Never again let rain dampen your style with a waterproof from one of these excellent brands.
Stutterheim
The Scandinavians understand, more than most others, our British preoccupation with being prepared for the elements. After all, the climatic conditions are more extreme, not less so. The Stockholm-based Stutterheim winningly combines the nation’s understanding of practicality when dealing with less-than-friendly weather and the famous minimalist Scandi style. As they explain, ‘At our headquarters in Stockholm, inspiration comes to us in abundance — there is no shortage of rainy days, cloudy skies, dark and moody weather. The same Nordic bleakness that has inspired famed melancholics such as August Strindberg and Ingmar Bergman inspires the garments we design, with care for the fragile Scandinavian disposition. Combining practicality with style, we create timeless pieces that are both modern, classic and functional. With a defiant attitude towards the elements.’ Tailored in 530-gram 100 per cent waterproof PVC-coated fabric, these coats, which are made for men and women, may not come cheap but they will keep out the rain – and last a lifetime. We like the Stockholm Raincoat in Fade Red, £220 (pictured). Explore the full range here.
Rains
Another brilliant producer of waterproofs, another Scandi brand, this time hailing from Denmark. Its simple designs are characterised by a pared-back colour palette and sharp cuts (note the sloping hemline of the Fishtail Parka, £115, pictured, that elevates and flatters endlessly). Fastenings are concealed for a perfectly streamlined look and seams are ultrasonically welded – donning one of these Rains’ signature PU fabric will never cramp your style and will reliably keep you toasty dry. Explore the full range here.
Rapanui
Rapanui may not be known solely for its rainwear, but that which it does make is easily good enough to make our list. What the brand is known for, however, is a sustainably produced collection made using organic materials, renewable energy and plastic-free packaging. Its waterproofs, of course, adhere to their wider standards too, which earns them many brownie points as far as we are concerned. We love the Women’s Smock Jacket, £75 (pictured), which is plastic- and PFC-free, water-resistant and easy to throw on over just about anything. Inspired by exploring the coastline in all weathers, we say it’s the ideal thing for doing just that – before repairing to a
Sweaty Betty
What Sweaty Betty doesn’t know about activewear is, frankly, not worth knowing. And that, of course, includes all the right gear for getting outside, whether the weather is clement or not and making the most of your time in the elements by staying cool in the heat, warm in the cold and dry in the rain. That last brings us to its excellent range of waterproofs, our favourite of which is the Motion Longline Parka, £220 (pictured). Fully waterproof, it is made from 100 per cent recycled fabric and sweeps the ankles, keeping your whole body dry. The perfect thing for long winter hikes – especially with its snap-shut pockets which means you could simply walk without being weighed down by bags. The dream. Explore the full range here.
Everlane
Despite Everlane’s HQ being in sunny San Francisco, its rainwear remains exceptionally good. We have many reasons to like this brand, not least its ethical credentials. As they say, ‘We spend months finding the best factories around the world—the same ones that produce your favorite designer labels. We visit them often and build strong personal relationships with the owners. Each factory is given a compliance audit to evaluate factors like fair wages, reasonable hours, and environment. Our goal? A score of 90 or above for every factory.’ We think its ReNew Anorak in Bay Leaf, £123 (pictured), is a beauty. Made from 100 per cent recycled materials derived from plastic water bottles, it has a good oversized fit and a hidden drawcord so that you can cinch it in if you so wish. Explore the full range here.
Barbour
Barbour has been making outerwear to keep out the elements since 1894. It holds three royal warrants and its jackets are so durable that one customer once lost hers at sea, only to be reunited with it many tides later along the coast, still intact. That, then, tells you all you need know about how well a Barbour can withstand a drenching. We love the classic Barbour 40th Anniversary Beaufort Wax Jacket, £299 (pictured). Pricey it may be, but you will never need buy another – so long as you don’t lose yours for good on the high seas, that is. Explore the full range here.
Samsøe Samsøe
Samsøe Samsøe – another Scandi brand dedicated to sustainable, simple and stylish clothes – has existed since 1993. They say, ‘With a nod to its Scandinavian heritage, Samsøe Samsøe is defined by a wearable aesthetic that combines the utilitarian ease of Copenhagen street style with a quintessentially Scandinavian spirit.’ We really like the Stala Jacket 7357, £95 (pictured), which is fully waterproof and made from 50 per cent Polyurethane and 50 per cent recycled polyester fabric, and is PFAS-free. Explore the full range here.
North Face
North Face, which is named after the most challenging part of a mountain face, is serious about equipping the adventurous with the right gear, and has been doing so since the 1960s. It knows a thing or two about keeping outdoorsy types insulated, whether they are mountainside or simply going for a long wintry walk (we’re more likely to fall into the latter camp). We like the Cropped Quest Jacket, £100 (pictured), which is the perfect thing for teaming with leggings on a winter morning run. Explore the full range here.
By Nancy Alsop
September 2023
