You know you’re into clothes when you pray for bad weather. After a four-year drought here in California, we’re finally getting some real rainfall this season. I had a chance to break out my Belstaff Roadmaster this past weekend, and was reminded of why I bought this thing in the first place. Built with a waxed cotton shell and a belt for easy closure, this jacket makes for a great casual raincoat – even if it was originally intended for tougher purposes.
Belstaff’s Roadmaster is actually an adaptation of the company’s Trialmaster, which was originally introduced in the 1940s. The Trialmaster’s name comes from the Scottish Six Days Trial, a grueling event where competitors cover nearly a hundred miles within six-days. For those harsh weather and riding conditions, Belstaff built them a coat that would be windproof, waterproof, and resistant to tearing. Although it wasn’t the first jacket of its kind (Barbour’s International came out about ten years prior), it’s certainly become one of the most iconic.
The difference between the Roadmaster and Trialmaster is mostly in the fit. The Roadmaster is a bit slimmer throughout the body, and although every jacket looks black, the Roadmaster is offered in a few more shades (black with a slight navy or green cast, for example). I find it to be a bit easier to wear off a bike, although the Trialmaster looks good as well.
Unfortunately, prices for both gone through the roof in recent years, as the company’s new owners have turned Belstaff into a higher- and higher-end fashion label. If you don’t mind how much they cost, Belstaff’s jackets are a great alternative to Barbour. They’re a bit more rugged and motorsport inspired, but just as good at keeping the elements off your back. Pair one with an old pair of boots, some jeans, and a white henley or thick flannel shirt, even if the only thing you ride out are storms.
Pictured above: Outerwear by Belstaff | Shirt by The Flat Head | Denim by 3sixteen | Boots by Heschung
