When it comes to shopping sustainably, the main barrier is often the price. In fact, when it comes to buying clothing it has to be said that it is better for the planet and your wallet to buy second-hand. However, sometimes you do have to invest in a new quality piece. An investment is worth it knowing that you’ll be wearing your coat for years to come. Living in the UK, there’s no way to avoid those rainy days, making investing in sustainable rainwear a wise decision.
“Sustainable brands are so expensive”
When you’re shopping sustainably, it’s good to remember that you are paying for the garment workers to have a fair living wage, for an ethical production process and supply chain that is free from slavery and harmful pollutants, not to mention the fabric development. When you reflect on all of the elements involved in producing a new garment, the price doesn’t seem quite as high. Without further ado, here are five sustainable rainwear brands, with a range of outerwear ideal for autumn and beyond.
Sustainable Rainwear Brands:
Arket
I’m thrilled with my Arket Oversized Fishtail Parka made from used plastic bottles, and recycled polyester yarn! Both if which help reduce waste products and lessens the use of oil-based raw materials, and feel great too. Arket do not promote themselves to be a “sustainable” brand. However, they do conduct themselves in a way that can be considered sustainable to a degree. They focus on creating long-lasting pieces. They also consider sustainability when it comes to their choice of suppliers and materials. As well as informing customers about how to care for their products to prolong their lifespan.
- Price Range: £100-£200
- Size Range: XS-XL
- Shop: Arket Website
Tretorn
Swedish brand Tretorn have been busy working on some really exciting fabric developments including using recycled nylon from discarded fishing nets. The Wings Plus Eco Raincoat comes in many colour variations. It boasts high-performance and sustainability. This waterproof rain jacket is made from PU, with a backing of polyester made from recycled PET bottles.
- Price Range: £80-£100
- Size Range: XXS-XXL
- Shop: Tretorn Website
Maium
Maium is the brainchild of two friends from Amsterdam. They grew up biking through and realised they needed rainwear that was super functional. Maium raincoats are designed to help protect you from the elements when cycling as well as going about your everyday life. Their rainwear comes with a nifty flap and turns into a poncho to accommodate your bike! Made from 66 recycled PET bottles. Designed and tested by bad weather experts.
- Price Range: 175 Euro
- Size Range: XS-XL
- Shop: Maium Website
Everlane
Everland are a transparent brand, that even include how they calculate the cost of the garment on their website. Including materials, labour, transport, duties and hardware. Similarly to Arket, they are not strictly a “sustainable” brand. However they do produce garments that are made to last and use recycled materials too. The ReNew Anorak is made of 100% recycled fabric derived from 28 plastic water bottles. *Minus the zippers and trim. Currently, those can’t be sourced in recycled materials. (But they’re working on it.)
- Price Range: £70
- Size Range: XS-XL
- Shop: Everlane Website
Seasalt TIDE CYCLE® Range
Much-loved Cornwall brand Seasalt have been busy working on becoming a more sustainable company. Last year they removed 18 tonnes of single-use plastic from their business and are also innovating with fabrics that give new life to plastic waste. Tide Cycle® is woven from recycled polyester fibres made with used plastic bottles. It’s waterproof, breathable, hardwearing and extremely soft to the touch.
- Price Range: £130- £150
- Size Range: UK 8-28
- Shop: Seasalt Website
If you’re on a mission to shop more sustainably, it’s great to buy vintage or second-hand first, unless it’s an investment piece that you’ll wear, repair and love-to-death. You can pick up some excellent second-hand outerwear online at Thrift+ who list high-street and premium brands like Hobbs, Joules, Boden etc, so if you’re lucky you could pick up a raincoat on their for a steal! If you’re looking to invest in a new sustainable raincoat, then hopefully the above brands will be a great place to start.
