The Best Responsible Raincoats for Shower Season

29/04/2020 | by Danielle Copperman

Rain on the horizon calls for weather-proof outerwear that marries style and sustainability. Danielle Copperman dives into the best eco-alternatives available, sourcing beautiful coats and jackets that use recycled, natural or non-toxic materials instead of virgin polyester. We all have mixed feelings about spring in the UK, and its on off, can’t make-up-its-mind weather. One minute you’re walking around blissfully with the promise of summer in the air, the next you’re caught short without a coat or umbrella, impressively drenched from head to toe. An all-round coat or jacket could be the answer; preferably something light for all temperatures, effortlessly chic for all outfits, waterproof for unexpected showers and, most importantly, eco-friendly. Below is an edit of my favourite sustainable outerwear, for one of the hardest wardrobe seasons to navigate. The following brands replace unsustainable, toxic materials and substances with natural or sustainable materials, and safe chemicals where needed (usually for waterproof coatings). Furthermore, they all ensure ethical production and manufacturing practices and fair workplace conditions, while some even contribute to social projects to give back to communities in need.

Maium

Maium marries Dutch design with with unparalleled practicality, producing their rainwear from recycled plastic bottles and making sure not to use any harmful substances. Born in the Netherlands, the styles and colourways have an unbeatable aesthetic, making them essentials for rainy-city dwellers. I particularly love the Polka coat.

Marfa Stance

Luxury brand Marfa Stance is the name to know when it comes to achingly chic, Instagram-perfect outerwear. The modular, buildable designs are created to evolve in multiple ways across climates, seasons, and occasions, transcending trends in favour for items that last a lifetime. Each garment is expertly crafted to the highest quality at family run factories in Italy using carefully sourced materials from Italy and Japan. I particularly love the reversible colour block quilt, which is made from water-repellent lightweight quilted nylon.

Langerchen

Scandi-cool label Langerchen creates premium eco-friendly outerwear using organic cotton, eco-wool (with naturally water-repellent properties), Tencel, organic linen and recycled polyester. I love the Ottawa Jacket, made up of 45% organic cotton, 30% recycled nylon, 25% PU. With an integrated backpack function, the jacket can be worn casually over the shoulder.

We Are Thought

The Kesha jacket by ethical brand We Are Thought is a waterproof raincoat made from organic cotton with a 100% recycled polyester lining. I love it’s the bold design and sleeve detailing; not to mention the sunny shade of mustard yellow that also happens to be perfectly on trend right now.

On Good Authority

A new generation rainwear brand, On Good Authority proves practicality and style can go hand in hand. Built by women for women, the London-based label makes its jackets from recycled waste plastics, using a non-toxic water repellent finish. It also produces in a factory where ethical practices are essential. I’ve had my eyes on the sleek waterproof Kimono for months.

Nau

Nau makes performance wear from a variety of ten sustainable materials. The brand also ensures sustainable production practices are in place, and never compromise. It has even developed its own textile treatment — PFC-free DWR – to avoid using harmful substances to coat waterproof goods. Nau’s Plume Down Hooded Jacket is made from a 100% recycled polyester shell, with 100% recycled 700-fill power down. Available long-sleeve or as a gilet.

Ecoalf

Ecoalf creates high-quality clothing and accessories entirely made from recycled fabrics and has some beautiful, unique styles. Some are even reversible, making them versatile, customisable and totally acceptable to wear over and over again whilst styling them differently. I’m obsessed with this trench-style raincoat, made from 32% polyester recycled from plastic bottles and 68% Tencel. One of those things I would wear pretty much all year round.

Tretorn

Over 100 years old, the Swedish, Chalamet-approved brand Tretorn specialise in wet-weather essentials and commit to eco-friendly materials and practices. I love their Indra Raincoat in Green, made from recycled polyester and coated in PU. It has a waist belt, too, which gives a nice shape, especially if you’re layered up underneath. Check out, also, their boots and shoes.

Aeance

All pieces from minimal-chic German brand Aeance are made from bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified materials. I love the waterproof Adaptive Jacket – perfect for both exercising or as a lightweight coverup to keep on hand during shower season.

32% polyester recycled from plastic bottles and 68% Tencel. One of those things I would wear pretty much all year round.

Prana

Creating clothing for positive change, Prana is fair trade certified and uses organic cotton, recycled wool, responsible down and Bluesign in its garments. Its “Clothing for Positive Change” movement ensures that the organization respects the planet and its people through responsible practices. I love the Southbounder Jacket, made with a PFC Free DWR (durable water repellent) finish.

Patagonia

A long-term fan of anything Patagonia, I love the colours and styles of its rainwear. They use eco-friendly fabrics such as ECONYL® by Italian brand Aquafil, and always ensure certified fair trade production. My favourite it this classic Rainshadow jacket.

Be fully prepared for sping showers with three long-lasting, eco-friendly umbrellas.

Discover our pick of sustainable spring jackets for women.

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