The Best Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Rain Jackets & Raincoats
When it starts raining, many of us grab our reliable raincoats. But have you ever considered the environmental impact of your rainy day attire? Fortunately, there are several brands who offer sustainable raincoats. These innovative raincoats are designed not only to keep you dry, but are also made from high-quality, planet-friendly materials. They are designed with sustainability in mind, often using recycled materials like plastic bottles or fishing nets to prevent them from ending up in landfills or oceans. There are various designs, colors, and patterns available to suit every taste and climate. Whether you like a classic trench coat or a bold color, you can make a fashion statement while positively impacting the planet. Embrace the future of sustainable fashion, where raincoats not only protect you from the elements but also safeguard the environment on which we all depend!
The Rise of Sustainable Fashion
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards sustainable fashion. As people become more aware of the detrimental effects of fast fashion on the environment, they are seeking out alternatives that are kinder to the planet. Sustainable fashion is all about reducing waste, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals, and promoting ethical practices throughout the supply chain. It's a shift towards a more conscious way of consuming and dressing.
Most raincoats today are made from virgin synthetic fabrics derived from petroleum and toxic dyes. They are often priced very low making it difficult to pay the makers a fair wage.
What is a Sustainable Rain Jacket?
A sustainable rain jacket, or raincoat, is made from eco-friendly materials (typically recycled polyesters for waterproofing), produced ethically, and designed to last. A sustainable raincoat is also the one that is currently sitting in your closet - or one you find in a secondhand shop!
our top picks for Eco-Friendly, sustainable raincoats & Rain Jackets:
1. tentree
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Price: $69 - 125
Sizes: XS-XL
For: Women & Men
tentree is a B Corp and climate-neutral company that gets its name from its pledge to plant ten trees for every purchase.
Their sustainable essentials are created with the smallest possible environmental footprint, using eco-friendly materials like TENCEL, organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester.
They have 5 different rain jacket styles (3 for women, 2 for men) made with a recycled polyester lining and finished with PFC-free DWR. Their Nimbus Long Rain Jacket (pictured) is fully lined with taped seams and a cell phone pocket.
tentree’s partner factories are regularly audited to ensure they comply with the brand’s Code of Conduct and international labor standards.They have 5 different rain jacket styles (3 for women, 2 for men) made with a recycled polyester lining.
2. Girlfriend Collective
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Price: $41 - 79
Sizes: XXS- 6XL
For: Women
Girlfriend Collective makes many of their products, including raincoats, from recycled plastic bottles, nylon, or fishing net.
Their packaging is also all recycled and recyclable. They are very transparent about their manufacturing processes.
Our favorite thing about Girlfriend Collective is they are very size-inclusive, and the more people you can reach, the more sustainable your brand.
The Girlfriend Collective offers a windbreaker that is water-resistant. It also has a hideable hood, zippered pockets and a cinchable waist.
3. Patagonia
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Price: $80 - 449
Sizes: XXS-3XL
For: Men, Women & Kids
Patagonia, based out of the wonderful state of Oregon, are early pioneers of sustainability; doing it long before the term sustainable fashion was even coined. Patagonia makes most of their coats with 100% recycled materials, usually nylon or polyester from plastic bottles.
Over 80% of their products are certified Fair Trade, including their raincoats. Finally, they continue to increase their use of solar and wind energy, and are a bluesign approved partner.
Patagonia has one of the largest selections of raincoats, so you will find a fit and color you love. My favorite is the Tortenshell 3L jacket in Bayou Blue. Most of their selection is lightweight, a great choice for layering. Nearly all coats come with storm flaps on the pockets and hood area to keep you nice and dry. Some have a lined neck or pockets for extra warmth – so cozy. What we love about shopping Patagonia is they have coats for the whole family!
4. Amble
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Price: $149 - 179
Sizes: XS-4X
For: Women
If you are looking for fun prints and a unique brand - Amble is it!
They cover the whole of sustainability from recycled fabrics to ethical factories, carbon-neutral products, plastic-free packaging, and tree planting with every order.
