the unmistakable round button holes, transparent plastic buttons and strong plastic aroma.
Hi Cole I bought on of those plastic macs from Woolworth when I went to pay to my horror the assistant was the girlfriend of someone I worked with beam me up scotty.
Hi I bought a plastic mac from exchange and mart I think it was Thirty seven shillings and six pence good old days it was a long time ago.
I recall moving to Blackpool in 1971 and buying two ladies macs from Woolworths. The assistant commented I needed both of those. I still wonder if I missed out on a chance there.
Your recollections of rails of plastic macs, Alan and Steph, struck a chord with me and my memories of lakeland and seaside holiday towns around the UK with their shop windows and shopfronts with rails or macs on coat-hangers. Happy days.
I would never have imagined looking in Exchange and Mart for plastic macs. I always associated that magazine with the buying and selling of cars so I avoided it like the plague. The adverts you describe Alan, sound delightful.
Steph l too only manage mail order from Coleman. They advertised in the exchange and mart.
I remember too the Macs in bhs too not 100% sure but l think the brand on their plastic macs was : Aquaplast but l stand correcting if l am wrong.
l agree it was nice to see all the plastic macs hanging outside the shops msainly seaside resorts. some very nice and some not so nice ones. they really were the magic times. When l was at the seaside in my twenties not long married when l woke in the morning first thing l did was to look out of the window of the hotel and in the froads and pavements were wet my heart would skip a beat know there was a good chance l would be wearing my Pakamac that day.
l suppose it sounds a little pathetic to some but that is how it really was in those days and still would be for me if Pakamacs or shall l say plastic macs were accepted as norm today.
Hi Alan
Thanks for your interesting comments. I only managed mail order from Coleman and I seem to remember he produced a small brochure too in those heady days of the 80's and early 90's.
BHS used to have "racks of macs" back in the 70's & 80's when the clourful vinyl macs were still in vogue. I remember the odd shop here and there would hang a mac or two in the shop doorway, such a sight to see a mac being blown around by a gentle breeze!
Years ago in the City of London before the internet, there were free magazines such as Ms London, many a guy would get one of these freebies to scour the City job ads, but now and then, there may be an interesting fashion article about plastic macs. I guess now there still are, here and there, and one of the trendy things is to buy plastic macs for the music festival season and ebay and so on are geared up for this. There are tales I hear of piles of discarded wellies, I wonder if the same applies to macs too?! Tents, tent pegs, anything the bright young things don't wish to carry home!!
Hi Steph
l have many years searching for a Pakamac substitute.and like l said pvc u like come nearest. l do remember the small label with the gold writing on too.l remember too when l started my apprenticeship working in the electrical trade. l had to do some electrical work at a drapery shop in the town. It involved having to remove some of the drawers behind the counter,even at that age l was attracted to the drawers full of various Pakamacs. That image has stayed with me all these years. The Mens were restricted to only about three different kinds whilst the Ladies were in many colours and styles with female names.
They really were times to remember. l too use to get plastic raincoats of Colemans in Kent.They always use to advertise them on inflateable dolls.
Another tip for plastic mac lovers is if you want to put new life into your aging macs then get some autoglym vinyl and rubber care from Halfords or and car accessory shop it brings life back into them and restores that sensual feeling back plus a fantastic glossy look. try it!.
Good comments from Alan recently. PVC-U-Like have almost faithfully produced Pakamac copy raincoats, but I guess what is missing is that distinctive Pakamac label with gold lettering, and that the early ones I remember had patch pockets (I think!), with a slanting feature through pocket to access inner garments, the idea being that the raincoat could be worn maybe over another coat or jacket.
I guess there's not much to say further about the brand, but to draw parallels unless someone has a "catalogue" of styles through the ages. I did manage to pick up a colour brochure from the 90's, very upbeat photos of models wearing sunglasses wearing garments spalshing around in the sea. Sadly this brochure got thrown out!
My earlier experiences, as with some who can also remember, would be to try to track down advertisers in Excahnge & Mart, clothing section. In the "old days" you may have been lucky to get a brochure of plastic raincoats, Pakamac type. I remember Coleman of Faversham, sold a number of soft vinyl raincoats. I bought a hooded, button through knee length one in emerald green and also a white, semi transparent button through hooded cape.
A visit to France last week wandering through a market, where I saw a satll selling solid shiny PVC raincoats in white & black for EUR 59 and packs of rainbonnets (bonnet de pluie) and one opened, fluttering in the breeze. At least the French embrace PVC rainwear styles, and it's somewhat evocative of the days, I seem to remember beach holidays, where plastic raincoats were hung up outside shops as a way to entice buyers as a result of unpredictable English summers! I wonder how many children fought off wearing these garments or those who relished the thought of being treated!!
Hi Elizabeth Anne your daughter sounds beautiful in her red mac lucky boyfriend its funny that you from a sun baked country is the only lady that talks about macs and here in the uk were we get so much rain the ladies who used to leave comments seem to have gone underground funny old world.
Hi BJ, no Sally didn't wear a rain hat, she had a matching umbrella. So she was red from head to toe. She thought that in the distance she may have looked a bit like one of those old phone boxes (which she's too young to actually remember)but all that bright red nylon was quite a stunning look. Her boyfriend also likes it, apparently, which of course is The Main Thing.
Hi everyone its been some time since l visited this site.
I first posted comments in August 2011 when l was thrilled to find such a site.
The Site has its name suggests is all about Pakamac Plastic Raincoats of which l have been a lover of for as far back as l can remember.
However I was bitterly disappointed to read some of the postings that contain lots of bickering and talk of things non related to Pakamacs at all. l find that strange really because all l enjoy doing is communicating with like minded people and get great enjoyment from sites like this one.
l also enjoy helping others with the same interests if l can as l was in a position in the very early 60s with close connections of the Plastic Pakamac sales. So please lets not spoil a great site and let us all share the pleasures that Plastic Pakamacs have given us in past year. You can still obtain very similar rainwear from PVC U like. The question of not using real names is obvious to me as l am well know in my area and this site is classed as a fetish site say no more. anyone wishing to chat to me about this subject can email me at email@example.com
Hi Elizabeth Anne you can use your brush on me if you wear your nylon mac but have you got one I think you fell in love with yourself a long time ago and have been faithful ever since .
Elizabeth did Sally have an umbrella, or wear a rainhat with her red coat?
Sorry, I disagree with the names requirements. I think anyone can use any ID they like, there should be no formality. Some people may wish to remain anonymous and everyone needs to exercise care in heightened internet security awareness so there should be no imposed rules here.
Main thing is, and I've seen this time and time again, there are nit picking predantic time wasters (I've just joined them!) who rather than post something useful, latch onto the trivial. Let's please get back to what this forum is all about and stop the sniping
Now now Frankie, little boys who make rude remarks about everybody else aren't nearly as big or as funny or as clever as they think, and if you keep it up Mummy will have to go and fetch the big hairbrush and you know what THAT means, don't you?
The late autumn 'Indian Summer' lasted until into last week but we're starting to get that steady day-long winter drizzle that Melbourne is so notorious for. Sunday was a day like ,and Sally (my daughter) called in for lunch wearing a red nylon rain-coat which I'd bought in a Vinnies shop, but passed on to her when I found it didn't fit me properly. I was a bit surprised she took it, I thought just to be polite, and quite amazed she wore it - but she did, and apparently does quite regularly. She loves the color and the comfort, and said it was better than she thought it would be keeping the wind out.
BJ I agree with you about the Glad-wrap ponchos, and about what you said about idiots with umbrellas. They were invented, when, 200 years ago?, and only in the last decade they suddenly become a public menace. Same old story - a few morons, mucking it up for everybody.
(Hmm, internet foruming can sometimes be a bit that way as well....)
Not intending to proliferate rubbish postings, but Frank conversations do appear, that's what a forum is all about in case you hadn't noticed! It's up to anyone to respond to my postings and I've mentioned on a number of occasions I'm not out to be a spammer or steal the show.
A number of themes have popped into my head so I'm happy to share. You will have noticed way back that other conversations appear between other subscribers, yourslef included so no need to post comments which will wind people up; I'll leave it there and you can draw your own conclusions to my mood!
Hi Frank well said mate people should put there name behind what they say or next it will be Mickey Mouse.
Hi BJ why are you afraid to give your full name mummy might know you have been wearing her plastic mac
Hi Susan
Those flimsy plastic ponchos have been around for, must be up near 20 years in Australia. Personally I think they are absolutely hideous, as well as a waste of money and next to useless, but of course I'm biased!
Some smart operator probably made himself a mint, around the same time as they started banning using umbrellas inside sports stadiums and other such places. Around that time it became 'uncool' to carry a proper raincoat or whatever in with you, far too anal and over-prepared, so if the weather turned crappy you handed over your $2 or $5 for your oversized sandwich-wrapper.
There has always been some consideration to umbrellas being a nuisance in crowds, though never the deadly threat to life and limb that some people bang on about today. In the right hands anything becomes a deadly weapon, and even in a football crowd I knew how to position a brolly without poking anybody's eyes out or even blocking their view of the action, so it can be done. It's just that these days there's so many more inconsiderate idiots around who couldn't give a stuff for anybody else - a common problem.
It used to be that outdoor venues were one place you could expect to see more raincoats and plastic rain bonnets than anywhere else, even young women that wouldn't be seen dead in such things anywhere else.
Two or three times over those years I shared my umbrella with a young or young-ish lady I happened to be standing next to, who had put on the rainhat they'd borrowed from Mum, and they admitted that anywhere else but at the football they'd have the brolly up. When the no-brollies rules came in I thought that may bring about a resurgence, but no - the plastic KKK ponchos got in first. (And bang! went my first and last chance of becoming a millionaire!)
Hi is this the steph and Susan show.
Apart from what seems the sole advocater of wearing a practical plastic raincoat over the past two days, wall to wall rain in London, I did notice a young lady in a navy crinkly PVC jacket.
A couple of ladies in satin finish short trench coats, fabric lined, no rubber! Then opposite me on the train, a young lady in a nylon looking trench and black shiny Hunter wellies wearing a short skirt!
I better stop before being too sexist I think!
I was just looking at the news where there were lots of people queuing in the rain for a concert at the Stadium of Light. I was struck by the number of plastic ponchos, in a variety of colours, being worn. Pinks, blues, clear.
Is this an indication of a resurgence. They weren't that far from traditional plastic macs and it shows that the material is not as hated as it may have been a few years ago.
Hi all
I must say it's the perfect day (Tuesday 27th May) in London to wearing a plastic raincoat. I wore my matt black Muji from Liverpool Street to Bank with the souwester. I work in Canary Wharf and took a stroll in heavy rain with the mac turning shiny slick with rain and my rubber souwester keeping me dry. However, a few inches of my trousers legs have got wet, but taking wellies as well would be a bit of a bind unless I left a pair in the office!
Boots is trying to pull in a few punters, but they're selling nylon cagoules and they were selling the awful flimsy plastic ponchos, but a redeeming factor is, when they have them in stock, very capacious net lined visor rainbonnets and brollies with some nice clear plastic domed ones.
Once again, I'm in the minority of one. My coat is dripping nicely in the office wardrobe! It should be dry for home time, and it will stay there until tomorrow's showers!
Laugh at the rain in your Pakamac!
I stand corrected as Susan emailed me about the pale blue Pakamac type mac which went for auction. I also found it on www.pininterest.com and it's a lovely photo. As i've said before, there are lovely vintage ads, a number of them German, of the old style plastic raincoats, mostly posed with models wearing matching rain scarves, as I've said before, these are my favourite. I prefer a mac with a collar than an attached hood.
The poses are lovely, the hair styles of old, footwear too, and some models posing with celar rainboots too, so imagine being totally clad in plastic for the rain!
Today, I fished out my matt black Muji raincoat and black rubber souwester. It's practical, I can stuff it into my backpack and then hang it in the office wardrobe to dry. I guess I'm the only one wearing such attire, but hey who cares?
It would be nice to be in the pale blue mac and headscarf, but in City gent attire, I may feel a bit uncomfortable!
I guess someone wanted the mac badly enough to pay that price. I'm assuming you can still get the near Pakamac style mac from PVC-U-Like in a variety or colours, sizes and PVC micron thicknesses? I saw from the drop down options you can get polka dot material assuming it's in stock.
Suzie from Plastique Unique was selling real 50's & 60's macs years ago; I wonder what happened with her stock over all?
Montcler stuff went to Suzie High and possibly PVC-U-Like as well. Montcler used girls names for their macs such as Steph, Sandra, etc. Quite evocative of 50's & 60's era. She's staying dry in a Sandra raincoat. Another fab garment was the wonderfully long, roomy Serena mac from Plastique Unique, based on 40's styles I guess. You'd have a job travelling on the train in one of those with that full skirt swishing around!
Now capes should spark off some thoughts?!!
All quite no pac a mac wearing Kangaroos on the loose
www.pininterest.com is a great place to find ads and pictures of plastic raincoats from 1940's to 1970's which capture the gracefulness and allure of feminine garments and hair styles, fashions and poses of the period.
A number of ads are photo enhanced to provide a "falsh sheen" to the garments, but I quite like it!
I seem to have problems with ebay, I can't get to follow that seller. It's a pity because those macs are fabulous and I'm thinking of bidding.
There are some fabulous plastic macs coming up recently. I love the floral 'Fablon' vinyl mac. I didn't realise they had made them.
Gary has also put in an advert for a hooded yellow cape which is very attractive.
Find it quick before it disappears.
Hi Scotty
Interesting that Gary is advretising these copies. My pale blue purchase was deliberate as it brought back memories for me. I do think the pleated bonnets are somewhat more "fun" to wear than the visor types and someone kindly donated me a few from the 1960's with cotton ties, some with platic ribbon ties, in wallets and one in a little hat box!
Hoever, in keeping, the rain scarf is more attractive I think. It tapers nicely behind the neck onto the shoulder and the ties are wide to produce a lovely big bow under the chin and the overall effect of matching the the mac is very fetching and feminine.
There is a demand for "festival macs" in brighter colours, with fancy florals and prints, so nothing will look out of place with bright rubber wellingtons!!
Wow Scotty, those plastic macs on ebay that you referred to, are an absolute dream. Perfect.
Gosh Steph
Although I know your history but I've loved reading it here again. I'm fine with your references to me, in fact I love it.
I think it's inevitable that we digress from the subject of Pakamacs, because the history has been well covered in some of the earliest postings. More's the pity that Pakamacs aren't commonplace these days but they have to take credit for being there at the start, for many of us who expanded that love into other styles and designs.
Apologies again, not trying to spam or hog the forum!!
Big apology in advance as this may not be appropriate, but as someone who apprecaited plastic macs, where did this lead you to next?
For me, it was the discovery of "not being alone" through magazines and the internet, to the appreciation of rubber raincoats (I've had a few, they need a lot of TLC as the rubber backing can deterioate) to a wider "appreciation" of feminine garments and "dressing up" although nowhere in the capacity of dear Susan (I hope you don't mind).
It is selfish of me as a male, I know, but some of us do make use of our garments in the rain, the exent for me has been muted colours, and that is "what society expects" together with a degree of boldness.
That said, having broached "I like PVC macs" to broad minded lady friends, they love the idea, although I've never had the pleasure yet to step out with one of them yet.
It would a great "go for it" moment, a lady friend and me in bright coloured PVC mac and rainhat in a public place.
Who knows, maybe one day......!
Hi Elizabeth Jane
The pale blue macs I'm referring to were "straight down", no styling or tapering as these were meant to be worn over other garments, maybe even a coat as they had a "through pocket" feature to access the garment underneath. They were pastel,I remember greens, whites, pinks in semi transparenet material. What's fuzzy is whether they had a matching thin tie belt or not. Copies from PVC U Like do not have pockets but have a tie belt. These were collared garments giving rise to the matching tapering plastic head scarf; nicer as mentioned before than the crackly see through rainbonnet, which in the 60's was pleated, cotton ties in its own little case.
As this fashion has long gone "underground" you don't see them worn on the streets any more!
Apologies, I'm not a spammer! Things just popping into my head!
I may have missed some threads about plastic capes.
Halfords used to sell lovely soft semi trans pale yellow cycle capes.
On the other side, I have an old button through cape from someone in Faversham Kent who's company name I can't reme,ber, button through and attached hood, from the old days of buying stuff from Exchange and Mart.
I have two long massive capes from Coccoon. One soft pink vinyl the other stiff glass clear. Both a re press studded, ankle length and have detachable boxy type drawstring hoods. Not exactly "going out capes"!
Another I miss is a black latex Dolly cape from South Bucks Rainwear. Mandarin collar style, button through. Perished through age...
This is to open a debate about anyone, no holds barred(!), who wears any kind of plastic mac, whether gents or ladies style.
To be typically gent, I've worn darker colour plastic raincoats and once sported a black shiny Rubberette mac in the City London to and from work. My black plastic Muji freecut coat is a world apart from the beloved Pakamac, but is great in all sorts of lengths and its name belies the fact that it can be cut to size. It has a nice rubbery texture to it, but isn't semi trans, although they do sell a clear version. I got two in 2006, a white opague one, larget size for both. They still sell them, which is better than the Top Shop, H&M, Primark offerings which come and go so quickly.
I digressed a bit! I have worn the black Muji often with a black Rubberette souwester and sometimes a clear pleated rainbonnet or rain hood as they were called in the UK. Then sometimes a black shiny PVC visor bonnet worn inside out, matt side showing (a bit of license with the matt black Muji!).
I forgot to mention in 2007 that New Look did fab thick, lined black PVC fashion macs, never to be repeated, why?
I do, however, have an unlined DB, Sandra black shiny PVC trench which I got from Plastique Unique's last sell off in 2010.
So my advice is, take a look at PVC U Like or try Ali Express for 1 piece deals, and you can get some nice soft vinyl coats but be prepared to wait for post from China. I've not tried Ali Express yet!
Hi Jane, Pete's a Man City fan (a family tradition, even though they never lived within 200 miles of Manchester), yes he is full of it at the moment, but he saw your last post and his only comment was, 'Man United???? No wonder she refused!'
Steph, your post reminded me that around 1980 in Australia, for maybe two years you could buy plastic raincoats a bit like the old 'Pakamacs', maybe not quite as long, with or without a hood. I suppose they came in the full range of colors but the one I remember seeing most on the street was a kind of bottle green. Occasionally you might see a blue one. They were kind of half see-through, a look that never really works with me. I'd rather see solid color, and the tinted plastic just washed out whatever you were wearing underneath, but compared with what I remember of the older 60s macs they were more shapely and tailored. I never wore one but they looked OK over the right outfit. Are they the same ones you're talking about?
Hello thank you ladies for all your emails first no my husband is not into plastic macs the only thing he has ever asked me to wear was a Man U shirt one of my friends knew someone who was many years ago it just makes us feel special like a real ladies should and thats all no more emails off men as they go into delete.
A bit of chronology may be in order
So I guess the old Pakamac styles / fabrics were with us until the early 70's, maybe old stocks were getting dusty in "outfitters" and older style department stores. Probably later more nylon macs emerged.
Late 70's saw the explosion of the coloured 3/4 length hooded mac, mainly press studded I seem to remember. They survived into the early mid 80's.
Around the 80's shiny PU trench was born, these flourisehed and shiny was replaced with matt satin in the 90's - all lined ladies coats, some gents
00's Top Shop, H&M sold, still sell galss clear fashion jacket length. Then Primark started with PU jackes, PVC jackets,
Nowadays nothing to rave about. Trench coats are popular still, satin finsihed here and there
It's all a bit underground but there's still a lot to be had and China sells a good selection via Ali Express, single pieces and free post
Pinterest has lots of pvc, rubber raincoats if anyone care's to browse, it keeps the interest alive anyway!!
To continue....
I can't remember what my first plastic mac was, but I do remember it was balck and had clear buttons and maybe that was a memory from around 6 or 7 years old so early 60's.
I do remember my mother putting a pleated rainbonnet on me, nothing sinister intended(!), only to keep me dry. I wonder how many other boys had this caring treatment?
So a family outing everyone wore a plastic mac, we didn't have a car, it was the most practical thing to wear!
Mum's blue raincoat definitely had both the scarf and the belt. I can't remember the brand, only being about six at the time, but I doubt if it was Pakamac - at that time in Australia nobody would have known what a 'mac' was except an expat Brit - such as my partner Pete, who very quickly learnt that in Australian playgrounds in the 60s you picked up the local slang quick-smart or you never heard the end of it.
It may have been the same coat except with a localised brand name. I most remember the color, and the swish.
Elizabeth Anne, just stop the acid tongue, that is all I am asking.
Gareth you are right..Let's call a truce and get on with it.
I have never thought anybody on this site was a joke, far from it.
Hi macs macs and more macs beautiful glorious macs thats what this site should be about please stop bickering we have lost Anna Beth and Constance we can not afford to lose any more so call a truce and get back to MACS Please.
..another thing came to mind. Did the early ladies Pakamacs have a tie belt AND matching rain scarf or did they just come with the matching scarf? My preference over the rainbonnet, but a pleated bonnet is nicer than a visor. That said, Boots sell deliciously deep bonnets with netting and a very long clear visor....
For four years and 700* posts this forum manages without Chad's Shakespearean wit and wisdom, but he somehow has it in his head that we'd give a flying Dutchman that he thinks we're boring or a joke or whatever. It's really quite baffling.
I remember around the same time as my mother had the sky blue raincoat, around 1963 or 1964, I (like most girls my age) had a bright red plastic coat with press studs, and matching mini-Wellington rain boots. Some girls wore matching sou-wester hats, but I always thought the fold-up plastic rain hat was more fun. I had one with press studs, until I learned to tie the bow under my chin myself.
A lot of the other Mums and big sisters at that time also wore the same kind of raincoat, although I remember most were a kind of frosty white so the blue one stood out. Next thing I remember, suddenly it was all nylon, lighter and more comfortable in the warmer Oz climate.
Hi Scotty / pale blue mac followers!
Thanks for steering this forum back on course! Your recollection sounds fab with the blue Pakamac raincoat and pleated rainbonnet. I am a rainbonnet fan and have visor types, clear and solid PVC, matching rain scarves, a couple of rubber souwesters, a PVC bucket type hat and a white opaque unusual souwester. The old Pakamacs would have had a matching rainscarf, but I guess these could have easily got lost, hence reverted to the pleated bonnets with cotton ties.
I have worn these pleated types out on the streets, with a Muji black matt raincoat and a retro boxy style hood with a soft beige PVC mac, as well as out and a about in a bright yellow rubberised mac and even while driving too!
As mentioned before, PVC U Like do convincing copies and you can buy the retro rain scarves too.
Best wishes
Actually BJ I have been on this page for a lot longer than you or your other spiteful Australian friend.
So I don't really give a tinkers cuss what you say about me being a blow in.
Brian set this page up along side Wigin World for people to remember old advertisements, not as a pick up site for people who are into plastic macs.
Now Guys like Elizabeth Anne come on here tearing shreds off anybody that they feel upset their sensibilities or disagree with them. Now you may think it is fine to stick up for him, but I think he has been pretty rude to Gareth and a few other people on here.
So I am Not going anywhere mate....And if I see the kind of nastiness going on in this forum that has happened lately, you bet I am going to say something.
So if you want me to lay off, then have some respect for the guy that set this web site up and stop taking pot shots at each other.
You don't like it when I do it and yet this page has been full of it for longer than I care to remember.
If the shoe fits Elizabeth Anne then wear it.
I never called you a liar, but now that you
Mention it lol.
OK everybody calm down - if we all ignore a certain forummer whose existence I refuse to acknowledge by naming, hopefully said former will soon get bored at the lack of attention and crawl back under the rock he VERY lately came out from.
BTW Gareth, I'm male. For whatever that may be worth.
Re the comments about the blue plastic mac. I remember my friends mum wearing one to go shopping. Whilst she was getting ready to go, she pulled out a pleated rain hat and also put it on. This was a great match with the raincoat. What a great memory of the blue mac.
If the shoe fits Elizabeth Anne then wear it.
I never called you a liar, but now that you
Mention it lol.
You bluster your way onto the forum from absolutely nowhere, your first and so far only contribution is to call me a liar, I produce solid facts to refute the accusation, and I'm the one that's trolling??
Nice to hear from Frank and Elizabeth Anne.
I am afraid this forum is for grown ups, so I think Elizabeth should really ask her Mummy is she should be making childish comments in Adult conversations.
I think the word for it is trolling. Really Elizabeth if you can't play nicely, then you really shouldn't play at all.
Now it's your turn to write something nasty and we can go back and forth for weeks seeing who can get the most brownie point's and upset the other the most.
Oh sorry that's Franks game isn't it???
Come on Elizabeth sharpen that Melbourne tongue of yours and go for it.
After all this was supposed to be a forum about the Pakamac brand, but now it has become a running argument.
Please stop me from laughing, but sometimes you two really turn this page into a joke.
Hi Elizabeth Anne
The pale blue Pakamacs refeered to had the famous gold lettering label and the matching "rain scarf" had long wide ties which fastened into a lovely big bow under the chin. i got Susie of palstique Unique to make one for me to match my "Serena" long full skirted soft vinly semi trans pale blue raincoat.
I don't think anyone has commented on rubberised nylon made by the same brand. In my "discovery years" so to speak of finding raincoats in a wardrobe, there was one belonging to a cousin, emerland green nylon, gold buttons (I think!)and rubberised. I think I must have disliked the rubbery smell at that time, mores the pity, only to discover that Smooth Magazine from Swish Publications (no guessing what the subject matter was all about!) was about rubber mackintoshes and of course those lovely ads from South Bucks Rainwear in the "Sundays" advertising their lovely rubber raincoats.
It's interesting where the "interest" and initial guilt trip led me as a youngter, from "Pakamac plastic", to shiny PVC, rubberised and latex wear, throw that in with a spot of cross dressing and voila, Steph emerged, but no where near as dedicated as dear Susan who I have struck up a correspoinding freindship and critique of her lovely period magazines.
I will say one individual, no names, upset me a bit with an inappropriate email recently which I have chosen to ignore. I'm happy to rattle of my usual tome, and maybe leaving myself open here for criticism, but please don't get "personal" in emails. Agreed this is a man's desire thingy and thanks to those ladies who bring reality checks for us back down to earth.
Sorry for rambling on!!
Hi wearing a tin hat with my pac a mac incase more flak comes from down under Chad you tell us to be nice then have a pop at me well you had a mouthful off she who must be obeyed Ha Ha
Hi Chad well said it is getting like the house of commons and BJ can you give your name just do not know if you are male or female driving to the airport from Tronoto last week a women was on the crossing she walked in front of my car wearing a pink plastic mac what a rare and wonderful site she was.
Chad, much and all as it's a bad idea to ever contradict anybody from Sydney because there they know everything about everything, just ask Paul Keating or Alan Jones, according to the Met Bureau website Melbourne had about a third of its usual rainfall during January and just under half in February and March. So whatever point you were trying to make with what you 'happen to know', it so happens you didn't know at all.
It has been a much wetter autumn since, and I have needed the mac and/or umbrella quite often over the last month or so, but I have never gone looking for rain like George Clooney in that movie about storm-chasers, maybe others here do and that's fine. Though I do find the sound of rain on your umbrella to be incredibly relaxing.
Steph, I vaguely remember my mother having one of those pale blue raincoats with the matching scarf. It would have been in the early 60s when I was in primary school.
Gareth I've already told you I don't do pics. Try and sound a little less desperate in future.
Susan your English is just fine. When you write in sentences it always seems so much more interesting, never reads so much like a whinging monotone.
Elizabeth Anne
I am from Sydney.....I guess the Melbourne you are from isn't in Australia, because I happen to know it has rained there quite frequently since Christmas.
And Frank, stop tormenting these poor people and get a life.
Maybe a hobby like pulling the wings off flies would help you over your women hating problems.
If you people like Pakamac's so much then cut the bull and snipping at each other and talk about what you love....Really is getting a bit tedious....This forum started out really interesting and then somehow got hijacked and turned into a place for bullies and bulldust..Come on people be nice to each other and cut the fairy stories.
I'm a friend of Susan, having corresponded for sometime. I had Pakamacs at home as a child, these belonging to my mother in pale blue, squashy buttons, collar, through pockets and matching rain scarf. I am male, have been buying plastic raincoats for years and it was great when Susie from Plastique Unique was selling retro styles with matching rainscarves. PVC U Like have been the closest to the Pakamac style and texture and it was lovely to buy pale blue garments from both.
Hi Elizabeth Anne give Frank a rest he has his point of view he has right you sound exciting in your nylon mac and rainhat send me a photo please.
Queensland has cane toads, Adelaide has flies, Sydney has cockroaches, this forum has Frank.
hi Susan people should tell the truth not make things up as they go along and stand buy what they say women like pac a macs you must be jokeing money is the only thing like and putting men down.
Hi Elizabeth Anne nylon macs are fine with me you have no trouble with finding the the right words the full stop seems to be the problem
You may in fact be correct Frank that some men may be posing as women here, but who cares. I for one have personally known a few women who had a genuine love of Pakamac styles of rainwear and so there is absolutely no reason to doubt that other ladies may post here too. We should be celebrating anyone who takes the time to post here, as long as it's close to the subject of our interests. I recall Constance concurring with Elizabeth Anne's viewpoint.
I for one have always made a point of stressing that I am transgender, with a big T. You can tell from my pictures. It's my cross to bear and for which I've faced a lot of intolerance. Sorry for the quality of the English, Elizabeth Anne.
Oh hi Frank, I've missed your cheerful on-line personality so much lately that I just haven't felt motivated to post. Most likely all the others feel the same way. But it's great to see you back, and good that you're still keeping up the remedial spelling and sentence construction classes.
Still wearing my nylon mac and my rain hat sometimes. But they're not Pakamac so I suppose I shouldn't even be mentioning it.
Hi were have all the people and there macs gone women used to leave messages at least they said they were women I wonder if they were women.
Hi Constance you did say once that maybe you would email me still waiting.
Hi Jane yes I do know your friend what a small world she could not get over me rembering her gold thomas Marshall mac not plastic but a very nice mac.
Hi Jane, Whats your favourite mac you wear when its raining and do you wear them when ever you can. I have a nice semi transparent slate grey one, its not a pakamac, however it looks like and feels like one.
Hi Gareth I do not know about the other women but myself and my friends are here in fact one of my friends thinks she may know you so you may get a email.
Hi Elizabeth Anne thanks for your comments hope other ladies post some as well I know there is a drought in Australia but it did rain for the F1 race in the Albert park I have driven on part of the track I will let you in on a secret it does not have to rain to wear a mac.
Aah, David Essex, a name to remember (long sad sigh)....
Nothing to report here Gareth, it's been bone dry in Melbourne, months on end since I even had to pack a raincoat or umbrella 'just in case'.
Just watched the 70s film "That'll Be the Day" and I was surprised to see the few sequences of guys and girls in plastic macs and even some ladies in genuine nylon pakamacs. A wonderful era.
Hi were are all the ladies gone Beth Jane Agness Elizabeth Anne Constance Anna come on girls lets hear from you all and anybody I have missed.
I'll try and add a few more comments Gareth.
Hi Rob its good to hear your comments again I thought you and Beth had gone lets hear more from you both.
Hi MJ,
its always nice to hear from people with large collections of plastic macs. I have always been in a position not to have too many around the house at once as my wife thinks l am weird. nevertheless she tolerates some for which l am grateful. She has to be use to them by now l have had them since before getting married some 40 odd years ago. At any one time l usually have around thirty or so. I think over the years l have owned about every brand that has been made. Genuine Pakamacs are getting very thin on the ground now though. Not surprised as the factory has been closed for many years now mores the pity. if you would like to chat or email me then why not text me on 07775636383
Hi everybody its been good weather for plastic macs I wore my purple mac when Jane and a few friends went out together got a few glances from men one friend had a what my late husband would call a spoty mac polka dot
Hi Alan
I am an expat Brit now living in New Zealand and over the years I have collected more than 300 plastic macs including a couple of 50's Pakamacs. They are still among my favourites.
Hi BJ. You should be so lucky to have continual good weather, So what chance do you get to wear your macs?. We have had rain every day now here at some point for the last five or six weeks. I have worn my plastic macs almost every day and strolled along the towpath of the canal. very relaxing and quiet. living in the countryside it seems more acceptable to still wear plastic macs Its a real shame they are out of fashion now. I have recently retired from my work and have more time now to enjoy my macs. I often wonder how many l have owned over the years but l know it must be at least three figures. l have quiet a few now. is there anyone out there with a substantial collection of plastic macs?
Rain? What's that? In our part of Oz it's been bone dry (and mainly stinking hot) since Christmas and rain's only been something that happens on the TV news.
Hope all our UK correspondents are staying dry and safe.
Constance you have not left any comments for some time hope you are well can you please leave a comment so we know you are alive and well
Hi I met up with Jane and one of her friends in her group in Manchester we had a really nice few hours hope to go and see a show in London all of us I think my late husband Ron would have been happy I am with this group .
Hi Beth you have been wearing your plastic mac looking forward to hearing your comments
Hi can you tell me how I can join you group have read a lot of others comment and we seem to have a lot in common re pakamac
Many thanks
Nigel Randall
Constance did you ever get your daughter to wear a plastic mac ?
I met Susan, of 'Susan Rainwear' fame, a number of years ago but haven't heard anything for about the last 3 years. I don't know what happened either.
Hi Susan, I've checked out your site and I like it, especially the 'mocked up' magazine covers, but actually I was thinking of another Susan who I've heard nothing at all from or about for years on end, and I am a little concerned.
This one had the male identity David, was from northern England, played a lot of golf as I recall and he and his wife used to do a lot of photo sessions for the Yahoo rain bonnet groups. There is a flickr site 'Susan Rainwear' but it hasn't been updated for about 4 years. Has anybody heard anything since?
Hi Susan thats really sad news about Pamela a friend of hers in Scotland told she thought she had passed away the only real lady who loved plastic macs she said once she felt electric when she put a plastic mac on what a loss.
Not visited this site for a while so playing catch up. I read Frank Bannards comments about rainhats and umbrellas etc and agree with him, this site was intended for as the advert reads plastic pakamacs manufactured by servitor plastics. for the genuine plastic pakamac fan like myself there is absolutely nothing to come anywhere near the touch and feel of a genuine plastic pakamac or very similar.
The nearest l have got to matching them is obtained from pvc u like. l have worn them all my life up to now and intent to continue both indoors and out. l do have quite a substantial collection now but have to maintain a acceptable level to keep the peace with my wife who has no interest in them now. I do try and have at lease a couple of new ones every few months or so to replace ones that rip.
Ah Ken, it's a few years since I heard from Pamela. Sadly, I did hear too that she passed away, some time ago.
Hi Susan no I do not think that i have spoken to you anywhere but I did see you in Wick with Pamela and someone else sorry I never said hello whats happened to Pamela.
You should have come and said hello to me Ken. Were you wearing your pakamac? I'm sure I would have remembered or were you the guy I met in Elgin in 2008, who was wearing an old fashioned black plastic pakamac?
