From granny hoods to recycled macs: 13 extra sustainable methods to remain dry when it rains | Sustainable trend
After the most popular UK summer season on file, autumn 2026 may very well be wetter and stormier than traditional, partly due to the El Niño local weather phenomenon, which is predicted to be the strongest of its sort in residing reminiscence. But a variety of wet-weather gear – from flimsy umbrellas that blow inside out inside seconds to single-use ponchos that may sit in landfill lengthy after this winter has blown over – typically isn’t very sustainable.
While waterproofed polyester can maintain us dry, there’s no excuse for it to not be constructed from recycled supplies. Look as a substitute for merchandise which might be designed to final and, higher nonetheless, a part of a round system the place the model provides repairs and takes duty for reusing or recycling worn-out gadgets. Besides, selecting well-made, thoughtfully designed merchandise means you should use them for years to come back.
From a water-based spray that may shield your favorite sneakers in showers to umbrellas designed to face up to the worst wind and rain, listed here are 13 of the very best.
Sustainable methods to remain dry when it rains
Return of the mac
Fashion editors use this Mark Morrison pun each season, however this time it actually is smart, as a result of Bam’s light-weight trenchcoat is designed to be despatched again to the model for recycling when it wears out. Available in three colors.
Bam Any Weather mac
An replace on the granny hood
Umbrellas aren’t for everybody: for those who’re quick, like me, they are often troublesome to handle on a busy avenue. I’ve been utilizing one in every of L-Hood’s shower-resistant hats for the previous couple of years. They roll up right into a slap band that may be worn across the wrist or saved neatly in your bag.
The Manchester-proof umbrella
Soaked was based in notoriously wet Manchester with a mission to make resilient, sustainable umbrellas. Think wind-resistant vented canopies constructed from recycled supplies and versatile fibreglass ribs.
Soaked recycled polyester umbrella
For extra, learn our roundup of the best umbrellas for staying dry in the wind and rain
Dry strides
When waterproof trousers look this good, you could be tempted to put on them whatever the climate as a substitute of retaining them in your bag for emergencies. The outsized silhouette is made to be worn over your regular trousers, and the adjustable drawstring waist and hems make them appropriate for biking, too.
Vivi Mari recycled polyester rain trousers
Future-proofed sneakers
I’ve been spray defending my sneakers and boots for years – getting forward of the climate is one of the best ways to maintain them wanting good. Liquiproof is wonderful stuff, and can be utilized on leather-based, suede, nubuck and canvas to guard from not solely rain but in addition mud, oil and different on a regular basis spills resembling ketchup. It’s water-based and aerosol-free.
Liquiproof protector spray, 125ml
Shower energy
While this isn’t technically a water-resistant jacket, I can inform you from expertise at a stormy seaside music competition that it does a very good job of retaining you heat and dry in a pointy bathe or two. It’s additionally light-weight, folds up fairly smalland is obtainable for men and girls. Finisterre additionally has a terrific number of extra substantial waterproof raincoats.
Finisterre recycled polyester hooded jacket
For extra, learn our information to the best waterproof jackets for women
Oilskin cap
Sometimes the oldest answer to waterproofing is all you want. This British-made waxed cotton cap has a leather-based peak and was designed particularly for spending time in unpredictable climate. It’s accessible in two colours and softens with age to look higher and higher.
The Field Cap cotton and leather-based hat
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Clogged up
Unlike many who love the Plasticana Gardana clogs for his or her viral fashion credentials, I purchased some earlier this 12 months to really backyard in. But it seems they’re nice dog-walking sneakers when it’s nonetheless too delicate to put on wellies or boots. Plus, they’re extremely light-weight, so you could possibly simply chuck them in a bag.
Plasticana Gardana recycled PVC and hemp clogs
Tote-ally dry
The waterproof coating on this recycled bag is Pfas-free. It’s padded and powerful, with helpful compartments to your laptop computer and different necessities, in addition to a detachable zip pouch that may be clipped into the bag for security.
Rainkiss herringbone recycled polyester tote bag
Boil within the bag
My dad and mom consult with rain jackets that retailer in their very own luggage as “boils”, and it doesn’t get rather more fashionable than this unisex one. It has some beautiful, extremely sensible options resembling thumb straps to maintain the sleeves in place, zipped pockets with rain flaps and a toggle to tighten the hood behind the pinnacle. Available in two colors.
Voited recycled polyester rain poncho
A reversible hoodie (and it’s simply the hood)
When you want heat in addition to safety from the rain, this padded hood has your head, neck and chest coated. Ideal for metropolis commuters as a result of it doesn’t have the added sweat issue of sleeves and a again while you inevitably end up on crowded public transport inside minutes of needing to place it on.
Fudoon recycled polyester padded reversible hood
Wash-in waterproofing
Use this intelligent waterproofer in your washer or wash it in by hand. It restores water repellency whereas sustaining the breathability of materials resembling Gore-Tex, Sympatex, eVent and Nikwax Analogy. It’s water-based and Pfas-free, and likewise accessible as an aerosol-free spray.
Nikwax wash-in waterproofer, 300ml
The round gilet
This gilet is made utilizing material scraps from a French mill identified for its military-grade textiles. Its outer layer is a 100% recycled waterproof polyamide, with Italian padding constructed from recycled polyester for the liner. The Re-Pete Project operates a round take-back system. All its clothes and equipment could be returned to be remade or composted, relying on the fabric.
Re-Pete recycled waterproof polyamide gilet
For extra, learn the best waterproof jackets for men and the best waterproof jackets for women
Hannah Rochell is a journalist who specialises in writing about – and experiencing – a slower, extra sustainable way of life, which she paperwork on her Substack Slowette. This includes the whole lot from switching to eco-friendly cleaning products and advocating for dehumidifiers as a substitute of tumble dryers, to purchasing solely at accountable trend manufacturers and studying to stitch
