A Guide to Ethical and Sustainable Raincoats and Eco Rainwear Brands – GWC Mag

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Torrential downpour, rain fury, record-breaking floods are prime examples of how the climate crisis is changing our lives.

Climate change has a huge impact on how the rain system works and the changes happening in our water cycle can either make some parts of the world a whole lot wetter (or drier, for that matter). Ever wondered why rainstorms are getting more intense? Climate change could explain why.

This year alone, severe flooding have occurred in different countries across different continents: China, India, Germany, Belgium, New Zealand, Philippines, Nigeria, Iran, Arizona – to name a few, have all been impacted by devastating floods.

And if you’re gearing up for the wet season and need proper rainwear for the annual monsoon spells and climate-induced apocalyptic floods, we’ve got you covered – and by proper, we mean choosing raincoats and rainwear that hasn’t been made from virgin synthetic materials such as nylon or PVC, materials that gravely contribute to the degradation of the environment and pose human health risks due to the fluorocarbon chemicals in the production process – chemicals that have been linked to cancer and kidney damage.

Since building an ark is out of the question, here’s a list of sustainable and ethical raincoats and rainwear to arm you during wet season.

Sustainable rainwear brand 365 Dry‘s raincoats are funky, fun and stylish, unisex rain gear that you can dance in the rain in. Responsibly made in Bali, Indonesia – where the heavy rain season is a natural occurrence each year and where disposable plastic ponchos are often found littering the beautiful island – 365 Dry’s eco-friendly and fashionable raincoats and ponchos made from Repreve, a material sourced from regenerated recycled plastic bottles, are 100% waterproof and are a far more superior and sustainable alternative.

Patagonia outdoor wear and rain jackets are made to protect you against natural elements. Founded by a group of mountain climbers who love and respect the planet, Patagonia has gone on to be the leading sustainable outdoor apparel brand in the world. This conscious outdoor and rainwear company is serious about producing long-lasting apparel for men, women and children that can withstand harsh and wet conditions – all while protecting people and planet.

Who knew that rain jackets could look so classy? Female-founded sustainable luxury outerwear brand Culthread produces stylish vegan rainwear that can range from chic and classy to functional and edgy. Made from cruelty-free deadstock materials and recycled fabrics such as recycled polyester, you can feel good buying and wearing Culthread’s rainproof vegan jackets.

For cold-weather waterproof outdoor jackets and vests, make sure to check out icebreaker. Founded by Jeremy Moon in 1995 in New Zealand and now part of the VF Corporation, icebreaker pioneered the ethical and sustainable production of natural performance apparel, specialising in the use of merino wool in its clothing. Roughly 91% of icebreaker’s total fiber composition is now merino or plant-based. While the jacket ‘faces’ are made of nylon and polyester, the brand is committing to being completely plastic-free and synthetic-free by 2023. The brand also produces its products in China under fair factory conditions where suppliers are required to meet high ethical standards.

Raincoats aren’t made to make you look good or even bring out your fashion sense but Baxter Wood raincoats produce designs for all genders that aren’t only durable and reliable but they are sophisticated too! Baxter Wood raincoats are made from disposable plastic bottles which makes them waterproof. Plus, their boots are made from rubber that are non-toxic and biodegradable.

LangerChen’s high-quality, vegan urban rain gear and sustainable jackets are made from natural fibers and eco-friendly fabrics such as hemp and cotton, recycled polyester, deadstock fabrics or post-consumer waste. Prepare your eyes for some serious ogling as these rainproof sustainable coats are gorgeous and browsing through so many minimalist designs makes it impossible to choose just one! They produce eco-conscious rainwear designs for all genders.

This British conscious brand produces women’s clothing including rainwear that is made from a range of sustainable materials including organic cotton, hemp,recycled and leftover fabrics. What began with the founders’ shared love for natural and sustainable fabrics has become a 26-year-old sustainable brand committed to producing apparel that is kind to the earth and to everybody in the supply chain.

Rainwear for the little ones shouldn’t only be environmentally friendly, but should also be free from toxic chemicals. Swiss rainwear label Lea & Jojo specializes in raincoats for kids that are both sustainable and non-toxic. Made from 100% recycled materials such as PET and old bottles, these raincoats are also 100% recyclable, waterproof, windproof and even dirt resistant. Perfect for the little ones.

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Disclosure: This curated list does not fully take into account all ethical considerations that are unique to each individual. Before making a purchase, we encourage you to do your own research paying particular attention to the supply chain and your own particular set of ethics. Prices are correct at time of publishing. For more information, click here. Cover image by LangerChen.