Hi Susan our history is myself and a friend met at university it started from there I can not tell the memories we have because I have to respect the privacy of others in the group I can tell one lady has contacted me and we are hope to meet next week and yes I have had some unwanted emails from men I thought I was unambiguous so any ladies wishing to join or more info please feel free to contact me we are all in our sixties and early seventies and not kinky just love plastic macs
Hi Susan did you used to be a friend of Pamela from the Highlands I saw you and someone else all three of you were wearing plastic macs in Wick what has happened to her she never leaves any comments these days.
Yes BJ, I used to contribute to yahoo groups but these days it's mostly to my flickr accounts or sometimes to my own mac related website. I'm pleased you remembered.
Hi Susan, would I be right in guessing that you are from the north of England and you used to contribute a lot to Yahoo Groups?
Hi BJ, thanks for the tip. Croydon is a bit out of my way although Pete and I do go out that way occasionally, mostly at weekends to visit one of Pete's sons who lives in Lilydale. It sounds like a nice mac, although a size 14 might be a bit big, I'm a classic 11, 10 is always too small and looks it, 12 sometimes hangs on me like a tent! Not that it's likely to be sold any time soon of course - Melbourne is entering a heatwave.
Sally bought me a wonderful Monet's Garden umbrella for Christmas. Normally I think those souvenir prints are really 'chintzy' and don't work on an umbrella but this one is quite special. I might use it the next couple of times I need a brolly, then put it away for a while and bring it out again in a couple of years when people have forgotten the Monet exhibition was ever here! (It's hard to resist the temptation to use it as a sunshade (and fade the colors).
Hi Beth its great to read your comments again happy new year to you and Rob he is very lucky.
I hope Jane, that sometime you'll share some of the history/memories of the floral plastic mac group in this forum. I for one would love to hear about it. (I hope too that you do not receive too much spam or are hounded by viewers of this site.)
P.S. As a number of friends here know, my name does not reflect my birth gender, just my preferred.
Hi myself and a few friends less in number now than when we first started many years ago have a floral plastic mac group we meet up to go shoping coffee and chat on the phone emails this a ladies only group men are not included if anyone would like to join us plastic lovers only please.
How many of you got a new plastic mac for xmas plenty of rainy weather to wear them.
Hi Elizabeth Anne,
If you are still looking for a red raincoat, I don't know if you are ever anywhere near Croydon but if you are there is a very nice one in the Brotherhood shop on Hewish Road, clean possibly unworn, nylon still crisp and the color still very bright, Clark brand, size 14 I think, with a belt.
Hello Beth the last plastic mac I bought myself was from woolworths my husband used to buy them for me my daughter in law took three weeks to bring my mac back she said she had used it to take the dog for walks she is only twenty seven plastic macs were a bit before here time and Gareth thank you.
Hi Constance scotty seems to think you have gone quite because of something I said my apologies if this is the case hope you will leave some comments its ladies like you who love macs make this site so good
Hi Beth thank you really pleased to hear from you hope you had a great Christmas you seem to like camping I only done it once with a friend when we left school I could only cook fish fingers a week of them was more than I could stand and thank all the ladies who leave comments Agnes Constance EA and all the ladies who make this site great thank you and a very happy new year to you all.
BJ thanks for all that stuff about the 'rainmate', Pete says that's what he remembers they were always called in their house especially before they came out here. It's a bit surprising I suppose the name never caught on in Australia. I certainly prefer it to 'rain bonnet'. I know strictly speaking that's what it is because it doesn't sit on your forehead like a 'hat' but it's all a pit pedantic-sounding for me.
I always loved Ballykissangel, and apparently it was all shot in a village/town about an hours drive south of Dublin, called Avoca. I think I remember the scene with the plastic mac: it was the village shopkeeper and gossip, walking her dog through the fields at dead of night in a downpour and she just happened to catch Father Clifford at a compromising moment, from what looked on-screen like a hundred yards away. It was very early in the series - the writing improved out of sight after that.
Believe it or not I saw Pakamac-style plastic raincoats on sale in Target while I was doing my Christmas shopping, completely out of season so I can't see too many selling but it was interesting that they were on the shelves at all. There were only two choices of color: a milky opaque white, or a very dark navy that was nearly black.
All the best for 2014 everybody.
rainmac 20% off all macs till midnight sunday. They have some new colours for the petworth i have ordered one in lepard can't wait for it to arrive. I will wear it as a house coat.Bev
Scotty Agness had said ladies only we have to respect that not many ladies do leave comments here so we have to just enjoy what they have to say when they do .
Hi hope everybody following this forum had a happy Christmas.
Elizabeth Anne, I think you may have a genuine 'Rainmate', a British brand-name from the 60s that became a generic term for the plastic rainhat, especially in Scotland and the north of England. A bit like photocopiers were known for a while as Xerox machines. The little blue envelope and the cotton ties are both indications, as is the white printed pattern, but if there is a ridge across the ends where the ties were moulded into the plastic, that just about makes it certain.
If there ever is a lucrative collectors market for plastic rain hats, that would be the prize of the crop.
Hello Rob yes my daughter in law really liked my plastic mac she took a long time to return it I did not mind as I have quite a few if any ladies would like to chat or have a coffee ladies only sorry boys Gareth has said he would forward my email address but has advised me not to make it public Merry Christmas to you all Agness.
Whats all this about rain hats and umbrellas I thought this was a pac a mac site.
Hi with the decline of rainwear in the UK I miss seeing ladies with macs worn over there shoulders I thought that was really feminine and even carring one over the arm no one seems to do that anymore
Hi, yes BJ Pete and his family came out to Australia in the mid-sixties. Peter was about 10, Lyn 6 or 7 and his older sister who returned to UK after about 10 years was about 15. They were all born in Canterbury in Kent, very Home Counties, so nothing like Eric Olthwaite, dear me no!
As you seem to be a bit of an expert, I've got that rainhat with the little white brollies in front of me now. It was in a light blue pouch with a triangular flap with a press stud to close it, like a small envelope, maybe two inches square. There is a print on the case that's nearly worn off but I think it's meant to be clouds and raindrops. The hat itself is maybe an inch longer than the other two Lyn gave me, and reaches further over my shoulders and under my chin. It has cotton ties, a bit coarse woven so you can hold them and tie them easily.
When Sally was in her pusher I looked at rainhats in a similar shape pouch, but smaller and black and gold colored, to look classy, and the card they were mounted on had a lady wearing one with a fur coat, but actually they were rubbish - cheap and nasty.
The one I wore the other day, and the third one, were both standard Coles/Embassy type from the 70s in the glove shaped pouch, just like I remember them. As I recall they cost 25 cents.
Anything you could tell me further about it would be appreciated. Happy Christmas everybody!
Hi Agness the sun will shine for you again it just takes time hope you find a lady who understands about macs to be your friend and thanks to all of you who have emailed me this last week and keep your comments comeing please.
EA, would I be right in guessing that Peter's family is from England? I lived there in the early-mid 70s and those rainhats with the little white umbrellas were very common although I never saw them new on sale. The only time I've seen one in Australia in nearly 40 years since, was the lady in front of me waiting to get into the MCG in the mid 80s. She said something to her husband next to her and she had this amazing Yorkshire accent - sounded like she could have been Eric Olthwaite's Mum.
Gareth thank you so much for your reply email and words of comfort hope you have a good Christmas and a good new year.
Hi ladies,
Having just read Elizabeth Anne's comments regarding that wet plastered down feeling you get when wearing a pleated rain hat in the rain, I thought I would pass on this tip as demonstrated to me by my sister.
STEP 1 Take a pretty scarf [polyester is best] tie it on classic style, [tied under the chin].
STEP 2 Put on your mac, make certain the scarf is all tucked in and your collar is turned up.
STEP 3 Fully open your pleated rain hat place it over your scarf, adjust it to your liking.
Your walk in the rain will be nicer the noise of pounding rain on your ears will be quieter, you will arrive at your destination with no plastered down hair, feeling dryer and happier.
Hi Scotty, my mac is a royal blue, the same as I wore for school. I like the color a lot but if I ever see a similar red mac I'd jump at buying it. The rain hat I wore last week was one of the plain ones, because it seemed thicker and a bit more 'heavy duty' that the one with the pattern. I might put that one in my 'good' coat pocket for use in the very short term.
Rob, I also have a Fulton umbrella, a clear 'bubble' type with white edges and a white handle, and I use it a lot. Just to show I'm not a completely hopeless nostalgia freak, we also had those clear umbrellas in the 70s but I thought they were massively over rated. They looked huge but once I measured one - five inches smaller diameter than mine. But the ones you see today are much better, and I love the thick handle you can grip properly. Also they're a nicer shape and better made. Of course I'm talking about the brand name kind - you can get clear umbrellas for $2 in the Reject Shop but in wind or any more than spitting rain I doubt they'd last as far as you could throw them.
Sally (daughter) will never wear a plastic rain hat - she has no memory of them so they're not even 'retro' to her. But she loves bright colors like me, so she might well be interested in a good nylon raincoat. She has some nice umbrellas, and she knows her Mum practically collects them so is always good for a loan, and I don't mind because she looks after them. She just never seems greatly fazed by the idea of getting wet (unlike me) so if she has a coat or brolly with her she'll use it but if not, a bit of rain won't kill her. It's a common attitude today but no big deal. I'll never push the point - she's 27 years old and perfectly entitled to do as she wants.
In case I'm not on here again beforehand, have a happy Christmas everybody.
Hi Constance my daughter would not wear a plastic mac for love or money but my daughter in law lent mine to catch her bus home and said she would have to buy one I get my rainhats from Edinburgh wollen my daughter does have a black pvc mac but nylon or plastic seem to be a no no.
I can empathise with your recent experience although I am of an age where the wearing of a plastic rain bonnet is not a problem while shopping. I can't imagine some of my younger friends doing so. I have some plastic rain bonnets that are lined with a nylon netting. My hairdo never feels plastered down, even in the heaviest of downpours.
I'm glad that your first renewed venture out was an enjoyable one. My daughter wouldn't be seen dead, she said, in most of the macs I like to wear!
Hi Scotty merry Christmas to you as well and Agness I sure your husband would have wanted you to be happy not easy for you at this time of year Canada is a country close to my heart are there any mac lovers out there love to hear from you and Elizabeth Anne your mac sounds exciting being a life long mac lover I am well used to disapointment
Thank you Gareth for your kindness hope you have a good Christmas.
Well the nylon mac and plastic rain hat passed the test with flying colors, even the '20-something daughter' test, which I hadn't seen coming. All Tuesday afternoon I was running errands, shopping, walking up and down the local high street, in steady rain and when I'd finished, apart from my face being a bit damp I was just as dry as I would have been under an umbrella.
But I had forgotten the 'plastered down' feeling your hair has straight after you take a rain hat off, and also the noise! The sound of the rain might be very relaxing from under your brolly but when it's literally pounding your ears that takes getting used to! Also, I took the rain hat off inside the first shop I went into, only to nearly put it back on wet side down when I left, something else I should have remembered from when I was at school. Eventually, once I stopped feeling self-conscious, I just left it on.
They were both well soaked when I got home, and took all night to dry properly. They were still hanging up next morning when my daughter arrived for our usual weekly morning coffee. She was a bit surprised when she saw them, she's still getting used to some of the ways I've changed since Pete arrived on the scene although she likes him and is very happy for me. She asked me to 'model', which I dreaded but eventually she gave the thumbs -up, said they looked fine, no she wouldn't walk ten paces behind me and pretend to be with somebody else, and that the mac was a wonderful color, and if it kept the rain out that was the main thing. I raved about how light and comfortable it was, and she tried the mac on, said yes it was very light and easy, and asked me where I had found it. Unlike me, she's always been a real outdoors type so she might be 'in the market' too.
She also handled the rainhat, opened it and pulled it shut, but didn't put it on. Her only comment about it was that it seemed thicker and stronger than she thought those hoods generally were.
BJ, thanks very much for the offer. I looked at their local Australian site but there didn't seem to be all that much 'historical' promotions posters and stuff there. Hopefully Brian will soon tell how he set this site up.
Gareth, sorry to disappoint but there will be no pics.
Agness, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. It will get better and eventually the memories will be a comfort.
Elizabeth Anne you're not the only one that loved those 70s and 80s telescopic umbrellas - if the page ever sees the light of day, I have a few old ads from Shelta's website I'd be happy to contribute to it.
Hi Constance sorry if my comments seem harsh just forget your inadequate ex I have sent a letter to Santa asking him to bring you in your plastic mac and rain hat and put you in my stocking it will be some Chritmas present
Hi Brian thanks for email great to have you back for new people to this site Brian is the most knowledgeable person about rainwear in the Uk shame about Isobel did she ever get macked up as you put it or was it the same as me only if you are a good boy then in the end no way boyo
Hi Elizabeth Anne, that was good you finding some pleated rain hats, they are getting so hard to find and collect able. I think the one with the white umbrellas will set the dressed for rain look so well, coupled with your nylon mac. Very classic look. I hope you get lots of rain to wear and enjoyment wearing them. Please let us know how you get on.
re nylon macs i use rainmac they are very good. Sale on with 20% off all macs but only untill Monday. I have ordered a new red one to keep in reserve. I have one or more in each of the colours. Not heard of stay dry will try to find it is it on nett. Bev
So Brian, any advice would be much appreciated, especially as there don't seem to be any instructions from AdvertMuseum.
Regards, EA
Hi again everybody, especially Brian who started this discussion group.
The search for a plastic rain hat is over. I had mentioned to Pete (my partner) that I was looking for one to go with my new nylon raincoat. He remembered his mother always had a draw full of them next to the front door 'just in case' and that maybe Lyn, his sister, had held onto some of them. He made enquiries, and when we called in on her late last week I took three which looked unworn, two plain clear, one with little white umbrellas. Rain is forecast again for tomorrow (yeah I know it's meant to be summer in Australia!) so I'll hopefully get a chance to test out my complete wet weather outfit before the always very risky 'outdoor carols' season starts in the next week or so.
Brian, it's really good that you reappeared now. I have only gone back to wearing a nylon mac in the last month or so after many years, but one item I have never stopped using, and never stopped wishing were still available now, is the 1970s Shelta/Knirps telescopic umbrellas.
AS well as setting a whole new standard for being convenient, they were also a wonderful elegant shape, the perfect size for romantic rainy day walks, lovely deep cheerful colors and bold, arresting designs, and lasted years and years. I'd love some advice about setting up a similar page to this one dedicated to those umbrellas which were such a memory of my teenage/young adult years.
I haven't contributed to this site for some time, so it is great to see it is still wonderfully vibrant. I hope to be adding more comments regularly from now on.
Some people here have acquired the status of real waterproof celebrities-the indefatigable Gareth especially. It must be all that rainy weather in Wales!
But, for the moment, I must give yet another plug to those wonderful Stay-Dry nylon macs, which give me so much pleasure. Light and lovely, comfortable and relaxing, beautifully breathable, swishy and sexy, they are my favourite outdoor macs at the moment(although December is not the ideal Pakamac weather!!) I hope some of you will peruse the Stay-Dry rainwear on-line shop and give them a try. Susan Mackintosh and I were very close at one time, and she really excited me by saying they would look great on a man!
Would you believe it, I have 40 of these macs already, and may be buying more. I just love them.
I find the navy macs particularly appealing, but the black ones are very good too.
I love wearing these when haunting the leafy environs of my "ex" Isobel, who completely refused to be macked up. Part of me does still want her, despite my many waterproof contacts, both on this site and in Flickr. No doubt some of you will add your own opinions on this! Must go for now, happy macking to all of you.
Hi Agness hope you come to terms with your loss soon I am a bit early but I would like to wish the people who write comments and the ones who read them a very Merry Christmas and a big thank you to Brian of Wigan world who runs this site day in day out all year well done.
Hello Gareth thank you for your welcome and advice it is only been a year since I lost my husband thats why i just would just like to chat to other women I do enjoy reading all the comments great shame my husband did not find this site thanks again Gareth.
Hi Constance you have tared all men with the same brush judge and jury you are wrong If you had been my wife I would have loved you to wear a plastic mac for breakfast why did you marry him knowing he was not into them then complain I think the real reason you are angry and upset is because he cheated on you but did you say you had a torrid affair with your tutor was he married or does that not count when a woman cheats why did you not tell your husband about it I get the message I will forget about a date but would love to hear from you about macs or may be to talk in more detail about your breakup talking does help.
Hi Constance
If your up here in Scotland, would you consider joining me for some lunch or a coffee, my treat. Mind you would need to check the weather forecast for rain so that we could bring our macs just in case. What do you think?
Hi Keith
I managed to catch up with that episode and you were spot on. The woman was wearing a nice pleated off white rain hat. I don't have one like that as I think they came originally with a mac, of course I may be wrong. I remember PVC-U-Like making something similar, however I don't think they manufacture anymore...
No Gareth, I haven't. I had some Mandy Marsh things in the seventies but where I shop, I haven't seen the label for ages. I am more a Precis label, which doesn't suit Doc Martens.
Frank is right (not about the boots), I blame all men for my husband's behaviour towards me and nothing will ever change my mind. I can enjoy my life, the way I live it and what I like to wear (i.e. the pakamacs) without fear of criticism from any male.
Frank you should get out a bit more maybe life has given you a bashing like it does to us all but the old saying smile and the world smiles with you may be a women wearing a plastic mac will smile back try it.
Gareth you will never get a date with her women who blame men for all things start wearing doc Martens with there plastic macs
Hi Agness welcome to the site I will respect your wish just to speak to men only one lady ever left a email address Shona before she left to get married she told me she got some disturbing emails so I would not advise you to do that and Constance do you have any Mandy Marsh or Jan Roberts macs?
Hi Elizabeth Anne thanks for all the info I did not think the men in your country would wear a nylon or plastic mac not many do here I think its associated with flashers and fiends I have worn mine in America in the rain they are called slickers there and nobody bats a eyelid I am not keen on belts on a mac and that hanging look is a wow factor for me hope you will email me a photo of you wearing your new mac
Hi Gareth and BJ, thanks for asking how my nylon mac is measuring up. I haven't found a rain hat yet so I still haven't worn it in the rain without an umbrella, but so far so good - it's light and comfortable, even after walking in it for a few kilometres, and it looks good. I've heard there's ways you can freshen up the color (it's bright royal blue), and stiffen the nylon so it doesn't just 'hang' off you, and it has a belt so that also gives it more shape. I have a brolly that exactly matches it.
Gareth, about raincoats in Australia: You're pretty much spot on, we aren't a great raincoat wearing country, even down here in Victoria where the weather is so often wet. As I said earlier, before the last couple of weeks I hadn't worn a raincoat like this one since I my schooldays, relying on an umbrella to keep me dry in just about all circumstances ever since. Any coat I've worn has been for warmth rather than waterproof-ability. In that respect I think I'm just about typical of women of my generation. My daughter's generation are just about the same although they don't seem to care that much even for using an umbrella. No great surprise when you see the brollies on offer today.
For men, well my late father and my ex (but unfortunately not yet late, as afr as I know) husband both firmly believed that a man in a raincoat was definitely suspect and only toffs and Poms carried umbrellas. I can't remember many times seeing a man carrying an umbrella - he might be standing under one, but it was like if it wasn't actually raining when he left his house or got out of his car he'd leave it behind. At least the advent of fold-down umbrellas meant he could stick it in his briefcase 'just in case' without having to look like John Cleese doing the silly walk.
Sometimes you might see a bloke in a proper trench coat, and you'd straight away think he's a private detective, or he's trying to be Humphrey Bogart. But plastic or nylon? Not in a million years.
Hi Constance do you know any good restaurants in your area for our lunch date and long talk about macks .
Hi my late husband was a plastic mac lover he would have been in his element with this site I would love to chat with other ladies but not men
i love mackintoshes of all kinds love to be pen pal of meet any lady that wears and enjoys her mackintoshes. I am mature free man with no ties.
I am not looking for sex or anything improper just chat about rainwear. Wear mackintoshes together. Bev
Hi Scotty,
Did you see the first episode of "strange-days-cold-war-Britain".
particularly the piece about queuing for tickets for The Bolshoi ballet, There was a rather posh speaking lady sitting in a collapsible chair dressed in what looked like a nylon or gabardine mac you could see the rain had soaked in on her shoulders, over her knees it looked to me that had she draped a plastic mac.
But best of all on her head was a thick white opaque soft plastic pleated rain bonnet with matching ties that seemed to becoming undone.
Have you any like this in your collection as I have not seen this style of pleated rain bonnet before, all the ones I have seen are transparent or semi-transparent.
Thanks Scotty and Constance - I can't access the BBC site from Australia (revenge for the loss in the Test match?) but I'll try to get a look on Torrent.
Elizabeth Anne, have you tried out your 'new' nylon mac yet? And how are you going looking for a rainhat? They're getting harder to find in the second hand shops but there's usually a few floating round on Ebay.
Hi Elizabeth Anne have you road tested your nylon mac yet can we have a full report please i did not think of Australia as a mac wearing country I got a shock when I stoped overnight in Mount Gambier on my way to Adelaide in the morning there was frost on the car spent five weeks in your great country not a mac in site.
Hi BJ
The programme was called,Strange Days-Cold War Britain and it is screened tonight on BBC2 at 21.00 hrs. Hopefully some rainwear on show tonight.
BJ, this is a link to the one I watched http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03j9f3w
A fascinating reminder of when I was just a girl.
Hi Constance my wife would say good luck she give me a ultimatum if I did not except a normal marriage with no macs then I should find someone else the thought of not getting a lady wearing a mac in my arms for the rest of my life was grim to say the least so just get in touch and talk it really is good to talk you can ask me anything may be we both had unrealistic expectations when we got married the end of your marriage must have dented your confidence let me help you regain it what have you got to lose courage Constance.
Oh dear there is no old tv programmes to view tonight to see if anyone has a plastic mac on oh dear how sad
This year it's my semi-transparent 'natural' colour plastic mac when it's raining Scotty, to go shopping. Or else on other less wet days then it might be one of my nylon macs. After the summer we had, my sundresses are all laundered and put away. It's lovely to return once again to my much loved look.
It would be lovely to have lunch with someone who appreciated a lady who loves macs, Gareth. I would love to exchange 'notes' and compare what I feel about wearing a mac with what a mac does for a man. However, Gareth, what would your wife say? If I had a mac loving husband meeting a mac loving lady for lunch, oh boy would that husband be in trouble.
Hi Scotty and Constance, what is this film you are referring to?
Hi Constance First I think your ex was a cruel for saying such a nasty remark to you what is natural or unnatural we all have our tastes I think we are cut from the same cloth the times i have been in France its always been hot but have seen lots of ladies in nylon macs in Belgium I would love to have lunch with you you could tell me your story it would be good to talk about macs without fear of humiliation hope you will give it some thought the new year is very near a new beginning hope you will get in touch soon.
Yes Gareth, I still have a few although over the years, I have had many more. Unlike some of my wardrobe that I might clear out from time to time, as I grow tired of wearing it or it has been an inappropriate impulse buy, the macs I have discarded have been ones that have become damaged somehow whether perished, torn stained or whatever. For me they are timeless classics, items I never become tired of and something that makes me feel so feminine. I was out shopping in a plastic mac yesterday, strangely because it was raining, and I looked at the other women, dressed for the weather in a variety of walking anoraks. If I am so unnatural, as my ex called me, why are other women wearing such unflattering garments. I love to take time with my appearance, as I'm sure these other ladies do, but to top it off with an item of clothing that should only be seen on the top of Cairngorm, is beyond me.
Reading through this forum, there are many comments about the number of people who used to wear macs and the times when 'everyone' had a pakamac. I have to admit that this is my memory too, but I was watching a rerun of the current Cold War series on the BBC. In a 60 minute programme that was filled to the brim with British crowd scenes from the early 1960s, I only spotted one lady in a nylon mac and no men wearing macs! There was hundreds of others wearing thick wool coats and the like it wet weather but not a single plastic mac amongst the lot!
Watch any film covering the same period, but of crowd scenes in France and there will be loads of PVC macs on the street. Maybe it's a misnomer that the British are renown for their mac wearing. Any comments?
Hi Constance you say other macs do you have rubber and PVC macs as well I used to be in the Mackintosh society years ago there was someone with the name Constance who was a member forgot if that was the surname or the first it was donkey years ago.
That's fine Scotty, I think Frank is allergic to women
Elizabeth what do you need a nylon mac for are you going looking for Kangaroos and Scotty get a dog mate much better for you.
John Cleese had a plastic mac in the dead parrot scene Peter Cooke and Dudly Moore also had plastic macs for comedy a man used to come on the Welsh TV in a plastic mac and say awful corny jokes so if any woman really does fancy a man in a plastic mac then Frank is right pigs can fly.
Of course there was a spark Frank, when I agreed to marry my ex, but over the years it slowly extinguished. Yes, I certainly do blame him for not indulging my obsession for plastic macs and other macs. I might forgive him a little because my obsession never waned, probably over the years growing stronger. Maybe it sent out a big message that my love for these macs was stronger than the relationship. That's his loss as far as I'm concerned.
Hi Scotty. yes I can remember the rain hats with press studs instead of ties. I had one when I was really little, maybe 6 or 7. The idea must have been that the studs were easier than trying to tie a bow under your chin, especially when you've only just learnt how to tie your shoelaces. I don't remember them being any bigger than the standard kind with the ties. A bit later on, when I was in high school, I saw them again, and bought one which had the studs and a pattern of little white dots in rows. I liked the dots but found the studs a nuisance, like others have said they were too loose in the wind, so I remember I cut the ends off and sewed in some cotton ties which were much better.
I've found and bought a brand new-looking royal blue nylon raincoat for my outdoor activities, in a Salvos second hand shop. According to the weather forecast I should be able to 'road test' it properly tomorrow. I'm actually looking forward to the chance.
Like most of those raincoats as I remember them It doesn't have a hood, so I'll still need to find a rain hat somewhere. The lady in the shop said the concertina kind I prefer still come in now and again, and she'll keep a look out.
And Frank, yes it is easy. A hell of a lot easier than you seem to find writing in sentences.
Hi Constance was there a spark when you got married it takes two to Tango or are just blaming your ex because he was a man all women do it is easy
Hi Rob and Beth my cousin phoned last night she had been to Bodnat and said it was wonderful did you both ever get there.
Do any of you Ladies or Scotty remember the jumbo pleated rain bonnets that had 3 adjustable snaps instead of ties. My aunt was a avid Pakamac wearer her favourite one was a off white version that had a tie on belt that came without an attached hood. Much preferring too wear one of her many rain bonnets,
On this occasion my aunt and I already had our macs on to ward off the drizzle when the heaven's opened. In a flash my aunt had her hand in her mac pocket pulling out a new rain hat.
I could see this was much bigger bonnet then usual with flowers printed on it as she placed over her head I realised there was not any ties but press studs along the ends off the bonnet, As she struggled to line up the snaps I said let me help I managed to snap it shut under her chin without to much trouble.
On the walk home the wind tried its best to blow off the bonnet it being much bigger then the normal sized bonnet.
Hi Constance you sound as if you are still grieving for the loss of your marriage we all get horrible episodes in life rejection hurts i should know Its good to let your anger out at your ex but at some point you just have to let it go I am in my sixties so I just take what other things I can get travel a great deal a good wine or long walk life is to short to go over the past I have tried all my life to find a lady like but its like trying to find the end of the rainbow life is to short if I can help you or just talk just ask.
Yes Frank, a billionaire would be lovely, even a millionaire but I know if the spark wasn't there then I'm sure it wouldn't last long. Neither would a relationship where there was a mutual love of Pakamacs if that was all that we shared.
I'm guessing from the comments here that most men haven't found their dream Pakamac loving woman so I assume from it, that I am in a very, very small minority. My ex-husband thought I was unnatural, for a woman. Presumably that was what made him stray.
Hi Frank yes I know a woman does not have the same feelings for macs as men but you have got to have a dream does it matter if the comments are gospel or just made up just relax and enjoy them or you will just get bitter thats no good for you and live in hope Margaret its sounds as if your husband had a thing for macs and have had a thing for them after is that right and Constance if you exist email me make my Christmas
To constance re who buys womens plastic macs if women do not wear them. I am not saying women do not wear mackintoshes and some sadly not many do like them. But wanted to say at least some of the mackintoshes are bought by men to wear themselves.
I am certian at least one man does this because that is me. I go out in pertra ladies nylon mackintoshes from rainmac and have pink, yellow. white, purple plastic macs to wear in private.
Oh dear my life is meaningless if I cant get Frank to believe me I'm devastated I may as well just go and shoot myself now
Hi Elizabeth Why do you feel the need to respond you have not worn a plastic mac since you were a child and a nylon mac since your schooldays so you can not call yourself a mac lover and as for the other women a lot of talk but no proof and Gareth stop looking they are not to be had the only thing women want is a billionare.
Just watched the Lord Mayor of London's parade on television. Raining quite a bit so many ponchos and quite a few plastic macs - including some of the women.
No truth in the rumour that the Worshipful Company of Sewer Workers and Muck Rakers also took part but marched along under the roads.
Why I feel any urge to respond to Frank I've no idea, but for the record: I haven't worn a plastic raincoat sine I was about five, and neither a nylon once since I finished school. If outside in the rain I generally wear a light trench-style coat when it's milder or a woollen coat in the winter, both 'dressy', both bright, and use a brolly. I like bright colors in the rain but ideally I stay out of it - I've never been much of an outdoors person. But my current 'slightly-more-significant-than-the-others' other likes outdoor music festivals, and walking, and watching sport, and if I'm to go along with him I'll need to find some cheap but durable rainwear. and quite a few places the umbrella inconvenient; or even not allowed. So I look around and I see, what? 'Hoodies' that young people today awear by, that make you look like an extra in The Count Of Monty Christo, feeble disposable plastic ponchos that look just plain stupid, or heavy 'industrial srrength' coats that are dead weight when you're not actually wearing them.
Then I remember back to when I was a kid and we all had light nylon raincoats that kept you perfectly dry and weighed next to nothing and didn't cook you when the sun came out, and looked OK as well, and plastic rain hats that, OK, were a bit naff and unfashionable by the time you were 17 but were convenient to carry with you in case you were caught without a brolly, or needed both hands (eg riding a bike), or just couldn't be bothered. And they kept your hair dry.
I'm getting old and cantankerous and I get bees in my bonnet. Most likely it'll be something else next week.
Hello Constance. You asked "where are all the men that claim to wear plastic macs ?" Well, I'm one. If you had been in Blackpool on Friday and Saturday you might well have seen me in my see-through plastic jacket battling against the wind and the rain.
You look out of the window. It is tipping it down. It's going to be like this all day long. "What a horrible day!" the raincoat muggles despair. But not so we plastic mac true-believers. It is not just that we can turn to one of the most effective and practical ways of keeping ourselves protected from the downpour, we are about to embark on a most sublime and sensual journey. You reach for your plastic mac. If you're really lucky, you might have to make a choice: will it be the see-through milky white one? The true Pakamac smoky grey one? The glass-clear blue one? Or even the pink one?
So you put the mac on. That lovely PVC aroma! You fasten the buttons (or poppers) all the way up to the neck, pull up the hood, tug on the draw strings and tie up. The anticipation mounts...you open the front door and step out. At once, the rain hammers down on the hood, a lovely drumming sound. This is going to be good, you think. You set off. What a lovely swishing sound. Even better, you may have a very long mac that touches the ground. What a grand sound the hem makes sweeping along the pavement. You can see the raindrops accumulate on the hood, and they start to drip down. Your plastic mac is now glistening with all the thousands of raindrops down the front and on the sleeves. But you feel dry and cosy, all wrapped up. The rain is actually your friend. You catch a glimpse of yourself and your beautiful mac reflected in a shop window. You feel that silky wet plastic. The raised hood feels like a kiss on the cheeks. You curl your fingers around the long sleeves, or maybe you thrust your hands into your pockets. This is pure bliss, you are in a state of grace. You decide that you're in no hurry and will take the long way around. You are the happiest person out on the street. But eventually it is time to head home. You walk in, unfasten the draw strings, lower the hood. You look in the mirror. What a lovely sight as your mac still glistens and the raindrops trickle on to the carpet. You unfasten the mac - how dry you managed to keep. You take the off mac, put it on a hanger and let it dry out. And you give it a kiss as you hang it up and have a final feel of that soft PVC. Your plastic mac has given you a most wonderful day - again.
Hi Constance your story is amazing similar to a lady from the highlands who used to comment here a few years ago her husband hated her wearing plastic macs also all my life I been looking for a lady who really loved plastic macs I did not think they existed I would love to meet you.
When pork prices soar Frank, don't blame me. Yes we are a small (very) minority but I know that I do exist.
When I have read many of the comments by men or women here, the one thing they all seem to have in common is that it is often an interest developed from childhood. I know that I was a very impressionable girl in those days and despite the wearing of a mac being a common thing amongst my other friends, I couldn't understand their special allure for me. I love the feeling of being safe and secure in one.
Yes I rebelled as a teenager but that was more about wearing just what I wanted, not what I was told to wear. Despite all the changes in my hemline, a pakamac was never too far away. I would guess that the majority of my generation rebelled completely away from what their parents told them to wear and cemented their aversion to the pakamac.
Who is buying all the women's plastic macs and other plastic wear that's available on the various websites that sells it? It's either men for their wives or wives to please their husbands or let's face it, even women to please themselves. In my case it's the latter.
Anyway, where are all the men who claim to wear them?
Hi Constance I saw six ladies with rainbonnets in a town near me but no plastic macs waiting for your email.
Many people may have been put off wearing plastic macs because they associated them with over-solicitous parents. ("Take your mac just in case!")My own parents certainly were, but the mac I was lumbered with was my schoolboy gabardine. That I hated, and my folks obstinately refused to get me a Pakamac. I used to be so envious of my friends and classmates with theirs, and this enhanced my desire to join the plastic mac fraternity. But I used to look forward to downpours to see who might be wearing what. On one such morning my friend Graham joined me on the school bus. His parents had bought him a brand new Pakamac that was oversized (we were still-growing 15-year olds). Graham's Pakamac glistened with the many raindrops on it. The hem came right down to his ankles and the sleeves extended beyond his fingers. I though Graham was the luckiest person alive that wet morning. I also envied another friend, Alan, who wore his long Pakamac with wellies and a yellow sou'wester. Both Graham and Alan loved their Pakamacs too. Another classmate had a different iteration on the Pakamac theme: his was semi-transparent white rather than the usual (for boys) gunmetal grey. Nicholas also wore his Pakamac with pride on wet days: his had a hood, which I used to fancy too.
A few ladies claim to love wearing plastic macs yes and pigs can fly.
Hi Beth yes I saw your youtube looks like Bedford was the place too be I do not know were you live but we get more than our fair share of rain maybe somebody said that been in and out of cars is why people do not seem to wear plastic macs you do not see many white trench macs so maybe they had a good point keep your great comments comeing please.
Hi BJ, I haven't worn a full length plastic or nylon raincoat or a plastic rain hat since I left school in 1973. Today it's very much a 'good' coat and a brolly. I looked at buying a rain hat again for use when my first child was born and I needed both hands to push the stroller, but the ones I saw were too thin and feeble to be any use. I eventually 'made do' with a showerproof jacket with a hood.
