4 Eco Brands with the Best Sustainable Rain Coats
Rain coats are a practical piece of apparel in just about everyone's closet! Whether you're doing outdoor activities such as hiking or just running around town on rainy days, these jackets are important for keeping dry. Unfortunately some of the waterproof fabrics contain harmful substances.
Let's explore rain coats and look and learn what sustainable materials to look for when shopping for a new eco-friendly rain jackets.
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Are Water Repellent Fabrics Toxic?
When it comes to rain coats and any other garments and products that are planned to be worn to or used in the rain, they need to be water-repellent. Most of water-repellent items -if not all-, have a coating on top of the fabric of some sort of durable water-repellent (DWR).
Any of these clothing items will manage to keep you dry, while at the same time allow the fabric to remain breathable. And that, is exactly what we want!
Unfortunately, DWRs traditionally contain water-repelling perfluorinated chemicals like poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
These chemicals take a long time to break down so they persist in the environment where they have detrimental effects, not only during apparel production but also while wearing and washing when microfibers are shed.
Through these processes toxic chemicals enter soil, air, and waterways, polluting them and thus impacting animals and ecosystems.
This problem continues even when these textiles are disposed of. PFASs can also build up in human bodies, potentially impacting the health of factory workers and consumers.
Materials to Look for When Shopping for a Sustainable Rain Jacket
When searching for an eco-friendly rain coat, I encourage you to look for more sustainable waterproof fabrics. Here are a few things to look for!
Perfluorocarbons-free (PFC-free);
As a lot of outdoor wear is made with synthetic fabrics be sure to look for recycled materials such as recycled polyester.
Where to Shop for Sustainable Rain Jackets?
If you're feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to look for a sustainable alternative that's okay! Let's look at some eco-friendly brands that use conscious materials and value fair wages.
Patagonia's Rain Coats & Parkas Made with Eco-friendly Materials
Patagonia is a sustainable fashion brand that has been leading the way for years. Patagonia is always looking for cleaner ways to produce their clothing, including reducing chemical harm throughout their supply chain.
Patagonia values creating high-quality clothing. Patagonia makes it easy for consumers to find all their outdoor gear including rain boots, rain jackets, and more.
Their rain wear features 100% recycled fabrics on the outer layer and they’ve switched to using 6-carbon-long DWR and offer PFC-free items like their Radalie and Dual Aspect jackets.
Patagonia carries coats, jackets, and parkas for men, women, and children ranging from $100-$400.
Patagonia is also actively seeking more non-PFC DWR finishes that won’t renege on the quality, toughness, and durability of their apparel. They also have a second-hand platform where you might be able to pick up sustainable rain gear at a lower price.
Patagonia furthers their eco-friendly practices by allowing consumers to bring in their Patagonia items for repair. These two practices help reduce the amount of textile waste ending up in landfills.
Tentree Plant Trees with Sustainable Coats
Ranging from the practical to the stylish, tentree has a great collection of outerwear for men and women. What’s more, their parkas, puffers, and jackets are made from recycled or compostable materials and coated with non-toxic DWR.
As their clothes (and name) suggest, they’re all about the environment, planting ten trees for every purchase made. Tentree’s coats range from $118-$300.
Ministry of Supply’s Carbon Neutral Rain Coat
Based out of Boston and born in the labs of MIT, Ministry of Supply creates clothes for motion, comfort, easy care, and the planet.
Their clothes are made with recycled and bio-based fabrics through 3D Print-Knit production, an on-demand, zero waste production technique. This clothing brand is also Climate Neutral Certified and gives back.
With its removable hood and waterproof, breathable stretch shell, Ministry of Supply’s Doppler Rain Coat is perfect for available for men and women.
Girlfriend Collective's Water Resistant Windbreakers
If you're looking for a lightweight waterproof jacket Girlfriend Collective has you covered! They have a wide range of water resistant windbreakers made from 100% recycled water bottles (RPET).
Girlfriend Collective works with family owned factories that hold SA8000 certifications and provide healthcare benefits. Their sustainable windbreakers for men and women range from $108-$118.
Tips for Shopping for Rain Coats
Be sure to consider the weight of the coat you're buying. If you live in a colder climate you'll want a heavier weight whereas if you live in a warmer area a zip windbreaker might do the trick in rainy weather.
Be sure to consider sustainable practices through out the supply chain. For example does the brand use renewable energy or offset their carbon footprint?
Is this product high quality and durable? Will it be able to last for years to come?
Consider where the coat was made and if the garment workers were paid a living wage .
What about the packaging? Does the jacket come with packaging that results in plastic waste?
Consider the hood as this is key in keeping your head dry. Does the jacket have an adjustable hood or a detachable hood?
Hopefully this guide has brought you some new insights into the sustainable and eco-friendly rain coats world, and now you are a little more ready to make conscious choices when acquiring yours.
Don't be afraid to do your own research to further you knowledge.The best way to learn more is by e-mailing brands to learn more about their materials and production process.
For more tips & tricks on sustainable living be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.