Does Plastic-Free Rainwear Even Exist?
Yes! And it works too! We’ve tried a few of these brands ourselves and they have kept us dry in some of the wettest weather.
And you know what takes the edge off getting caught in the rain? Your favourite hot beverage in a reusable cup you actually remembered! We're Bottlecup - a 2in1 reusable water bottle and coffee cup designed to save you space on the g and ensure your cup is always with you.
Why Choose Plastic-Free Rainwear?
Almost all rain coats are made from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon which are essentially plastic. Whilst long lasting and durable, plastic clothing is terrible for the environment and our health.
Add to this that most conventional rainwear is often treated with PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) - a subset of PFAS and are a group of synthetic chemicals used to to make rainwear waterproof. PFCs/PFAS are known persistent environmental pollutants, that bioaccumulate in the environment and are non-degradable. When PFCs/PFAS leach into our soil, water, air and water they have been linked to human health concerns.
The Best Plastic-Free Raincoats
Rapanui
Rapanui makes affordable, plastic-free raincoats from organic cotton with a water-resistant coating that is PFC-free. They are lightweight, effective at keeping you dry and come in styles for both men and women, including warmer styles with an organic cotton fleece lining.
All Rapanui products are designed to be sent back at the end of their useful life where they will recycle the material into a new product. Simply scan the QR code found on the label inside each garment and download your free shipping label and receive money off your next purchase.
You can find some of their Remill offerings here such as t-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories, all made from recycled organic cotton! Their factory is based on the Isle of Wight and is powered by renewable energy too!
Matona
Matona makes a plastic-free raincoat for kids and adults from organic cotton with a beeswax water repellent coating on the outer layer. They're also warm, thanks to the quilted organic cotton lining and padding. The raincoats have a zip fastening with poppers over the top, a hood and deep pockets which are perfect for collecting little treasures such as acorns or shells.
All Matona products are made fairly in Portugal. Find adult organic raincoats here and organic raincoats for kids here.
Hess Natur
German brand hessnatur make sustainable clothing from natural fabrics. In fact 99.5% of the fibres they use are natural. Including their rainwear, which is made with their innovative and award winning fabric Nature Shell - a tightly woven organic cotton that has been ecologically impregnated to make it fully functional in wet weather. They have an all-weather parker for women and men
This plastic-free windbreaker is crafted from a 100% cotton outer and lined with a soft blend of lyocell and wool and has been designed to protect from the elements.
Zubek is a sustainable clothing brand created by two sisters who are on a mission to offer natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic clothing.
Community Clothing
Cut and sewn in Blackburn, England, Community Clothing's Frances and Frank rain coats are made from 100% cotton outer with a viscose lining. Community Clothing are best known for making good quality clothing and accessories in the UK at affordable prices.
Qwstion
Intended to offer comfort and elemental protection in all seasons, the wind and water resistant All-Weather Coat is a plastic-free, genderless parka made from an innovative Bananatex® fabric - a Cradle to Cradle Certified® fabric derived from naturally cultivated, organic abacá fibres - aka banana fibres - which is 100% biodegradable at the end of its useful life.
Mover
Mover specialises in making plastic-free sports wear and are using their natural material expertise in innovative ways. Their Ventile® Shell+ is an all-weather, water and wind resistant jacket made from their lightweight, high-density cotton with an ultra-thin Merino wool jersey lining. The style suits both men and women.
LuckySheep
This natural beeswax cotton canvas outerlayer is probably the mot natural option available and would be ideal for hiking, foraging, bush crafting or even just walking around the city. Made from organic cotton canvas, beeswax, pine resin and lanolin, this organic cotton rain coat is breathable and versatile, with room for thicker warm layers underneath during cold weather or simply wear it over a t-shirt in warmer weather.
Palava
Palava have a yellow waxed cotton trench coat, made in the UK and is proudly plastic-free. It is also machine washable and can be easily re-waxed at home meaning it should last for many years.
