They say, when it rains, it pours. And in the UK, finding stylish sustainable coats that actually protect you from the elements can be hard. Couple that with my penchant for sustainable, long-lasting fashion, and it can seem impossible. Well, that’s all about to change with my guide to sustainable outerwear and rainwear!
While you’ve probably seen me in jeans and tees most of the time in my #ootd posts, in truth you’ll usually find me hot-footing it around London in a big coat. I can’t stand being cold, wet, or windswept. It’s why I have a trusty few coats that I practically live in! So, let me take you on a journey through my wardrobe, as well as what it takes to make a good, sustainable coat, and where to find them…
What To Look For In High Quality, Sustainable Outerwear
Have you ever worn a coat out in the rain, to find yourself drenched within a matter of minutes? Yeah, me too. I’ve even had it with hiking boots! If you’re looking for a high quality, sustainable coat, I recommend looking for the following aspects:
For Raincoats, Look For Full Weather Protection
If you’re looking for a good coat to wear in all weather conditions, go for one with full weather protection. My raincoat is from On Good Authority, who make sure their coats are fully seam-sealed to guarantee waterproof protection. No more wet clothes!
In addition to this, look for water repellency – just make sure it’s the non-toxic kind. On Good Authority uses PFC-free water repellent coatings, and their lamination is Oeko-Tex® certified (tested for harmful substances). This is a big step away from traditional waterproof techniques, which often use harmful chemicals and can affect water systems or aquatic life. (Check out the film Riverblue for more on this.)
Alongside all this, if you want a coat that you can wear no matter the weather, look for breathability. Natural fibres will give you this, but synthetics can also compete – ask for waterproof and breathability ratings if this is important to you. I personally like a wax jacket as it does this naturally (and stops me from cycling around feeling like I’m wearing a plastic bag!)
For All Coats, Look For Sustainable Materials
As with all clothing purchases, it’s important to look for sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices. We can’t really afford to ignore sustainability when it comes to fashion, especially on the human side.
In my guide to sustainable materials, you’ll note how very few of them are waterproof or suitable for outerwear. The exception is recycled nylon, and in the world of raincoats, you may see this called Greenlon. I still think this is a better alternative to recycled polyester, as it is a higher quality fibre that will last many, many wears.
If you’d rather stay away from synthetics, go for a wax jacket made with cotton fibre, or choose a wool coat that will have some natural water repellency (just not to the degree of a raincoat).
My Sustainable Coats Collection
Vintage Wool & Cashmere Coat
My most-worn coat has to be my vintage Wallis coat from eBay, which drapes me from my shoulders to the floor. I got this for just £20, and had it taken up a few inches so that it didn’t swamp my petite frame!
If this coat can protect me from the hash minus temperatures of Stockholm, winter in the UK stands no chance!
Waterproof Kimono Raincoat
I’m delighted to say I’m also a proud owner of On Good Authority’s waterproof kimono, which has been a life-saver for getting round London in this grey, wet weather. I can wear it when cycling, walking, hopping on the bus, or jumping on the tube. The coat is light and works well over a sweater, or a t-shirt, whatever the temperature.
Recycled Down Puffer Jacket
Finally, for a winterised waterproof jacket, look no further than the North Face‘s recycled down jackets. This puffer jacket has served me well across four winters now, and I was so pleased to finally invest in a down jacket that skipped the cruelty. I’ve since invested in a recycled fleece by the North Face too, and I really do like their focus on circularity and quality.
12 of the Best Sustainable Coats Brands in UK
Looking to add a sustainably-made coat or jacket into your wardrobe? Here are the brands and second-hand sites I recommend for finding your next coat:
BEDI*: High-end coats and rainwear handmade with reclaimed materials like seat belts.
Deadwood: Re-made vintage leather jackets with linings made from recycled plastic-bottles.
Ecoalf: Jackets made from recycled fibres designed for both men, women, and children.
Issy London*: Sumptuous faux-fur coats and jackets made from recycled polyester.
The North Face: Look out for TNF’s puffer jackets made with recovered down and recycled materials.
OTK: Sustainably-made puffer jackets made with natural fibres.
Oxfam*: Second-hand coats and jackets that benefit charity.
Pangaia: Puffer jackets with filling made from bio-polymer and wild flowers.
Ponch: Sustainably-made pack-a-macs in bold prints and artist collabs.
Prev*: Contemporary, high-end leather coats made using bio-based olive leather.
Reliked*: Unworn and lightly worn coats and jackets from influencers’ wardrobes.
Untouched World: Coats and jackets from the world’s first sustainable fashion brand recognised by the UN.
I hope my guide helps you to find your next coat more sustainably! Let me know if so!
