A good raincoat is certainly not an unnecessary luxury in the Netherlands. So if you happen to need a new one anyway, you might as well look a little further than just: does it keep me dry? Because raincoats are often made of synthetic materials (thankfully, otherwise they wouldn't keep us dry), but they can also contain PFAS to make them water-repellent. Fortunately, a growing number of brands are doing things differently. That is why we gathered some great brands offering more sustainable raincoats. From cheerful ponchos for cycling and festivals to practical coats that let you walk out into a heavy downpour with peace of mind. So, which sustainable raincoat from the list will be your favourite?
What is the story behind an average raincoat?
Right, a raincoat obviously needs to be very good at one main thing: keeping the rain out. And that requires materials that can withstand a heavy downpour. Most raincoats are therefore made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon. These are made from fossil raw materials, like petroleum, and are ultimately just a form of plastic. Furthermore, PFAS were often used for years to make a jacket effectively water and dirt-repellent. So, not exactly the most appealing list. PFAS is a collective term for thousands of chemical substances that hardly break down and therefore spread further and further through the environment. Moreover, some PFAS can be harmful to our health. It is not without reason that Europe is working hard on a broad ban on PFAS.
Fortunately, a lot is now happening in the world of raincoats. More and more brands are using recycled polyester or nylon for their more sustainable raincoats. True, it's still synthetic material, but you can't easily avoid that with a good raincoat. Ever cycled through a heavy downpour in a cotton jacket? Exactly. By using recycled materials, existing plastic gets a new lease of life and fewer new fossil resources are needed. And perhaps even more importantly, more and more raincoats are being made without PFAS. That doesn't suddenly turn your sustainable raincoat into a natural product, of course, but it is a big step in the right direction.
More sustainable raincoats: these are the brands you want to know
Is your old raincoat really in need of replacing? Then it is time for the fun part: picking out a new one. We have specially curated a list of brands that do things just a little differently. For instance, using recycled materials, without PFAS or with extra attention to a long lifespan. From great cycling jackets to cheerful ponchos and raincoats that also allow you to look your best.
- MAIUM: An Amsterdam-based raincoat brand that, in our view, simply must be included on this list. The coats are PFAS-free and are largely made from recycled plastic. Particularly handy for anyone who cycles every day: several styles can be converted into a sort of poncho that drapes over your legs and handlebars using side zips. The Original, for example, is made from 100% recycled polyester, sourced from 66 plastic bottles.
- Rainkiss: another Amsterdam-based brand, but this one’s for anyone who loves a bit of colour. Rainkiss makes eye-catching rain ponchos in prints that almost make you look forward to a downpour. The ponchos are made from 100%-certified recycled polyester. More than twenty plastic bottles are used to make a single poncho, and the waterproof coating is PFAS-free. They also fold up small, so they’re handy to keep in your bag at all times.
- AGUthis Dutch bicycle brand naturally knows better than anyone what you need when you have to cycle to work through a Dutch downpour. We find the undyed raincoats particularly interesting. These are made from recycled polyester that is not dyed, which means that production step is also skipped. Furthermore, the jackets have a PFAS-free water-repellent coating. And nicely: at AGU you will not only find sporty cycling jackets, but also longer models that you can easily wear as an ordinary coat.
- VAUDE: a familiar name on thegreenlist.nl and a good choice if you’re looking for a durable rain jacket that can handle a bit more. The German outdoor brand offers rain jackets for activities including hiking, cycling and everyday use. Many models are made from recycled polyester and feature a PFAS-free water-repellent finish. VAUDE is also strongly committed to repairs and a long service life. Many jackets carry the brand’s own Green Shape label.
- Rainsfor anyone who thinks of a raincoat primarily as: can it just be a nice coat? Danish brand Rains is known for its minimalist raincoats in all kinds of lengths and colours. The classic raincoats are made from polyester with a waterproof PU coating and are PFAS-free. Thanks to their timeless design, they are also coats you won't tire of quickly. Great if you're looking for a raincoat that you can just as easily wear on your bike as to work or a night out.
- LangerChenstormproof without looking like you're heading off on a three-day trek. This German-Chinese fair fashion brand makes beautiful urban coats and parkas, using materials such as organic cotton and recycled nylon. Several waterproof models feature a PU membrane and a PFC-free water-repellent finish. Well worth a look if you're looking for a sustainable raincoat that you actually just want to wear as an everyday jacket.
- Patagoniaperhaps the best-known sustainable outdoor brand in this list. In the current collection, you will find a wide choice of waterproof jackets made from recycled materials that are produced without intentionally added PFAS. Some models even use recycled nylon sourced from old fishing nets. In addition, Patagonia has focused for years on repairing and using clothing for as long as possible. A great option if you are looking for a serious rain jacket for walking, travelling and other outdoor adventures.
- Houdini Sportsweara lesser-known name, but all the more fun for this list. This Swedish outdoor brand started phasing out PFAS back in 2012 and has not used them in its production since 2018. The waterproof jackets are made from recycled and recyclable materials. Especially interesting if you are looking for a raincoat that can take a beating while hiking, cycling or doing other outdoor sports and are willing to spend a bit more on it.
What about that old raincoat containing PFAS then?
After reading this article, did you suddenly find yourself looking suspiciously at your old raincoat hanging in the hallway? Don't throw it out just yet. According to Milieu Centraal, you can simply keep wearing a raincoat containing PFAS with normal use. In fact, using a jacket that is still in good condition for as long as possible is usually a better choice than replacing it prematurely. Once it is genuinely worn out, it can go in the textile recycling bin. Want to know more? We previously looked into exactly what to do with a raincoat containing PFAS.
Bring on the rain in your sustainable raincoat!
Finding a sustainable rain jacket without synthetic materials remains quite a challenge. Fortunately, this list shows that within those limitations there are increasingly better choices: recycled materials instead of new fossil resources, without PFAS, and jackets designed to last. Above all, choose one that suits how you use it, because the most sustainable rain jacket is ultimately the one you happily pull out of your wardrobe for years to come when the weather app turns dark blue once again.
Do you have another great recommendation for a more sustainable raincoat brand that definitely belongs on this list? Please let us know! We always love adding your green finds to our lists.
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- Also see: list of more sustainable sportswear brands.
Photo credits: Rains, Maium, Rainkiss.