About 13 or 14 years ago when my daughter was in her early teens, the two of us were leaving my mother's house, and I remember my mother offered me one of those visor-type rain bonnets, which I've never liked, straight out of her raincoat pocket, scrunched up and still damp and grotty and stank to high heaven, when it wasn't even raining that hard. I said thanks but no thanks. Nothing she ever did or said when my daughter and I were both in the room could ever be taken at face value - we had a very Gilmore Girls type relationship.
I have about half a dozen umbrellas, including a new clear 'dome' like the ones from my childhood only much better, and a handbag-sized 'mini maxi', all the others are the old 70s and 80s kind I had as a teenager, that telescoped down into a mushroom shape, were a great size, a nice shape, sloped ideally to tilt back on your shoulder so you're not hiding under it, but above all incredibly bright cheerful colors. I have a classic red one and a royal blue one, and a couple with simple but beautiful geometric designs. Most important of all, they were well made and they lasted years on end. I had the same one all through my twenties, lasted till I was nearly 35. The ones I have now, I stumbled across at garage sales and such places over the last few years.
Today's umbrellas are rubbish and I'm not surprised kids today don't rate them. They're too small, too dull, too disposable, last five minutes, the frame buckles in the wind, they flap around. But what does my head in most is the 'black' compulsion. Until recently I worked in a local council office and the girls would come in on wet mornings looking like drowned rats, and prop up or hang up their miserable inadequate brollies with spokes sticking out all over the place. They looked like absolute junk, but because invariably they were black they were OK, they were in line with the unofficial dress code. Colors were just too frivolous and immature, or something. I never got it - still don't.
This discussion has inspired me to try and find a nylon raincoat like I wore back in the day - maybe even a rainhat too.
Re the market: That would be Victoria Market, on the north edge of the central City of Melbourne. It's still going strong, but just in the last week or so there's been announcements that they're thinking of giving it a facelift.
So Elizabeth Anne, what sort of rainwear do you wear now? Is it anything like what you wore for school?
Hi Margaret thank you for view your husband is a lucky chap does any one wear a cardigan these days but what can we do to get more ladies wearing plastic macs you can lead a horse to water but can not make it drink any advice please.
For me Gareth, it would be a nylon mac any day of the week.
Your story provoked a lot of thought on my behalf and maybe nylon macs will have their day again sometime. If half the men in this country can dress in a cardigan (yuk) then maybe there is a chance. Whoever thought that a man in a cardigan could be fashionable. It just shows how the human race follows fashion trends like a 'herd of sheep'.
As long as I can still buy plastic macs online then I'm not too bothered if they never make a comeback. For the guys who like to see us ladies in our plastic macs, then maybe you should be campaigning harder.
I have some rain hats Elizabeth Anne, with a brim but they tend to be in a more robust shiny PVC. I have a nylon one though, which I think looks really sweet. It has a little bow at the back.
Hi Elizabeth Anne I have been to Australia but never saw anybody wearing a mac of any sort they said if you did not like the weather in Melbourne wait twenty minuets and it will change it did rain a bit but no macs do they stil have that great fruit and veg market
Margaret, in Australia when I was a girl we didn't have the Pakamac brand as far as I can remember ('mac' at the time being a distinctly 'pom' word) but we all had similar nylon raincoats. Occasionally you saw one with a matching nylon hat with a brim, at that time only small kids sizes had attached hoods, but quite often the shop would include a free accordion rainhat as a 'kicker' if you bought a nylon raincoat. Once I remember the offer was for two rainhats, 'one for the pocket and one for the handbag'. Most of us had umbrellas as well by the time we were teenagers but at school the rain hat was just so much less of a hassle.
Interesting the reminder of the Late May Bank Holiday of 1984. Although we had a good summer that year, that was a very wet Bank Holiday indeed. I remember wearing my long semi-transparent white plastic mac for much of that weekend. It was my first mac to have a hood (with drawstrings) and press-stud fasteners. Pure bliss as the raindrops trickled down the front and beat on the raised hood. The pockets though were open to the elements and they steadily filled with rainwater. I was ultimately forced to replace this much-loved mac when the top press-stud came away. But even happier times today as I have a super selection of plastic macs to choose from and I always look forward to the next bout of heavy rain.
Hi Beth thanks for the info your Mom sounds a great lady I have always got a mixed message over wearing a mac one girlfriend told me to get one once when we were out for the day somewere and it was raining so I got one from Burtons but a girl friend some time after was shocked when I called for her wearing one it was raining cats and dogs at the time when I told her Father had one she said but he is my Dad so a mixed picture on a scale of 1 to 10 were would you and all the other ladies rate Mr Darcy in a wet shirt or a nylon mac sorry i was late with a reply been out of the country.
Of course I'm a pleated plastic rain bonnet wearer BJ. I have many of them and keep spares in my handbag in their handy little pouches. I had the foresight to buy quite a few whenever I saw them for sale a few years ago. It can be a bit of a nuisance folding them back up neatly, but it's worth it. They look really cute on.
Even my beloved peaked ones seem more difficult to buy now, even though there are still loads of other ladies of my generation wearing them. My husband insists I wear one when we go out, which I'll do as long as it's not hot and sunny. They're really useful when dressing too, if I have my hair in curlers when it's still damp. I'll put a plastic rain bonnet on to stop my tops getting damp when pulling them over my head. That really captivates my husband.
There's something extremely feminine about a lady in a plastic rain bonnet. I have some styles that are quite old and have a nylon mesh inside. Very stylish. Did Pakamac ever sell matching macs and bonnets? I don't recall. Maybe one of you can enlighten me.
I don't think I have a plastic mac or a nylon mac that doesn't have a folded rain bonnet in a pocket. I remember those macs Constance, that were sold with matching rain bonnets. I particularly remember the nylon macs I bought in the 80s, that came with a small matching nylon rain bonnet. A real 60s look but not too good if I was wearing my hair up. Just too small to tie.
I've been skipping through all the replies here, going back years and I was particularly taken by the comment about what a lady might wear to attract her man. Yes the accepted norm seems to be the skimpy underwear etc. I think it's about how attractive I feel I am these things, but half of that may just be social conditioning. It's no secret that I feel attractive wearing my plastic mac and I know my husband agrees. I have no problem therefore wearing a plastic mac and plastic rain bonnet in the bedroom. In fact, over the years, I have come to insist on it! It's the only time I can lure him into wearing his.
Margaret were you a pleated rain hat wearer as well?
Colin I have collected circa a dozen pleated rain bonnets, yes they are getting harder to find and expensive. I have a nice pink pattern one, if you rember Suzie from pvc-u-like she is wearing one with a lovely plastic raincoat.
It seems there's quite a current of affection for the pleated rain hoods, which are difficult to find in the UK now.
However, they're reasonably easy to make provided one takes a bit of care to get all the pleats parallel.
I saw how to do it in a book called 'Adventures in Plastic' which my wife brought home from a school where she worked.
Unfortunately the title was deceptive since the book was mainly about making acrylic toast racks, serviette rings and the like, apart from that one article on rain hoods.
Just found this wonderful page and it has brought back so many good and happy memories of that wonderful garment. I for one miss it as I gather you all do. Fortunately I still have some genuine Pakamacs, still unworn, in their original bags. I'm too frightened to wear them because they are absolutely precious to me. I should have them framed.
I still wear plastic macs but I buy them new, online. I also wear nylon macs and my favourites are the navy blue Rainstar styles. The ones like Constance refers to, which I wore at school too. I wore them at college and for work as well. My husband loves me to wear them (and the plastic macs) whenever and wherever go. He even insisted I wore one on our honeymoon, which I gladly did.
I think you are correct Constance saying that men must be too scared or something to be seen wearing a foldup mac. I know my husband is, which is a pity when I am overjoyed to wear them for him.
I wear a lot of expensive smart outfits but I feel so much better about my look if I wear one of my beloved Rainstar macs. I don't know what it is, it's so incongruous but for me it works. There isn't an item of clothing that I wouldn't team with a plastic mac or a nylon mac, whether it's Rainstar, Pakamac or whatever.
This lady certainly bemoans the loss of foldaway rainwear from the high street. It won't stop me wearing them though, just because they are not the current vogue. You can't fault a classic look.
Hi BJ,
Thanks for the information you supplied I looked up Alicia Harts articles on Google news archives but I could not find the June 1954 article you described, so I think it has been removed.
I believe the accordion type of rain bonnet first appeared in about 1950/51 because if you look very closely in the film " Royal Journey " shot in Canada in 1951 about princess Elizabeth's royal tour of Canada 53 minute's in you will find a woman in a grey coat waving at the royal car on her head is a brand new accordion type rain bonnet with plastic ties that you can still see where it was folded up in the pouch, this is the oldest sighting I have seen.
But I would love to know the first year of manufacture.
My first memory of a plastic mac was my mum wearing a green one with just a belt and hood strings to keep it done up for her walk to and from work in the 1950's.
Later on she had a rubber lined one with a separate tie on hood and I bought a pink hooded one for my girlfriend (now married for 48 years) in the 1960's.
Alas, she'd never taken to them.
Keith, there is an article by an American writer called Alicia Hart, which appeared in several regional newspapers in the USA in June 1954. The headline is something like 'Plastic rain hood folds into three-inch case' and it describes the accordion rain bonnet we know. There is an illustration. If you go through GoogleNews Archives you can access it through NewspaperArchives (free 7 day trial).
Today it would be called an 'info-mercial' I suppose, but back in those days it wouldn't be passed off as news unless it was actually 'new'.
It is the earliest dated reference to the accordion rain hat I have found.
sorry about my error re someone living in bedford.
if anyone was near bedford high school yesterday evening they would have seen me going to a film show wearing my red nylon mackintosh dry when i went in so had mac on hood down.pouring of rain when came out. waited as people dashed out in the rain getting wet as i stayed inside door doing up my mackintosh and putting hood up. Love to hear the rain pattering on my hood bev
Hi Constance yes i just about remember that program but I do not have enough details to give you maybe the BBC archives could dig it up if you do start a mac society up I hope you will let me be a member.
Hi Constance,
Like you I also grew up in the 50s/60s my first memory of a plastic mac is when I was on holiday in Kent. The menfolk had gone fishing so I was left with my mum & nan I was really enjoying myself building sandcastles on the beach.
The weather changed quickly, instantly nan was reaching into her straw bag she tossed a rolled up pink mac to my mum saying here put this on there's a rain hat in the pocket, I watched as nan tied on the belt to her shiny blue mac then proceeded to tie her concertina type rain bonnet over her curly white hair, mum already had her concertina rain bonnet on and was folding the push chair up.
nan then picked me up into her arms wrapping a beach towel around my shoulders, I remember the smell of her lavender water, as she walked up the steps to street level, I could now smell the aroma of hot PVC I now think this was the first time that had smelt the aroma of a plastic mac.
Do any of you fine people who seem to have a vast knowledge of plastic rain wear ECT know what year the folding concertina type rain bonnet/mate, was invented or know how to find out, I think the first ones had plastic ties and probably came from the USA or Canada.
Hi Beth its good to have your comments if you think so many people would like a plastic mac maybe you could start a business selling them please do not take any notice of rude people this site is for plastic mac comments like yourself I and many others really enjoy them my regards to you and Rob.
As I don't yet use email, I will have to leave any comments about plastic raincoats on this forum.
Does anyone recall a Saturday night television programme from, I think, the very early 1990s, hosted by Noel Edmonds, where he interviewed a group of ladies who had formed a Floral Plastic Mac society. They all had a love of this style of plastic mac, presumably from the 60s, and they appeared on the show in their plastic macs. I only caught a little bit of the interview so I can't comment any further, except that my then husband thought that I should have joined.
I wish I had or at least formed my own Plastic Mac society with some of my lady friends. I never thought of that then though, because wearing a plastic mac seemed so normal and commonplace. Because of my special interest in plastic and nylon raincoats then though, it would have been fun to have devoted some time when the entire conversation was devoted to talking about our raincoats and what we liked. It's fortunate therefore, that this forum exists.
You must have me mistaken for someone else Beverly because I've never been to Bedford. Rest assured though, if I had, I would have had my mac on, as I am sure to have later on today. Will it be a nylon mac or a plastic mac? I'll see where my mood takes me.
Hi Constance, thanks for the email, I agree that any discussions or stories of wearing macs should be posted here on this forum.
Thank you Gareth the only point I wanted to make is that having grown up in the eighties when lots of people wore plastic macs and they were actually quite fashionable it just seems sensible to wear one now. A lot of other people obviously feel the same and like us think it is a shame they are not still available in the shops.
Hi Constance when can email me so you can tell me all about you and all your plastic macs.
Frank not many ladies write about plastic macs on this site and when one does we are very lucky they should be given respect for there comments a lot of us really enjoy them
its so nice to find a site like this one with like minded people who enjoy wearing a plastic raincoat. I am lucky enough to still have a smart well made plastic mac which I have worn for a number of years now it certainly does not bother me what other people think about plastic mac wearers men and women alike, its just a shame that you cannot buy them in the shops anymore, I so wish I could come across one as well made as the one I have. only on occasions when the weather permits do I wear it. I fondly remember department stores in Solihull and Coventry especially c and a and also the co op stocking excellent plastic macs. I am a young 60 year old and worn with a smart jacket shirt and tie and occasionally a plastic rain bonnet it gives me a great pleasure and sense of nostalgia, I have also in the past enjoyed wearing a ladies plastic mac if only to visit a garden or a national trust property. I do wish they would make a comeback, or does anyone out there know where to buy them. I am sure lots of people would be happy to purchase them
Its raining heavy up here in Scotland.
Finish work soon and a good opportunity to slip on a pvc raincoat and take the dog for a walk.
The 1950's styles are great as well,like Constance and Beth mentioned in the previous posts. Retro clothing and fashion is more appealing and classic which has stood the test of time... I think I've just been accidentally drawn to it for that reason.
I love Scotland however,getting caught off guard by the rain constantly is no fun... I was in Glasgow recently without a hat and I kept having to put my umbrella up and down all the time. A pleated rain mate may well be worth trying out up here to keep out the rain and avoid an umbrella. I may give it a try today and see how I go!
Hello Constance i was a plastic mac watcher in bedford in 7o 80 maybe i saw you in yours are you still in bedford if so look out for a grey haired old man in a blue nylon mac that will be me. I did see a mature lady in blue plastic mac nr bus station on monday nice to see
Beth the old saying if something sounds to good to be true who are you kidding
Hello Constance what a shame your friends passed away I would love to carry your bags on your shoping trips you say you have plastic capes as well as macs you sound a very special lady my computer is going in today for a refurbishment so I may be off line for a bit but my phone can send and recive emails if your niece would act as a intermediate she could my pass details and info to you I do hope so.
Hi Constance why not ask your niece to help you set one up do you text or ask your niece to email me and I will give you my number were do you buy all your macs do not blame your ex husband if you are not into macs you are not but I am the last time I saw a lady wearing a real plastic mac was in Alaska about three years ago and in the UK over twenty years ago in Chester ask your niece to help.
Yes Scotty, I still wear my matching rain bonnets and plastic macs but mainly my choice of rain bonnet is a folding one. Usually it's a bonnet with a slight peak or sometimes concertina style. I certainly get more complements when my choice of plastic mac includes a matching rain bonnet. Very 1950s.
My favourite matching bonnet and mac is a semi opaque in what is described as natural colour but I also have them in black, white and yellow to match the plastic mac or plastic cape I'm wearing.
Unfortunately Gareth, the local library drives to me and they don't have internet access in their bus. My niece does all the online ordering of my macs when I want a new one and posts them on to me. She has inherited my love of these garments and I love my occasional visits when we can go out shopping together in them. My lady companions of old have almost all passed on so raincoat shopping treats like that are a rarity now.
Hi Constance Wow I can not think what was the matter with your x if I had been in his shoes you could guarantee me to show a lot of interest I do wear suits and ties most of the time my macs are grey and blue I do not think men wear macs because most women think men should not if you go to your local library the staff will help you set a email address up its very easy look forward to hear from you.
Hi Jimmy wear your nylon mac with confidence its better than people walking in the rain in a teashirt you paid for it enjoy it times have changed women have tatoos and men earings not my taste but thats the way it is
I wondered why there were very few men, if any, who wore pakamacs or pakamac styles of mac in public. I can't remember seeing any in the last 20 years. Until I discovered this forum and after the experience of my husband (ex), I thought that men had no interest in pakamacs.
When I'm out in a raincoat, especially a plastic mac, I get lots of positive comments from people, both women and sometimes men. Men dress so boringly though. I'd love to be with a man who as wearing a smart suit and tie, coupled with a black plastic pakamac. I'd tell you about how I surprised my fiance once when I was wearing nothing but a smile, plastic mac, rain bonnet and boots but he showed no interest in the combination or repeating it, even when we were married.
Hello Constance I do not think your husband knew what he was missing talk about one man s meat and and the next man s poison I would have given my right arm for a lady who would want to wear plastic macs your friends sound great wish I could meet them my wife would never wear a plastic mac its a unfair world I do hope you will email I would love to hear about you and all your mackintoshes do you Rainstar nylon macs
Worst shame about mackingtosh wearing is that some people associat them with dirty old men in dirty macs so need to be little bit carefull re wearing our mackintoshes in public.
I would not go out after dark in city centre or pub area in dry warm weather wearing my tuquiose rainmac.
However in daytime and public areas i have no problem.
Choice my colour according to where i am going ie local walking or shopping navy or dark green or brown. On nature walks with groups red or tuquiose. or shiny lined pvc if cold if i was a woman i would wear a nice bright mac every day unless temp over 20c. feel free to correct spelling Bev
To answer some questions posed here, firstly Elizabeth, regarding what I wore/wear on my head. At school and for a good while after, the navy blue nylon raincoats we wore, came with matching nylon rain bonnets. This continued well into the eighties until the matching rain bonnets stopped being supplied with the nylon macs I was buying.
If I wear a plastic mac, for years and years I've been teaming them up with folding plastic rain bonnets in a variety of designs and styles. I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to what I wear and much of the time wear a plastic rain bonnet over one of my many polyester head squares. I have a few matching plastic rain bonnets though, for some of my plastic macs.
If I am part of a dying breed Gareth, it was not always the case. Over the years, I have had many lady friends who on our weekly shopping trips out would always punctuate the trip with a discussion on the merits of a good nylon mac and a browse around the rainwear department in some of the larger stores. My husband hated me having these elderly companions who he blamed for my 'old lady' style of dressing. The styles I love have prompted me to post in this forum in my mission to promote traditional wear, rather than seasonal throwaway fashion. Traditional plastic and nylon macs like pakamacs play a huge part in that style.
With regard to email, I'm a huge novice when it comes to computers and I missed the bit in my course on using email, one day maybe. I can just about use google and I love to look at the images when I do a search for pakamac. There are some fabulous looking ladies who seem to still wear pakamacs, if the pictures are anything to go by.
Hello Constance, just fell across this board and couldn't help notice that your school uniform was just about exactly the same as ours back in the late 1960s in Geelong, which is a big town about an hours drive from Melbourne in Australia. We had a white blouse and a dark navy blue blazer, and in the rain we all had nylon full-length raincoats.
What did you wear as headgear in the rain? Although 'telescope' umbrellas were just starting to become commonplace at this time, it was still too much of a pain to carry them round wet, and find somewhere at school for them to dry out properly (and not get stolen) that we only used them walking home - to school and while walking around the grounds most of us wore plastic folding bonnets that tied under your chin.
It was definitely all about the rain down in the west country last week and my wife also noticed that St.Bernard ladies raincoats exactly the same as hers were on sale on ebay so they are still available!
Hello Constance what a wonderful name and comments when I was younger I had a girlfriend who would wear a nylon mac and white blouse she thought it was funny the power it give her and that i would do anything for her when she was wearing them I hope you know that ladies who like plastic macs are a endangered species and we will have to take great care of you hope you can summon some more courage and email me I would love to talk to you.
Gosh, what a lot of people there are here, who share my love of the pakamac. A love that has been with me all my life. Having been brought up in the 50s and 60s, I remember the time when a new plastic raincoat was an event to talk about and one to look forward to. How strange it is that it has taken me weeks to summon up the courage to put my name in print, declaring my strange love of this garment and the strong attraction I have to wearing them.
As a girl I remember wearing them for school but also wearing them just to go out in. I loved the combination of a white blouse and a navy blue nylon raincoat. A look that I continue to this day. I could never reveal my dark secret to my husband and had to weather (forgive the pun) his criticism on hikes when he wore a modern anorak and I wore my clear plastic mac. I could never reveal the secret of my torrid relationship either, at university, with a plastic mac loving tutor and the mutual love we shared wearing them together. Happy days.
Im 52 and have always loved wearing a nylon ....ever since my school days. Obviously in the absence of the Pakama Company I wad delighted to find Rainmac in Midhurst who make a quality nylon mac, However and as Im sure you will agree, nylon mac wearers are few and far between which has started to make me question wearing mine openly in public. I would love to here peoples views both male and female on a 52 year old man wearing a nylon mac...mainly in the rain but sometimes just when it looked like it might rain
Hi Rob can you try and get Beth to write again we need to hear ladies point of view on macs.
what's all this about rain. when my late wife put he platic mac on to go out in the rain she laughed when i said its a shame to get it wet. Mackintoshes are for looking and feeling good. I wear my mackintosh a lot only thing that stops me is if its to warm. Ok they are handy for keeping out the rain.
Hi Anna welcome back we have missed you I was wondering what happened to you and your son are you still wearing your nylon mac as well get in touch we have a lot to catch up on .
Now we can all get some sleep....
Hello all
Just a brief note to say hello to the regular subscribers to this site. My son is still required to wear his navy and beige pakamacs. The navy one is for milder months worn on its own whereas the dark beige one, being slightly larger and longer, is worn over his gaberdine mac when its a little cooler.
Like all teens its a battle but he has to do as he's told.
Hope everyone is well
Hi Hugh why do you have to walk in woodland in your nylon mac be proud and wear it around town shops pubs anywere when its raining I am guessing your wife never worn one either
Hi Rob yes I am sure you get nice things said about both your macs why are you reluctant to have that coffee at Bodnant or here we love to see you both.
Much of what Alan writes about resonates with me. My then wife would not tolerate me wearing my nylon mac, it was seen as old fashioned and tasteless. But I would take stolen moments and enjoy a walk in nearby woodlands, fully buttoned up in my navy blue mac.
Hi Rob its a pity you can not get Beth to write again were do you meet all these ladies who say they like plastic macs most women think its something granny wears with her rain bonnet its got a poor image its needs a pop star or someone like Pippa to wear them for that to change and sadly they think men who wear them are Nerds or cissy its an unfair world.
I think people don't wear plastic macs so much nowadays is because plastic tears so easily that they soon become disillusioned with it. This leads to ordinary shops no longer selling them. There's a lot more cars around so people can frequently make do with anoraks which in themselves have added to the decline of the plastic (and rubber) mac.
Hi Rob its good to hear from you i really hope Beth does write again we did appreciate her comments i do not think anything unsuitable will be allowed again a lady who has started emailing us give me permission to say she thinks to days women do not like wearing plastic macs because they look cheap its a vanity thing bad news if that,s the case when you come to Wales call and have a cuppa then Beth can see we do not have two heads
Gareth I am not sure I can persuade Beth to contribute again but if it helps she did wear her plastic mac and wellingtons to go in to town today. I don't think anyone asked her about her mac this time but I'm sure people thought she was well prepared for the weather!
I would like to give a big thank you to a lady who emailed me and told me all about her macs and how she loved them she wishes to remain private any body else feel free
Is there any ladies reading why not give your opinions on macs we seem to have lost Beth and some others.
Hi Frank,
My reply a day or two earlier seems to have gone astray so I'll try again.
Unfortunately I didn't move to Blackpool until 1971 and the peak of plastic mac wearing was over by then although one or two did appear now and then.
Try Google images for 'plastic rainwear' and 'plastic rain capes' in Japan, China, Vietnam, Korea via the 'Translate' facility in Google Images.
Hi Frank,
I expect you're right although unfortunately I didn't move there until 1971 so missed most of it.
There were still a few of them around for a while after that but nowadays it's nearly all anoraks and cheapo ponchos.
It looks as if Japan, China, Vietnam and Korea are the places to go for sightings of such things nowadays.
Try Google Images with 'plastic rainwear' or 'plastic raincapes' then click on More - Translate, choose one of those languages, highlight the translation, copy it and paste it over the English words, then click on images again and you should find quite a variety.
Hi Colin I bet Blackpool was full of women wearing plastic macs on rainy days years ago I been born to late.
Hi Rob and Beth I really enjoy both your comments It would be a shame if they stop if it was anything thing I said then my apologies we would love to see in Bodnat or anywere if you are serious my offer of coffee still stands if you are genuine take us up on it Beth could show my wife the air vents in her Plastic mac are they any in yours.
Greetings Gareth. Yes I'm the same Colin Porter from Blackpool who's commented previously.
It seems most women only follow the current fashion regardless of whether or not it's attractive or practical - so long as it's the in thing.
Why did I think of lemmings and sheep when writing the above?
Hi Colin that is so true are you the Colin from Blackpool that used to comment you just do not see many women wearing any kind of mac these days some of course just want to show the tatoos they have got
Further to Gareth's comment: women can have sex regardless of their age once they're old enough: whether they're in the mood for it or not: whether they're feeling energetic or tired: whether they're well or ill: awake or asleep: conscious or unconscious: alive or dead.
A bloke has to be on the positive side of all these factors simultaneously, and quite often need whatever form of arousal they can get. Women (including a couple of agony aunts whom I've told this to) don't understand this.
Muji have good freecut plastic raincoats if a bit opaque. I have one in black for City of London wear over my suit topped off with a black rubber souwester.
I also have one in white. The detachable hoods are too deep and monk habit like!
Hi Rob yes they do give a reason I had a number of lady friends before I married they all said they were sweaty and cling but the main thing was do you want me our my mac they just can not make the equation.
Hi Alan why secluded places to wear your plastic mac maybe the boys in blue would take a dim view
Hi Frank. l always wear the black/grey ones out which are mens really . But I have worn several others out from time to time it all depends on how secluded the areas are where l go. in the winter it is much quieter and of course plenty of rain.
Hi Rob and Beth when are you both comeing to Wales is there a Beth appreciation society i could join.
Hi Alan are they ladies or gents plastic macs you wear in the woods no wonder you get some comments.
Hi Old Rascal I think Shona got married a couple of years ago not sure whats happened to Pamela.
Hi Beth l read your posting with interest. I remember too when I used to go to C.& A and buy several plastic macs at once. We also had a chain store called Van Allen who also sold gorgeous plastic macs in the 70s. but these days l get most of mine from pvc-u-like not cheap but fantastic to wear gorgeous soft sensual plastic. I tend to wear mine more indoors these days unless l get a chance to wear them out. its a pity that they do not become popular again so we could all enjoy them again. but since the Pakamac company finished they seem to die in popularity and are now frowned upon My wife will not wear them and she don`t let me wear them out. but l secretly still manage it. has where I live e have lots of canals an woodland areas which are quiet secluded. I do get some interesting looks from people and the very occasional comment.
Shona are you and Pamela still wearing your rainstar nylon macs.
Hi Beth thank you for the info I was hopeing you could persude her to wear a mac have a girlie chat together I bet you look gorgeous in yours Rob must think he is in heaven really is lucky will you ask him to pick six lottery numbers for me and email them ASP please .
Gareth although it's not really the weather for a raincoat if your wife does want to buy a plastic mac there are some lovely ones on ebay at the moment. I saw a mac that is similar to the transparent one I have. It is advertised as a ladies full length 100% PVC raincoat.
Shona are you still wearing your blue nylon macs get in touch please I need some info.
Hi Beth its great to hear your side of things Rob really is a very lucky man i have been to Bodnant garden its very good email me when you are both comeing and the four of us can have a coffee if you wish and keep writeing its great.
Thank you Gareth and thanks for all those reminders to my husband about how lucky he is! Perhaps your wife will get a mac if she knows how much you like them. Unfortunately I haven't seen many in the shops lately but you never know they may come back into fashion. I used to think that plastic macs were practical rather than attractive so she may feel the same. Now I am less concerned about how fashionable or unfashionable something is, especially when it's pouring down! To be honest the alternatives aren't any better as the cagoules you find in most outdoor shops are really expensive and far too short. Of course the other reason I bought my plastic mac was the rainy weather we had on our holiday but as I think you live in wales that shouldn't be a problem! If you think that seeing other ladies in rainwear might encourage your wife try visiting a few gardens in the summer, with our weather it is pretty much guaranteed! I want to visit Bodnant Garden sometime and as it always rains when we visit Wales you might even see us!
Beth that was very good hope you write more wish you could meet my wife she might want one then I live in hope.
Hope she does Rob it would be good to hear hes side of things not many ladies write anymore.
Hi, after a little encouragement I've read many of the comments but I'm not sure that I can add very much as you obviously already all like Pakamacs. If it helps I bought my plastic mac from Dunnes when we were on holiday in Ireland. Actually I should say plastic macs because someone has encouraged me to buy a few more since then! I remember buying it because it poured with rain all week and I wanted a raincoat that was really waterproof and long enough to keep me dry. If I think the weather's going to be wet I just fold it up and take it with me and to be honest I wouldn't be without it now. I am sure we bought Rob's mac from another department store but I can't remember exactly where, it has Go printed on the pocket if that helps. Although I would be the first to admit that plastic macs aren't very fashionable I don't like getting wet and I have actually had quite a few nice comments from other ladies. Some have even asked me where they can buy one. One thing we have both noticed is that people do seem friendlier and more inclined to talk to us when we have our rainwear on but I'm really not sure why? It's probably just sympathy for the weather and the fact we are out in it! The only slight issue I've found with plastic macs is that they do suffer a bit from wear and tear, particularly around the pockets and poppers, so buying a couple was a good move and it's quite easy to repair them. As with most things I think it's worth paying out for a good one. As the weather has been atrocious recently I am surprised that you don't see more in the shops. I do remember C&A and Primark used to sell plastic macs but I haven't seen them for a while and now C&A is closed. Perhaps the wet weather will encourage other shops to sell them. The other thing I recommend for the rain is a dome umbrella. I bought one recently and it's the best brolly I've ever had. hope this helps, Beth
I'll ask her.
Rob you are very lucky I think its just because macs are just not in fashion at this moment in time does your wife read this blog maybe she could comment on the subject of macs.
Rob I wish my wife could meet yours maybe she could convert her to wear plastic macs.
Rob does your wife know what a pac a mac does for men like us.
Anna how are you and your son still wearing your pac a macs
Remember old Alan Coren short in Punch (1980) - "...am about to be eaten alive.
At such times, head fills with random thoughts; rather expected whole life to flash past, cf. drowning, but no luck. Pity, really; was looking forward to remembering name of people who used to live upstairs when we had flat in Well Walk, ought to return his Pakamac, been fourteen years, he must be soaked."
Hi Ken I know the shop you mean but I can not rember the name of the hotel the shop was closed when I was there they looked like they had a shop full of macs.
In Tronto Canada one of the shops inside one of the large hotels near the CN tower sold plastic macs does anybody know anything about it.
Hi again Roger. Not being a tv addict I guess I missed lots of these clips. But have since seen quiet a few of them. MrMcrain does a slendid selection of vid clips of ladies in plastic and pvc macs. I enjoy watching them over and over again. That goes for any plastic clad females. There are a few sites here in the web that offer the same but most are paysites which is a shame, but there are a few isolated ones where girls can still be seen wearing Pakamacs or near equivalents. I still think pvc-u-like are as near as you will get to the real thing.
Hi Alan the Hi Dee Hi was wet in the ballroom I think Alfe wife in till death do us part wore a plastic mac once.
Roger when l read your comment if l remember rightly and l usually do where macs are concerned Mildred did wear a shiny black pvc mac in one episide but l can not honestly remember which one. L think you will find that at around that time quiet a few of the ladies in the sitcoms wore a plastic mac at some point as they were popular then.Another was HiDeHi episode called something like rain off day in the Ballroom. several of the stars in that wore plastic macs in that. worth a look.
does any body remember if there was a episode of George and Mildred were Mildred wore a mac?
sadly women do not seem to like wearing plastic macs the old story you can take a horse to water but you can not make it drink.
Thanks Rob get in touch maybe if my wife sees your wife wearing a plastic she will want one I live in hope.
Rob I live in Wales I hope you both vist Wales soon .
years ago in the happy days when plastic mackintoshes were common. I noted a woman wearing a blue plastic mackintosh with the hood up holding hand of a small boy wearing the same thing. Boy was only young guess about 8 even so he must have felt strange knowing her was wearing the same mackintosh as his mummy. I wonder if it lead to anything. Bev
I remember the late 50's, when I was 10 years old, my mother took me into Woolworths to purchase me my first plastic mac, I remember at least four clothing racks full of plastic macs, only one rack contained men's macs, they were all black or grey in colour and felt, completely different to the womens macs, I tried on two of the macs, but didnt like them, as they were made from really harder plastic, so she chose a bright blue mac with a hood attached, it fit me very well, including the hood, she bought the mac and said, its for your holiday, my fetish for pvc macs was born, and I still have the fetish now that I am 68 years old.
I have been very lucky that my good wife of 47 years loves pvc and rubber items of clothing.
My father had a Pakamac which he seemed to be wearing most days including on our holidays, well they were always in Wales.
Hi Paul i always wear my mackintosh buttoned right to neck
and have by belt really tight. If hood is up i have it tied neatly Bev
Thanks for the info Rob hope you will both come to Wales.
Gareth mostly in Ireland I think. We visited many times and bought several because we really liked them, all plastic but slightly different styles. I call them Pakamacs but they are branded St. Bernard if that helps.
hi beverley
this site is a loveley find for me ,to be able to share my enjoyment of plastic macs. recently wore my
mac buttoned to the neck together with a rain bonnet and
and carried a see through umbrella to match on a shopping
trip arond town. such a thrill.
Hi Rob just as a matter of intrest were did your wife buy her mac it must be well over Twenty years since I saw a lady wearing a plastic mac she must really like it lucky man.
Hi Rob you are lucky to have a wife that wears a pakamac.
Not many people wish for rain but in your place i would.
So many men like women in macs. Also they are so often needed yet almost died out strange world. Bev
Ken can"t agree more with you pity we have to result in this kind of thing to make anything happen, I honestly can not remember the last time I saw someone wearing a plastic mac outdoors. Its almost as if they have been banned. When I think back over the years when it rained the towns were awash with ladies especially clad in plastic macs, I find it very sad. Especially for people like us .I think we should also make a little better use of this site to give us all the chance to chat to like minded people either here or one to one,
Brilliant observation Ken. We'd be assured of shops full of them.
Pity someone could not get Pippa and Katie to wear a pac a mac then all the women in the UK would want one.
Hi again Janice. When I first discovered this site I thought yes great what a way to get to know people with the same or similar interests. But l like many others below seem reluctant to post the more personal stories relating to the gorgeous Pakamacs that once were available. However I have provided my phone number for anyone wishing to exchange emails or messenger names to chat more in depth about some of the experiences in the past. so I will always be happy to chat on a one to one basis about my life`s experiences in Pakamacs.
