Pics: Nayana J C

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 3: A good-quality raincoat often costs more than Rs 1,000, with some priced above Rs 2,000. Yet, there is no guarantee that even an expensive raincoat will last for years; some high-priced raincoats may begin leaking after a single spell of rain.

Over the past two to three years, an inexpensive raincoat has emerged as a new trend. It is now commonly worn while working in plantations, transplanting paddy in fields, riding two-wheelers, escorting children to school buses and even by children themselves.

This all-purpose raincoat, regarded as a reliable companion during the monsoon, costs only about Rs 100. Many people who once spent thousands of rupees on rain gear have now switched to this budget-friendly option.

Made of thin plastic, the raincoat is so compact when folded that locals jokingly say it could fit inside a matchbox. Available in various colours, it features full sleeves, extends below the knees and comes with an attached hood. It can be put on and removed quickly, is light enough to feel almost weightless and is ideal for rough, everyday use. Its affordability further adds to its appeal.

For these reasons, the low-cost raincoat has gained immense popularity and is readily available from villages to towns. During rainy weather, an estimated 90 per cent of two-wheeler riders on the roads can be seen wearing it. Plantation workers, landowners and paddy transplanters have also widely adopted the same attire.

When a motorcyclist wearing one of these raincoats rides at speed, the trapped air can inflate it like a balloon, creating the amusing impression of an astronaut riding a bike.

“Instead of spending thousands of rupees on a raincoat every year, buying this simple Rs 100 coat is more practical. It is convenient not only while riding a bike but also while working in plantations,” said a two-wheeler rider.