Rains Jackets Review: Inside the Sleek, Stylish World of Premium Rainwear
Introducing Rains: More Than Just Raincoats
Hailing from rainy Denmark, Rains has captured the fashion world‘s attention for its sleek, minimalist rainwear since launching in 2012. But Rains is more than just a trendy raincoat brand – their collections encompass jackets, bags, hats, shoes and accessories with a distinctive Scandinavian aesthetic.
Rains pieces stand out for their clean, contemporary silhouettes, coming in muted solids and subtle textures like matte, shiny and translucent varieties. Don‘t expect to find loud neon colors or garish patterns here. As their slogan says: Rains believes proper rainwear "need not come at the cost of considered design."
Beyond looking sharp, all Rains gear lives up to its namesake with waterproof and weather-resistant construction. Yet breathability and comfort are not sacrificed. Special coatings and sealed seams block wind and moisture while allowing airflow. Some jackets feature ventilation holes and mesh lining for temperatures that hover between cold rain and humid warmth.
Rains also aims to operate sustainably, using recycled polyester and reducing transport emissions. Production takes place in factories with safe working conditions and fair wages.
Signature Styles: Best-Selling Rains Jackets for Women and Men
From commuting to the cafe to braving stormy music festivals, Rains‘ collections include lightweight windbreakers as well as insulated options depending on your climate and needs. Most styles cleanly integrate practical details like adjustable hoods and hem cords without disrupting the silhouette.
Popular picks span wardrobe staples like the classic Rains Long Jacket to trend-driven collaborations with brands like A-Cold-Wall. Read on for a closer look at some Rains best-sellers.
Essential Jackets for Women
Women‘s Long Jacket
A longline raincoat with a refined edge, this bestselling style hits mid-calf with a vented back hem. The minimalist button-front design is slim fitting while still leaving room to layer underneath. An integrated hood stows away in the collar when not needed.
Dress it up over workwear or weekend jeans. The Long Jacket makes rainy days and wind gusts look effortlessly chic.
Women‘s Ultralight Jacket
For warmer climates or active lifestyles, Rains‘ breathable Ultralight Jacket fits the bill. The polyurethane composition is thin yet smoothly water resistant thanks to a signature Rains hydrophobic coating.
Back vents, underarm eyelets and mesh lining help regulate temperature and airflow on muggy days. Elastic cuffs and an adjustable hood keep rain out without confining movement.
Toss it in your bag as emergency rain protection or wear the sporty Ultralight Jacket as a lightweight top layer year-round.
Best Rains Jackets for Men
Rains Breaker Jacket
A contemporary riff on the classic windbreaker, this waist-length style comes in neutral solids from black to sand. Signature Rains details like a two-way zipper, back vents and adjustable bungee hem make the Breaker Jacket a lean yet technical rain shell.
Layer it over t-shirts or button-downs as an effortlessly cool urban uniform. For colder climates, try the Breaker jacket with a cozy sweatshirt underneath.
Rains Puffer Jacket
Proving their range from sporty windshells to insulating warmth, Rains‘ lightweight Puffer Jacket allows for full freedom of movement while blocking cold. Quilted stitching contains heat, contouring a flattering silhouette instead of engulfing your frame in fabric like many puffer coats.
Minimal Rains cues like a subtle matte sheen, hidden sleeve zips and an adjustable hood keep your look cohesive from head to toe.
How Rains Compares to Similar Brands
While more affordable brands like Columbia offer technical rain protection at lower prices, Rains stands apart with its conceptual, fashion-driven approach. Elevated details and an editorial aesthetic justify costs ranging from $95 for a hat to $350 for premium coats.
Compared to other designers playing with proportion and texture like Stutterheim and Norse Projects, Rains skews towards slim, body-skimming silhouettes in neutral hues. Rains pieces integrate more technical details for weather protection while maintaining a sleek profile. Stutterheim‘s roomier raincoats contrast with more playful pops of color. Norse Projects balances innovative fabrics with a streetwear edge.
Across the board, all three labels offer premium rainwear that doubles as coveted everyday style, merging fashion and function. Rains strikes an accessible balance catering to young professionals rather than solely avant-garde editors or hypebeasts.
What Reviewers and Customers Are Saying
While Rains‘ Instagram following tops 665k, third-party reviews reveal how their coats actually hold up in everyday life. Overall feedback skews positive, with some caveats around sizing and storm-worthiness.
Rave Reviews for Style & Practicality
Glowing testimonials confirm Rains excels not just in the looks department but also technical performance…
"…My Rains jacket performed outstandingly. It withstood seriously heavy rain for over three hours straight and kept me perfectly dry…" – Trustpilot
"Totally waterproof and very breathable…cut long which I love since it keeps my outfit underneath dry and not splashed. And it rolls up small to fit in my bag." – Nordstrom
Multiple shoppers praise Rains products for keeping bone dry during downpours yet remaining breathable on warmer spring days. The light yet protective fabric makes Rains a go-to for transitional weather and unexpected showers.