Alan you can tell us all your experinces on this page .
Hi Janice I was thinking the same. I looked the other day and I was suprised there had not been a message since Deccember. I too could talk all day about plastic macs and my true experiences. if you would like to hear some of my experiences I would sooner email you you can always leave your email address by texting me on 07503276676 and I will gladly tell you of some of my many many experiences.
Where is every body I love hearing your tales of plastic macs.
Happy new year to all pac a mac fans.
Hi, do any of you ladies still wear the accordian folded rainbonnet?fan of rainbonnets.rainhatc.Merry christmas.
Hi Rainhate
I love to see girls wearing rainmates too, especially the retro pleated fold up type. I was lucky to find a couple that were never used and are in great condition. I may be lucky to get my girlfriend to model them.
If you search the web for Rainbonnet you can find lots of good pictures.
Hi Rainhate
I have lots of rain bonnet photos send me an e-mail:
does anybody have any photos of accordian folded rainbonnets im a huge rainbonnet fan.like to see the ladies wear them.thank you.rainhatc.
Hi Rainweargirl
Sounds like you found a great buy. I recently droped in to my local redcross shop however no luck on the mac front. If your wearing your pakamac over your nylon mac do you wear a rainbonnet as well.
Lucky fined on Saturday in charity shop found lovely grey mackintosh looks good as new is nylon and polly etc but could pass as gaberdine so will call it my school mackintosh.
Have been out in it today nice and warm. If wearing in rain will wear plastic pakamac over it.
Anna merry Christmas to you and your son and all pac a mac fans.
Another way of mending plastic tears is to buy a length of colourless shower curtain (I have a shop which sells it by the yard or metre), cut it into strips and glue both sides of the tear to a strip.
It helps to tape the edges together first as I expect many of you do. Gaffer tape can also be used (and sewn into place if necessary) if the material is not transparent.
Hi Susan glad you were able to resurect your plastic mac with the Wilkos soft plastic glue I recommended. I keep a couple of tubes in now for every kind of plastic mishap.
I would recommend that every serious plastic lover keep a tube in for that heart sinking tear that appears almost without reason. Over the years I have gathered a number of remedial type repairs, Any one of you wanting more info can always email me, Alan
Yes he said he always liked macs from a early age the transparent ones he loved I have still got one somewere I will have to dig it out.
I have to thank you Alan for the Wilkos soft plastic glue tip. It worked a treat on a parted arm seen on my black plastic mac.
Hi Ann. I can assure you you hubby was far from being alone with his love of plastic macs, Years ago before our cyber world opened up I too thought I was strange and my wife thought that I was strange with this strong desire to want her to wear plastic macs as well as wearing them myself.
I have always accepted it as a extra gift that was given to me to be able to enjoy that sensual material.Did your late Husband have his liking from a early age ? or from the time you first knew him?
Hi Ann
Your late husband was a lucky man indeed. Did you have a favourite mac to wear which he liked and do you still have them. I do also enjoy seeing a girl in a nice mac. I used to think it was just me, however it seems as you say quite a few other men enjoy macs too. My preferance is the semi transparent retro type, with a belt just like the pakamac,coupled of course with a nice pleated polkadot rain bonnet to set it off.
Mylate husband used to like me wearing plastic macs I thought it was just his thing but there seems to me a large number of men think the same.
Hi BJ I have been to Australia I only had a small shower in Melbourne the rest of the country was red hot I did not think anybody would buy macs there but I did like Australia very much you could do with some of Welsh rain we get here.
I know in Australia you can still get nylon raincoats, full length, in good condition in charity and second hand shops. I have built up a collection of about a dozen that way.
I have two tips: one, always check the pockets. Nearly more often than not I've found a bonus concertina rain hat which was a vital accessory with those (usually hoodless) macs; and second, wash or at least warm rinse them before you wear. If you're sending them on as gifts or for somebody to model that's generally really appreciated and some of those shops are more conscientious about their stock being clean than others.
Hi Scotty i shall try that,thanks for your advice,Louise
Hi Louise
As you will gather original Pakamacs are pretty rare to find these days. I have only seen a blue nylon mac recently in the original packaging. You might try posting on the Rainwear forum site as I gather Gary will be selling off some of his vintage collection of macs. If anything comes up will let you know.
hi just wondering if someone could help me get a leopard print pakamac from the late 50s/early 60s,your help would be very appreciated thanks
Susie how do I get to your plastic mac shop.
Hi Susie,
Apparently you have an artwork page. How do I find it please, assuming you don't mind it being available for viewing?
Just came across this site and thought our story would be of interest to all you Mac enthusiasts.
Just came across this site. I thought this may be of interest Link may be of interest. We are a plastic Injection Moulding company, based in Stockport. We manufacture plastic Injection Mouldings for Industry. Our founder, Mr Wheatley, started the business to help out an old friend who invented a new revolutionary Raincoat. Please read our story.... http://wheatleyplastics.co.uk/blog/celebrating-sixty-years-of-uk-manufacturing/
Anna thank you what will your son do when he leaves school.
Thank you Gareth. Yes i am of course. And whyever not?! LOL
Anna Its good to hear you are both well are you wearing your nylon mac as well.
Hello all
Just passed by as i do from time to time
To those who've enquired, my son is now 17, And yes he still wears his nylon pakamac and regulation school mac under it when needed. He's looking forward tp buying an anorak apparently but i suspect he'll be wearing his macs fpr a gppd while to come.
Susie your artwork page is really good very clever and the plastic mac is heaven.
Does any one remember double breasted nylon macs a girl I dated in the sixties had one sadly she only put on when it was raining.
I believe Susie and Alan have retired to Spain of all places where they won't have much reason for wearing their macs.
Brian Thanks for that password. And yes you are right Susie is gorgeous, It does make you wonder why they have ceased to trade.I hope both her and Alan are ok.
Brian its great to hear your comments again you did say once you would tell us about someone called Isobel I agree with you I think we should hear from Anna.
Thanks for your comment, Alan. The user name for Plastique Unique Gallery 2 is "muddy" and the password is "puddles". In viewing these galleries, you have shown that you are a rainwear enthusiast of real taste-a conoisseur and a real pundit. Isn't Susie fabulous? And so is her friend, Vicky. And you are so right about the pungent odour of some of the later styles of Pakamac-but they are STILL fantastic. I'm sure we will be exchanging more comments.
And, Anna, let's hear from you!! Your comments are brief but so meaningful and "spicy"! How are the battles going with your son and his nylon macs?
For the rest, best wishes to everyone, and happy macking!!
Brian re: Pakamac Sportsman. You are correct abouit the Tartan but that was the lining the outside was a quiet glossy beige colour and could possibly be worn out today without attracting too much attention. But like you yes its got to be the good old semitransparent black ones . Pakamacs did change towards the end as the last ones were actually made in china and besides the embossed texture they had an acrid odour which to me was totally unacceptable. Not the traditional Pakamac style and quality at all. Can anyone tell me how I can nowe get the password to Plastique Unique gallery 2 as they no longer trade but the site is still there for viewing.
Susie I have seen your new photos they are very good email me .
I was quiet suprised to hear that several of you had heard of Rainstar Macs because I spent many many years and visits to many town in search of plastic macs. I was visiting a shop specialising in outdoor camping and equipment in Coventry when I came across the Rainstar plastic macs, They
were really nice macs, They only had a few left so I bought two in my size and I still have one of them. That would be around the late eighties. I have ask before on this site but has anyone at any time heard or seen the Pakamac
Sportsman range of vinyl macs or am I the only one now to
remember them. They were more expensive than the originals but really nice,I just wish I had preserved mine,
Yes, Rainstar macs, both plastic and nylon, were very good indeed, and they have been described as the successor to Pakamac. I have a grey Rainstar plastic mac and, although it is not see-through, I love wearing it very much. I bought it second hand from "Susie High", and I particularly loved Julia Moore's description of it as ideal for "splashing about" in the rain. She implies, of course, that we should enjoy our inclement weather rather than complain about it, and with Pakamacs we can do just that!!
Hi Susie
Its been a superb rainy year indeed. Have you many pakamacs in your collection and whats your favourite one. Have you any rain bonnets to accesorise. Need to promote macs to bring back into fashion..
Yes I have heard of Rainstar they changed my life for the better.
I remember Rainstar Alan. I've had many Rainstar nylon macs plus a polka dot plastic mac they made. I don't know if they were around while Pakamacs were still being produced. For me they appeared to take the place of Pakamacs and were themselves succeeded by Y.B. Wet macs.
It's been over a year since I posted but what a perfect wet year it has been for my Pakamacs. I was even astounded to buy a yellow plastic mac in a high street shop. Sadly it was one going out of business. Best wishes to my mac wearing friends.
Susie its good to see on the web again email me.
It's a triple mac day today in Blackpool.
Wore one mac to MacDonalds and heard an assistant shout for a mac to the kitchen.
On second thoughts I'd have preferred just to wear three macs.
Can't make a link but have you all tried drive-in fashion british pathe not pakamac but nice hat and mackintosh.
Re mails from ladies sadly seems most of them have this odd idea that mackintoshes are for keeping out the rain.
And worst still they would rather get wet than wear one shame. Bev.
Where have all the ladies gone is it only men that make a comment come on ladies lets hear from you.
Ken, are you from Liverpool luke myself and f so which district and what is your particular interest.
Personally it navy blue nylon pakamac as were the standard school wear or nowdays the only real alternative is the nylon macs at Rainmac which are first class quality
Colin it was in Liverpool
Hi to you all again. This site seems to have gone very quiet. Well I found a new site which I thought some of you might find interesting, : experienceproject.com its a site where you just put in you interests and find other people who are interested in the same. It really is worth taking a look at. Not much happening on the Pakamac side at the moment.Anyone had any recent experiences in there macs?
Regards Alan
Hello Ken.
I've lived in N.London, Framwellgate Moor (Durham), Carrville (Durham) and now in Blackpool. Can't recall a Garmoyle Road.
Tip for mac mending: a piece of transparent shower curtain to patch over a tear and used with the soft plastic glue, some of which I've found in Maplins electronic store (at Blackpool.)
Recommend joining Rainwear Central, and yahoo groups for Rainwear Bound for anyone who hasn't done so yet.
Colin I think I know you did you use to come to Garmoyle Rd years ago.
Alan, thank you for that tip, I'll be there next week as I have a few repairs to do.
I can never really fathom out the stares. Are they admiring or what. Fortunately at my age I'm better able to ignore them now and will go out even when others are around
Lesley your feelings when you have a small tear in your plastic macs use to have the same effect on me, But after many atempts to repair torn or split plastic macs I tried every adhesive I could get my hands on but all said the same, Not suitable for soft plastics. But recently I came across some adhesive in Wilkos called soft plastic glue.
So I purchased a tube not having too much confidence in it, But to my suprise its brilliant. If you keep a disused mac to cut for patches you can repair any kind of rip before it goes too far,
Getting back to this recent weather its ideal for plastic mac wearers but like you say people stare.
I tend to go to areas where I know it will be quiet like a walk along the Canal towpath or the many walks around here in the countryside because you rarely meet anyone when its raining, So it gives me chance like you to enjoy the long shiny translucent plastic mac moving with every movement of my body,,I live in hopes that they will return one day. but I doubt it.
Anna how are you and your son
That's the thing Colin, plastic macs do tear easily, the more so if they have the plastic buttons. Those styles are my favourite. Personally, I think the ones in the eighties were the worst, extremely flimsy. They're much better now but my heart still sinks when I see even the smallest tear.
I must say, I'm loving this unpredictable weather, although my sympathy does go out to those who have been flooded out. I've been out so many times in my plastic macs recently and at least twice this week. The other day was so wet, I spent ages out in my long black plastic mac, buttoned up to the neck - a wonderful feeling. I've only just returned from a four hour walk in a knee length black plastic mac. It was fabulous being out in a plastic mac when it wasn't raining, looking well prepared for a downpour but the smile on my face must have betrayed how good I felt on the inside, just staring at the rippling smooth plastic. What a pity there was nobody else in theirs.
A while ago I proposed that this should be 'Pakamac Week'. Maybe 1012 could be considered the Year of the Pakamac. For me though, I've devoted most of my whole life and love to Pakamacs, they're going to have to bury me in one.
In reply to Alan, I'd say plastic macs went out of favour because they tore and still do tear too easily, and so many people have cars now instead of walking to and from work or a standing at an open bus stop.
Hi Katie. I was wondering if you eventually got fixed up with a retro raincoat that you wanted, Peter. I was in a shopping centre in town the other lunchtime when I saw exactly the same kind of thing, Youngsters walking down the main street obviousy in there lunchbreak from the colledge with there blazers ver there heads during a heavy shower, I too fail to understand what is or was wrong with the good old British Plastic mac. It was easy to carry and served a valuable purpose when needed, Not to mention the people with similar feelings about them like myself. Regards Alan
Hi Lesley
I dare say you and others reading this will think I have a strange sense of humour when I say I laughed this morning as I watched people out there in what can only be described as torrential rain
Three schoolgirls on their way to school.....must have left home just in blazers although it was raining ..walking up the road with their blazers on their heads...crazy or what!
And to think the way my mum made sure we wore sensible rainwear when we went to school
Is it that parents just don"t care or let the children do their own thing
Of course is there such a thing as a school mac now
We had regulation gaberdine macs....most were dark blue or black ...a few were green.light blue ...these for winter wear and for the summer showers...the old faithful plastic mac
But grown ups are no better....prefer to get wet rather to wear a sensible mac...not only the younger ones...the older generations seem to have discarded their rainwear
I do recall in some early episodes of "Last of the Summer Wine...Peter Sallis wore a black plastic mac but thinking it might be proving difficult to get plastic macs they kitted him out with a nylon one
I suppose I am a bit like Peter Sallis....irrespective of the weather...on many occasions dry he wears his nylon mac or carries it with him
On Saturday it was dry here but windy....what did I do...wore my brown nylon mac
I dare say some thought...Why a mac?....not raining or none expected
Just look at old Pathe Newsreel in black and white
All ages...young and old in macs
They were good days...not just for mackintoshes but life in general
I can't help but agree with you Peter. All this bad weather and nobody wearing a traditional style of folding mac (apart from me). Like you, I'm rarely without a folded nylon mac and will wear it no matter what the weather, like Peter Sallis in 'Last of the Summer Wine'. When it's wet though, it's usually by black plastic mac. What I don't understand is why people seem to stare, like I've just arrived from Mars!
I think we should introduce an 'International Pakamac Week' when we wear our pakamacs everyday. I'd suggest it is around St Swithin's Day (15th July) to encourage a further 40 days of rain.
May I ask a question to all mac enthusiasts out there...
Does no one listen to or watch weather forecasts
The reason I ask is that it was broadcast that heavy showers would hit the London area on Wednesday but I sat at my window watching the rain and hail which was like a torrent and saw some very wet individuals out in it
Now for me old habits die hard...as kids(1950s) the plastic mac was always put in the school bag...."Just in case it rained" was Mum"s advisory comment
So irrespective of the weather forecast my lightweight mac is carried and the amount of times I have had the last laugh on those who ended up with a wet experience
Why is it that we have turned into an anti mac society...seems it is the trendy thing to wear as little as possible and get wet
So much am I attracted to mackintoshes I wear them indoors as well as outside
Sadly my ex wife never accepted this innocent passion of mine so the only time I could wear them indoors when she was out....
Now on my own I do my own thing.....Mac wearing indoors as well as outdoors
A well kept secret to be shared with fellow mackintosh enthusiasts
Katie I will look up the sites what model car do you have and please save the last dance for me.
Nice one in Torquay last week, wet day. Had on my turquiose nylon mackintosh from rainmac had it on all day.
When putting it back on in cafe a lady asked me where i got it and said what a nice colout for holiday.Pleased to tell her.
I go to events mostly in Kent, so Darling Buds, Paddock Wood Hop Farm, Camber - and Goodwood too. We used to go to Biggin Hill every year, but it finished. Anywhere we can display the car really - and dress up of course! Have a look at their websites if you fancy going to one.
Dances, not so many now because they're in the evening and I don't really have anyone to look after my daughter at the mo.
Katie were and when are your dances and events details please.
Thanks again both for your replies - you've been really helpful. I think I know what you mean by translucent buttons, that seems familiar to me! I will have to ask pvc you like if they have anything like that, I'll see if they have the natural colour material too - I think I'd prefer this because it will go with any outfit. I'll keep you informed how I get on.
I think raincoats can be very stylish Lesley, especially if they have a belt. This is helped by the clothes underneath of course. Anyway, if you collect vintage clothes you don't really want them getting wet. We went to Goodwood a few years back and got soaked. I was wearing a little fur jacket too - not a good look lol.
Take care
Katie, I think both buttons are representative of the era but I particularly remember plastic macs, whatever the colour, with the contrasting white or clear buttons. Yes, the 'natural' colour wasn't exactly white, translucent really, colourless. Quite distinctive really.
It's a pleasure to hear from someone who appreciates the look of a plastic mac then it's teamed with an outfit. For me, they were/are extremely fashionable garments.
Katie. Natural is vinyl without any specific colouring.
The best way to describe it is Milky but translucent.
You had me thinking for a moment bout the buttons but after
going into deep thought about it , I remembered that on quite a few of the colours the buttons were actualy transparent without colour that seemed to match most colours. Some colours appeared more shiny than others.
I am pleased you were impressed with Pvc-u-like,. On the very early ones I seemed to remember the buttonholes were
stitched. They did vary as time moved on and the material varied. My mobile No is in a previous message here if you
want to text me with any more questions you may have,
Hi Alan/Lesley, thanks so much for your quick and helpful responses. I've just had a look at the pvc u like site, and yes they do look fab don't they! I love the matching bonnets too. They mention they can do either black or white buttons - are both correct for the period do you know?
Oh, what do you guys mean by 'natural' is that just plain see through white?
You described the plastic macs from the 50s exactly as I remember. I particularly remember the natural coloured ones which pvc-u-like emulates so well these days. The only thing I might add would be the optional tie belt and a matching plastic rain head square with a long drape.
Hi Katie. I think I can help you a little on some of those points you asked about.
Firstly they definately had a collar and not a hood.
Buttons usualy five. definately not poppers don`t think they were around then, Side vent pockets. there were many colours but I think if I remember correctly there seem to
be more Natural coloured ones but yellows blues pinks there seemed a wide selection of colours available.
length was about 150mm/6" below the knee. material was semitransparent but did seem to vary from colour to colour.
thickness was around 200 microns, I would suggest if you wanted a custom made one to contact pvc-u-like.com and they will be able to help you and make one for you too.hope you find my info useful.
regards Alan
Hiya, I'm hoping someone can please give me some advice on retro raincoats.
I'm into vintage clothing(1950s)and attend various 1950s themed events/dances. I would like to buy a plastic raincoat to wear over my dresses/suits, but having more or less given up on finding an original I have decided to buy a modern reproduction. I know what kind of cut/style I'm looking for, however I'm a bit stuck on some of the finer details. If anyone knows about ladies raincoats from the 1950s, maybe you could please answer the following questions for me.
Did they have a hood or collar, or both?
Did they have buttons or poppers, or both?
Was the plastic thick or thin?
Was the plastic shiny or not shiny?
Were they really see through (clear) or just semi see through?
What were the popular colours?
I'd be grateful if someone could help me out on this one, obviously I want to try and get the look correct.
If any of you happen to have a ladies vintage raincoat from this period(size 10)that you want to sell, I'd be interested.
Thanks guys
It does feel good to be complemented when you're wearing a mac Peter. I definitely had none from my second wife when I wore a plastic or nylon mac, unlike my first (late) wife who, despite not liking them herself, could always see her way to leave a complement. As I did myself about her rubberised mackintoshes when she wore them.
Subsequent partners have been a real breath of fresh air when we have been together, both of us happily wearing plastic macs and enjoying them.
I think an appreciation of pakamacs is something I've found with many older ladies through the conversations I've had over the years with complete strangers, while buying macs (usually nylon).
I was a regular visitor to Advert Museum.reading of many mackintosh "enthusiasts" recollections of how the attraction to mackintoshes started for them but just recently with committments it has not been possible
So can anyone remember a year like this(2012) when the weather has been sheer heaven for mackintosh wearing..
Since early April there has been few days when my mackintoshes have not had an outing
My trusted Trenchcoat purchased from ebay....labelled Marks and Spencer...and what a joy when two individuals said to me..."You look smart"
I got to thinking I wonder if they were thinking....Wish I had a mac like that but sadly in todays society people seem to worry what others might say if they see them in a sensible mac and to think back to the 1950s-1970s everyone wore a mac regardless of the weather
My other mac is a lightweight nylon one...also purchased from ebay
At this point I have a confession to make....I have an attraction to macs designed for ladies...(the fairer sex) and these I wear indoors
Do I feel it is strange...not one bit
It is harmless fun...giving pleasure
Macs of all descriptions have been an attraction to me for many years....My ex wife made it abundantly clear she didnot understand thus my mac wearing was restricted to outdoors only
sadly my ex wife was not a mac wearing lady even outdoors
Can always dream of her wearing a gorgeous mac
We all dream...it keeps us going
Lesley If I had married some one who wore rubber macs I would have stayed with her I love plastic and rubber and PVC macs Women went from rubber to plastic macs anyway.
It intrigues me what caused me to have an instant attraction to wearing plastic macs but like it has been said, I just enjoy wearing them. Yes, they have been an incredibly big part of my life for as long as I can remember and continue to be so. They have in fact been involved with some life changing events for me and I wouldn't want it to be any different.
Thinking positively, I would hazard to guess that anyone wearing them now is possibly going to be more of a fan of them than years ago when they were worn casually.
My first wife wasn't a fan but she used to wear rubber lined raincoats when I'd be in one of my many black plastic macs. One difference was that I'd carry a plastic mac where ever I went, whatever the weather. I needed only the flimsiest of excuses to put one on. She knew about my attraction to the garment and couldn't understand it. She certainly couldn't understand why I'd buy more plastic macs when we were shopping, even when I was wearing one that was almost new.
go onto youtube and type in wet in the ballroom. its and old
Hi-de-hi episode. just few translucent plastic macs to see thats all but i liked it.
Thanks Taffmac for your response. glad you enjoyed reading about my early experiences regarding Pakamacs. Its not until you get to where we are that you start to reflect on
the past. I think there must be others now who like myself realise what an important part the plastic macs were and still are in my life, I don`t even try these days to understand why its had such a strong influence on my life.
But the feelings are still as strong as the first time I realised how it affected me. you can always leave me your email address if you would like to chat more, or even text it to me on 07789778804 and that goes for any genuine plastic lover who would like to communicate more.
Hello Alan,
What a fantastic experience that must have been in 1967. Thank you very much for sharing that with us. It must have been 1967 or 1968 when my first serious girlfriend and I spent a few days in Torquay and I remember walking back to where we were staying when it started to rain. We passed the Woolworth store and I offered to buy my girlfriend a plastic mac but she declined. What a disappointment ! I really envy your experience and I would love to hear more of your plastic mac experiences.
Many Thanks,
Anna get in touch I have a lot to tell you .
Anna Its good to hear from you are still wearing your nylon mac.
Hello gareth yes important well thanks. Thank you for asking
Alan If you do write that book I would love to read it you are very lucky your wife understands your love of plastic macs not very many do regards.
Hi Gareth. Glad you enjoyed reading my early experiences.
They are memories that I treasure. I think I could write a book on my experiences through life revolved around plastic macs, Which have always played a very important part in my life right from my school days, perhaps we should chat more . thanks for your comments,
Alan well done I really enjoyed reading your comments the best for a long time thank you.
I read with interest all your comments on Butlins and Lesleys comments on 1967 must have been a fantastic year,
Well I can confirm it was,I went to Butlins in Skegness with my girlfriend,She had a cheap plastic mac which she had from her schooldays but torn under one arm,
On the first morning we decided to walk into Skegness and it was a wet drizzly day so my girlfriend donned her mac.
I had an old umbrella of hers , Has we walked towards the Clock tower My umbrella fell to pieces,
The drizzle started to wet my jumper I was wearing. I had planned to try a get a mac without being too obvious about its effects on me, When my G/F suggested I get myseelf a plastic mac, Can`t remember my reply but the excitement was incredible, We continued up the High street, When she suddenly stopped saying look therev in front of us was a shop with a window sticker saying PAKAMAC STOCKISTS. so in we went,I was very excited at this stage but trying to act matter of fact, There was a rack with a few macs on to try on in there for size I soon found my size. Then we bought one which was still packed in its original packing.
My G/F insisted I put it on there and then which of course I was longing for. Well I had only had a cheap one from woolworths before so you can imagine how this genuine Pakamac felt. It was heaven .. My umbrella went in the first litter bin in sight. I actually paid 15/- for it.
Walking back to Butlins was a different world for me.
As we went into the camp there were a couple of Red coats flitting about in plastic macs which at that time I thought were longer and more translucent than these pics here.
We had booked two single chalets because things were different then. but by the time I had got back you can imagine how I felt, So i chalet surficed and it was the first intimate time with my girlfriend so the memories are unforgetable. But it was not until about 3 years into marriage I confessed about the effects plastic had on me but she had wondered why I treasured them so much.
Anna were are you are you well
Had outing to nt house n garden on Tues.Dry with sunny spells. Had on my turquiose nylon pu mackintosh whole time.
One of lady attendance in house ask me if it was raining.
When i said no she said o you are just prepared.
Must have been one of these strange people that think nice mackintoshes are for keeping out the rain. Bev.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I left school but I know now what I should have been.
Thanks for the Butlins photo Regenhoedge, and in reply to Lesley there's lots of such photos if you search enough.
One method is to input various terms for rainwear on Google Images, then click on one of the headings at the top of the screen which then reveals a window for Translate.
You can then choose a language to view in, copy and paste it into where you had put your original heading and then you can find quite a few variations.
I'm gradually compiling a lot of such photos on my Yahoo group, Rainwear Bound.
Fabulous Butlins photo. I remember the number of plastic macs for sale in Skegness in 1974, 1967 must have been amazing.
I hadn't seen that photo before. I wonder how many other plastic mac photos there are out there which are not easily found through a google search.
And here is another nice Pakamac photo:
Hi Colin
On the following link you can see a photo from 1967 of a female Butlins Redcoat dressed in a translucent plastic mac.
Hi Plasticjiffymac.
I expect you've been inundated with requests for the British Pathe 'Holiday Washout' Please add my name to the queue for you to email them. Brish Pathe seemed uncooperative when I tried to download it.
Another memory has surfaced. The women Redcoats ar Butlins with their red jackets, white sunray pleated skirts (which I've always though looked great on any reasonable woman) and then their white translucent plastic macs over the top of their uniform on a wet day. Wonderful sight!
There are some fabulous memories of pakamacs being recorded here. How sad I feel at my age to only now discover a community of guys who share my love of plastic macs. I love nylon macs too.
I've not heard of the 'Swallow' brand of plastic mac. It sounds like a fabulous mac. Thank you for sharing that memory Alan. The way you described it, the thrill of the purchase, brought back so many of my own memories.
Hi Jiffy and all. Nice to see some new postings.
I have down loaded several vids and pix from pathe do not know how to get rid of yellow captions. Nice to have some if you would like to pass them on. Bev
Just found this thread on pakamacs what a great thrill, im in my 50s now and remeber being aroused by the girls at school in thier blue nylon pakamacs,
Then in the mid 70s I worked at Butlins and see throug hplastic mac were very popular and lead to quite a few expereinces, happy days.
I recently acquired a black pakamac and its lovely my ambition is to meet someone who loves the same and take some photos
Hello all, I have read the comments here for a while now and thought is was about time I added at least one myself.
I have always loved plastic macs, especially Genuine Plastic Pakamacs,I have quite a collection which, and as I work from home, I manage to wear at leat one almost every day. I just love them to bits.
I also love the Pathe film clip of the Holiday Washout, so have managed to download and convert it to an mpg file that should play on any computer without the yellow copyright notice. If anyone would like a copy I could e-mail it on request.
I do hope that this is of some interest to at least someone here and I look forward to hearing more on this site.
Very best wishes to you all.
The more of these comments I read the more it reminds me of myself when young. Has the name above (Pakamac) did rule our world of plastic macs. I can name several other brands which some were not in the Pakamac class but in saying that I managed to pick one up from a clothes shop. The lady fetched it from a rear stockroom and as she undid it on the counter it had tissue between its layers, it was very well packed, As she unfolded it when I saw the material my heart missed a beat. it was fantastic. The seams were all reinforced and double welded, inc the button holes, It was very well made indeed, As I slipped it on I can`t describe how it felt.The best way to describe it was a luxury Pakamac. But it was made by Swallow! It gave me so much pleasure and lasted for years.I could name quiet a few different brands over the years. I was always on the lookout for them. I still keep my eye out now but the chances of finding anything nice now are very slim. Except at my only supplier now Pvc- u-like.
This is a really interesting collection of comments and I'm loving to be able to contribute. Like Taffmac, I always remembered the ladies who were regular wearers of pakamacs in my area. To be honest, I think I can remember just about every one today albeit many decades later. It always seemed to rain in the 50s and 60s and so I was regularly out in my black plastic mac, usually for school. The only change now is that I don't wait for rain anymore. The trouble is, I seem to be the only one in my area, wherever that happens to be.
I suspect that plastic macs fell out of favour as the quality declined. My memories of some of the 70s plastic macs were of ripped pockets and ripped button holes!
Paul and all. I have nylon mackintoshes i have had one on to go out every day since oct regardless of weather.
Have a navy one i wear a lot when at or near home. Sonetimes red one when out on my own. Have a shiny pvc only wear that when on group nature walks or if raining.
Like paul when hols or away from home sometimes wear plastic mackintosh or my turquoise nylon.
wear a mackintosh most of time in doors as house coat.
Had day trip to London on tues spoted just a few quite nice nylon or satin shiny mackintoshes worn my ladies but very few and no seethrues. I had on my navy nylon from home kept on all day even in museum i went to.
I like many of the readers and contributors to this site have a passion for nylon macs and would welcome turning the clock back 20 years to when they were more plentiful
However being aged 49 and wearing a nylon rainmac whenever the weather requires it I have noticed that women often look and given an approving smile....is this a smile of approval based on common sense for wearing a mac, any thoughts ?
Hello Beverley and Lesley,
Like Beverley, I can remember the plastic macs of the 1950's and 1960's, I am 63 now. As a young boy, a favourite pastime of mine would be recounting the number of women who lived in my street who I new owned a plastic mac and it was most of them. One woman who lived next door for a while wore a semi-see-through plastic mac embossed with a floral design, rather like a shower curtain material. See-theough plastic macs virtually disappeared in the 1960's as nylon macs became more popular but they then became fashionable again from about 1975/1976 to about 1983 and then seemed to totally disappear from the high street around 1990.
Lesley, you asked "where are all the guys wearing their macs today ?". I get great pleasure from wearing my see-through plastic jackets and macs whenever I go on holidays or a day out away from my home town where I would be ridiculed if I was seen wearing one in public, unfortunate, but that's how it is. I have worn my rainwear in the Lake District, Blackpool, Cornwall, Scilly Isles, Scotland, West Wales, Ireland and Nice in France and really enjoyed it.
As for the history of the foldaway mac, I am sure there is a lot of interest and I would love to have met anyone who had worked in the Pakamac factory and to have asked then about their work, the styles and whether there was any memorabillia in existence such as advertising or brochures. Interestingly, there are a few people on Friends Reunited who worked for Pakamac in the 1970's but I wouldn't dare to contact any of them.
I hope that this is of some interest to you.
I think Beverley that my personal recollections are slightly different to yours. I'm about 10 years younger than yourself and so I probably didn't appreciate the periods in the 50s and 60s when plastic macs were plentiful. However, as I recall, in the places I lived they were still quite plentiful in the late 60s but perhaps not as popular as in earlier times.
Even in the mid seventies they were available. I remember working then, in an east England coastal tourist resort and the shops were full of them - heaven. In my experience after that, they were more of a convenience item aimed at tourists.
Just as well I liked nylon macs as they were still plentiful in the 90s. I liked the fashion for black PU macs in the 90s.
What about information on labels/manyfacturers other than Pakamac?
Anna are you well and wearing your nylon mac around town.
Hi Lesley and all. I am interested in history of plastic macs
in fact mackintoshes of all kinds.
I am 68 so have happy memorys of when mackintoshes were in fashion. I can recall lots of them in the 1950s and early 60s. seemes most young women had one. Loved them but not that keen because they were so plentyfull.
Then shock think it was about 1966 no warning just gone without a trace. Not to bad because replaced to a large extent by shiny pvc mackintoshes. Then 1977 happy times pvc continued but also shiny seetrues came back. Then about 1993 total wipe out plastic and pvs just gone from the face of the earth. Bev
Correct me if I'm wrong please but this collection of information and comments is possibly the only source of information on the history of plastic macs and nylon macs. Obviously the slant is on the Pakamac but other manufacturers have been referred to. There seems to be no definitive history of the much maligned foldaway mac, that I can find anyway. Or am I the only one interested?
This site claims that the earliest appearence of plastic macs in the cinema was in 1929 and in the 1933 version of King Kong, Fay Wray is briefly seen wearing a see-through plastic mac on board a ship.
Hi Taff Cole and all. Found the 1938 Plastic mackinttosh right at end then nice cape to finish.
Till few years back i though plastic rainwear did not come out till 1950s seems not.
Few days back i was watching vid from by world at war collection. 1945 men being met by their women at the docks.
Short shot of woman giving great cuddle to her man. She was wearing what looked to be a plastic mackintosh,what a welcome for the lucky chap. Well worth fighting a war for.
You're on the ball again Taffmac.
As for my books, I'm just an ordinary, run of the mill, common or garden genius who wishes he really was a genius.
Hello Cole,
It seems that plastic macs were around in the 1930's as this clip from 1938 shows. Get ready to hit the pause button at 1 min, 18 seconds. It's very short.
If I'm a genius what are you ?? With those marvelous illustrated rainwear books you have produced !
Taffmac, you're a genius to find the Croagh Patrick clip. It's 1962 and if you browse down the accompanying clips there's also one for 1949 - with plastic macs. Hardly aware they existed in those days.
Those mac clips at Pathe are fabulous. The ladies are exactly as I remember and the memories are wonderful. I've read a lot of complaints here about the lack of ladies wearing them now and for me, I'm happier to see the older pics with the styles then, rather than images of macs with modern styles.
Where are the guys these days wearing macs? Maybe it's an age thing but I'm never ever without a nylon mac and regularly out in my black plastic pakamac when the weather demands. Like many here, I'm not averse to relaxing at home in a plastic mac either. Something I've shared with my wives when I was married.
Hello Beverley,
If you have plenty of time and patience you can type "rain" into the British Pathe search and there are lots of clips with plastic rainwear but you may have to watch several minutes of reel just to see a second or two where there is anything of interest. Also, the quality is not very good but I love it.
Taffmac, found clip big thanks.
