After the hottest UK summer on record, autumn 2026 could be wetter and stormier than usual, partly because of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which is predicted to be the strongest of its kind in living memory. But a lot of wet-weather gear – from flimsy umbrellas that blow inside out within seconds to single-use ponchos that will sit in landfill long after this winter has blown over – often isn’t very sustainable.

While waterproofed polyester can keep us dry, there’s no excuse for it not to be made from recycled materials. Look instead for products that are designed to last and, better still, part of a circular system where the brand offers repairs and takes responsibility for reusing or recycling worn-out items. Besides, choosing well-made, thoughtfully designed products means you can use them for years to come.

From a water-based spray that can protect your favourite shoes in showers to umbrellas designed to withstand the worst wind and rain, here are 13 of the best.

Sustainable ways to stay dry when it rainsReturn of the mac

Fashion editors use this Mark Morrison pun every season, but this time it really makes sense, because Bam’s lightweight trenchcoat is designed to be sent back to the brand for recycling when it wears out. Available in three colours.

Bam Any Weather mac

£180 at BamAn update on the granny hoodHats off: this umbrella alternative can be worn around the wrist when the rain stops. Photograph: Hannah Rochell/The Guardian

Umbrellas aren’t for everyone: if you’re short, like me, they can be difficult to manage on a busy street. I’ve been using one of L-Hood’s shower-resistant hats for the past couple of years. They roll up into a slap band that can be worn around the wrist or stored neatly in your bag.

£49.99 at L-Hood The Manchester-proof umbrella

Soaked was founded in notoriously rainy Manchester with a mission to make resilient, sustainable umbrellas. Think wind-resistant vented canopies made from recycled materials and flexible fibreglass ribs.

Soaked recycled polyester umbrella

£37 at Lotti & Wren

For more, read our roundup of the best umbrellas for staying dry in the wind and rain

Dry strides

When waterproof trousers look this good, you might be tempted to wear them regardless of the weather instead of keeping them in your bag for emergencies. The oversized silhouette is made to be worn over your normal trousers, and the adjustable drawstring waist and hems make them suitable for cycling, too.

Vivi Mari recycled polyester rain trousers

£69.90 at Vivi MariFuture-proofed shoes

I’ve been spray protecting my shoes and boots for years – getting ahead of the weather is the best way to keep them looking good. Liquiproof is amazing stuff, and can be used on leather, suede, nubuck and canvas to protect from not only rain but also mud, oil and other everyday spills such as ketchup. It’s water-based and aerosol-free.

Liquiproof protector spray, 125ml

£10 at Liquiproof£14.99 at OfficeShower powerFestival weather: this featherlight jacket will help keep the showers at bay without weighing you down. Photograph: Hannah Rochell/The Guardian

While this isn’t technically a waterproof jacket, I can tell you from experience at a stormy seaside music festival that it does a good job of keeping you warm and dry in a sharp shower or two. It’s also lightweight, folds up pretty smalland is available for men and women. Finisterre also has a great selection of more substantial waterproof raincoats.

Finisterre recycled polyester hooded jacket

£180 at Finisterre

For more, read our guide to the best waterproof jackets for women

Oilskin cap

Sometimes the oldest solution to waterproofing is all you need. This British-made waxed cotton cap has a leather peak and was designed specifically for spending time in unpredictable weather. It’s available in two colours and softens with age to look better and better.

The Field Cap cotton and leather hat

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£69 at the Vitamin D ProjectClogged up

Unlike many who love the Plasticana Gardana clogs for their viral fashion credentials, I bought some earlier this year to actually garden in. But it turns out they’re great dog-walking shoes when it’s still too mild to wear wellies or boots. Plus, they’re incredibly lightweight, so you could easily chuck them in a bag.

Plasticana Gardana recycled PVC and hemp clogs

£38 at Straw LondonTote-ally dry

The water-resistant coating on this recycled bag is Pfas-free. It’s padded and strong, with handy compartments for your laptop and other essentials, as well as a removable zip pouch that can be clipped into the bag for safety.

Rainkiss herringbone recycled polyester tote bag

£111 at RainkissBoil in the bag

My parents refer to rain jackets that store in their own bags as “boils”, and it doesn’t get much more stylish than this unisex one. It has some lovely, incredibly practical features such as thumb straps to keep the sleeves in place, zipped pockets with rain flaps and a toggle to tighten the hood at the back of the head. Available in two colours.

Voited recycled polyester rain poncho

£79 at VoitedA reversible hoodie (and it’s just the hood)

When you need warmth as well as protection from the rain, this padded hood has your head, neck and chest covered. Ideal for city commuters because it doesn’t have the added sweat factor of sleeves and a back when you inevitably find yourself on crowded public transport within minutes of needing to put it on.

Fudoon recycled polyester padded reversible hood

£78 at Smallable£99 at La RedouteWash-in waterproofing

Use this clever waterproofer in your washing machine or wash it in by hand. It restores water repellency while maintaining the breathability of fabrics such as Gore-Tex, Sympatex, eVent and Nikwax Analogy. It’s water-based and Pfas-free, and also available as an aerosol-free spray.

Nikwax wash-in waterproofer, 300ml

£9.50 at Blacks£9.99 at TrespassThe circular gilet

This gilet is made using fabric scraps from a French mill known for its military-grade textiles. Its outer layer is a 100% recycled waterproof polyamide, with Italian padding made from recycled polyester for the lining. The Re-Pete Project operates a circular take-back system. All its garments and accessories can be returned to be remade or composted, depending on the material.

Re-Pete recycled waterproof polyamide gilet

£380 at the Re-Pete Project

For more, read the best waterproof jackets for men and the best waterproof jackets for women

Hannah Rochell is a journalist who specialises in writing about – and experiencing – a slower, more sustainable lifestyle, which she documents on her Substack Slowette. This involves everything from switching to eco-friendly cleaning products and advocating for dehumidifiers instead of tumble dryers, to shopping exclusively at responsible fashion brands and learning to sew