Ethical Vegan Jackets and Boots For Rain And Shine

By Noa Ben Moshe

Yep, I know: April showers bring May flowers, right? But it seems that as lovely as the rain may be, sometimes it gets on my nerves. And on my outfits! So a good raincoat is a must. But what makes for a great raincoat?

If you ask me, it should be: timelessly stylish, lightweight enough to stuff into your handbag if you’re not wearing it, and of course, vegan friendly.

But it’s not only our clothing that can get soaked, of course – it’s our feet! So a good pair of waterproof, vegan-friendly boots is also a must-have spring wardrobe item.

I’ve searched around for some of the best vegan jackets and boots; stuff I consider to be rainy day fashion essentials, that will make you truly shine, even when it’s gloomy outside!

1. Rener Robe Coat

Rener makes high-end, sustainable, weather resistant outerwear without compromising on ethics, aesthetics or quality. Each piece is designed in London, and all fabrics are then sourced from a Green Energy Mill in Italy, whilst production takes place in a specialist outerwear factory in Portugal.

2. Tretorn Rubber Boots

Rubber boots are a true essential during cold rainy days, and no one makes them better than this ethical Swedish brand. Natalie Portman seems to love their Wellies (below), but I’m crazy about their Chelsea style boots, which are made with eco-friendly EcoOrtholite insoles. And did I mention they also have textured rubber soles to ensure you won’t slip while walking on even the rainiest roads?

3. Cotton Trench by Everlane

Sometimes in the springtime, you wake up and it’s sunny and gorgeous, and within two hours of leaving the house, it’s freezing and raining! That’s why you should always have a jacket like this neutrally-hued trench coat by ethical brand Everlane on hand before you leave home.

It will match just about anything you’re wearing, and is made from 100% cotton in ethical factories – they even send you a link to them, so you can check them out for yourself!

4. NAE Marta Boots

I actually own this pair of these water-resistant boots, which I use in both rain and shine! In fact, I enjoy wearing them so much (as you can see it in my blog, Style with a Smile), I thought I would share them here, too. They’re so comfortable, stylish and add a touch of colour to any outfit – the heel height is also perfect for everyday wear.

5. Wellington Boots by Hunter

Wearing these English classics, you almost want to run around in the rain, splashing about in puddles! Handcrafted from natural rubber, each pair is artisan-made from 28 hand-cut parts and assembled over three days, before being vulcanised for superior protection. With their glossy blackness and knee-height, dare I say this pair of rain boots is actually…sexy?

6. Christopher Raeburn Mac

Streetstyle in all its glory! This gorgeous classic British Mac by sustainable designer Christopher Raeburn is crafted from deadstock military grade ripstop nylon. It it’s good enough to protect soldiers from terrible conditions, it’s good enough for us! It’s guaranteed to keep every drop of rain off your most gorgeous outfits, in the most gorgeous way. Which do you prefer: the black, or yellow?

7. Stella McCartney Jacket

If you’re going to spend money on any piece of clothing, it should be a good coat – after all, you get more wear out of one than just about anything else, since it covers any outfit up, and if you buy right, it should last you decades.

And so I present to you this stunningly beautiful cotton-blend number from Stella McCartney, which features a herringbone weave and the looseness of a classic anorak. The sporty drawstrings and zips around the sleeves allow you to change the silhouette whenever you like!

8. Frank and Oak Coat

This sleek, minimalist cut feels like it will never, ever go out of style. It also looks great with every outfit, making whatever you’re wearing look so much more elevated, classic and instantly elegant.

This specific vegan-friendly coat from Frank and Oak is also 100% Water Repellent, which makes it much handier in both rain and (sun)shine! I also love how it looks, both open, or belted (when the weather takes a turn for the worse).

9. Quork Cork Umbrella

I remember the first time I saw a cork umbrella: it was during my visit in Neonyt fashion week, and it completely blew my mind! Not only is cork one of the most sustainable materials out there, but it is also super strong.

When you buy one of these umbrellas, you’ll notice the price is higher than your typical nylon ones. But you know how those can break with even the tiniest puff of wind? Cheap is expensive, in the long run! An eco-friendlier cork brolly will last decades, so your investment will pay off financially, ecologically, and sartorially for years to come.

10. Patagonia Cloud Ridge Jacket

Waterproof and breathable, this coat by Patagonia was inspired by heritage sailing jackets and has a modern, clean, and minimal silhouette. It’ll keep you dry wherever you are, has a hood to fight against wind and rain. Best of all, it was made to be adjusted for your own body’s needs with its various snaps and drawcord. Oh, and it has plenty of pockets, too!