Guess there must be lots of nice mackintosh seens on pathe but as most have not got mackintosh or plastic in the title hard to track down. Bev
I think I may have found your Croagh Patrick film on British Pathe. Try copying and pasting the following into your browser. Hope it works
Hi cole and all.Its many years ago but think i saw at least one of progs you mention. Lovely filming of woman clambering over rocks wear plastic mackintoshes.
Also many years ago film connected with virgin mary at knock
Recall large que of people waiting in the rain to see this miracle site. Have looked up knock but can't get any info.
Site says about miracles from time past. Thing i watched was a thing about what appeared to be inmage of jesus or mary on a glass panel in private house. Was explained by fact that new lamp outside house was the sauce but still people qued to see it lot of them in plastic mackintoshes
catching up on the Pakamac site again reminds me of two short TV programmes years ago, in Ireland. One was of people climbing Mount St Patrick (Creogh patrick I think it's called) and the other one was of pilgrims going to an island of the Irish coast where they were apparently required to walk round bare footed I believe, apart from all the other religious devotions.
There were some young women wearing plastic macs in both of those.
The British Pathe news clip was from an era when plastic was the latest scientific high tec wonder material and plastic macs were the latest fashion - for those who could afford it. Fashion was not cheap in those days.
Try club doctissimo for more rainwear photos. It's slow to download unless my computer is slow, and it's worth saving whichever page you're on when you finish a session in your favourites so you don't have to start at the beginning all over again.
Do not like to be a sceptic but odd that none of the posters that appear to be women offer their e mail
Reading about all the various kinds of Pakamacs below I was curious to know if anyone of you can remember The Pakamac sportsman!. I had one in about 1963 Because the outfitters had sold out of the ordinary ones at that time I was impatient and bought one of these. It cost slightly more than the ordinary semi transparent one, It was beige in colour with a tartan printed inside, The outside was a very nice shiny beige solid pvc. and it had a belt, I think they were manufactured aimed at the slightly better off.It was very nice to wear, Can anyone out there remember them? it was well before the Nylon of which I never likeds much.
Thanks to Taffmac now found the right video. Happy days 1963
For us pakamac lovers it was like 1913 living our happy days enjoying watching and wearing our pakamacs not knowing that we were doomed.Not as bad as today though at least there was the shiny pvc and still some gabardines.Then the plastic come back in 1977. Happy days again. Till 1993 then total doom. Spotting even a modestly attraction mackintosh of anykind is a red letter day.Just do not understand it.
Those Pathe clips are simply wonderful, the styles and macs are fabulous. It has been a chance remark about my 'look', namely that all that was missing was a Pakamac, which has renewed my curiosity and what a wonderful fortnight it has been exploring this site and the links. I'm almost sad to be going home today where I won't be able to see them. At least I'll be able to wear my own macs and maybe look at getting web access. I'll definitely be ordering some more plastic macs. Seeing what the weather is like today, I'm upset that I won't have a plastic mac to wear in the snow. At least I've been able to buy some plastic rain hoods to put on.
What an inspiring holiday this has been and thanks to everyone here. I really hope I can find some friends, in the future, who share my interest. Bye.
Hello Beverley.
The link to the clip that I posted was "Wimbledon Finals - Men's Final - Technicolor 1963". It is obvious from the clip that, by then, plastic macs were on the decline with the introduction of nylon macs. It was a sad period fot me when my sister dumped her pale blue translucent plastic mac for a nylon "mac ?".
Taffmac big thanks found some nice shots at wimbledon.
Not sure if i have got the best.
Which year is the best one.
Hi Beverley,
I think you'll enjoy this from about 2 minutes into the clip
Hi Taffmac thanks very much for the clips.
Bit of a chalenge to count ones at popes blessing.
Have you looked at ones on u tube nice few there.wonder if his holyness got excited at all the mackintoshes and forgot he lines Bev
Suzi If you do not mind getting hot and sticky in a plastic you must be a very rare lady most women do not like that and say they cling you sound to good to be true.
Oops ! Let's try that again, this time with the link
Here's a nice clip from British Pathe. Unfortunately, the interest for Pakamac enthusiasts is only about 4 or 5 seconds long but you can slow it down using the pause/start function. The scene you want starts about 15 seconds into the clip.
Hello Beverley,
Yes, it is my favourite British Pathe clip but see how many plastic macs you can spot in this clip. I hope the link works.
There are some more worth watching, I'll try to find them.
Regards, Taffmac
Hi Suzy
I hope you do get a chance to wear your much loved
raincoats. I am sure you may get some second glances however no one will really bother you. If you enjoy retro clothes a mac will set the look off so well. Here is me telling a girl who studied fashion how to accessorise..
I have just noticed a new modern retro rainbonnet on the web, think it's been designed by a Glasgow girl. It is very nice if you get a chance to check it out she has called it Bubble Betty. Would love to keep in touch with you as you seem to have the same likes as me. Enjoy your holiday.
To answer your question Scotty, I think my favourite material has to be plastic. Probably, because of the vast variety of styles of plastic mac and what can be created with the material. Also, I didn't mind getting all hot and sticky in one!
When I look at old photos, I'm sad about missing so many mac styles that were regretably not around when I was studying fashion and that I wasn't 'into' macs then.
I'm visiting relatives in the north of England and unfortunately I'm going home soon where I don't have internet access. I'll miss reading this but I'm definitely going to give my macs an airing. No more 'ramblers' fashion for me.
mackintoshes in film etc. Found a few more nice ones on pathe. Many years ago could be 20 or more i watched a doco on tv was about a surposed miracle in ireland at a place called knock or could be nock. Lots of people queing to see the site think it was in a private house. Thing was lots of que were women wearing plastic mackinoshes. Have tried many times to trace film. No videos then. So guess not much hope of tracing it.Do not even know which channel.
I always wear a mackintosh when mailing on this or other mackintosh pages. Have on a green nylon calf length with hood up at present. Bev
Anna I am sure you look divine in your navy blue mac what about that coffee.
Hi Taffmac big thanks for link to clip its lovely.Wish it was longer.You say its your favourite does that me you have more. I have seen all the ones on u tube.Bev
Hello Bev,
I saw the program on BBC2 this evening too. There is a slightly longer clip on the British Pathe site. Try using the following link to see the full clip. It's one of my favourites.
Hi Suzy
The humble pakamac was really popular and sold thousands
PVC and nylon. I believe a company purchased
the name and tried to reintroduce it without success.
Probably due to breathable rainwear fabrics being made.
It's understandable that you don't wear them now as they
are not in fashion. I am in my early fifties so I may be
Around the same age as your ex. What material do you like the best
Nylon or PVC. It may be man thing but I prefer the PVC.. I bet you guessed that one easily. Are you having a good holiday? Anywhere nice.
Just found i can get back to prog on pc. I am slowly getting into new world. Bev
Hi Alan and all. Tried to copy n paste address for rainmac but can,t do it. If you type in rainmac all one word should take you to it. If not i can paste it on e mail.
I am on email@example.com
Another subject at 1830 bbc 2 there is prog about rainways.
In it tonight was short but lovley film clip of a woman in a plastic mackintosh from old days. Sadly did not have it recording so must now keep sharp look out for a repeat. Bev
Hi Beverley. Thanks for your response,
Whats the full address of rainmacbev because I can`t seem to find it.Getting back to plastic macs being available I am not aware now of any retail outlet that sells them. So mail order is the only alternative, Regarding pvc-u-like I
Have know Gary and Julie almost since they first started and as I am only about an hour away I am allowed to collect
my orders and often purchase more after seeing them on the
shelves. I am sure you are aware that they don`t last forever they either tear or they become what I call dead thats when they lose all the aroma and sheen that matters,
Anyway like has been said many times before there is nothing like that new raincoat has you slip it on for the first time with its wonderful aroma and feel.
Hi Alan have seen pvc u like. Have you seen rainmac Bev
Hi everyone. I have just come across this site because I was looking for a BBC broadcast sometime ago called the Pakamac years and ended up here. What a pleasent site to get like minded peoples experiences. I have been a staunch Plastic Pakamac fan since I was at school and have continued that desire to wear them ever since. I was a plastic pakamac fan because Nylon did not arrive properly until early 60s.though genuine Pakamacs are no longer available the nearest I can get to them is from A company called pvc-u-like.com take look. I could go on for ever talking about pakamacs so anyone interested in chatting let me know. Thanks.
why do some men like mackintoshes thats a big queston.
I have loved wearing them and seeing ladies wearing them since i was a boy. Now 68 started with love of pakamacs then when they sadly died out moved on to new type plastic and pvc. Now alas they have gone to. So just enjoy what few i see of any sort of mackintosh. Got some nice nylon ones place one pvc from rainmac i go out in those. Got plastic mackintoshes and rubber for in house. Love idea of someone making me wear a mackintosh. Guess thats a left over from school when most kids had to be forced to wear their mackintoshes. Liked to hear from anyone that was or is made to wear a mackintosh. Only true stories. Please Bev
Hello Anna thats good to hear when I am in the capital I would love you both to have a coffee with me.
Hah, LOL
No just the son, I still have my navy blue one safe and sound!!
Hi Anna did you find any macs for your self in your Mums attic or has your son been just the lucky one .
Scotty, I still have the folding style macs that were bought for me but I don't know if they are genuine pakamacs. Until I read this, I didn't know that pakamac was a make. I thought it was just the word to describe the type of mac that folded up and could be carried in my bag. I'm in my thirties, my ex was much older which might explain his interest. I don't remember the macs that I grew to love being popular and it's probably for a similar reason that I didn't continue to wear them. When I return from my holiday, I must check them out. My ex bought me both plastic and nylon macs.
Hi Suzi, yes the fold up clear plastic rain hoods were called rain mates up here in Scotland. Do you still wear them and do you have any pakamac raincoats.
Your ex-husband was indeed a lucky fella and takes an interest in his mac interest.
I did confide in my ex wife and let her know of my love of plastic macs, this was possibly because I did wear a pakamac raincoat when younger as part of my school uniform and I loved it, however like you she thought they were frumpy too, so she never really took an active interest or indulged me. It would be nice to have a walk in the rain with a girl in hand both wearing macs, there is something magical when the rain is beating off a mac and you are perfectly dry. Oh to dream.
Hi Janice your late husband sounds very self centered If you had been my my wife I would have treated you with respect If you were wearing a mac or not maybe you will find someone else.
Hello Suzy well my husband never took no notice of anything I was wearing all he ever wanted was his food golf and football I did not know some men are turned on by macs.
Well Scotty, if my assumption that a Rainmate is a plastic rain hood, then you sound just like my ex. He was indeed putty in my hands.
If a lady loves their hubby, then this harmless indulgence can be really rewarding. I've just discovered this blog. I didn't realise there were still men out there interested in the subject of pakamacs.
You are spot on with your comments that we men
enjoy you girls wearing macs. I can say this for me that
I would be putty in your hands if you would model a mac and perhaps a matching rainmate. Sheer heaven!
Well Janice, my ex-husband just like the men here, loved his pakamacs and was forever buying me them. Once I agreed to wear them for him, I started to enjoy them too. I was really reluctant at first, I thought they were really frumpy but after a while I learned to love them too. I think it may have been his reaction to me in one!
I must start wearing them again.
Hi Anna and a happy new year to you to yes that was a bit of luck that will keep him going for a bit If you find any that will fit me let me know please.
Hello Gareth
Yes, we had a stroke of good luck, when my mother was sorting through some stuff in her house, and we managed to find a few of my younger brother's old school macs in the attic. She'd forgotten they were there, but they fit perfectly, and had been well stored (no dampness or bugs) so are in immaculate condition. So one young man is now the proud new ownr of a lined gaberdene mackintosh, plus 2 pakamacs, one in navy and one beige
Thank you for enquiring, and Happy New Year
Anna did your sister ever help you find a shop that sold nylon macs.
Shona can you email me to tell me what happened to our mutual friend please.
I nerver knew so many men liked macs my late husband did not care what I was wearing as long as he had his golf why do they excite some men ?
Hello Gareth
Yes I'm still here and keeping well
I would like to wish all pac a mac fans a merry Christmas.
Hi Peter I got from the fashion centre in Llandudno Its a rainy days mac they were just makeing them for ladies but are trying a few for men try a market trader or a shop selling for both sexes they are very smart and the price is right . Also Its a bit soon but I would like to wish all mac lovers a very merry xmas and keep the comments comeing.
Anna are you well you have gone silent email me to tell me you are well.
So wonderful to hear that Shona has married, and I hope her partner enjoys Pakamacs and other rainwear as much as she does. Many congratulations!!
I have good new too, in that Susan Mackintosh has announced, in another internet location, that WE are an item. You can imagine how pleased and excited I am at this, and Sue, it is an absolute honour to be so close to you. We have both loved nylon and plastic Pakamacs all our lives, from schooldays onwards, we have both been involved with other rainwear enthusiasts, but we feel that we have now found the ultimate and lasting relationship, and it is an absolute joy to both of us.
Susan, I have almost finalised my latest letter, and I hope to "post" it later this week. Mmmmm, there's something for you to look forward to. In the meantime, happy macking, and that goes for all of you
Shona congratulations I heard you got married all the very best to you both.
Thank you Peter for the info but I will buy a new from rainmac.
Hi Gareth
Just found a gents nylon mac on ebay...not sure if it is your size...colour
If it helps the ebay no is 310350240624
Thanks Peter I had a email from rainmac all the gents nylon macs in the sale have gone .
Hi Gareth
As regards Rainmac...I am sure their shop is open to the general public...it was in 2009 as I actually visited there too dry on various macs before I decided
Indeed if you are able too visit them you will be spoilt for choice and the customer service is second to none
Hope this helps
Hi Peter I do not live in Belgium I was just in europe for a break thanks for the info I have seen the site its just I like to go in a shop and try it on before I buy.
Are there any menswear shops that sell nylon macs I am in Belgium at the moment and no joy here Anna whats your sister say.
Anna get in touch with me personally I want to ask you something
Gareth - I've just seen your email, so it seems I need to go bak to the drawing board
Gareth, I'll see what I can find out, and speak to my sister soon. She doesnt live in Shrewsnury itself, but travels there 3 or 4 times a year from her rural home. She mentioned a traditional outfitters there that sells them, but of course, she could be mistaken
Thank you John Paul I did ring that shop they have not sold them for a long time I did ring a few others in North Wales but the same tale no demand so lets hope your sister knows of one Anna no pressure
Anna will you email me please when your sister tells which shop sells gents macs or they will be all gone and thank you John Paul I will ring that shop Its wonderfull how when you buy a mac they fold it up so neat I could nerver do it as good.
Commiserations John-Paul. If it's not too obvious, set up a search on Ebay for 'pakamac' and have it regularly email you with updates. It might be a good time of year to look on Ebay, what with Xmas approaching.
Anna and Gareth .... I live in Shrewsbury and I really cannot think of an outfitter that might sell you Nylon macs.Your sister, Anna, might have been thinking of Halon which is a very traditional Gents Outfitters but I am almost 100% certain they do not sell Nylon macs anymore - I guess a phone call to Halon would sort it out ? 01743 344804.
In the mean time I have had a total disaster!!.
I have had my lap-top stolen and in my lap-top bag was my wonderful black plastic Genuine Pakamac!!. The great irony is that I had been wearing it - and parading down the Kings Road in an unexpected downpour - with a whole raft of "looks" and quizical stares....
I got to The Bluebird Cafe ( my destination), and had taken off the wet mac and hastily folded away into my lap-top bag. The thief lifted my bag off the back of the chair I had momentarly vacated... nobody noticed or saw who the theif was. The Police were called, details taken. Bizarely the(young) Officer insisted upon puting "pac-a-mac" type raincoat - despite the fact that I had clearly said PAKAMAC!!.
So NO lap-top ( which fortunatly I only really use as an access tool) BUT my beloved Plastic Pakamac too!!. I am bereft!!.
If anyone out there has one they could spare - or see's one PLEASE contact me.
I need a LARGE, SMOOTH black/dark grey PLASTIC "Genuine Pakamac". I really hope somebody can help!!.
I've set up a hotmail account for contact - so, if you can help, PLEASE contact me on email@example.com. I cant tell you how much I miss it!!.
Hello Sarah the shop is called Clares and is on Mostyn St It is very good it has ladieswear and menswear a very nice restaurant I have had many a nice meal there its also got a floor that sells kitchen things and suitcases the nylon macs are Rainy Days let me know how you get on I thought the Lilac colour mac was really nice there details are on the web look forward to hearing from you.
Gareth.Please can you give us the details of the shop in Llandudno that sold the nylon macs.I might like to go and pay them a visit. I wonder if you went into the shop and what it was like.
Hi Anna I do not live to far from Shrewsbury I have never heard that I did get a showerproof one from there navy blue in colour about five years ago i hope you will let me know what you get there is a shop in Llandudno i was there Friday It had plenty of ladies nylon macs in a range of colours but nothing for men I like to try something on before I purchase It thats why I not keen to buy on line keep me informed please .
Gareth - My pleasure. I need to find an alternative supplier though, I like to keep one in reserve in case of damage or loss. My son would prefer something more modern, but he needs something smart and traditional in my opinion. I'm told by my sister that there's an outfitters in Shrewsbury that sells them, so I may take my son there when I visit her soon
Hello Anna thank you for the info I have been and bought one a long time ago from there the shop on Duke St you mean is it I had forgotten all about it I do not come down to the capital very much the army and navy stores used to sell them too but they seem to have gone a bit to hot for macs this week the mac from Calders was grey in coulor I supose they have gone as well thanks for your help
Hello Gareth
I got the mac in an outfitters in Cardiff called Calders, but I was in there the other day, and they seem to be having a little bit of a clearance sale, and wasnt able to see any. I asked whether they had any so I could reply to your post, but the shop assistant didnt think so, saying they didnt have much demand for them anymore.
Previously, I got one in Millets, but this too is no longer an option looking around the shop there.
Sorry if this isnt much help
Anna your son sounds very smart in his mac i need a new one can you tell me where you purchased it and do you recomend them I could do with your advice.
Hello Anna you are amazing getting your son to wear a mac he sounds a fine young man maybe you could use your skill to get more women in the UK to wear a pac a mac.
Hello Gareth
No new mac, no. But he still wears the one I got him earlier this year. Navy blue, below knee length
Anna have you got your son a new nylon mac for winter.
Brian your comments are great I bet you could write a book on pac a macs If you ever do I would love to read it.
Alpha, "good on yer" for mentioning Chadderton, Oldham, the true home of the British Pakamac! Another stimulus for my schoolday waterproof experiences to come "flooding" back(forgive the pun!) As I have mentioned before, schooldays were both Pakamac days and formative days-where my waterproof madness started.
I remember Hazel, the blonde bombshell of our 1962/3 fifth form. She owned a grey-black semi-transparent plastic Pakamac, which I spotted folded up on top of her domestic science basket. But-TARNATION!!-I ever actually saw her wearing it!! Probably just as well, though, as I may not have been able to "hold back"! The apposite words for Hazel were "corrrrr!!!" and "WOW!!!"-even Pamela Anderson had nothing on Hazel(although I would love to see Pamela mackintoshed.)
But, on a much gentler note, there was Joy, who joined our third form, when I was in the fifth form. She lost no time at all in displaying HER grey-black see-through plastic Pakamac whenever it was raining, and it certainly made lunchtimes more interesting, as she walked home in the same direction as myself! But, believe it or not, I met Joy again, a few years ago, in a completely different context-and, apart from middle-aged weight increase, she had hardly changed at all. In particular, that long sweep of the hair was still there. We spoke, and I was almost tempted to ask if she still had her plastic mac, or what she had done with it. Joy had married, and so we couldn't take things further, but it has led me to think that it should be possible to harmonise a romantic attachment with a waterproof one.
Susan and I have been sharing some wonderful correspondence, with this in mind, and, Susan, I am almost ready to e-mail my latest message. Susan writes beautifully, vividly and excitingly, and has a tremendous knowledge and experience of the Pakamac scene as it has evolved over the years.
I have had some wonderful rainwear sightings over the last few days, with all wearers being older women. Outside our local Sainsbury's, was a navy blue nylon mac, hood up, with a slightly gathered smock-like effect at the back. But, an even more exciting sight awaited me as I went in-a nylon mac, light sage green in colour, normal Pakamac length, slightly see-through, and, as if this were not enough, a pair of olive green rubber boots too. Susan and I have been discussing purchasing rubber macs, and Weathervain do a heavy latex rubber mac, in this olive-green colour.
And, also in Sainsbury's, one of the staff was sporting a hip-length navy nylon jacket with black quilted lining, obviously an occupational garment.
The Pakamac, and simliar garments, are not dead, and whenever they appear on e-bay, it is encouraging to see healthy bidding, and an even more healthy interest and enthusiasm.
I'd better go now! Till next time...
Further on the New York/London link regarding nylon. I've heard this before and also heard that it is disputed. Have a look at the Etymology paragraph on the Wikipedia entry for Nylon.
It's lovely to read the contribution from Alpha and I for one am looking forward to the next entry. Tell all Alpha.
I remember those shop stickers even in the 80s, one in particular in the window of an exclusive ladies outfitters that catered for the more discerning lady. I think that says something about the popularity of the Pakamac even then!
Only just found this site, very interesting reading, I like many of you have been a staunch lover of pakamacs since a very early age,Whilst at High School in the late 50s I just loved rainy days and used to get sent out of class on purpose so I could head straight for the cloakrooms a as soon as I entered the aroma of wet plastic macs hit me,
Coming from a poor family I never had one but I got great pleasure from seeing others and having contact with there macs. Also seeing the girls the other end of the school leaving on a rainy day, Like many of you I thought I was alone with this strange feeling.
But once I started work I soon owned several macs of my own, I can even now remember the stickers in shop windows
STOCKIST OF PAKAMAC THE GENUINE PLASTIC RAINCOAT, (D`ont take a chance take a PAKAMAC!!) I soon built up a collectiion of my own. Then around the middle to late 60s Pakamac then based at Chadderton in Lancashire started to produce lots of different types of mac ie: the sportsman which was a beige mac with a printed inside the pvc was a tartan pattern, they were a little more expensive but nice to wear, Then came the introduction of Nylon derived from
New York/ LONdon, i was never a great lover of nylon and still love the smell and feel of vinyl macs, I could go on for ever telling stories of my life with plastic but await any welcome feedback.
David get to the back of the queue my name is down first.
Wish i could meet the mature lady that loves mackintoshes
I am 68 live bedford england loves rainwear all my life both wearing and seeing ladies in.
I think the marks and spencer nylon macs had plastic buttons Brian do you have a warehouse to keep all your macs by the way Brian you nerver did tell us about Isobel.
I too have heard about M&S selling nylon macs but I don't remember them. They must have done so because absolutely every department store sold them. If my memory serves me well, the likes of BHS and the COOP sold them under their own label whereas lots of others sold the genuine Pakamac, especially the small local stores. C&A of course was a fabulous source but always a different style. Call me old fashioned, but I generally preferred the traditional style of nylon and plastic mac, so the C&A continental style macs didn't always appeal to me. The 'own label' nylon macs elsewhere used to be slightly different too, in some way, from the Pakamac or Rainstar style of nylon mac and again, for me, weren't quite as appealing. I liked the House of Fraser for their range of nylon macs, lots of styles that appealed to me in a large range of colours.
As I look back, what I find incredible, is that they appealed to ladies of all ages whether they were well off or not. For me, I still love to wear an expensive skirt suit under a nylon mac. I love the look. Of course they were cheap enough to be a staple for the less well off or as rain protection for a precious wool coat. Again, a look I still love.
Even as they started to disappear from regular sight, I loved to visit and buy from the shops that continued to stock Rainstar nylon macs, the likes of John Lewis, Joplings and a number of ladies clothes shops well into the nineties and even early 2000's. Rainstar nylon macs became my favourite, so I loved it that I knew exactly where to go for the macs I loved, even when Rainstar seemed to morph into YB Wet.
Although I do not personally remember Marks and Spencers retailing nylon macs, John Paul referred to them in an e-mail he once posted to me, so perhaps he can shed some light on these.
Admirer of M&S though I am(I think their prepacked sandwiches are delicious!), I have always found them slightly disappointing when it comes to interesting rainwear. However in the mid 1980s, there was a range of plastic macs which was very appealing. Generously oversized, the basic colurs were emerald green, deep pink, black and deep metallic blue-in fact, the other colours were slightly metallic too. They had a faint all-over star-like pattern, which added to the appeal. The blue was especially attractive, and I remember seeing a girl wearing one and going into the former "American Food Factory"(YUK!!!) in New Street, Birmingham. Her taste in rainwear was exquisite, which is more than can be said for her choice of eating venue!! These macs do occasionally turn up on e-bay and it is worth keeping an eye open for them.
More recently, M&S sold a quilted mac, beige outer shell with a beautifully delicate pink-orange sheen-possibly one of their "Per Una" styles. Not really a Pakamac type item, but it does deserve a mention here. I saw a lady wearing one, in her seventies perhaps, and she looked ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, a reminder that attractive rainwear is for everyone, male or female, any age.
And, Gareth, I have read about your dating girls in nylon macs-YOU LUCKY SO-AND-SO!!! And, yes, like you, I wish we could go back in time, to those irreplaceable items of the fities and sixties, but holding on to the waterproof experiences we have accumulated over the intervening years(if that makes sense!)
Does anybody rember the nylon macs Marks and Spencers used to sell once.
In a website like this, one must occasionally be allowed a post that "shocks" everyone(in the nicest possible way, of course!), so here is mine: To date I have 795 macs, waterproofs etc, of various types, filling my wardrobes and cupboards. Can anyone exceed this number? Well, I know Susie Boult, of Plastique Unique, can as she claims to have 1500 items. As long as my accumulation is less than her's I don't feel as "guilty"!
The point is that, as well as being a rainwear enthusiast, I am one of those people that has to go for everything in a really big way(and that goes for my other interests too!) But, then again, one has to be allowed at least one mad interest in our lives-the ability to go 99% insane, as a safeguard against going "the whole hog". Agreed?
I think you are right that the rainbonnet is getting scarcer and scarcer. I do remember my Aunt having the nylon covered rainbonnet, think it was a blue colour. I do love the 50/60 raincoats also. I have a semi clear Almar raincoat with matching rain scarf,think its late 60/70's era. I did notice that Plastique unique sell a 50's type of raincoat, dont think it has a matchimg rainbonnet. These macs are also getting harder and harder to find, good for you that you still have a couple in your collection. Like you I do also favour the polkadot rainbonnet also. Love the retro look.
I have lots of rain bonnets. That includes different folding ones and accordian style ones. If I find different styles or labels, I like to buy a few, some for wearing and some to be kept pristine in their packaging, for the time when they disappear as I'm sure they ultimately will.
As to my favourites, it would have to be polka dot ones, whatever the colour to match my mac. The polka dot ones on coloured plastic might just be my favourite. I also have some that feel a very old fashioned/mature lady style, in plastic with a nylon net lining.
I particularly love the older macs though when they came with a matching rain bonnet. I still have a few of those and I love them. Very 1950s/60s.
Hi Susan
Thats great that you prefer to wear the retro look fold up accordian rain bonnet or rainmate as I remember them. I have a couple that I collected, however, I dont wear them myself as prefer to see females wearing them. Think they are really nice and practical. My favourite is a small semi transparent fold up polkadot pattern one in black, have a few plain ones also. have you got many in your collection and one that you like to wear.
Anna I hope your son gets good grades today may be you will buy him a new pac a mac if he does.
Hi Susie
Sorry I can"t help you with when the plastic mac first came onto the scene but whoever decided that a thing like plastic could be used in the manufacturing of a mac
Well I dare there are a lot of people over the years have said THANK YOU
Not only the practical side of it...a fold up mac that can be carried on every journey but for those that wearing a plastic mac has other reasons
My first memories...1952...the year I started school....kitted out with the first school gaberdine mac for the winter and a plastic mac from Woolworths for the Summer showers and we always took them with us on our holidays....a week away in a caravan...but saying that we all looked forward to that week or if we were very lucky two weeks away from home
Plastic macs for me had another meaning and my introduction of my attraction to macs designed for the fairer sex....
The fairer sex...we don"t see ladies labelled as the "fairer sex" anymore
And now nearly sixty years on that attraction too macs...not only plastic grows stronger and this includes those macs designed for ladies
I keep thinking I have so many macs...not going too buy another one but then I look on sites like ebay....I see a mac...reasonably priced and temptation gets the better of me
I bid for it...I suppose it is the thrill/buzz one gets when they try on a new mac
As regards wearing ladies macs outside....I have done it with a dark blue hooded nylon mac as the colour does not draw attention...it buttons the ladies way but how many people...with their busy lifestyle are going too notice that
Heavy rain expected here in the South East later on...looks like a day for mac wearing....My kind of day!!!!!!!!!!!
Pamela and Shona Its good to hear you friends again.
Does anyone know when plastic macs first made an appearance? The 'lakelandelements' film list dates one of the earliest appearances in the cinema as being in a 1929 film. I would assume that people were wearing them a little earlier than that but perhaps not much earlier.
It was interesting what Peter and Gareth said about nylon macs and when they started to appear. I think my memories of seeing other people in macs, whether nylon or plastic, are from 1965 onwards as I headed towards my teens. At some point I remember seeing a broadcast of 'All Our Yesterdays' with Brian Inglis with an article on fashion towards the end of WWII. It particularly looked at materials that were developed as part of the war effort and showed a lady in a foldaway nylon mac.
Yes Scotty, I do wear folding plastic rain bonnets. I love them and they are still relatively easy to find in chemists.
Hi Susan
Noticed your comments regarding mac, rainbonnet and boots, sounds very stylish and retro. Do you wear the fold up rainbonnets, all the girls during highschool used to wear them, alas they seem not to be used. I gave a folding bonnet to a girlfriend who said she would use it, hope she does as she may restart a new trend
1963 was a good year for nylon macs all the girls seemed to have one I dated many them and took them to the cinema for about three hours of necking in the back seats anybody got a time machine I could loan .
As promised how many fellow mac wearers did I see on my walk into town this morning...sadly but no real surprise very few...just the odd polyester cotton mac that seems to be the fashion with the younger set now...although I am more for the plastic,PVC and nylon macs I do find these do look good and knowing the possibility that macs will not completely vanish from the streets all the time the odd few do wear them
In response to Susan"s comments...as always interesting ..as regards the fashion of rainwear these days.some pseudo mountain rescue look...reading this as well as having too accept it ..it really depresses me and a way out of that depression...Slip on one of my macs and think back to yesteryears...Everyone from infants to adults wore a mac should the weather call for it
Sadly too wear a plastic mac OR to be seen in one these days ...Not fashionable...isn"t seen to be cool
To many a plastic mac or any kind of mac is considered as boring thus the end result... the lack of sightings of people in them
Susan"s mention of "even on a good day it can be rolled up in a bag in readiness for a shower"
Thank you for that Susan...reminds me of my mum(bless her!)...always made sure we had our plastic mac with us as we headed off to school....no wonder I still do the same now..and I think back to what Mum told us...Mother knows best
I must admit I have on many occasions had the last laugh whilst out being the only one dry...looking smug whilst others...bedraggled...cold ..wet and looking throughly stupid
Like me Susan you wear your mac at the first opportunity
Why should it rain before one wears a mac
I dare say on the three occasions Susan went out sensibly dressed not one person took any notice but possibly a few admiring glances how nice she looked
I know she would have got one from me...I would be the one wearing a plastic mac or nylon mac
Hi Gareth
Yes I think it was the early 1960s that nylon macs first came onto the High Street...I am thinking when I first saw them and bought my first nylon mac
1964...I was 17 years old...amazing how things stick in your mind...just browsing in our local C&A and there on individual hangers....nylon macs...all styles...a variation of colours..and that was only those designed for us men folk......and relatively cheap although I can"t recall the actual price...must have been cheap as I wasn"t earning much money being a hard working shop worker...in a greengrocers
I tried it on...looked in the mirror in the store....I was hooked if that is the right word...took it off...and took it to the paying area...how the shop assistant laid it out and took care to fold it up before putting it in a bag
Got home and no one there so took it out of the bag and tried it on.....
The end result....now 50 years on...my love of not only nylon macs but all types of macs is part of my life
It is dry here this morning but so cloudy so my brown nylon mac is going too get an outing....I will be looking for any others who have decided ..Why should a mac just be worn when it rains
I know this is another debatable subject as Susan has commented on....looks like I will adding something to her interesting comment when I return from my mac wearing expedition
I will add a comment on how many mac wearers I see later on
Although it's August, where I am there's been at least 48 hours of constant rain and it's still raining now on the third day. Why is it that the fashion for rainwear these days seems to be some pseudo mountain rescue look. Modern fabrics may well have been researched and developed scientifically over the years to work but also a price tag reflecting that.
The thing about a long plastic mac though is that it is relatively cheap, it keeps you dry if worn over boots and with a plastic rain bonnet it looks fabulous. Even on a good day it can be carried rolled up in a bag in readiness for a shower. Obviously I prefer to be wearing mine. Best of all maybe, is that I can have loads and choose one that best suits my outfit rather than the same old rain coat/jacket that has to be teamed with everything else and worn because it is too bulky!
A pakamac doesn't have to be 'fashionable', despite me thinking they are, but surely it is a staple. I've been out in mine, with the boots and rain bonnet down to my supermarket and the high street on over three seperate occasions in the last two days, 100 percent dry, feeling so good about myself and the way I look.
Does anybody know when nylon macs first came out when I just left school in 1962 I had a part time job serving petrol in a garage one day a Vauxhall Cresta drove in a women jumped out wearing a nylon mac that is the first time I saw a nylon mac.
Yes Peter I read that article the mac is back I also had my hopes up maybe one day macs will make a comeback but I will be in my dotage by then.
Hi Gareth
Yes you are so right
I remember a few years ago a High Street store in their Spring collection included a plastic mac designed for the fashion conscious trendsetters
A friend told me about them and I just had too have a look and there displayed in the shop window was this "model" in a plastic mac...looked really nice but I can"t recall seeing any young ladies actually wearing them so obviously it never appealed to youngsters
I also recall an article in a national tabloid headed "The mac is back"...not so much plastic macs but macs designed for ladies...dead fashionable....but did that article really catch ladies eyes...sadly not
So a negative outlook for us mac enthusiasts but just a good job there are websites still being able too supply us with them
If some female fashion icon or someone always in the press were to start wearing plastic macs maybe half the females in the UK would wear them well live in hope.
Hi Susan
Now I know one shouldn"t mention a lady"s age but I assume you are in the same generation/era as me
ME...remembering the 1950s and 1960s with affection for obvious reasons you remembering those wonderful days
I suppose the 1970s had a positive side for me with wearing macs at my leisure until I got married in 1974
I made a good choice in 1974 when I decided too get married but sadly like many wives,partners my new wife didnot understand/accept my passion for macs so for 25 (long) years I had too "survive" with wearing macs when she was out
25 years as anyone will tell you is a lifelong when you are restricted from doing what you enjoy doing...in my case wearing macs
We split up in 1999...just happened and 12 years on we are good friends....it is a funny old situation!