Since they launched, they have recycled over 250,000 post-consumer bottles into fabrics. They keep track of this in their annual Sustainability Reports highlighting their achievements and future goals.
A Melbourne-based small business designed, Amble is owned and run by women committed to getting more women outdoors!
5. Kampos
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Price: $316
Sizes: XS-XXL
For: Men & Women
KAMPOS redefines luxury by transforming waste found in the ocean into high-quality clothing.
Its unisex rain jackets are handcrafted in Italy, and they are available in two colors (navy and olive green). KAMPOS uses recycled packaging that is also 100% recyclable and FSC-certified.
It also donates part of its profits to the Coral Conservation Project, an initiative launched to protect and restore coral reefs in the Maldives.
The brand is a certified B Corporation, and in 2022, it was named Best for the World™ in the Environment and Community categories. Plus, KAMPOS received the Butterfly Mark accreditation, which identifies luxury brands meeting the highest standards of environmental performance.
6. Mila.Vert
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Price: €553 - 690
Sizes: XS-XL
For: Women
If you are looking for a classic trench coat you can carry with you for many years, this would be the brand to shop!
Mila Vert makes its clothing to order, which helps eliminate left-over stock and avoid over-production. Another benefit is that their raincoats can be tailored to make sure it fits you perfectly: Mila Vert offers free custom-fit orders tailored to your body measurements!
The brand creates its clothes in collaboration with two local sewing companies that provide optimal working conditions and fair living wages to their talented makers, seamstresses and tailors.
Mila Vert also ships its clothing in plastic-free packaging, and it makes its fabric bags using scrap materials to reduce its textile waste.
7. Wuxly
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Price: $372 - 695
Sizes: XS-XL
For: Women & Men
Looking for a pop of color?
We love Wuxly’s colorful trench coats!
Animal-free, made with recycled materials, and ethically manufactured in Canada, Wuxly parkas have kept people warm (and animals out of the equation) since 2015.
They are also a Certified B Corp brand, and to be a circular brand, they offer you $100 off a new Wuxly parka when returning your old one. As well they will fix it up for someone in need. We love brands that keep their products out of the landfill!
8. Baxter Wood
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Price: $200
Sizes: XXS-XL
For: Men & Women
Baxter Wood makes their coats using recycled polyester from plastic bottles.
Twenty-two bottles that would otherwise end up in a landfill for decades are instead turned into a coat.
They don’t stop there though, they buy back rubber boots and raincoats, giving you a $30 credit while upcycling them into other uses.
Finally, they donate 10% of their products to sustainable education programs.
Baxter Wood has the classic rain slicker look down. They even have a yellow one –who hasn’t fancied themselves a yellow rain slicker at some point in their life? If yellow is not your thing, they have many other fun colors. The large pockets and adjustable hood will keep you dry during nearly any rainstorm. The button-up front adds another pop of style. Baxter Woods carries one classic style for men and women at one price point, making shopping simple and easy.
How to Care For Your Sustainable Rain Jacket
To maintain the longevity of your sustainable raincoat, it is essential to provide proper care. Here are some tips to help you take care of your raincoat:
Follow the Care Instructions: Each raincoat may have specific care instructions, so it's important to follow them carefully. Pay attention to recommended washing temperatures, drying methods, and any other special care requirements.
Spot Clean: If your raincoat has only a small stain or spot, consider spot cleaning it instead of washing the entire garment. This will help conserve water and energy.
Wash Less Frequently: Raincoats do not need to be washed as frequently as other garments since they primarily serve as a protective layer. Only wash your raincoat when it is visibly dirty or after extended use.
Use Non-Toxic, Gentle Detergents: When washing your raincoat, use gentle detergents free from harsh chemicals to preserve the fabric's integrity and reduce environmental impact. Find our favorite non-toxic laundry detergents here.
Store Properly: When not in use, store your raincoat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any unnecessary damage or fading of the fabric.
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WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?
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We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.