How to Elevate Your Rainwear for Urban Style and Off-Trail Adventures
Three Reasons Why Rainwear Isn’t What it Used to Be
Rainwear today looks far better than the crinkly ponchos and plasticky jackets of the past.
Thanks to brands like RAINS making rain jackets that look like ‘rubberized’ trench coats, rainwear is trending. Details like waist belts, fishtail back patterns and flattering hoods make you work-ready even in a downpour.
“Raincoats are strongly represented in the fashion world,” says Matthew Magnante, Senior Editor of Fitness Volt. Many designers have created raincoats that cater to the desires of famous influencers, bloggers, and celebrities, he explains, so it makes sense brands like Nobis and Indyeva now reflect these trends.
The first Gore-Tex waterproof jackets were neon-coloured and shapeless - a far cry from the trendy rainwear of today.
Now raincoats and parkas contour your silhouette (while still remaining breathable) and are really flattering. “There are a great variety of classic, playful, colour-block, animal-print and pastel-tinted options, but, like in the good old days, in bright yellow as well,” Matthew says.
Adjusters like drawstrings and extra zippers make your jacket incredibly versatile - good for a lunch meeting, after-work drinks, or quick shopping trip.
In addition, many fashionable rain jackets have waterproof features like Gore-Tex and DWR coating, so you don’t have to compromise looks for functionality.
Whet your appetite for city downpours.
Rainwear - Urban Women’s Trends
Rainwear - Urban Men’s Trends
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Three Things to Look for in Small + Packable Rainwear
Many jackets pack down to the size of your palm and weigh less than one pound.
Ultra-packable models are usually 2 or 2.5 layer Gore-Tex laminates (or similar). These are less durable than 3-layer jackets, so consider this before you purchase.
There’s always going to be some compromise between packability, durability, and price.
The sweet spot tends to be 6 to 7 ounces at the lightest, with anything lighter falling into the ‘emergency shell’ category.
Rainwear with ultralight, non-bulky fabric is always easier to pack for a hike, run, or other adventure. Some rainwear even comes with a pocket that doubles as a storage bag or has its own stuff sack.
You have to be careful, though: many lightweight minimalist jackets have little to no extra features like pockets, pit zips, or adjustment points.
Rainwear with 3D motion technology allows for better freedom of movement.
The fabric is more stretchy for when you’re climbing, skiing, or hiking. If you like cycling or mountain biking, look for a rain jacket with a helmet-compatible hood.
Even if you do spend most of your time cycling, there may be a weekend you hit a long-distance hike. If that’s you, look for rainwear suitable for different sports and activities.
Our top active picks to make light work of the heaviest showers
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Four Things to Know About Rainwear Fabrics
Almost all modern rainwear is made with a collection of fabrics laminated together to form a single waterproof layer.
This breathable membrane is a delicate layer that blocks water (and rain, sleet, hail and snow), yet allows perspiration to pass through.
Both laminates such as Gore-Tex or coatings like Durable Water Repellent (DWR) keep water out.
With a laminate, a breathable membrane is fused to the underside of the fabric, while coatings have a thin layer applied to the inner surface of the fabric.
People mistakenly refer to all breathable waterproofing as Gore-Tex, but there are dozens of technologies that work equally well.
Brand names like eVent, BDry, H2No, Futurelight, and Neoshell effectively do two things: block precipitation from entering, and allow your sweat to pass through.
DWR causes precipitation to bead up and roll off. When the water stops beading up or when you get cold spots in your jacket or pants, you have to re-apply the DWR coating.
These membranes don’t really wear out, but they do get clogged with debris and oil from our skin and become less breathable. Regular washing, and reapplying DWR when necessary, will help it last longer.
4. Breaking Down the Layers
2-layer
2-layer is the most casual type of rainwear.
It binds a breathable waterproof membrane to the underside of a garment. There’s a loose-hanging liner on the inside to protect it.
2.5 layer?!
Sounds weird, right? How can you have half a layer? This rainwear starts the same as 2L and 3L with a waterproof breathable membrane fused to the underside of fabric.
But there’s also a thin veneer applied to protect the membrane - that’s the half layer. Usually they’re more affordable than 2L or 3L, but can be less breathable.
3-layer
Mostly found in performance apparel, 3-layers are the most expensive.
It starts the same as a 2-layer, where a membrane is bound to the underside of fabric. On top of that, another layer is bound to the membrane to protect it. This creates one functional piece of fabric that’s very lightweight.
Layer up!
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