So in 1999 I thought has the attraction of wearing macs gone...was the appeal gone....so I remember ordering a ladies nylon mac out of a mail order catalogue...I still have it now...and I tried it on
The wonderful feeling ...I just didnot want too take it off,...I knew then seeing I was planning to be on my own with no plans are getting into anymore relations at that time I started looking at other macs on offer in these catalogues and yes there was a lot of offer
Of course in 1999 I had no computer thus relying on catalogues
But joining the computer age in 2003 it opened up a whole new world for me with easy access too buying more macs and more so making new friends and meeting a few
Happy days
I too remember seaside towns Peter, but on the east coast of England, where the shops had loads of plastic and nylon macs on display. They were hanging outside, in the windows, on rails inside. It was absolute heaven. The English Lake District was similar. That was at a time though when most towns had specialist rainwear shops just full of the most beautiful nylon macs and plastic macs.
You're correct I think, we will never see those days again but I will continue to publicly lament the loss.
Hi Susan
Indeed this History World site really does get some interesting contributions all relating to one thing...Rainwear
I was looking at the galleries on the Plastic Unique site and as they say many of the macs being worn in the photos are no longer available and too think in the 1950s and 1960s you could buy these macs anywhere
And the very mention of the 1950s and this is when it all started for me...the attraction to macs.....like many wearing them even indoors is not just natural but a way of life and good too know we can relay our thoughts too others who read our comments
My plans for the afternoon...a bit of tidying in the garden then back indoors ...a bath...then an evening in one of my nylon macs...maybe too bed in it as well
A wonderful end to a satisfying day
When it comes to my colour preference for a plastic mac then I have to say I love them in every colour and I try to have one of each in my collection. I like to be able to team one up with the outfit I'm wearing. I have to agree with Brian (yes Peter, I know you like them too) about black or grey Pakamacs. They are indeed something very special. I bought a grey 'Genuine 1950s' plastic mac from Plastique Unique a while back and I was overjoyed to see how much it resembled a Pakamac. Even the aroma was different to that of more modern plastic macs. It made me feel, and still continues to, extra tingly when I put it on. I also have a thing for, what pvc-u-like describe as, a natural colour plastic mac. These remind me very much of the macs worn by ladies in the 1950s. Yes Brian, a lot of my macs are the 1950s style from pvc-u-like. Yes I do have some plastic macs in blue. I love pink too, and purple, and yellow and so on.
When it comes to a nylon mac, again although I have and love them in every colour, for me it has to be navy blue.
I'm loving the contributions here.
I am going too kill two birds with one stone (as they say) with responses to two comments
Hi Gareth
No fear of my sister reading the comments....she has no computer...lives in the dark ages but if I wasn"t such a gentleman I would say "Best place for her"
Hi Brian
I think I gave you the wrong impression as regards the "boring" black and dark grey plastic macs
I suppose I have too admit I do love bright colours and I suppose this was one of the attraction to ladies macs and still is
As regards the dark colours I have a black PVC mac and a unisex double breasted plastic/pvc mac in dark blue which I do find a joy too wear...also a dark blue ankle length plastic mac so contradicting myself with my admission to "boring" dark colours
Isn"t it strange how many of these comments turn back to our schooldays and recollections...I suppose our introduction to plastic macs with memories that stay with us
Good too see the Plastique Unique have reopened...must take a look at what they have on offer
They must feel there is a market out there with profitable returns
As i said in my previous comment..I live in my own little dreamworld...well several little dreamworlds...one being that a High Street store decides too include Plastic macs in their Spring collection...keep them simple....keep them at an attractive and sensible price and too see a young lady walking out of the store in a Plastic mac
Oh dear...I have just came out of my dreamworld into the world of reality...don"t like it
Dreamworld here I come again!
Lovely remarks, Peter, and very interesting. But I cannot agree that grey and black plastic macs are boring, In fact, I am wearing one now. Some of my most intense waterproof experiences have happened whilst wearing or observing these beautiful macs, and I know John Paul will bear me out on this point. He models these macs really beautifully.
Susan, too, looks fabulous wearing grey-black see-through macs, except that her's are more modern styles, probably from PVC-U-Like or PVC Rainwear, their sister company. I love the way she makes her macs fill with air, and blow up like balloons. She certainly knows how to turn me on, and it will be wonderful when we get round to dating regularly.
At my junior school, when plastic macs for boys made their first appearance, I remember looking at one hung up in the cloakroom, semi-transparent, buttons outwards, the tag in the collar clearly visible, and seeing the word "Pakamac" for the very first time. And that word, which we are celebrating in these posts, has dominated my life ever since. When I started buying and wearing plastic macs regularly, I just kept repeating the word "Pakamac" over and over again.
These basic grey-black see-through plastic Pakamacs were styled for girls too, and this masculine colour made them look sexier than ever, especially when their macs were wet.
I do have a liking for sky blue see-through macs too, reminding me of Elizabeth. But I am hoping that Susan, too, will spring a pleasant surprise on me by strutting her stuff whilst waterproofed in this colour.
Finally, Plastique Unique rainwear have re-opened their retail outlet for a short time, before the owners, Susie and Alan, move to Spain. Their Sandy macs are well worth a try, black, swishy, see-through, slightly oversized and beautifully rumpled(assuming, of course, that they still have some in stock.)
Despite the scarcity of interesting rainwear currently on our streets, the macs are available, and it is down to us to beat the fashion promoters at their own game, and show the general public what plastic macs are all about. Full marks to John Paul and his friends at the recent Elton John gig. Perhaps Susan and myself should have joined you!!
More articles are in the pipeline...many more. Keep on enjoying and loveing your macs, both indoors and out.
Peter if your sister ever reads your comments you will be in hot water.
Brian"s latest comments says it all
We fantasise and hope...sometimes wishing we could turn the clock back to the days when not only plastic macs but all styles of macs were sold in so many stores and no matter what the weather mac wearing was commonplace
Think of a visit to the coast..like many who spent a week or fortnight away from home...no foreign travel in our childhood days...so it was always a holiday on the South Coast and it was common practice too buy presents too take home...so into a gift shop and there in full view...on hangers were plastic macs
And on shelves would be plastic macs packed in polythene bags with the size on it and if designed for a man or lady
Ladies macs in wonderful attractive colours whereas the macs designed for the boys and men were always a boring grey or black
But what a thrill when I was asked..."Did I want another plastic mac" or if my sister was asked...the thought of seeing her in her new plastic mac and knowing I would possibly be wearing it at home if I was on my own
Yes...I do find macs designed for ladies attractive
On a trip to Malta in 2009 I was quite surprised too find plastic macs for sale...dead cheap and not really made too last but at least they were on sale in case of the unexpected showers and yes we got a few of them
Oh for the day when a high street store takes a gamble and takes some plastic macs in stock selling them at a sensible price
Who knows...young ladies might take a liking too them and start buying them...others see a friend in one and she buys one...thus the reintroduction of plastic macs
I know I am living in a dreamworld but let"s face it...how many of us think back from time to time at happy times including seeing ladies of all ages in all types of macs
Yet more interesting comments from Peter and Gareth.
Someone once made the remark that the first exciting macs were rubber, then plastic took over, with these giving place to nylon. Now, according to this person, all we seem to get these days are wet T-shirts!
But do we even get those? Like so many of our regular correspondents, I have never known such a dearth of exciting rainwear in the best Pakamac traditions.
I do, however, have a liking for those bell-shaped glass-clear umbrellas, with borders of varying colours. One can always imagine that, were see-through macs available in the stores, the girls with the umbrellas would be wearing these macs too. One can but fantasise...and hope...
So Anna makes her son wear a mac...maybe he could possibly rebel against her but on the other hand he may appreciate the fact that he feels she cares about him spending money on a sensible mac for him
There is always the chance a child will rebel against parents even if they have had everything they have asked for
Of course schools are too blame for the lack of rainwear being worn to and from school
Think back to the 1950s and into the 1960s...part of the school uniform in many schools was the gaberdine mac but now do we see a child in anything like a regulation school mac...or are there any stores stock a regulation school mac
Even into the 1980s a private school near me made sure the pupils wore a mac...every mac on every pupil was the same
Sadly not now so the children go to school in flimsy jackets and schools are afraid too make it a rule that all children wear the same style of coat
The rule of mac wearing taught us discipline...not only at home where mum would insist we wear our macs to school but at school where...if you arrived without it questions would be asked and at playtime no mac...then you stayed inside
No wonder children are running riot...they please themselves and they are the generations that one day will make decisions as regards the running of the country
Of course there is the possibility of Anna"s son getting bullied at school...it just doesn"t take the wearing of a mac too get bullied at school as many will recall
If you didn"t fit in....I recall anyone with ginger hair...fat people.....those wearing glasses...all prime targets for the school bully
Anna is a caring parent...proud of her son"s appearance irrespective of possible disapproval from fellow pupils at his school...pity more parents don"t follow in Anna"s footsteps and let their children know until they get to a certain age they listen to mum for words of wisdom
I know I am living in my own little dreamworld but must admit the discipline we experienced as children...taught good behaviour...we worked for our pocket money....just letting us know that we respected those around us and I for one must admit it made me into a better person
And yes...the insistance by mum for me too wear my mac ....the end result was my attraction to macs all those years ago and remaining with me nearly sixty years on
Anna I admire the fact you send your son to Church but I think you go to far when you tell him how to wear his mac he is a young man now he may rebel against you and other boys could bully him if they knew his Mother made him wear his mac just let grow into a man and what about your self do you like wearing a nylon mac or are you attracted to men wearing a mac do not worry I sure your son will be fine.
Hi Brian
Glad you found my comments interesting
Most of the memories of many rainwear "enthusiasts" reflect on our childhood days...our first attraction too macs...maybe just one type/style or like me....a lover of all types/styles of macs and this has remained with me for many years thus my collection of all types/styles of macs
A quick insight in how it all started with me....Plastic macs and school(gaberdine) macs...not so much mine but my sisters and this attraction too ladies macs has..like my wide choice of macs has stayed with me for many years
My sister then on leaving school would buy fashionable macs for the "younger set" of that era(late 1950s/early 1960s),being Plastic,PVC even trendy Trenchcoats thus my attraction too these
Incidentally I found nylon macs by visiting our local C & A store long ago...all on hangers..I was hooked and bought one
So what is my attraction and I dare say others reading this...our attraction to macs designed for ladies and as you rightly say...too see a lady in one of those macs on PPVC-u-Like and similar sites
I suppose I have a mac for all occasions
A nylon mac for slightly cooler weather or the likelihood of showers...if not wearing it I carry it with me
A plastic mac for long walks in the countryside or along the seafront
I did with some time ago with a fellow mac enthusiast...we took his dog for a walk...both in plastic macs
A Trenchcoat for the cooler,wetter days of Winter...not only for the comfort and satifaction but it does look smart
As regards my collection of "ladies"macs...odd as it may sound I get a lot of enjoyment/satisfaction wearing these indoors....sometimes thinking of going out in one but they look so feminine and a lot of them would draw the attention of passers by with the colour
Your planned meeting with Susan,,,hope it goes well
I have met a few fellow mac enthusiasts and became "attached" too one such person..sadly the "relationship" ended when "she" got into financial difficulties and was forced too sell up and move...too far for me too visit but life moves on
My advice...from personal experience is if anyone thinks about finding a mackintosh partner go for it...you won"t regret it
Oh for sites like this where we can be open in our memories of our introduction to rainwear...and know those reading any comments will appreciate the "thrill" of wearing a mac or seeing,possibly sharing the company of a fellow mac enthusiast
Peter's comments are really interesting. As I have mentioned before, some of my own most vivid rainwear memories date back to schooldays. Not only is this period of life an extremely formative one, but the fifties and sixties saw the "golden era" of Pakamacs, of which we may never see the like again. Having said this, I really wish some of PVC-U-Like's excellent styles would hit the streets.
One warm showery afternoon in May 1969, I was visiting my old school whilst studying at "uni". Because of the rain, girl's navy nylon schoolmacs swished, rustled, pulsated, shimmered and glistened everywhere. But amidst all of these, one girl was wearing an unbuttoned semi-transparent sky blue plastic mac, and, somehow, her mac was even more exciting(and, knowing my love of girl's nylon macs, that is really saying something!) She made me think of Elizabeth, a girl friend from 1965, who wore a simliar plastic mac. When I saw her wearing this mac, wet from a shower, we "fell in love" straightaway.
When one is a rainwear enthusiast, the rules of love, romance and (especially) sex, change completely. Susan and I are exchanging some beautiful, if rather naughty(!), correspondence, and we are becoming very close, and we are acknowledging that an intimate relationship may be possible.
I may mention that Susan has written a wonderful story about girl's navy nylon schoolmacs, and has posted it in "Lakeland Elements", and IT IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING RAINWEAR FEATURES I HAVE EVER READ!! I JUST CANNOT EMPHASISE THIS ENOUGH. IT IS PURELY AND SIMPLY SOME OF THE FINEST RAINWEAR WRITING EVER. It will be a wonderful inspiration to us when we start meeting, whether we wear nylon macs or plastic macs, and Susan, I am in the process of finalising my latest letter, and I hope to send it this week.
Sometimes I do feel the need to "space out" my enthusiasm-whether it is maturity or "senility", I am not quite certain!-but Susan is wonderfully understanding in this respect, and I hope we can make some real progress. I also hope some more of our regular contributors find understanding and sympathetic partners with whom to share their interest, and a blog site like this provides a perfect opportunity.
In the meantime, LOVE your Pakamacs....Long live Pakamacs...
Hi Anna
As you rightly say the tendacies towards obedience was greater in the good old days
Indeed those three words *Good Old Days" really brings back fond memories too me and I dare say many in my age group
Your mention of your son"s mac being buttoned to the neck and a question is raised here
Were we being disciplined too harshly or being disciplined at all in our schooldays or was it simply commonsense and/
or looked smart that a mac be buttoned to the neck and belted
I went to mixed schools...primary school(5-11) and secondary school(11-15) and it was expected too see all school macs belted and the girls with their macs buttoned to the neck and hoods up
At secondary school it was a bit more "liberated" with mac wearing but girls seemed too wear their school macs but being permitted not too have the hood up unless it rained
No...you are not being too strict and it is a great pity that more parents do not advice their children not only on the wearing of sensible macs but on life in general
Thank you Peter, yes the tendency towards obedience was greater in the good old days, these days, there are so many distractions for children, it becomes harder to maintain good order. But I guess that's another conversation entirely
My son needs far more persuasion than I would like, but its wworth it at the end of the day, if I know he's wearing his mackintosh how I like it - buttoned to the neck, and when he's wearing his gaberdine mac, belted tight
It's good to talk; I do wonder if I'm not too strict, but there's nothing as practical that I'd want him to wear, to be honest
Hi Anna
Although many years ago I can"t recall my mum ever having to be a "persauvive beast" when it came too persuading me too carry a mac or wear it should the need be
I just followed mum"s advice and I think in those days it was commonsense with most people...if it was raining they wore a mac irrespective of age or were always prepared
I suppose even then there were those who hated wearing macs....Gaberdine(school) macs come too mind...part of the school uniform in my schools....many have admitted these coats were even "loved" or "loathed"
With me I loved my school mac...not just for schoolwear but also when out playing in the not so nice weather
The only time mum had to be "persauvive" was getting me too eat my vegetables....mainly cabbage...but that is another story
By the way...mum won the battle of the cabbage eating
Looks like another mac wearing day today....my kind of weather
Peter - Thank you for your nice comments. I quite agree with your sentiments. Children were always required to carry a mac in their bag, and my son is no different. Yes he does object, but we mothers can be quite persuasive beasts, dont you know?
Hi Anna
How reassuring too know there are parents like yourself...although sadly not many...that make sure their children are prepared for the unexpected weather we do experience here regularly in the UK
This does take me back to my childhood days....a long time ago I must admit...Mum always made sure we carried our macs in our school bag in case of the sudden shower and even now when I go out I always carry a lightweight mac with me
Of course in those days...(the 1950s) plastic macs were to be found in so many shops but now it is getting so difficult too find anyone who stocks them on the High Street thus the convenience of the internet
May I ask you...does your son object too wearing a mac or even carrying one with him
So sad that other parents don"t think like you and follow in your footsteps as regards their children be dressed in a sensible mac
Susan - Your comments about the pakamac are spot on, shame they weren't more universally worn, particularly amongst the younger generation
I ensure my son takes his to school , either worn or in his bag ready for the rain
Thanks for that Susan
Although the attraction to rainwear(irrespective what style/material) is nothing new to us males it does make one wonder how we disclosed our thoughts before computers
Did we all think we were the only one attracted to mackintoshes until we got a computer and a whole new world opened up for us
And buying rainwear...my preference is macs designed for ladies(strange as it may sound) but although I used too look at them in stores like C&A(sadly now just a memory) I never bought one...I suppose being younger then...thirty years younger I was a bit self conscious
But now we are spoilt...just sit in the comfort of your armchair and look at what is on offer..see something you fancy and purchase it...no questions asked
I think now...if I had someone with me I would buy a ladies mac even if I had too convince the shop assistant it was for a ladyfriend
But until that happens I will continue too look at websites...ebay...Susie High(another good site for plastic macs)
With so many macs do I need another one?.....it has to be YES!
I agree with you 100 percent Peter. A Pakamac is good for any weather. I too always take a lightweight one with me, where ever I go. I don't have to wait for rain to wear it. They give superb protection from a cool sea breeze or even a strong gale. Even in the sunniest weather it's a comfort just to have one rolled up but in the coldest winter, I'm never cold in mine. Of course I simply put one on because I adore the way they look on me.
You should count yourself lucky, in my experience, to be able to share your enthusiasm with other enthusiasts. I've loved reading your contributions here.
Another interesting comment from Susan
I don"t think it is an aversion just to pakamacs but rainwear in general
Embarrassed to be seen in a mac...Yes!
Frightened in case someone sees them in a mac...Yes!
Are they boring....Yes!
And another topic comes too light here..Why should it rain before anyone wears a mac
A friend of mac...a keen cyclist as well as a mac enthusiast pedalled to his local Chemist and took his nylon mac with him.....On his way to the Chemist it started raining...he went into the Chemist with his mac on and the lady assistant remarked on his mac but said "you can always take it off if it stops raining"
I for one don"t have too wait for the rain before I wear my mac.....even last Saturday I decided on a walk to our local shopping centre...no rain but I wore my brown nylon mac
I wasn"t aware of anyone looking at me and wondering why I had a mac on even if it was dry
I wear my mac for enjoyment and comfort
I recently bought a unisex Plastic/PVC mac and visited a fellow mac enthusiast...we took his dog for a walk and it was a dream too walk along accompanied by a guy in a plastic mac
We saw joggers...other dog walkers but not one remarked on our macs and we both felt it was the ideal outerwear...no one was at all suspicious there was a couple of mac enthusiasts
Sadly the next few days are a bit too warm for mac wearing outdoors but old habits die hard...Irrespective of the weather forecast I carry my lightweight mac with me
I think Peter is entirely correct but I think the aversion to Pakamacs extands to the now older generation too. Maybe they were derided for wearing a plastic mac or just want to fit in with the younger generation. Seeing the adverts for rainwear in the 40s, 50s 60s was possibly something that people of my generation would rebel against. I have experienced that myself, but it didn't put me off. I personally embrace my love of Pakamacs but I think others of my age are either frightened, embarrased or just too boring.
I drove miles and miles today in the rain and didn't see another person in a pakamac. Is there no interest?
Shona how did the cruise go get in touch please old rascal
If all Mothers were like Anna we could put the Great back into Britain.
I can't help but agree with John-Paul. Where have all those Pakamacs that were sold gone? Good for you and your companions to have worn plastic pakamacs in public. Sometimes I feel that I am the only one going out in one albeit more often than not a nylon one, since my plastic macs are quite precious.
Judging by the bids I see for various mac items on ebay, there must still be a healthy demand for them but I think people will actually have put them on in public to generate a revival.
Wear your Pakamac with pride.
Public Pakamac Pleasures!. Last Sunday there was an open air
Concert by Elton John here in Shrewsbury.... and it poured with rain all day... SO... WHAT to wear ? I hear you all ask...
The answer, of course, as one of my "Genuine Plastic Pakamacs"... with two others lent to my Concert going friends.
Now its a long time since I wore a Pakamac "in public".. usually slipped on for relativly isolated country walks .. but on this occasion my confidence was considerably boosted by my two plastic mac wearing companions.
What was absolutly fascinating was the reactions we got... a LOT of curious staring but by the end of the evening ( and it did actually stop raining, we had been asked about our Pakamacs by twelve people!! "Where did you get them" being the most common question, then a few "Oh I used to have one just like that's". It was a fascinating experiance.Three chaps felt the need to touch them... with the jolly line "Oh I havnt seen one of these for years" as the justification!.
So the moral of this tale is WEAR YOUR PLASTIC MACS OUT!! WEAR THEM WITH PRIDE !!..... and the wish would be... WHY doesnt some manufacturer reintroduce these splendid mackintoshes!!. THe experience also raises the age old question .. WHERE have ALL the THOUSANDS of PLASTIC PAKAMACS that were made GONE??
Anna its good to hear you and your son wearing your macs to Church I just got back from the USA macs are thin on the ground there you sound a wonderful lady keep up the good work.
Well the weather in the Uk has been absolutely awful today, wet and windy, but mild. But perfect pakamac wearing weather, although my son probably didnt agree. He wore his to church and back, and was bone dry at the end of the walk both ways. Not something you could say if he'd been wearing an anorak or cagoule, I daresay
your on Brian, next time I leave sunny Australia for Old Blightey, I will come to Wiggan.
If you love the place enough to run this site, then it will be worth a look.
Thanks for your comment Norman. Glad we clarified things by email. If you visit Wigan I'll buy you a pint.
I would just like to thank the administrator of HistoryWorld for clearing up a matter regarding this site.
I will no longer be posting here for various reasons,one being that this is a very public forum and this should be kept in mind when leaving Email adresses and so on.
Brian you are all right by me and all is forgiven. keep up the good work with HistoryWorld.
Message for Norman: I couldn't add your message for various reasons including swearing. Feel free to email me to clarify your post, email@example.com, thanks.
I think the rainydays Macs were about 12 Pounds (Sorry no pounds symbol on my keyboard). They come in grey and blue only. I was just supprised that you could get a Mac like that straight out of the packet still. Most of my stuff has been used because of the total unervalability of new Macs in Australia. And even Vintage Macs are getting harder to find.
No chance of buying a Mac on the High Street here.
Are there any shop on the high street that sells nylon macs or have you got to buy online .
Just in case anyone is interested, there's a large 100% nylon mac on e-bay starting at 99p!
Just incase anybody is interested I discovered a shop on EBay called tshirts4fans.I found them under the listings for kalgool.
I purchased two long raincoats (Knee Length) from them in the Pakamac style.
The add said they were Polyester, but too my surprise when I got them they were Nylon.
The manufacturer is Rainydays and I got a blue one and a Grey one.
So have a look and tell me what you think. Like I said, they were a lot better than I thought they would be and isn't it nice pulling a traditional nylon mac straight out of the packaging for the first time.
I have no idea how waterproof they are, but they look and feel grrrrrrrrrreat. (O:
thank you Anna sounds like very good advice.
hello gareth - A good dose of sensible traditional discipline usually helps
On reading Brian"s comments as regards nylon macs...I have been a nylon mac enthusiast for many years and know the thrill one can achieve wearing one but how many times do we see anyone else in a nylon mac?
On Sunday with nothing planned I thought a walk into town just to browse...no plans too buy
No rain but quite a cooling wind so I thought the ideal opportunity too wear my nylon mac
In front of me was a lady in a.....red nylon mac...a lady in her early 60"s and indeed it was a joy too see someone else in a nylon mac
Too many mac enthusiasts and there are a lot out there nylon macs are the bottom of the popularity list but for me the rustle....the feel of it..just the thought of wearing it whatever the weather is a must for me
Some more wonderful news. I have ordered two more male navy nylon macs, fully styled, which will be ideal for outdoor macking this summer. The retailer describes them as "very rustly when worn", so you can imagine my excitement. I hope they will inspire me to write many more contributions to this wonderful website. Thanks to Susan's persuasive enthusiasm, I am loving male nylon macs as much as I do male plastic Pakamacs. Indeed, I am wearing one of my beloved Stay Dry mackintoshes as I write this, all lightweight, swishy and rustly.
Susan, I am in the process of writing another e mail which I hope to despatch within the next few days. It would be really lovely to go mackintosh-shopping together at Weathervain, sometime, but do I wear a plastic mac or a nylon mac when we meet? Something for you to think about before I contact you again!
Thank heavens for this wonderful website and the ability to share so many waterproof thoughts, emotions and experiences. There are some really fantastic people here, all united by the basic Pakamac idea. I never thought those sessions in the boy's school cloakroom, trying on as many boy's plastic macs as possible, would lead to anything as lovely and lasting as this......
Anna you must be a great Mother how do you get him to wear it if he dislikes so much email me and tell me how please Gareth.
Anna nice to hear that he is a lucky boy.
Gareth - Yes we do, invaluable at this time of the year when a sudden downpour can suddenly appear. He doesnt like wearing it at all but its a very practical coat, and keeps him dry when needed
I have just discovered this site by sheer accident and reading many of the comments it really brings back wonderful memories of days gone by when everyone...from adults to little ones wore macs
I have been a mac enthusiast for many years...my preference like many is macs designed for ladies
Nylon macs for me are the tops although I suppose I am an all rounder when it comes to macs loving all kinds
Do any others ever wear them indoors..I am lucky...on my own since 1999 after 25 years of marriage I wear them all day every day unless I have to go out then as soon as I get home off with my gent"s mac and on with my ladies ones
Anna are you and your son still wearing your macs.
In reply to Susan and anyone else trying to find my Yahoo groups, have a go at pasting the addresses below into your browser.
Hey Collin
Tried to find your site on Yahoo Groups but came up with nothing.....Any suggestions ???
Pouring with rain today so I wore my PVC Pakamac in to shore and then around for the day.Not a drop of rain on my clothes. This raincoat is brillian.
Having said that I do prefer the look and feel of the nylon version better, but I like to stay as dry as possible when I can. PAKAMAC=Brilliant (O:
Since no one else appears to have started a Pakamac group I've started a Yahoo group called Rainwear-bound and although it's going to be more extensive than just Pakamacs and rainwear perhaps it'll provide a launch point for the rainwear afficianados on this website.
Lost track of this forum for a while and discovered it again! OMG somebody else has a nad-tex clear raincoat. I managed to get one of these on ebay and wish I had more of them. Sexy they are! Smooth crackling material that begs to be worn. I've recently also discovered one and two piece transparent suits that are designed as wet suits for kart racing. They work for all purposes indoors or out. I've used them on motorcycle as they show off whatever sports gear you have on underneath. My first attraction was a Sears "esti-glass" packamac type raincoat back in the fifties that I wore to school on rainy days. Later came the frosty clear cheerleader style rain jackets that were worn for EVERYTHING..biking, hiking, skiing, sports events, you name it. Now..how can we get that tradition started once again?
I see men's styles (not my interest) had their own names too. There's been a navy nylon mac on ebay in the style named Ainsdale.
I have been watched the contributions to this site over the past few weeks and it's good to see there is other likewised nylon mac people. Keep it up. In addition has anyone looked at the Rainmac site as they have updated their nylon mac range with a shorty version and when I phoned to ascertain if this could be purchased in a men style I was advised that it was something which they were considering.
Again, an urgent message to Susan-could you please re-submit your latest e-mail, as it "disappeared" as soon as I tried to open it! Many thanks in anticipation!
And-for all of our Pakamac enthusiasts-isn't it wonderful that the weather is improving and temperatures are rising! Soon our Pakamacs will be adorning the streets again! My next detailed contribution will probably be concerned with two more variations on our favourite theme. In the meantime, keep wearing them and loving them...
Rainstar macs were indeed lovely, as Gareth and Susan(my terrific contact!)have implied. I remember seeing a girl wearing a light orange-beige nylon one in 1992, and I just had to have one. It certainly lived up to expectations. And, yes, they made lovely plastic macs too, some of the lady's macs being see-through. Their male plastic macs were shiny grey, but unlike Pakamacs, were not see-through, However, they were very practical and exciting to wear, and do turn up occasionally on e-bay. I have one, from this source, beautifully "worn in" from many downpours, with the seller descrbing at as "lovely for splashing around in the rain"-a beautifully exciting selling point!
Another lovely brand of plastic and nylon macs was "Nad-Tex", which again occasionally turn up on e-bay. Their semi-trans plastic macs are always described as "sexy" and INDEED THEY ARE!! The macs are somewhat stiffer, and less supple than many others, and more stubborn to roll up, but they more than compensate for this by being so "noisy" and crackly to wear. These plastic macs are lovely to wear, fairly breathable and comfortable and, of course, fully waterproof, and generously hooded-ideal for enjoying the downpours, and for indoor pleasure and recreation too.
So, STAY-DRY and NAD-TEX, two more variations on the inexhaustible PAKAMAC theme, so beloved of Susan and myself. We have both been sharing really intimate thoughts and emotions about plastic macs, through personal e-mails, and we hope to take all of this much further. So, Susan, if you are reading this, I am assembling another message, which I hope to finalise and send in the next day or two. I could write about plastic macs for ever....
Pamela have you survied the harsh winter in your plastic mac hope you are well.
I can't understand why the Rainstar nylon mac disappeared. They were sold, in my experience, in some fairly large stores, like John Lewis for example. They certainly seemed to sell quickly in the 1990s. One of my favourite shops sold them but 'overnight' they disappeared, to be replaced with the YB Wet label. The nylon macs were exactly the same, the packaging was the same (except for the logo). In both cases the pakaging was very similar to the Pakamac packaging, that I recall from the 70s/80s.
What happened to the Rain Star nylon macs why did they stop and do any ladies still wear them.
I hope you received my message Brian, last night. I'm afraid it was quite garbled, as I wrote it rather quickly and on rereading it this morning it didn't make much sense to me.
I hope we can exchange more messages regarding our love of foldaway raincoats and Pakamacs.
Another lovely contribution from Susan-you are really stealing the show! Like you, I remember when see-through rainwear-both jackets and macs--hit the streets in the mid-late seventies. Like you, I tried the jackets first, but then found the full-length macs more appealing. The first time I saw a girl wearing an emerald-green full length mac, casually, I nearly went out of my mind with excitement, and I could not wait to buy some of these items for myself. And inside the collar, beneath the hood, was a tag bearing our favourite word-"PAKAMAC"-that absolue guarantee that these were simply the finest and most beautiful garments of their kind. C & A and Debenham's, however, did run them very close, and, in particular, I have a beautiful semi-transparent, emerald-green, draw-string C & A mac that gives me great pleasure when I wear it indoors.
Do try and overcome your apprehension of used items, especially when some of these are so interesting and unusual. Don't deny yourself these added pleasures, especially when their condition is frequently very good. One of my most beautiful plastic mackintoshes was acquired second-hand, grey with a slight hint of blue, and very slightly see-through. It rolls up beautifully to Pakamac size. This is a plastic mackintosh that I do want to wear out of doors, in the rain.
At this moment, I am wearing one of my plastic cagoules again, grey-black semi trans(the original Pakamac colour), all zipped up, and I feel as good as I look!! Although I was going to order more this evening, I may change to plastic over-trousers to wear with them, and be completely waterproofed. I will let you know the outcome. For now, the very best waterproof wishes to you and everyone.
Susan, I feel you may have sent me a personal e-mail, but my e-mail facility is doing STRANGE THINGS, and it appears to have disappeared without my seeing it!! If this is the case, please, PLEASE keep sending it until I receive it and answer it, as its contents may be very important to both of us. Thank heaven for this website!!
At this moment, Susan, I am wearing one of those lovely PVC-U-LIKE see-through plastic cagoules, in grey-black, all zipped up, and it feels ABSOLUTELY LOVELY, just like a short zip-up plastic mac. I may be ordering more of these plastic cagoules this evening.
So, Susan, please let's hear from you. In the meantime, best wishes to the rest of you. Wear and enjoy your Pakamacs....
I couldn't agree more with what you say about waterproof words, they are lovely to both say and write, repeatedly.
Yes, "Pakamac" did indeed mean quality so sadly missed. At least some delightful items appear on ebay. Sadly, for me that is, I'm only tempted when the item is sold as 'unworn'. I can just imagine though, what a delight that cape must be to wear.
No I haven't tried the zip-up plastic cagoules. I remember a style of plastic cagoule was everywhere in the late 1970s, I didn't have any probably because there was also a resurgance with plastic macs, even buttoning ones which were my absolute priority. I have always adored the lightweight foldaway mac, the style that Pakamac embodied, and been drawn to them for as long as I had the power of concious thought.
A search in youtube for pakamac also works, as it does in google videos or bing videos.
Susan, it is lovely to hear from you again. Like you, I was completely unaware that Pakamac manufactured nylon capes as well as nylon mackintoshes, but, with the name "Pakamac" goes quality. Their grey-black, semi-transparent, lightweight, swishy plastic mackintoshes(aren't long, waterproof words lovely!) were simply the best EVER, and, although the field has been somewhat more competitive in nylon mackintoshes, I am sure you can bid for that cape with the utmost confidence. GO FOR IT!! and then tell us all what it is like to wear.
I have been extremely lucky with my bids on e-bay recently, and amongst other items, I am awaiting another glistening, crisp, navy nylon mackintosh from Susie High. I am really looking forward to wearing it.
Also, Susan, you mentioned having purchased items from PVC-U-Like, in particular those lovely macs, in the style of the 1950s, and which are so reminiscent of genuine Pakamacs. I couldn't agree more. I have one of these in natural semi-trans, but, later in the year perhaps, I hope to be acquiring the semi-trans black and the semi-trans baby blue too-just right for my more feminine moods! In fact, on You Tube(plastic macs), the semi-trans black is beautifully modelled by an attractive young lady(possibly a cross-dresser? Does it matter?!). It is a breezy day, and the wind fills her mac and blows it up beautifully. She models nylon macs too in the same manner-similar to the Asian girl I have mentioned previously.
And have you tried their zip-up plastic waterproof cagoules too? I am wearing one at this very moment, natural semi-trans, and the feeling is incredible-garments like these take your mind off the rain completely. The plastic is beautifully soft and almost rubbery, and the length is very generous, almost as long as a short mackintosh. They are hooded too, and they will please Peter in this respect!
Where Isobel and Ansley are concerned, Gareth, I could write a book filled with fantasies about them wearing plastic, nylon and rubber mackintoshes. There are no two people I would more like to see all macked up. But I won't say too much at this moment-other duties call! More will be revealed, little by little, in the fullness of time. In the meantime,I am so taken up with these plastic cagoules......
I was surprised to see that somebody has a 1960s Pakamac nylon cape for sale currently, on ebay. I seem to recall some queries last year and I for one didn't know that they produced capes. It's a pity the seller doesn't say what ladies name they were sold under, if they were at all, like the macs were.