Most reviewers focus on functionality but also describe Rains pieces as fashionable, flattering everyday essentials. One customer sums up the versatile appeal:
"Goes with everything! And it’s comfortable enough to lounge around in."
Some Fit Issues
A common complaint highlights inconsistencies and questionable quality control around sizing:
"I have bought Rains jackets in several styles over the last 5 years and have found sizing to be very inconsistent." – Trustpilot
Some customers size up for a roomier silhouette while others warn certain styles run large. Trying on in person is recommended if possible. For online orders, carefully consult the size chart and measure yourself rather than relying on your typical size.
Inspect seams and hardware for any defects as well before wearing. Some reviewers received jackets with loose stitching that required tailoring.
Not the Most Heavy Duty in Extreme Weather
While most praise Rains jackets for keeping them dry in day-to-day conditions, a few call out durability issues in harsh storms:
"Great for light rain but does soak through in heavy rain."
The thin, translucent fabric resists everyday showers beautifully but pushes the limit for outdoor adventures or monsoons. If you need a burly mountain shell, brands like Arc‘teryx provide reinforced protection. For urban use, Rains finishes the job nicely while maintaining a polished silhouette.
Tips for Care, Repairs and Maintenance
To keep your Rains jacket going season after season, follow these care instructions:
- Hand wash or gentle machine wash cool with mild detergent
- Line dry away from direct sunlight
- For stubborn stains, spot clean with a specialized garment cleaner or soap-based foam then rinse well
- Iron inside out on low heat as needed
- Apply Rains‘ own Water Repellent Spray every 1-2 months to refresh water resistance
For repairs like loose seams, the Rains team recommends an authorized dry cleaner or tailor. Use clear thread that matches the jacket color to patch any holes. Replace broken hardware like zippers at a leather and shoe repair shop.
Store Rains jackets on sturdy hangers rather than folding to avoid creases. Stuff a few dryer sheets in the pockets to keep the interior fresh between wears.
Current Deals: Shop Rains on Sale
While Rains rarely offers sitewide promotions beyond free shipping thresholds, you can often find select items discounted at third party retailers.
Current deals include:
- Women‘s Ultralight Jacket on sale for 20% off at Need Supply Co.
- Men‘s Breaker Jacket discounted 30% off original price at Totokaelo
Rains also recently launched a dedicated Sale section on their website with past season items at reduced prices. Inventory comes and goes quickly, so check back often for newly added steals.
Pro tip: Sign up for the Rains newsletter to get early notice of private sales and limited-edition product releases only available to email subscribers.
Beyond the Jackets: Bags, Hats, Shoes and More
Once you try Rains‘ jackets, it‘s tempting to infuse that same minimalist sensibility across all your accessories. Lucky for you, Rains creates a wide range of coordinating goods beyond outerwear.
Waterproof standouts include the sleek Umbrella, cylindrical Backpack and classic Boonie Hat. Crisp canvas Tote Bags work for fair weather while coated Backpacks keep essentials dry. Slip-on Ankle Rain Boots and weatherproof Chelsea Sneakers complete the head-to-toe Rains look.
For small accessories like Airpod cases and credit card holders, check out the Accessories collection for functional flourishes aligned with the Rains aesthetic.
Common Questions
Does Rains make custom or made-to-order jackets?
Rains doesn‘t currently offer formal customization or made-to-measure programs beyond their standard sized collection. Some tall customers request alterations like extending sleeves for optimal coverage and proportions.
You can experiment with DIY personalization by patching your own motifs onto a velcro vent-hole patch. But take care not to disrupt any technical seams that could impact weather sealing.
What retailers sell Rains?
In the US, popular stockists include Nordstrom, Ssense, Need Supply Co. and Totokaelo . Or shop direct from Rains.com with international shipping options.
Rains also operates over 35 brand stores globally – find locations in cities like London, Amsterdam, Seoul and more via their Store Locator.
Does Rains ever go on sale?
Yes! Bookmark the Sale section at Rains.com for past season markdowns up to 50% off original prices. More deals can also be found at third party retailers – especially during biannual events like Black Friday and end-of-summer sales in August.
Sign up for Rains‘ email newsletter for early access to short-lived deals. Or keep an eye out for one-off promotions around major holidays and occasions.
The Verdict: A Splurge Worth Taking the Plunge For
Considering both style and performance, Rains delivers stunning jackets worth investing in. The flattering silhouettes infuse elegance and edge into otherwise forgettable rain gear. Clever technical details discretely nod to function while maintaining an unfussy profile.
For shoppers seeking cool confidence during spring showers or blustery commutes, the premium price reflects durable quality and a designer perspective lacking in mass market raincoats. Factor in sustainability initiatives and ethical production, and Rains earns its reputation as a leader in 21st century rainwear.
As outlined in this in-depth review, just take care when sizing up your purchase and set realistic expectations for storm-battling ruggedness. Within reasonable limits, expect your Rains jacket to keep pace with daily living while cutting an impressively modern figure rain or shine.
