This coat is made from a light, waterproofed cotton, so the “Fairweather” name could refer to those balmy rainy days that have only a light sprinkle—“fair” weather by Seattle standards. It likely also refers to the World’s Fair Seattle hosted from April to October of 1962.
Seattle’s Totem Sportswear made this raincoat in their factory in South Lake Union. In 1962, a snappy reversible Totem coat was named as the official “All Purpose Coat” of the World’s Fair. Totem was so proud of this achievement, it was noted on labels of other coats released the same year, including this one. Like many local companies, they were eager to capitalize on the influx of visitors and national attention brought by the fair.