Once again great comments from Brian I drove through Birmingham last year Brian and nerver saw one plastic mac call me a nosey old devil but please tell us more about Isobel and Ansley.
I hate wearing gray plastic raincoats for men, they are not equipped with hood.
Now I have bought several seethru raincoats for ladies in various colors like seethru green, blue and colorless crystal clear with hood. I am enjoying them really very much
and I don't look sissy at all!
There are some wonderful, wonderful, WONDERFUL people who are posting comments on this site. Thank you, Susan and Norman, for your contributions today. Whether you are male, female, or cross-dresser, what the blazes does it matter? With our love of rainwear, centering on the original Pakamac prototype, we have something that many others haven't, as I ONCE wrote in a letter to Julie at PVC-U LIKE. Could it be that our opposite numbers are jealous?
Returning to your comments, Susan, I have bought some of the "fifties" macs from Plastique Unique too, and they are breathtaking. I was lucky enough to secure three of the male ones, grey and beautifully see-through, rolling up to Pakamac size. It is these, more than any other macs, that I want to wear with John-Paul, when walking in green suburban Birmingham, in gentle showers and sunny intervals. I have mentioned Isobel, who lives with her close friend, Ansley. If only we could form a mackintosh-loving foursome! Time alone will tell.
Good for you Susan.....I think this is a good forum for people that are into mac's and if you are trans gender or not should be irrelavent. We all need to be who we want to be in this life, without fear or care of what others may think. There problem not ours.
If we had a web site that we could put some pictures up on I think that would be fun. Ning does free sites for people if they want to set one up.
As long as there is no porn you can post pictures and add forums to your hearts content.
I wouldn't have any problem with posting a few pictures, it could be fun (O:
I didn't buy the 'Sandy' style from Plastique Unique, in my many purchases from there, but did buy some of their genuine 1950s plastic macs. They were exactly as Susie described them on the site and so like what I remembered plastic Pakamacs were like. They had to be from the 50s, so different from the more modern ones. Having said that, I love the 1950s style ones that pvc-u-like sell. Not a million miles away from Pakamacs.
I hope you get back in touch with your friend Brian. I think more of us should be showing ourselves to the world. Our love for pakamacs is no different from the love expressed by people with a love for other things, we are just in the minority. I'm sure that we will always be the butt of derision but we have to stand up to intolerance just like other minorities. I'm sure that our 'community' has the same spectrum, good or bad, of people in any other 'community', but I for one am not skulking around in the shadows.
Before anyone asks, my name does not reflect my birth gender, just the way I live openly now.
It is great to hear from you again, Gareth, and thank you for your encouraging remarks. It is a pity that, by and large, women do not share our love of plastic macs. I would love to have macked Isobel up in a see-through mackintosh, but there we are. But on the other hand, I am looking forward to meeting John-Paul properly, and really sharing our love of plastic macs as never before. As I have said before, John-Paul has some really fabulous semi-transparent plastic mackintoshes in the best Pakamac traditions, and it will be a pleasure to wear them with him. In particular, one of his images contains several of his plastic macs, all beautifully rolled up, just waiting to be worn and enjoyed.
I have been corresponding with John-Paul, sharing some of my Pakamac experiences, and I fear I may have been a little too explicit in my descriptions. So if you are reading this, John, please accept my apologies, and do contact me again to reassure me that things are OK. John's see-through macs are simply out of this world, and it is all too easy to get carried away when writing.
Coming back to your remarks, Gareth, yes, I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE plastic macs-indeed, I cannot tell you how much I love plastic macs-in fact I am wearing one at this very moment. Is it enthusiasm, fetishism, or downright perversion? Whatever it is, I am just past caring as I love plastic macs so much. And nylon macs. And rubber ones too, although they are SO damned expensive.
I love plastic macs and there will be many more comments to come. I hope all the rest of you are enjoying your macs too....
Brian It is a great pity all the women in the UK do not share your love of wearing plastic macs if you ask a lady to wear lacy underwear or high heels you are Jack the lad ask her to wear a plastic mac at best you will be Kinky at worst a pervert not very fair is it.
"Plastique Unique" retailed some beautiful black see-through plastic macs, in the best "Pakamac" tradition. They were maanufactured by "Go", and were given the name "Sandy" by Susie and Alan Boult, the proprietors. Although they fastened on the male side, they were suitable for ladies too. Unlike original Pakamacs, which were smooth and sleek, these macs were deliciously rumpled and somewhat oversized, making for a good air circulation inside the macs, and making them very breathable. They roll up beautifully to that irresistible Pakamac size. One lovely feature about these macs was the low-down pockets, which made it easy for the wearer to "hug" the mac around the body. They are beautifully rustly and noisy too. Someone contacted me personally by e-mail(who reads this blog regularly, but is not an active contributor, who has worn them and compares them unfavourably to Pakamacs, but I disagree. They are lovely macs to wear,especially for long walks in showery weather and are yet another variation on the Pakamac theme.
If anyone has worn one of these macs, I would be very interested to know what they thought of them. In the meantime, LOVE your Pakamacs, and savour to the full that ecstatic Pakamac experience...
Well done John you have frightend Kim away.
Kim, I'd love to hear more about your nylon mac for UK holidays....how old where you, did you like wearing it etc etc. I was loved wearing a nylon mac when I was younger but was always torn between the pleasure of wearing it and what others thought.....shame looking back !!!
Pamela be my valentine.
I think I've worked that one out thanks! Pity!
Kim just because someone gives a girls name it does not always follow they are female.
I found this site, quite by accident.
I was a little surprised, to note that a 'mother' was being "questioned" about her decision on the choice of clothing for her son, accepted,not the usual attire that we see in our communities in the so called modern world, but then, isn't it the case that "anything goes today"?
I too, have a son, be he younger than Anna's and although I have not ever put my son in a nylon mac, I can agree that allowing our kids to "do or wear, as they please" also has ramifications.
I do feel therefore, it is Anna's choice and only time will tell, if her decision was right, or otherwise.
Personally, I was too young when nylon pakamacs were first worn by everyone (mid 60's) and my school didnt have the strict dress code of the once girls high school. However, when in my late teens (unusually)I was brought a nylon navy blue mac for the many UK holidays our family enjoyed thought the 80's.
There doesnt seem to be many girls contributing to this blog!
Shona, Pat? Susan?
Anna, at least, as you say, you do at least wear a mac yourself and as such, not asking anyone do do something your not prepared to do yourself.
Anna, I am with you all the way. You have captured the hearts of so many of us by your gentle, but firm, insistence on your son wearing nylon macs. We all hope that he comes to appreciate and love them as we do. Although I regard myself primarily as a plastic mac enthusiast(grey-black, semi-trans, lightweight, rustly), thanks to your inspiration I have been wearing my Stay-Dry navy nylon mackintoshes more and more, both for outdoor convenience and for indoor pleasure and excitement. Stay-Dry also retail black nylon mackintoshes and they are lovely too.
Some time ago, I saw a lovely Asian girl in a navy nylon mac. She was quite tall, wore glasses, and these seemed to enhance the appeal of her mackintosh beautifully. It was raining at the time, and I briefly glimpsed the logo-either Peter Storm or Milletts. The next time I saw her, wearing her mac, the sun was shining and it was breezy. The wind filled her mac and blew it up beautifully. It pulsated in ever-changing patterns and folds, and she looked like a shimmering navy blue jewel as she walked down the road.
Naturally, I wanted one of these macs for myself, but when I investigated these at the normal retail outlets, I simultaneously discovered the Sty-Dry Rainwear website and it was a revelation. From a point of view of both price and convenience, their nylon and plastic macs are true successors to Pakamacs, and I hope as many contributors to this site as possible will give them a try. Their navy nylon macs are BEAUTIFUL BEYOND ALL BELIEF. Light, rustly, breathable-lovely, comfortable and relaxing to wear-rolling up to that lovely, sexy, Pakamac size. All the excitement of plastic macs but without the disadvantage of overheating(always a problem with impermeable vinyl).
I have over 20 of these lovely macs already, and I know I will be buying more-it is so lovely to have so many of them. And, before anyone asks, no, I do not have shares in Stay-Dry. I love nylon and plastic macs so much that I want friends and adherents of this site to enjoy this excitement with me-THE PAKAMAC EXPERIENCE. So thank you again, Anna, with implicit thanks to the unknown Asian girl, for your inspiration.
In the meantime, LOVE YOUR PAKAMACS...REALLY LOVE THEM..
Anna you said in your comments before you had no time for your sons protestations that what is the problem he does not want to wear it leave him alone and make me wear mine I have not got a stock Fetish but then why are we all so keen on pac a macs
Anna I think in some ways you are correct.
The big thing here is that he is your Son, so if you think it is sensible for him to wear a Pakamac, or a trench coat, or even a garbage bag to keep the rain off, I think that is entirely up to you. Your his Mother and you raise him the way you see fit.
This is not child abuse guy's, Anna is just doing what she thinks is correct....If it was up to me, I wouldn't care what my Kid wore, but I respect Annas right to raise her child anyway she likes.
I wore socks every day to school, but I don't have a sock fetish. So why would her boy have a raincoat fetish ??? Doesn't make sense that because he has to wear a Pakamac then that is the road to disaster. Maybe Anna is correct and it will put some sensible values into him that will help him as he get's older.
And on the flip side, if he feels embarised by being forced to do things he doesn't like, then he will be 18 in no time and able to do what the hell he want's anyway.
Hang in there Anna.
Tom - I'm afraid I don't agree at all. Children are conditioned to be allowed to wear what they want, and it's pure nonsense. Whyever shouldnt my son wear a pakamac? And yes, I wear one too, so I'm not asking him to wear anything I'd refuse to wear myself
Well John if you were wearing a Nylon Raincoat in a suit or walking your dog I am sure you would get a smile from me as well (O:
Something else to be considered in that as I often wear a Rainmac navy blue nylon mac either over casual clothes when walking the dog or over a suit for work, I regularily get a smile from passing women which I can't put my finger on why but I would it's probably be on a frequency of every other time I wear it .....any thoughts. Is it just because then think I'm being sensible, not worried about what I wear or like macs ?
Anna do you wear macs yourself you seem obsessed with your son wearing a nylon mac give him a break or he could get a fetish for them Gareth was right not something you would wish on anyone.
Thank you John, you speak a great deal of sense. Its a shame more mothers didnt bring back the pakamac, it would save lots of anguish while trying to compete with the Joneses. My son looks very smart in his, and with it being below knee length affords him protection from inclement weather
I wear a full length nylon raincoat when the weather is bad.
I live on a yacht and have to get to shore in some pretty wild weather....Nobody and I mean Nobody would ever think it was sissy looking to wear a mac. Infact one of the guys who works for me has asked if I can get him one.
They can be very smart and go well with anything I need to wear (Including a suit and tie).
I really couldn't give a damn if people didn't like me wearing a raincoat or not. I guess it all comes down to the fact I think they are practical, smart and not to mention a little on the sexy side.
So not much point talking to me about mac's being nerdy or making a person look like a Jessy....I think they look great and I always have.
I agree, there is no harm in wearing a traditional nylon mac> I may have objected a bit when I was younger but looking back it never did me any harm. The other thing about a nylon mac as opposed to plastic, it can be worn as an every day coat as it looks smart which is something sadly lost with most of the children of today
For me its the most practical coat a child can wear to keep them dry. Nothing wrong with traditional clothing, in my opinion
Anna why do you want your son dressed in a nylon mac it has been more of a curse than a blessing for me there has been inmense pleasure but most has been frustrasion and made to feel foolish not what I would wish on anyone.
LOL I bet they would Gareth (O:
Norman It is what other people think George Clooney or Brad Pitt would not be so popular with women If the were wearing Pac a Macs.
Thank you Anna I will think about posting some stories.
Now Gareth if you think wearing a plastic or nylon mac makes you look like a Jessie that is a shame.......It isn't hard to wear a Mac and still keep your street cred.
People who see men wearing plastic macs think they are a bit of a Jesse as much as I love mine I only wear it away from friends or family John Wayne did not wear a plastic mac I love to see women wearing them but sadly that is very rare these days are there any pac a mac lovers in the WI Pamela?.
Norman, my son got his first nylon pakamac when he was 6 and still wears one today at 16, a shame more mothers didnt do the same if you ask me. Would love to hear more about your recollections.
Not really sure anybody on this site apart from you would be interested in what I have to say really.
Your the first response back to anything I have written.
The one thing I will say is that apart from the rainwear cafe I haven't seen much on line that connects with our passion for rainwear. Mostly it is Women that seem to be into Pakamacs and the like in a big way. Not so much the guys.....I can remember my first experience with a Raincoat (Pakamac I would say) from before I went to school. I must have been around 4 Years old....The whole thing built up from there.
The thing is now I realize their are more people out there with the same thoughts and desires as myself, so that is a good thing not to feel I am the only one.
Well Norman , it would be really nice to hear some of them - I'm sure that those memories will resonate with lots of us Pakamac wearers. And I so agree with you - its GREAT to be in touch - and communicate, with like-minded people. So get typing Norman and lets all enjoy those memories!.
It is nice to be in communication with like minded people and reading your post bought me back to my own childhood experiences in the 60's and 70's.
Well Norman.... I've been called many things in my life time... but Pakamac Hero has got to be the BEST!!. Thank you
I know John-Paul very well and it is a wonderful pleasure and privilege to have him as a contributor to this site. John-Paul is a Pakamac expert, authority and connoisseur, and what he doesn't know about Pakamacs either does not exist or isn't worth knowing.
I had the good fortune to buy an original male grey semi-transparent plastic Pakamac from John-Paul some time ago, and what a beautiful plastic mac it is. Things developed from there. I have some wonderful images of John-Paul wearing some of his beautiful plastic mackintoshes, and they are thrilling beyond all description. Like Pamela and Susie, we are planning to meet regularly to enjoy our plastic macs together, and we can hardly wait for the spring and summer and the lovely showery Pakamac weather-and we will be keeping our plastic macs on in between the showers!
I know John-Paul will become a regular contributor to this site, and will provide some interesting waterproof anecdotes. Perhaps we will acquire the original Pakamac patent and persuade a manufacturer to start fashioning them again. Food for thought!!
In the meantime, LOVE YOUR PAKAMACS-REALLY LOVE THEM!!!
Very interested to hear your comments John-Paul. I can relate to some of the stories you told about growing up in England....Your my new pakamac hero (O:
It seems a chunk of my comments got left off at the begining. I wrote that it was interesting the way that "Pakamac" became/has become a generic term for a great variety of rainwear - rather like "hoover" has.
Arriving in the U.K. in the early 60's I was struck by 1. how cold it was. and 2 How wet it was... closely followed by how near obsessed the English were to "wrap up/stay dry".
My two brothers and I were soon put under the Iron Fist of Mrs Hillier as our "Nanny" and it was she who decided that her shiverring brood should be immidiatly clad in Plastic.
My eldest brother was awarded the pleasure of a "Genuine Pakamac" whilst we two younger siblings got - as I subsequently wrote, "Made in Britian" macs. It was fascinating the way it was almost considered dangerous for us boys to venture out without our "Pakamacs" by Mrs Hillier. Thus I have memories of Sunday trips to the Science Museum armed with the enevitable rolled up plastic mac, the horror of a greasproof wrapped egg sandwiches ( "No point waisting money on stuff you dont know where its been made" and an orange.
One very memorable trip I remember very well was a car journey down to the Isle of White where a collegue of my father had rented a boat.We all set off in the car and once on the Ferry the need for us all to put on our Plastic macs became evident as it chucked it down... thus we arrived, Father, Mother, David, Paul and I all in our gleaming macs to be greeted by the welcome "Hey, Here are the Pakamacs of Putney" - much to all our mutual amusement. But we had become, indeed a Pakamac familly... a fact I deeply loved!.
Of course the differences between a "Genuine Pakamac" and other makes may have seen of little consequence to the un-initiated... but to the devotee, which I had become, they were grave and of considerable consequence. The black plastic macs Mrs Hillier bought us were "Made in Britian" brand and perfectly made, smooth black plastic, welded seams, patch pockets - but the "social" differences were immense. It may seem bizarre now to suggest that "Pakamacs" were "middle class" whereas our "Made in Britian" macs were decidedly "Working Class".The Woolworths macs were readily available at every Woolworths throughout the land... and the rails of gleaming macs became a real point of focus. In the Putney Woolwoths they were displayed to the right of the main door .... later moved to centre right back - you see, it was with that kind of obsessive interest they had become. In the Richmond Woolworths, centre right display..... it bacame a point of honour almost to locate the rails in any given Woolworths!.Even when going on trips around the U.K. I soon spotted the stall at the back on the right of Chester Indoor Market, in Blackpool two newsagents that held huge stocks of macs, in Nottingham the Ex-Army stores that had macs hanging on the walls.... it was, I realised becoming a true obsession. Meanwhile "Genuine Pakamacs", all tightly folded up in their plastic bags hung on a display in Dunns - and you couldnt really drift into Dunns ( as a 12 yr.old to "just look at the Pakamacs"). Of course who owned what and wore what was of great interest to me. Mr Scott our next door neighbour had a magnificent "Genuine Plastic Pakamac" a wonderful long black gleaming mac, deep collar, those distinctive "pear" shaped pockets delineated by the welded line.My eldest brothers "Pakamac" was slightly greyer and seemed less thick than Mr Scotts glorious mac.Paul and I had our Woolworths "Made in Britian" macs which somehow - and quite inexplicably seemed "embarrasing" and when the instruction when ever going out became "You boys take your Pakamacs - you never know" it was with with a strange mixture of guilt and mild shame that we stuffed our macs into our blazer pockets.Nevertheless, such is the Power of Plastic Raincoats ( to those who fall under their spell) that I only joined the Scouts because I read my friends list of Articles required for Camp... and spotted "pakamac or similar....
I started going to Fulham Football games ( only on wet Saturdays) because I knew I would be standing with a huge group of black plastic clad men.
I deliberatly made friends with Derek Holt because both he and his father seemed to have a very impressive array of plastic rainwear and I was determined to pull on Dereks black plastic over-trousers to complete my plastic get-up. ( I did).
At School ( a very large and new Comprehensive in Putney) the range of raincoats worn by us boys was of great interest.Was it really my imagination that the more academic boys wore "Pakamacs" whilst us dunder-heads had Woolworths/ British Home Stores/ Littlewoods "own-brand" plastic macs rolled up in our satchels ?.How very bizarre that I became so obsessed and so aware of stylistic differences.... I could spot a "Pakamac" instantly, I could(almost) even tell you its approx. year of manufacture - the grades of plastic changed...
The whole image of "Pakamac" was certainly geared towards the mature urban male - the adverts showing a flat capped chap wondering at the "strength of those seams" as his Mrs hopped over a gate. And thinking of those adverts, do any of you remember the little cartoon man that always appeared at the bottom of the ads - Pakamac Pete, his hand firmly stuffed into his mac pocket. I seem to recall you could send for brochures of the "New Ranges and Styles" - did any of you - and do any of you still have one?. The decline in the popularity of Plastic Macs seems partly to do with the lack of breathability.... you could get mighty hot and sweaty wearing your mac, but also by association. There developed an image of "a dirty old man" - the flasher, the fumbler... and "he" always wore a plastic mac. As a youth we were told there were "rude men" lurking on Wimbledon Common - and you'd know them because they always wore plastic macs. Parrot-Face Davies a"commedian" always wore one and he was essentially a fool - a man to be laughed at, thus, plastic mac = laughable idiot. Dudley Moore always wore a plastic mac for his Pete & Dud sketches and again the association was plastic mac = simple, to be laughed at.There is of course a Pete & Dud sketch which starts with Dud pulling on a line of plastic macs, pegged out to dry, he then proceeds to iron a plastic mac....
Plastic macs had become "jokes"/ something laughable, something to be mocked.
When strangeness or oddity needed to be shown a black plastic mac indicated that the wearer was a bit odd - Sting in "Brimstone & Treacle", Huwel Bennet in "Twisted Nerve" who puts on his plastic mac to murder his father!!.A film with a young Anthony Scherr playing a highly eccentric mathmatical genuis indicates his eccentricity by donning him a plastic mac.Early episodes of "Z Cars had "Fancy Smith (a young Brian Blessed) always shown off duty wearing a plastic mac - indicating his "simple" working class/lack of sophistication...
Its a fascinating History. ( well it is to me!!)hopefully I may have sparked off some interest and comments?
What a very exciting prospect a PAKAMAC SOCIETY is !. Somewhere a group of like minded lovers of all things Pakamac could share experiences, anecdotes, perhaps pictures. We could even form a nation wide hunt foir all those Pakamacs that must still be SOMEWHERE !!. If you think of the hundreds of thousands that were manufactured in the late 50's till early 70's there just HAS to be poor neglected, forgotten about Pakamacs that need liberating and loved!!. What can we do to actuslly achieve the noble aim of a Pakamac Society ? How do we go about it ?
Thank you very much Pamela.
I'd just like to thank everyone for the lovely comments and to wish you all (including the 'approver' of the messages) the best seasonal greetings. What a year it's been since I discovered this Pakamac page. For it to end with such an incredible arctic blast. The temperature of which shouts loud for me to wear a nylon Rainstar pakamac over a winter coat. I'm not yet an old lady but the look is so evocative of grannies in 1960s and 70s.
I hope everyone is wearing their Pakamacs.
Merry Christmas to you all who have posted, hope you have a great time over the holidays
I echo Gareth's wishes to all our waterproof enthusiasts for a Happy Christmas-and a hopefully showery New Year! Many apologies for not contributing to the site for some time, but I have been very busy. Many thanks for the several individual e-mails, including your's, Gareth. I will try and get round to dealing with them. Particularly warm wishes to our female Pakamac enthusiasts, especially Shona, possibly my favourite contributor of all.
Very best wishes to all,
Merry Chritmas Pamela and all other Pac a Mac fans.
Kareliz, good to catch up again.
Of course I absolutely agree about the Glad wrap ponchos, John McEnroe would call them 'the pits', they are useless and ugly. What stood oou about your last post was that you try to match your mac with your umbrella. As I said on this thread a while ago, the girls at school used to have blue raincoats and most had blue brollies and they looked marvellous. I can only imagine how you would look with bright red raincoat and umbrella - especially if you were wearing your rainhat as well. Do you go to the AFL football much? What team do you followe? You might have already told me on another form but I can't remember.
Hi Pam,
No I like nothing better than going for a walk in the rain and hearing it on my umbrella. It's not something I'm able to do much these days, for a start Australia has been in drought for the last few years, but I take the chance when it comes. When I was studying full time I would often walk around the campus in the rain, it was a great way of clearing my mind (and my head from that overheated second-hand library air) and relaxing and refreshing myself. I also love the intimacy and romance of sharing a brolly. If I do have a pet hate regarding umbrellas, it's the current seemingly legal requirement that they have to be black and anal and boring and depressing and who cares if they cost $2 and look like a piece of crap after a hundred yards - they comply with the dress code!
But I suppose all this talk of umbrellas is for another forum. Lately I have rediscovered the nylon mac, as I said, and I have four or five of them and wear them at concerts and sports events and in crowds generally. I was watching the Melbourne Cup on television last week and it was just ridiculous that all these women would spend more on their 'outfit' for the day than I paid for my car, maybe my last two cars, only for the weather to turn nasty and the only protective clothing they had was an oversized piece of sandwich cling-wrap with a hood. It looked absolutely ludicrous and wouldn't have survived more than five minutes of a steady downpour. I suppose it told the world that not only did they have this fabulous outfit and you could still all see it and be impressed, but they were so armpit-deep in money that it didn't really matter if the rain ruined it. If I had turned up amongst them wearing my red nylon mac and a rain hat, I'd have been laughed off the track. All so arbitrary!
You have hit on a pet hate of mine Kareliz, i.e. umbrellas. I hate them especially when I'm shopping. I really can't understand how they have come to replace the pakamac when the latter is so much more functional, attractive and leaves hands free to do what they better used for e.g. searching through rails of items rather than holding the handle of the accursed folded brolly!
As a schoolgirl in Australia the 60s and 70s I wore 'pakamacs' regularly, first red plastic then yellow, then at high school we were meant to wear royal blue outerwear but it wasn't rigidly enforced, mainly we used umbrellas walking to and from school. Nylon ws much more popular than plastic, it was 'cooler' in both senses of the word. These raincoats didn't often have hoods so especially at primary school most of us had those plastic rain hats that folded into pleats so you could keep them in your coat pocket. These macs and rain hats did a great job of keeping you dry - even some girls who rode their bike three or four miles every day. I lived close enough to school to walk or ride depending on how the weather was looking.
I've started buying and wearing nylon macs and rain bonnets again recently since more and more places such as sports stadiums are making nannyish rules about umbrellas, and at other places like outdoor concerts the expectation is you don't put up the brolly (same story of a small precentage of idiots ruining it for the rest of us). I have a dark blue one (just like school), a couple of vivid red ones to match my umbrella, including a 'genuine brand Pakamac, made in England' which I picked up for a whole 50 cents at an opp shop a few months ago, with a bonus accordion rainhat completely unused in the pocket, and a turquoise blue one (I couldn't resist the color). I love the way colored nylon looks so bright when it's wet, and this sort of rain wear looks so much better and keeps you dry so much better than those awful thin plastic ponchos that 'they' say are the only acceptable alternative when an umbrella is seen as inappropriate.
On the Welsh speaking TV a comedian sometimes comes on wearing a plastic mac and just tells corny jokes .
Just like some others here I also love to sleep in my plastic macs. I really miss Pakamacs.
I remember back in the early 50's in England when I was about ten years old. I'd been playing at a friend's house, and when it was time for me to go home it was pouring with rain. So my friend's mother made me wear his sister's plastic mac home. It was translucent, with a hood and a tie belt, and she insisted on putting up the hood and tying it on firmly under my chin with strict instructions that I wasn't to undo it until I got home. I then had to walk through the streets wearing what was obviously a girl's raincoat. Boy was I embarassed!
I have read the web page it is great but are you real Pamela I have never met a lady who really likes plastic macs not in North Wales the classic is do you want me or my mac or they are sweaty or cling I am now really confused after reading your comments I hope you will get in touch I would love to corrospond or talk to you just try and understand it all best wishes Gareth.
Since there seems to be a desire to set up a Pakamac society I suggest the easiest way would be to start one in Yahoo groups. I set up a group for myself there and found it a free, simple process where it's possiblee to submit pictures and send comments to other group members.
I've just returned from a shopping trip with my 16yo son, and as a result of him previously losing his navy blue nylon pakamac, I managed to find a new one for him in the local outfitter, much to his dismay.
It's of a slighlty longer length than his last one, about 3 or 4 inches below the knee, and buttons to the neck, in the traditional style. I also took the opportunity to buy a new school raincoat, double breasted with a belt.
I have no time whatsover with his protestations that he should be allowed to wear a football jacket of some description, but I dont allow that, he must wear his traditional mackintoshes for another couple of years.
I would be delighted to answer any questions, and in particular correspond with other like minded mothers.
Shona, I wish I knew someone like you! My love of plastic macs goes back to my childhood although the last one I had was around 8 years ago.As you say, wearing a plastic mac is "electric" and I wish I had the courage to wear one again.Maybe I need a little encouragement. As for sleeping in your mac, a few years ago I had a nylon cagoule which had pvc lining which I slept in regularly so I can understand how you feel.
I've been looking at a genuine Pakamac for sale on ebay and can confirm, as some of the people here have said, that they were given ladies names. The one for sale is a blue one with the name 'Tina'. It was a real treat to see the original packaging with the words "Drip Dry Nylon Raincoat" on it. What memories.
I have been wearing plastic and nylon macs for well over 40 years and am the person Pamela referred to as her friend. I'm visiting her and looking forward to lots of trips out in our Pakamacs!
Just checking this evening's on-line weather forecast, and it looks like I can have another chance to go out in one of my beloved plastic macs. The other night, I was out for hours in the sustained downpour. Pure bliss. I wore four different ones in turn. Firstly the glass-clear blue one, then the soft plastic blue one, followed by the milky white one and finally the battleship grey one - just like my Pakamac of yore. All these plastic macs are some 60 inches long and actually sweep along the ground, making the most delightful sound. They are all see-through and have attachable hoods. The white and grey macs have traditional big rubbery buttons. I will happily join the Pakamac Society.
Shona, you are fantastic!! Simply fantastic!! I will have to share more with you about my rather complex domestic situation where rainwear is concerned, but, make no mistake about it, this website is becoming beautifully alive. There are some wonderful pakamac-loving people here, and we really must take things further. In the meantime, wear and love your Pakamacs.....
I have been a mac lover for quite a few years now, and as per previous post, prefer the pvc mac better than the nylon mac. I did have a blue nylon mac during school, however do like the aroma and feel of a pvc mac the best. I would support a pacamac type forum if we could get members to subscribe. I do like rainbonnets also, however they seem to be out of fashon these dats, shame
Brian, a 'Pakamac Society' would be divine. How wonderful it would be to have a tasteful and respectful community of people who share the same feelings and the love of Pakamacs. I'm aware that my own obsession with them could be viewed as 'over the top', but why not. Plenty people have obsessions or hobbies that take over their lives, so why not a love of Pakamacs. At many times it becomes the focus of my life, I rarely stop thinking about them. I absolutely worship them, but why not. 'Pakamac' does sound like the name of some south American deity, so why not a sect who worship the 'Goddess Pakamac'!
I'm thrilled that you say I'm amongst friends here. That's something new for me and quite a comfort too. I feel that I've been a subject of scorn for most of my life. It's also a relief that there are other ladies here, who too share my love. I'm sure you were correct that your neighbour Linda wore her nylon mac indoors, I do. It's a comfort to wear one any time, anywhere. I keep one of mine to use as a dressing gown, a different one for housework as well as their obvious use. I have also restyled smaller sized nylon macs into button through day dresses and once a strappy sun-dress.
I hope I understand what you say about plastic macs and I believe I'm quite similar. My recollections of nylon macs are more prevalent simply because it's always seemed that the nylon mac were more readily available in the shops. Plastic macs were available but not as widely available in my experience. John Lewis in Aberdeen in the 70s used to have a lot of plastic macs and so did Fenwicks in Newcastle upon Tyne. The Fenwicks store even sold them into the 90s but I don't think they were Pakamacs. It was a rare event for me to see to see a 'genuine' plastic Pakamac, in it's distinctive packaging. Trips to the English Lake District would net a few plastic macs though from tourist type shops. Until I had access to the internet, I'd almost given up finding new plastic macs. Call me a fuss but I don't like second-hand things so I could never visit charity shops in my quest for them. My collection of plastic macs has grown immensely from the few specialist sellers available online. I've really had to curb my urge to own every plastic mac I see, for the sake of my credit card. Now that I have more than enough, I allow myself the to wear them outside again and not worry about the risk of them becoming damaged. Something a plastic mac is susceptible to, especially if they are ones with plastic buttons. It's these older styles that I really love but the memories of torn buttonholes are still strong. A nylon mac is probably my more practical wear and more resilient, but I still feel so good in them. The feeling of wearing a plastic mac though is 'electric'. A plastic mac makes me feel so alive, so beautiful, so desirable. On a cold winter's night I'll even snuggle up in bed in one. That's really comforting in the cold, alone in my thoughts. I love the summer weather and soaking up the sun, but the thought of cool wet days and cold nights in my plastic macs has me longing for winter. Thank heaven for regular summer showers.
I quite like PVC macs too. There was a real surge in their general availability in the 90s, which was wonderful. I believe that Pakamac had some too in the 60s, but I don't remember them.
That's wonderful news, Pamela, thanks for agreeing with me about the formation of a Pakamac Society. Leave me to do some thinking, and enjoy your shopping trips with Susie.
I agree Brian, we should have a 'Pakamac Society'. I'm sure my friend Susie will agree. We met again last week and had a lovely chat about things and some wonderful reminiscences on the subject. I think we will be great friends and we're already planning some shopping trips.
There does appear to be quite a community of people here who share similar feelings and memories. In the heyday of the Pakamac, I never imagined that was possible.
As I have mentioned, my love of plastic and nylon macs all arises from schooldays, and I am compiling a fairly lengthy article, on this subject, for eventual posting into this site. But I cannot wait any further before thanking Pamela, Susie, and now Shona, for some really lovely, revealing, and imaginative contributions. Congratulations to all of you. Not forgetting Anna, of course, with her views on how nylon macs relate to school uniforms.
Shona, you remind me of Linda, one of my former neighbours, who had a lovely navy nylon mac, and wore it as often as possible. When she was on her way to work, she was never without it, and I believe she used to wear it indoors too. She really LOVED her mac and she, as much as anyone, was resposible for establishing my love, enthusiasm, and even passion for nylon macs in the late sixties. Yes, I still regard myself as primarily a plastic mac enthusiast, but experiences drawn from this site, and the availability of those beautiful macs from Stay-Dry, have led to much rainwear activity in nylons once more. Also, Shona, you mention, rather touchingly, that your love of Pakamacs has hindered your friendships and personal relationships in the past. Well, that has all changed now. You are definitely "one of us", and, were my domestic situation more straightforward, I would even suggest meeting some time and dating, both wearing plastic or nylon macs(and not necessarily waiting for the rain either!!) As it is, your contribution to this site has been wonderfully inspiring, and, as I mentioned to Pamela too, I hope you share more of your ideas and experiences. Plastic macs and nylon macs are lovely beyond all description, as we have all found out. Perhaps we should form a Pakamac Society. So many existing societies and groups concentrate on rubber macs and, exciting though these are, I feel that Pakamacs have been somewhat cold-shouldered. This wonderful blog/forum- related website is changing all that. Who knows where it may lead! In the meantime, love your mackintoshes and they will love you....
Have just caught up with the comments on the 2nd August. At risk of blowing my own trumpet and grinding my own axe, if my paintings stirred something in you Pamela, you might find that reading some of the stories would stir something deeper in you. Once you penetrate the overt subject there's another layer or two of feelings below.
I can empathise with Pamela regarding the derision that was sometimes levelled at Pakamac wearers. I remember as a young woman that my mother constantly accused me of not looking my best when I turned up in a Pakamac. Ultimately her criticism caused a rift. I much preferred to visit my gran, especially when we went shopping together. She was great fun and like me was an avid pakamac wearer herself. Perhaps my mother was right in the end though. I never had many friends nor married, which I put down to my love affair with plastic and nylon macs.
I have loved and worn pakamacs all my life. At school and college I always wore a navy blue nylon one. Not because it was the uniform, simply because I loved them. I think I modelled myself on some of my teachers who wore them. They were without exception, strong and independent ladies who I admired immensely. A pakamac was my constant companion when I went out. I always wore one for work, in fact I was even labelled with the nickname 'Shona Pakamac' in one place. Of course at one time Pakamacs were everywhere, but I stuck with them all through the nineties and noughties. I loved to go out with my gran and visit some of the many rainwear establishments that focused exclusively on raincoats. Why, why did they disappear? In the various places I worked, I'd search out one becoming quite a regular. There was 'Robertson Rainwear' in Perth, 'Weatherwise' in Newcastle upon Tyne. Even department stores had a huge stock. 'Binns' in Middlesbrough had loads, even nylon capes but I don't know if they were pakamacs. I particularly remember one dress shop had a 'Pakamac Stockist' label in the window during the early eighties. That perhaps says something about the popularity. I too remember pakamacs being labelled with different ladies names, I think it depended on the colour. I recall Arnotts in Redcar sold them with the ladies names pencilled on the label, how quaint. I had to have one of every colour, gorgeous nylon pakamacs with their four chunky buttons. It was such a shame when pakamacs started to disappear but at least they were replaced with equally lovely styles from 'Rainstar' and 'YB Wet'.
