This Rain Gear Brand Is Taking Over European

I just returned from a summer trip to Ireland where the running joke is — if you don’t want it to rain, just carry an umbrella. As Murphy’s law would have it, if you’ve forgotten your rain protection, then it’s bound to pour. Though I didn’t see everyone walking around holding umbrellas, I did see a lot of raincoats, waterproof bags, and water-resistant gear that all shared a similar chic, minimalist, and urban aesthetic. The source of this fashionable yet tactical gear? Danish outerwear brand, Rains, which produces modern reinterpretations of classic waterproof designs (think: a chic rain poncho you’d actually want to wear), and has become a European style staple.

On my trip around southern Ireland, I traveled from Dublin to rural West Cork to the coastal villages of the Dingle peninsula, and I saw Rains everywhere. It was worn on the streets by Irish locals and available in even the smallest of village boutiques. You can recognize Rains gear by its signature PU fabric and welded seams that make for a soft, buttery, matte surface.

If you’re a traveler preparing for the capricious weather of shoulder season, you’ll need to pack waterproof layers to keep yourself and your gear dry. Here are my top picks from this Euro-loved brand known for its elegant Scandinavian approach to durable, waterproof gear and outerwear.

Snap-front Rain Jacket

Let’s start with the most common waterproof piece: the rain jacket. This hooded unisex jacket features a snap front, snap pockets, and welded seams to keep you dry when you’re on the move. I find hoods are useless unless you can secure it to your head so it doesn’t blow off in headwinds, but Rains equips its hoods with useful drawstrings and a visor so you have a bit of extra protection over your face. 

Because this jacket is unisex, it does have a boxy fit. However, reviewers suggest checking the size chart and potentially sizing down if you prefer a more fitted look. In fact, one Rains shopper said, “It fits like it was made for me,” noting how the minimal Danish design was just what they were looking for. “I need crisp lines in my clothes especially my shoulders otherwise clothing looks frumpy on me,” they continued. “10 out of 10, best rain jacket ever. I get compliments every time I wear it.”

Waterproof Hooded Long Jacket

This unisex jacket is the longer version of the classic rain jacket, above. The minimal style has all of the functional features of a Rains coat: patch pockets with snaps, adjustable cuffs, and a drawstring hood with a built-in bill. If you purchase directly from Rains, you can choose from 12 different colors, or opt for a simple black or gray if buying from Nordstrom. This coat is lightweight with a bit of stretch and packs down easily. The extra length will keep your legs and backside dry when walking through rain.

String Waterproof Jacket-Parka

This knee-length rain jacket has a drawstring waist for a more custom fit. Waterproof details include elastic cuffs and a front zipper closure protected by an additional layer of snaps. One Rains shopper noted to use both the zippers and snaps to keep the coat closed, so the closures don’t pull at the fabric: “I won’t be using the snaps by themselves as that’s why I think some people are saying the snaps pull away from the fabric. You’re supposed to use the zipper first.” A back placket helps with ventilation and makes this a great coat for warmer weather where you need breathability.

Curve Waterproof A-line Jacket

This swingy A-line silhouette has plenty of room for movement with a drape that builds in volume from chest to hem. Hidden snap closures keep the jacket closed, and under-arm eyelets help ventilate in hot, humid conditions. One Nordstrom shopper said this coat was a travel favorite: “It was very easy to travel with, and the friend I was traveling with liked it so much that she ordered one, too.” Continuing their review, the shopper added, “The trapeze shape gave it a little bit of pizazz that my other raincoats don’t have.”

Curve Waterproof Belted Jacket

Rainwear is notorious for having no shape at all, but what Rains has done with its womenswear cuts brings some shape back into the style. This jacket is a long, knee-length women’s raincoat. Despite the extra length, it still has an elegant drape, and the fabric has a slight stretch. A belt helps make this look like a trenchcoat, adding extra shape at the waist. Plus, it snaps to the coat so you don’t have to worry about losing it. It also boasts handy features such as a drawstring hood with a built-in visor, a grippy silicon zipper tab, pockets, and adjustable snap cuffs.

Waterproof A-line Long Raincoat

A longer version of its classic A-line jacket, this raincoat hits around the shin and looks more like a regular coat than a raincoat. A versatile piece that could be worn for all seasons, it cinches at the waist with a belt and has smart design features like a drawstring hood and comfortable front pockets to keep your hands in if it’s cold. And, according to one Nordstrom shopper, it’s a “perfect” choice when you want to “still look nice” without wearing something that screams tactical wear.

Fishtail Waterproof Parka

The Rains Fishtail Parka is a unisex raincoat with a two-way zipper protected by additional snaps to keep severe weather out. Underarm grommets and a back placket help with ventilation so you can stay comfortably bundled up when you’re on the go. Parkas are typically a longer style of coat and this one is designed to hit below the knee, which a Nordstrom shopper said is essential for extreme showers “when the rain is blowing sideways.”

Fishtail Waterproof Jacket 

A shorter version of the above parka, this fishtail jacket has a drawstring at the hem, a design feature found on parkas made for soldiers in the Korean War. It was meant to create a snug fit and trap in heat, but here, it protects your outfit from getting wet when rain is coming down in all directions and creates a custom fit. This unisex style has a front zip closure hidden behind a sleek snap placket, as well as convenient snap-protected pockets. A drawstring hood with a visor, elastic cuffs, and a storm flap make this a functional, breathable waterproof piece of outerwear.

Rain Cape

The Cape is one of my favorite Rains designs. It rethinks the poncho into something you’d see on a runway at fashion week. With a delightfully billowy, fairytale look, the Cape was also smartly designed for those who are active in wet climates, like cyclists. If you want to add sleeves for this poncho, the Rains Cape has optional snap fastenings to secure the fabric around your arms. Thumbholes keep the fabric from blowing around when you’re on windy cycle rides. 

Waterproof Backpack

I saw this bag the most on my travels through Ireland, particularly in Dublin, where it was popular as a commuter bag. The backpack has a signature Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic made with Rains’ signature waterproof fabric. The backpack flap closes with magnets, protecting a slim compartment with a laptop sleeve and a zippered pocket. A small smartphone pocket sits against your back and makes for easy access to your device when you don’t want to open the bag in the rain. A Nordstrom handbag specialist said this is the bag for the “sleek and edgy traveler,” suggesting you style it with black jeans, high tops, and a utility jacket. 

Texel Small Waterproof Duffel Backpack

You can carry this spacious, waterproof duffel bag in three different ways: a traditional duffel on your side, a top-hold bag, or a backpack. Frequent travelers know you can’t choose the weather when it’s time to leave for the airport or walk to your next hotel, so it never hurts to have weather-ready luggage that won’t get soaked in a spontaneous downpour.

Hilo Waterproof Weekend Bag

The perfect personal item bag-sized for plane travel, this weekend bag has a removable shoulder strap for when you want to turn this versatile size into an everyday purse. Rains offers this versatile bag in 11 neutral, Scandi colors, while Nordstrom carries it in an electric blue that will add a fun pop to any travel outfit. 

Waterproof Micro Box Bag

When you want to travel light for day adventures through cities, or to crowded theme parks, you’ll need a bag that keeps your phone, wallet, and room key close. Bring this travel purse on your next trip to Disney where you know you’ll be riding rides with a splash zone (or braving unexpected rain storms).

Waterproof Tote Bag

Tote bags are useful bags for travel and everyday life, and this waterproof tote is roomy and great for packing all your family’s little essentials. It would be ideal for taking to the beach, the gym, or to work as your go-to commute bag for drizzly walks around the city — but, if you ask me, it’ll make a great weekender or personal item bag. 

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