I would never be without a pakamac. When I wasn't wearing it, one would be neatly folded in my bag. Old men everywhere seemed to have one rolled up in a jacket pocket or held in their hand usually secured with an elastic band. How I used to fantasise about them putting it on for me. Peter Sallis in 'Last of the Summer Wine' is my pin-up in his nylon mac!
Once again I'm compelled to add to the contributions in our reminiscences of pakamacs. Thank you to all the gentlemen here for their kind words after my previous post and especially the offer of marriage!! If only I were younger.
I'll try to answer in the best way I can about the vulnerability, Colin, I feel when I wear a pakamac. Yes I do feel vulnerable about being caught out in the rain without the benefit of protection. The simple act of unfolding a plastic mac from my basket and putting it on, rescues me from the rain or wind and that particular vulnerability. But when I'm wearing one of my pakamacs, even in my mature years, I feel so feminine, so alive, so attractive in a plastic mac and in a nylon mac. Those feelings indeed make me feel quite vulnerable, defenceless to the approaches of a gentleman who reciprocated those feelings. Those feelings are as fresh today as they were in my younger days, when the plastic macs were indeed genuine pakamacs. If my husband of then, had known about my feelings, I now wonder what he might have thought of me. How he poked fun, then, at each new pakamac I'd buy, despite the 'collection' I already had. How he criticised the way I looked in them too. Despite the disappointment though, his comments could never dent how I felt about them nor the enjoyment I felt wearing them. I did though, feel sometimes forced to make excuses for each new pakamac, whether it be a holiday, a different style or the claim that I'd forgotten to take one with me (always a wee fib that one).
I found that website Colin quite interesting and I certainly now understand the sentiment those art illustrations convey. It has perhaps lent me a little understanding of my fascination and that was quite new to me.
Like Fiona, I too would love to know if Pakamac produced a traditional cape. It wasn't until the mid nineteen eighties that I bought my first plastic cape. If it is at all possible, a traditional plastic cape makes me feel even more feminine and in many ways is probably even more appropriate for a Scottish lady of my years. My late introduction to them made me feel I'd possibly lost out in my younger days, but I hope I've more than made up for it. Stepping out this morning, on a damp July Sunday for my newspaper, in a long pink plastic cape I felt so elegant that it brightened up a poor summer's day.
Through the auspices of the comments here I've fortunately met another relatively local lady who shares my love too. Thank you Susie for getting in touch directly. We're looking forward to meeting more and discussing personal reminiscences and feelings.
Along with other contributors,I also wore a nylon mac,a blue one, in my mid to late teens in the early 1970s. At first I hated it but then loved to wear it round the house when no-one was there! I even used to "dance" in it, playing records and giving myself a good shake! I must have been a strange boy! I think I prefer plastic macs more now though. I wish I had one to wear now. I might even "dance" wearing it!
What an impressive forum! The comments made here really "wrap up" the totality of experiences with plastic. In the states we did not have Pakamacs, but we had many similar long grey raincoats modelled and I was hooked on one back in the early 50's when I was very young. Did not really connect to my feelings until 10 years later when I was presented with a thick frosty clear rain jacket with elastic cuffs to be used to ride the bike to school. This was not like the bike jackets of today but a Japan made stiff, smooth and robust rain jacket. Crackling along the cold mornings caused sensations that resulted in the inevitable and the rest is history. Back then guys and gals would purchase (or their parents) these "cheerleader type" clear rain jackets. Standard issue for the rainy west coast. To this day I gear up when it rains for hiking, fishing, or walking. Umbrellas are useless. Even Gore Tex, in my opinion is water 'resistent' not really waterproof. Nice to see that some ladies also have the same regard for Pakamac experiences!
I loved pakamacs when they could be bought. In fact I absolutely adored pakamacs. The way they looked, the way they felt and the wonderful aroma. Did they ever make capes?Proper ones I mean, not ponchos or cycle ones. I feel so elegant when I wear a plastic cape now. I have a thing for plastic capes especially if they have the plastic buttons. I love to dress my dolls in plastic macs and capes too.
Just noticed your site. I remember having a grey pvc packamac on holiday it did really keep you dry. I used to love to see the girls at secondary school wear theirs with a matching rainbonnet, would have loved to go out with a girl who wore one like suzie. The fashon seems to have gone away from them now, perhaps they will come back, like today in central Scotland the rain was lashing down, just the ticket to see a girl wearing her packamac, one can dream....
I've been intrigued by the comments here, in particular the confession from Pamela and feel I must add my own in support of what she said. Looking at nylon or plastic macs today I recall my first memories of pakamacs and just how frumpy they looked. However the feelings they stirred when I first wore them and the feelings they stir now were just incredible. I can't believe just how desirable I feel when I wear one of mine (I have a lot to choose from) and it's lovely to read just how much men appreciate a lady in a pakamac. How wonderful it would be to step out with a guy, like in the advert, in our pakamacs. For my own confession Pamela, you're not the only one to have slept in one!
Dear Anna-It is so lovely to hear from you again and many thanks for another contribution to this site devoted to Pakamac plastic and nylon rainwear. Your son is fortunate indeed to own and wear a navy blue nylon mac, and I hope he comes to love his macs as much as we love ours. As you know, I am very taken with the Stay Dry range of nylon macs, which are, quite simply, the most beautiful and exciting nylon Pakamacs I have ever worn. I hope you will order a couple for yourself and your son, and let us know what you think about them.
I love the way in which you are fully in charge of your son's rainwear-not in an overbearing manner, but in a beautifully spirited way. I hope you will get him a plastic mac too, for the really heavy summer downpours and also for further proofing of his winter mac. PVC Rainwear(a subsidiary of PVC-U-Like), do an excellent range of male plastic macs, including some in see-through grey-black, in the style of the original Pakamacs. They roll up beautifully small too. Worth investigating, Anna!
But, coming back to the Stay Dry nylons, I could write volumes about them. They come, all folded up, in a small pouch/bag and it is impossible to believe that so much mackintosh can be contained in such a small spac. But they unroll excitingly into a full blown but lightweight mackintosh. The initial creases smooth out and the impression is one of a really luxurious mac that belies the very modest price. They are so comfortable to wear, and do not overheat at all. They come in navy blue and also black, but I find the former the more exciting. More than any other mac, they take me back to the mid- and late-sixties, when almost every schoolgirl wore a nylon mac as part of her school uniform. If more designers took notice of you, Anna, we could see these macs back on our streets again. I hope that you and I, and perhaps one or two others, will put our heads together and see what we can do towards achieving this end.
In the meantime, do keep contributing to this site from time to time. ANNA, YOU ARE A STAR!!
Best wishes to you and all our other waterproof enthusiasts, from Brian.
Brian - Thank you for your kind comments. I do what I believe is the right thing, and that is to have my son wear a traditional nylon mackintosh. He doesn't like it of course, and I've had my battles with him, but he still wears it, not only to school, but also outside school. At this time of year in particular, a pakamac is invaluable, easy to keep in a shopping bag or handbag, and easy to slip on when it rains. He also wears a thicker, lined raincoat in winter month - beleted and double breasted. When the weather is particularly foul, the pakamac is slipped on over it.
If anyone has any further questions to ask, please get in touch.
Whenever I wear one of my Stay Dry nylon macs, I just want to tell every single plastic/nylon mac lover how lovely these macs are. So much so,that I may start buying them as presnts to my favourite waterproof contacts and even suppliers.
I wear one regularly whenever I walk past Isobel's house(a see-through mac would be just a little too conspicuous!), swishing and puffing up my mac as much as possible. I can but hope.....
I have a long rooted fascination for wa(erproof nylon cagoules - I mean the old fashioned over the head Campari or Peter Storm variety. Very happy to correspond with like minded people and possibly swap garment - esp any willing females out there.
Regular readers and contributors to this site know of my enthusiasm for Stay-Dry nylon macs, so I am writing about them once more. They are really lovely macs, rolling up beautifully to Pakamac size. When you are wearing them, you just cannot stop swishing and rustling, and yet, at the same time, they are unbelievably comfortable to wear, and do not over-heat at all(unlike many rubber macs and plastic macs). I find I just cannot stop buying them, as they are so easy to store and so inexpensive. Lovely macs to wear outdoors in all sorts of weather, wet or dry, and so exciting to wear indoors too. I am hoping that Anna will give them a try, either for herself or for her son. The proofing inside is a little crude, but that is a small concern. Anna, it sounds as though the new mac you have bought for your son is really high quality, as you are a real connoisseur of nylon macs, and of quality rainwear in general. I have read your remarks about how lovely nylon macs are as part of school uniforms and I cannot agree more. The girls at my school looked really lovely wearing their navy nylon macs-Anita, Deirdre, Lorraine, the list could go on and on. We boys, with our see-through grey-black plastic macs, had to wait for rain to show them off,but the girls, with their nylon macs, were more fortunate. I hope,Anna,that you will make many more contributions to this site. Your comments are short, yet full of meaning, and I,for one, enjoy reading them very much. Best wishes to you and all our "usual suspects"!!!
Keep on macking...
I remember having a plastic Pakamac as a kid but not for long. I had my first nylon mac as a schoolboy about the age of 11. I have worn nylon macs throughout since then. i wear them now, most days come rain or shine. I find them very comfortable and wind resistant. I have a couple made by "Rainydays" and a couple of older ones by "Rainstar" I have had others by "Storma", "YBWet" and of course a while ago "Pakamac". I too wish they would come back into greater production and become more readily available. While i enjoy my own macs I also think there's nothing much smarter than a lady wearing a nice nylon raincoat.
It was wonderful to read Pamelas story. I thought it was just men who enjoyed wearing pakamacs/plastic macs. A few years ago I used to wear a nylon cagoule in bed. It had a pvc coating on the inside and it was good to wear. However,I wish I had a black see-through plastic mac to wear,especially in bed,and an understanding woman!
pamela you sound the girl of my dreams.
Will you marry me.
I will live in the highlands
I have never had any trouble with sex partners wearing a mac...Most seem to like it and enjoy the feel of it.
I am not saying they would do it without being with me, but like I said, doesn't seem to be a problem.
Pamela's comments on 22 March about feeling desiable, feminine, vulnerable and passionate strikes a chord, if slightly indirect. The passionate part I agree with and the vulnerable part is where I diverge: they give me a protected feeling against the vulnerability both in the rain and in the bedroom, although the days of the latter with a participating partner (who was never keen on the few occasions it happened) have long since gone.
Steve - Your mother sounds very sensible and was right to button you up if needed. I do exactly the same with my son.
Pamela, it is an absolute joy to read your comments! We males think it is US that are the odd ones out, and that girls and ladies do not share our interests and enthusiasm for rainwear, but you have shown beautifully and excitingly that this is not the case. Hurrah for you and congratulations to you!! I hope you will visit this site often, and get much pleasure, excitement and enjoyment from it-and that you will make more lovely contributions. I also hope you will join the interactions that we all enjoy, and that they will more than make up for those "lost" years.
I have just moved house, and my collection of nearly 700 items has moved with me-it will take me ages to unpack them all! Yes, 700 macs, waterproofs, rubbers etc-AND I AM STILL BUYING MORE!!-IN FACT I HAVE ORDERED ANOTHER 3 ITEMS TODAY, from Stay-Dry, one of my favourite suppliers.
I also know what it is to have an unresponsive partner. I remember Isobel of former years and how I tried to mack her up, but no such luck. A pity, as she would look superb in a see-through "baby-pant" plastic mackintosh. But no matter-this site brings more and more wonderful comments and contacts, and perhaps we may all meet the ultimate waterproof partner of our dreams.
I am utterly compelled to add to this discussion, I can't believe what I have stumbled upon. I need to express just what a chord it struck with me. I've been quite taken aback that men are interested in plastic and nylon macs. Where oh where were you in the days when I was looking for a husband. I suppose being quite isolated here in the highlands explains my ignorance. If I read between the lines of some of the comments, I gather that some of the men share the passion I myself feel about plastic macs. I can understand my own feelings now but I thought it was only a girl thing. I remember being a teenager and feeling intensely jealous of my friend who'd been bought a plastic pakamac. I couldn't really understand why I was so jealous nor of the feelings I had, but I simply had to have one myself. Wearing my first pakamac I was quite overwhelmed by the feelings the plastic mac generated and just how desirable I felt in it. Those feelings have stayed with me all my adult life, which probably explains why I still buy them now and wear them nearly every day. Sadly, my husband didn't share my passion and so now feel that I missed out.
Even though fashion seems to have consigned plastic and nylon macs to the past now, they are very definitely my style. Fortunately I've been purchasing replacements for my depleted wardrobe from Rainmac and Susie High. I consider myself quite a traditional lady and so I'm rarely seen without my navy blue nylon mac and on wet days, definitely a plastic mac. Sometimes both! It would have to be a very sunny day that my mac is rolled up and consigned to my basket. The fact that I still feel desirable, feminine, vulnerable and passionate in a plastic mac, always made me thing that this was exclusive to women and not something shared by the opposite sex. I always thought that macs were a functional thing for them and that was definitely confirmed by my husband. Now alone, I have to confess just how much wearing a plastic mac is a comfort to me too. So much so that I've even taken to sleeping in one.
Well my 16yo is now resplendent in his new navy nylon pakamac mackintosh. He's not a great fan it has to be said, but he looks very smart buttoned up in it, and most importantly, keeps him dry
It is so lovely to see more and more comments on Pakamacs-plastic macs and nylon macs. I have worn one of my Stay-Dry nylon mackintoshes for nearly the whole evening-and have ordered three more. These macs are beautiful beyond all description and I am hoping Sue will ring me back to check on my order, so we can ecstasise over them again. DO TRY THEM FOR YOURSELVES!!!! It is my ultimate aim to puyrchase one for every day of the year-and to keep ordering thereafter. They just will not stop swishing, rustling, and inflating when you wear them, and they are so lightweight it is unbelievable!!
sorry to write it's very difficult to buy a Pakamac in Hungary, there is no import, then nobody wears them, therefore there is no import, catch 22
I also like macs, having a beautiful colorful collection.
beatriz, salamanca, spain
I stumbled upon this site by accident, but it evoked nostalgic memories. The business was founded by the Cohen family. In the 1970s the dynamic owner, Lenny Cohen, commissioned me (I acted as a merger broker) to find a buyer.
I negotiated a deal in mid-1976 with Black & Edgington Plc,
a quoted concern. As so often happens in these deals, nothing was the same again. Incidentally, besides rainwear
the business then also made inflatable armchairs; all the rage at the time.
Perhaps i'm very fortunate but there are many outfitters and market stalls locally where one can buy nylon macs, or pakamacs. I take my 16yo son in for his new one soon, and will be able to try on a range in our local shop where they thankfully still stock them.
It's good to see the interest in genuine pakamacs. I'm probably to young to remember or have been made to wear a plastic pakamac to school......unfortunately. However, all through my school days I wore a genuine nylon pakamac in navy blue. My mother would always insist on it be a "pakamac" as they were a "good make" I looved wearing my nylon mac when it rained or even just at the treat of rain but as I got older I became more fashion concious and was then torn bewteen wearing a nylon mac that I enjoyed or being more fashionable. When I was around 14 I can recall that my nylon mac had gone a bit small on me and my suggested that she would take me to town to get a kagoul at the weekend. I was in shock what was I going to do as I still wanted a nylon mac but at the same time the kagoul would have been more "acceptable". Eventually and before the trip to the shops on the Saturday, I plucked up the courage and came straight out with it and "said I would rather have a nylon mac than a kagoul" my mother asked if I was sure to which I treplied yes knowing there would be no going back and more importantly I could never argue again about being told to wear it. Sure enough I was taken to town and a navy blue nylon mac was purchased although in the shop I was again given to option of a kagoul which I refused. As you would guess it wasn't long before I wore the mac for school and even the weekends. After requesting to be bough and "kept in a nylon mac", I wore it more frequently and probably the more memorable experiences of wearing it was when I didn't really need to, EG looked like it might rain but if I failed to wear a jacked under the mac then I knew I would have to leave it on even if the threat of rain completely went away!
No one has contributed to this site for a month so I feel I must break the silence. Recentl, I ordered some more of those lovely Stay-Dry nylon macs, and Sue, at the suppliers, advised me on delivery. When I told her about how much I loved these beautiful macs, we just swelled with mackintosh love, with mackintosh pleasure and with mackintosh excitement. In my view, these are simply the finest lightweight,swishy, rustly nylon mackintoshes available at the moment, and like the original grey-black semi-transparent plastic Pakamacs, you feel you want to own as many of them as possible-one for each day of the year? I am just waiting to hear that someone else has ordered these macs, hoping they feel as I do about them. I love nylon and plastic Pakamacs so much, I get all emotional about them!!! I have even shed tears over them!!! I JUST LOVE PLASTIC AND NYLON AND RUBBER MACS AND I CANNOT SAY IT ENOUGH!!!!
I find it difficult to understand why nylon macs are no longer clothing of choice for many children any more. They are very smart especially buttoned right up, and worn with a smart hat of some kind
The modern scruffy trend leaves me cold though, so my son knows he'll be wearing his nylon mac for a while to come yet
Lovely to hear your comments, Prudence! And I am so thrilled that my remarks inspired you to wear one of your nylon macs. In fact, when I read your remarks, I unpacked one of my navy nylon macs from Stay Dry, one I hadn't worn yet, and am wearing it now. I'm swishing and rustling beautifully. I have six of these Stay Dry nylon macs at the moment, but I will certainly be ordering more. Navy nylon macs were so popular with the girls at our school, in the late '60s, but even more so at a neighbouring all-girl's school, where the girls would swish their macs, filling them with air, and puffing themselves up beautifully. Prudence, Anna, Susie and Angela-all of you-you really must try these Stay Dry nylon macs. Although they fasten on the male side, they are described as unisex. Lightweight, swishy, lustrous and shimmery, they are everything one wants in a nylon mac. And you feel you want as many of them as possible. I have read Robin's remarks that he was bought a plastic Pakamac every year-music to the ears!! However, if genuine Pakamacs were still available, I would be buying one EVERY WEEK!!
Just like Susie, I remember those translucent Pakamacs with plastic buttons in the early 80s. I thought they were fabulous. I also remember nylon Pakamacs from the 70s and earlier. The ones I wore had 4 quite distinctive buttons. I loved to have one of those nylon macs in every colour possible but especially navy blue or beige. As far as I can remember they all came with different girl's names on the label. I still wear nylon or plastic macs but sadly I don't have the original Pakamac. The ones I prefer though, are of a similar style and I love to wear them on every possible occasion. I'm thrilled that Brian does too, it puts me in the mood to put mine on now.
In the late 60's and early 70's my Mother bought me a new plastic Pakamac for virtually every school year. They were always made from see through charcoal grey plastic. On rainy school mornings, when I got up from the breakfast table, my two Sisters always used to shout together "don't forget your Pakamac!"
I am wearing one of my plastic rainmacs at the moment-beautifully smooth and grey, and as see-through as baby pants when the light shines through my beautiful mac. But, much as I love lightweight plastic and nylon macs, I may be purchasing a shiny black rubber mac very soon. At school, when one of us bought and wore a semi-transparent plastic Pakamac, we felt we wanted to tell the WHOLE WORLD, the macs were so beautiful and exciting! When I acquire my SBR mac, I will feel exactly the same. Yes, i do own a lightweight latex rubber mac-a rubber Pakamac of sorts-but this forthcoming rubber-surfaced mac will be my first of this type. I'll keep you all posted!!
I now have a permanent residence in Thailand after living in Birmingham most of my life, i have read all the comments with interest,personally prefer the nylon macs but do have a very nice plastic one purchased via the net from Foxster called jeantex klaus they sell mens and ladies when i came her after selling up in England i had Two suitcases and agonized over which raincoats to take and leave behind i have many more now as when the rainy season starts here 6 out ten people are wearing there plastic macs some nylon but the plastic ones cost little mainly on there small motorbikes well through perseverance and ebay i found six months ago someone selling old stock in the packet original Pakamacs looking forward to the rainy season
Dear Angela,
Thank for your e-mail and your interest! The shop to which I refer is "Cocoon" in Digbeth but, although they usually have a good selection of plastic macs, they do not actually stock nylon macs. It is left to enthusiastic punters like you and me to wear them when visiting there in the hope that the staff get the message!! Their plastic items, which include adult baby wear and leisure wear, are manufactured by PVC-U-Like, and are actually cheaper if you order directly from THEM. Should you require further details of how to get to Cocoon, please e-mail me, and I will provide you with my phone number. Again, many many thanks for your interest. This website is proving to be a wonderful opportunity for contacting the right people, as well as a library of information on Pakamacs. Many thanks yet again and best wishes from Brian.
I have bought some of my nylon coated PU macs from Rainmac in Midhurst. I have two red and one navy, they are waterproof and have lovely hoods. I wear them a lot while out if there is any sign of rain. Brian , where is your raincoat shop in Birmingham?
Hi everybody
Nylon pakamacs were standard issue when I was at high school in the UK and Australia in the 70s. At the girls school up the road all the girls wore them, the younger ones with plastic fold-up rainhats because the macs most often didn't have their own hood, then later on more girls had umbrellas, usually the same shade of navy blue and of course the brollies were nylon as well so the match was poerfect, and they looked wonderful. Some of those girls rode their bikes four or five miles to and from school wearing a nylon mac and a rainhat and still reached the other end perfectly dry.
I still say a proper nylon mac is still the thing when you can't use a brolly without makiung a nuisance of yourself, looks better and keeps you drier than those awful cheap plastic ponchos they sell at sports stadiums these days.
I too love nylon macs and have quite a collection.
Hello Brian
Thanks for the acknowledgement. Fear not, I manage to find nylon macs on the high street even now, as my son knows very well. A shame they weren't more prevalent though.
I've really enjoyed reading this and the memories of the fabulous Pakamac. I wore a navy blue nylon mac as part of my school uniform in the late 60s/early 70s and regularly at other times. My last memories of buying genuine Pakamacs was in the early 80s. Both were buttoning translucent plastic macs with collars, sadly now discarded. I've continued to wear nylon and plastic macs to this day and I don't mind what the weather nor how cold. Only this morning, extremely cold and snowy, I was well wrapped up inside my navy blue nylon one. The greatest demise is their disappearance from the high street, whether plastic or nylon. They are long due a revival but thank goodness for the internet.
Nylon macs are really lovely-all the thrills and excitement of see-through plastic Pakamacs,except that these macs can be worn in any weather. I read of a girl's school, in the 60s, where navy nylon macs were compulsory wearing. One of the girls loved her lightweight mackintosh so much that she became hooked on nylon macs in general. As a lady, she could not pass a shop without buying yet another nylon mac. I bet you would be the same, Anna!!
well lets hope that this year we see more of the original "smokey grey" semi transparent Pakamacs,I still love wearing mine and would love to share it with another like minded Pakamac enthusiast,I also love the ladies Plastic macs,but not see a ladies Pakamac for many a year! wish i could feast my eyes on a nice seethru one!!
Anns, your comment was lovely and really appreciated. But don't despair-some lovely navy nylon macs are available from "Stay Dry"-just type the name into your search engine. These macs are beautifully swishy and really lightweight, rolling up to that lovely Pakamac size, which we all love so much. You will really love wearing these macs should you order them. I wear them regularly when mackintosh shopping in Birmingham. Also, "suzie high" invariably has some excellent used nylon macs on offer at very reasonable prices. Tyhere is no need for anyone to be without a nylon mackintosh, and I do hope you-and other Pakamac enthusiasts-will follow up these searches. What a lovely website this is turning out to be, with all these Pakamac ideas and comments-beautifully lively and creative. But never forget-LOVE your Pakamacs. Love your Pakamac and your mac will love you.
A shame there weren't more such shops stocking nylon macs Brian. good luck.
Much though we love Christmas, we are all waiting even more for warmer weather and showers in order to wear our nylon and plastic Pakamacs out of doors. I, for one, will be extending the range of macs I wear, hoping to include some female ones-especially when I visit our rubber/rainwear shop in Birmingham. I always talk to the girl assistant about the mac I am wearing at the moment. Some times she gets slightly annoyed-but we all know where that may lead! I would love her as a regular rainwear partner. Wish me luck!!
Pakamacs were so beautifully see-through-they were "girly" macs for boys to wear, and could not fail to excite sexually. The most beautiful pakamacs of all were those of the early 60s-beautifully textured plastic, with a very fine "ribbing" which caused swishing and rustling, driving the wearer wild with excitement.
Another facet I loved was the very intense PVC aroma, especially when brand new - vaguely like peppermint. I wish there was some way of preserving that aroma, which would sadly fade after a few weeks.
Too young to remember the plastic version, but brought up with the nylon ones. My son wears one to school also - much better protection than so called modern rainwear
Those collars with the lovely rounded corners...the rubbery buttons with the plastic vinyl stretched over them...the fabulously reinforced buttonholes and pocket openings...the tag inside the collar with the Pakamac logo... you knew, you simply knew that there was no way of being more excitingly waterproofed.
I was so disappointed when Pakamacs became matt and non-transparent, around 1980/81 I think. Nothing compared with the traditional see-through smokey grey and smooth PVC of the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s. And those lovely big, rubbery buttons too. Wet days were bliss.
I really liked the pacamac style raincoats, but can anybody tell me if they were shiny in the 60s / 70s, or just matt plastic macs ?
Wet days were a great joy in my schooldays, seeing so many people clad in their plastic macs, though very frustrating too as my parents obstinately did not buy me a Pakamac then. I agree that they were suprior to other makes of plastic mac. I finally bought my first Pakamac as a student. The wait was worthwhile as I loved the sensual pleasures of watching the raindrops trickle down the front of the mac and listening to the drumming of the rain and the swishing sound as one walked down the street with hands in the pockets to maximise the feel of the soft plastic. It was always a delight to see someone else also wearing a Pakamac, the most alluring being those that were somewhat oversized for the wearer. My dream Pakamac was one that had a hood (which was only for girls' plastic macs back then) and which came all the way down to the ground and had long sleeves that extended beyond my fingers. Thanks to Ebay, I finally fulfilled that dream and now love the downpours more than ever.
Oh the joy of the original pakamac. Have always loved wearing such an item and love seeing other guys wearing them as well. Takes me back to schooldays when they were so popular and we all wore them to keep the rain off. Such a shame they died out and are so very hard to find now.
AAhh! I remember them well.Pakamacs were the most expensive plastic raincoats on the high street. With welded seams and rubbery buttons they could be worn year after year. Pakamacs made a welcome come-back in the UK in 1978 in the Dorothy Perkins fashion outlet. I bought my girlfriend a lovely pink Pakamac from Dorothy's and had lots of fun. The sales girl even told us that a young man bought a ladies Pakamac yesterday........Large size! they were common on the streets 1978-1981. Plastic raincoats from Woolworth's with the Winfield label were rubbish as were many other labels.. They had an embossed texture on them and although they rustled better they were not as smooth and tactile as the genuine Pakamac. The Pakamac factory was in Chadderton in Lancashire but the many years of semi-drought in the UK durung the early 1970's brought about their demise. They ceased trading and were re-located in S Africa but there the thread goes dry (sic). When I was a teeneager, I thought I was unique with my fetish. I am slightly disapointed that there are thousands worldwide with similar interests. There is however an undesireable property of the Pakamac (or any other plastic mac) in that the wearer of the mac perspires and the inside of the mac gets a coating of sweat which I do not enjoy. But there is hope! See through rainwear is making a come-back again but at a much higher price. Yoox and Burberry are marketing new see-through rainwear that has a micro-porous property and allows perspiratin to escape from the mac. Goretex does the same but it's like loving a girl wearing a tarpauline. .......'orrible. Sooner or later the price will come down and the wearing of Pakamac type rainwear will become fashionable again and we can wear them in the street or around the house/bedroom wthout the uncomfortable stickyness. Kind regards Kelvin
I love rolling up plastic Pakamacs. Spreading the see-through mac out on the bed or other flat surface, folding the mac up neatly, hearing the air hiss out as the mac rolls up smaller and smaller-getting more and more and more excited that such a lovely mackintosh can be rolled up so small-getting so excited that I unroll it and wear it again! The joys of plastic macs are absolutely limitless......
The demise of Pakamac and Woolworth's with their one time plastic macs was a great pity. Somehow a woman wearing a plastic mac only because it is raining is sexier than a model exageratedly posing to be deliberately provocative. I've loved plastic macs for about 50 years,frequently take one with me wherever I go and have had much fun writing stories/painting pictures on the subject.
in 1954 a girl in my class by name of sonia came to school wearing a cape type see thru pakamac i was only 11 but i was hooked on rainwear ever since now 66 such a shame macs have almost gone from our streets
I must not wear other boy's plastic macs.
I must not wear other boy's plastic macs.
I must not wear other boy's plastic macs.
I must not wear other boy's plastic macs.
I must not wear other boy's plastic macs.
i must not wear other boy's plastic macs.......
x 1000!!!
Yes, LOVE your Pakamacs, whether they are plastic, nylon or rubber. But also love the people who wear them. In my forty years plus of rainwear enthusiasm, I have made some fabulous contacts, both male and female, mac-retailers and mac-wearers. As I have said before, it is so encouraging to see so many people interested in Pakamacs. For example, I am indebted to Patricia Smith for arousing my interest in nylon mackintoshes once again. They can be worn and enjoyed in dry weather as well as wet weather and are, of course, more breathable than are plastic or rubber macs. They swish, rustle, swell, deflate and pulsate into ever changing folds, moving with the body so beautifully. They are really beautiful macs
At primary school, I had always loved girls in their semi-transparent, see-through, plastic mackintoshes, in pale colours-pale blue, pale pink, yellow and so on. But imagine my ecstasy when grey-black see-through macs appeared-FOR BOYS!!!! And many of them bore the wonderful name we are celebrating on this website-PAKAMAC!!! I fell in love with them straightaway, and my present wardrobes of male see-through plastic macs have always been central to my rainwear enthusiasm. Or should I say fetishism or even perversion? I am wearing a lightweight nylon mackintosh whilst typing this and it just will not stop swishing and rustling-I feel about to EXPLODE!!!!!
My new mackintosh arrived today-a lovely navy blue plastic mac in the best Pakamac style and traditions. I am wearing it at this very moment, and I am all blown up with excitement, the type of excitement which only rainwear lovers can appreciate. This will be a lovely mac to wear on my visits to our rubber/rainwear shop, to impress the lovely girl assistants, one of whom can be quite raunchy! I am always hoping she will lock the door, put on of the baby-pant see-through macs they have in stock, and let things proceed logicallly to their conclusion!
Lovely to see so many people interested in plastic macs(=Pakamacs. And I have more wonderful news-I have just ordered another one-male, navy blue, rubbery-just the way I like them. I AM ALL PUFFED UP WITH EXCITEMENT!!! My message to all of you is to LOVE YOUR PAKAMACS whether nylon, plastic or rubber, and don't just wear them in the rain!! LOVE THEM AND ENJOY THEM!!!
One of my many Pakamacs is a navy nylon mac with a rubbery PU lining. Yesterday I visited our local rubber/plastic fashion shop. I wore my nylon mac, all buttoned up, on going in. My mac made me quite hot inside, but I didn't mind. Whilst choosing my purchases, I swished and pulsated my rubbery mac, and my mac puffed up beautifully. As I handed my garments to the girl assistant, I felt as good as I looked. A pleasant afternoon's diversion(and yet another pair of plastic pants to my collection!) Yes, nylon Pakamacs can be as exciting as plastic Pakamacs. It is so beautifully exciting to be a rainwear enthusiast!
My son still wears a navy blue pacamac, below the knee, traditional style. Keeps him dry whenever it rains
hoe I love wearing plastic macs,I still have 2 gents Pakamacs which I wear often and would love likeminded folk to share them with me!
I would stand transfixed, looking at all those plastic Pakamacs, in metal stands, all neatly rolled up in those shiny yellow-and-blue plastic bags. Girl's plastic Pakamacs were included with the boy's. The grey-black plastic macs were just visible through the small clear windows in the bags. When the macs were unrolled, they were as see-through as baby-pants. Lovely macs, waiting to be wet with rain, waiting to excite the wearer, waiting to be LOVED...
Until I found this site I thought I was the only boy to enjoy wearing a pakamac. Not so! I would love to wear a black transparent pvc/plastic mac even now. Also are there any women out there willing to shake me?!!
when I was a boy of 10 in the mid 60s, I loved wearing my black see through plastic mac.I would go to my bedroom "to read", but it was an excuse to wear my mac in private. If I ever played out in it, I used to ask one girls down the street to give me a good, hard shake! Dont know why even now,but I loved to be shook violently in my plastic mac, and she always obliged. I also shook my mac dry after a shower, but I was always still wearing it! I wish I coild get hold of a plastic mac now in a local shop.
Pakamacs are simply lovely, and it is always a pleasure to write about them-indeed, I could write books about them and people who wear them. Although I am a fully committed rainwear enthusiast, enjoying nylons and rubber macs too, it is always the basic grey-black, semi-transparent, unisex, lightweight, roll-up plastic vinyl mackintosh that is so central to my enjoyment. and I wear them more than any other rainwear item. How about forming a Pakamac Society?
great shame these are no longer made, they are a pleasure to wear both outside in the rain or inside for a bit of fun
I still love wearing my pakamac,i have one that is like new which I only wear now and then,i would be lovely to walk in the rain with like minded folk wearing our plastic raincoats!
Within the last few minutes I have bought, on-line, yet another plastic Pakamac, lady's see-through, sky-blue. I am just out of my mind with love of plastic macs!!!
There was nothing like wearing see-through plastic Pakamacs at school on wet days. We boys were simply blown up with pleasure and excitement by these beautiful macs, especially when we rolled them up and smuggled them into our bedrooms!! More to follow....
Plastic Pakamacs are more than a convenlent way of waterproofing the wearer-they are even more than beautiful and exciting garments to wear-they provide a wonderful way of ENJOYING rainy weather!!
there is no better sight than a mture lady or gent wearing their original plastic macs.
i still wear one of mine as often as possible
To a rainwear enthusiast, "Pakamac" is almost the sexiest word in the English language, surpassed only by the two words, "Plastic Pakamac". Let's have more waterproof "cameo2 remarks in this space, and let's try to get these macs in production again!! Who knows!!
Nothing like them they started my interest in Rainwear in my teens in the 50's
These lovely grey-black see-through macs started my mac enthusiasm in the fifties-and I have never looked back!!
Still the best plastic macs ever made, beautifully see-through. At school, we boys loved them, some of us having two or three. Please let's have them back!!
mmm wish they still made these,we shall need a revival of pakamacs with the wet weather!