The Best Sustainable Rain Jackets: Non-toxic, PFAS-Free Picks

Love ’em or hate ’em, our changing climate means more rainy days, making a good rain jacket a wardrobe essential. But the forecast most people miss is that traditional rainwear is almost always made from microplastic-shedding virgin synthetic fabrics and coated in toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” that never break down in the environment.

Not to rain on your parade, but a recent Danish study found PFAS in 13 out of 17 rain jackets tested from popular online retailers, while an international study by IPEN detected these chemicals in nearly 64% of jackets across 13 countries.

With that in mind, we’ve weather-proofed our wardrobe considerations to find the best sustainable raincoat brands that keep you dry without the toxic baggage.

What We Looked For

In evaluating the best sustainable rain jackets for this guide, we prioritized the following (as much as possible):

• PFAS-free (PFC-free) waterproofing and DWR treatments (DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent, a coating applied to the outer fabric that causes rain to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in)
• Use of recycled, organic, or responsibly sourced materials
• Ethical supply chains with fair labor practices and third-party audits
• Certifications that back up sustainability claims (B Corp, bluesign, Fair Trade, GRS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX)
• Real waterproof performance suitable for everyday and outdoor use

Our Testing, Ratings & Research

While we haven’t personally tested every rain jacket on this list (it’s hard to test them all when you live in climates that don’t rain year-round!), we’ve conducted thorough research on each brand’s materials, supply chain practices, and sustainability credentials. For brands we work with through our sustainability rating system, we evaluated their initiatives across 22 criteria including supply chain, labor practices, and environmental commitments. See other rated brands in our sustainable brand directory.

For all brands, we researched waterproofing technologies, PFAS status, certifications, and ethical practices to bring you the most responsible options available.

Related Guides: Sustainable Rain Boots, Sustainable Clothing Brands, Sustainable Outdoor Clothing, Sustainable Winter Coats, Sustainable Activewear, Sustainable Hiking Boots, What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?

Wuxly

Shop Wuxly

• What it is: Canadian-made waterproof coats and shells featuring recycled polyester (from post-consumer plastic) and recycled nylon (from fishing nets). All textiles from OEKO-TEX certified and bluesign approved mills.
• Why it’s sustainable: Designed and manufactured in Toronto. Zero waste manufacturing. Trade Up Program redistributes winter coats to those in need. Low carbon shipping via land and sea.
• Note: PFAS status not explicitly disclosed. These lean more toward cold-weather waterproof coats than lightweight rain shells.
• Price: ~$450-$540

Seasalt

Shop Seasalt

• What it is: Cornwall-based brand offering a wide range of raincoats for men and women, including the Tin Cloth fabric (organic cotton and linen blend). Standout inclusive sizing for women: UK 6-28 (US 2-24) with petite, regular, and tall fits.
• Why it’s sustainable: Member of the Ethical Trading Initiative. Best styles feature recycled fabrics and organic cotton. GuppyFriend wash bags available. £5 donated to mental health charity Mind for every full-price raincoat.
• Note: PFAS status varies by style (REACH-compliant but not all confirmed PFC-free). Not all styles use recycled or sustainable materials. Confirm PFC-free status before purchasing.
• Price: ~$128-358

Fjallraven Eco-Shell Jackets

Shop Fjallraven

• What it is: Swedish outdoor brand offering premium waterproof jackets using their proprietary Eco-Shell technology (PFAS-free since 2012) and now also PFAS-free Gore-Tex ePE membrane jackets. Fjallraven has been working to eliminate PFAS across all products since 2009.
• Why it’s sustainable: Eco-Shell uses recycled polyester face fabric. All Eco-Shell emissions are climate compensated. Strong animal welfare standards. Repair services available. Some styles are made with organic cotton (G-1000 Eco range). Extremely durable, built to last decades.
• Note: Premium pricing reflects durability-focused design philosophy.
• Price: ~$175-$550

Picture Organic Clothing

Shop Picture Organic

• What it is: French outdoor brand offering waterproof jackets from recycled polyester and bio-sourced materials. Certified B Corp with bluesign approved materials and PFAS-free DWR across their range.
• Why it’s sustainable: One of the few brands using bio-sourced waterproof membranes in addition to recycled materials. Published impact reports. Strong environmental commitment.
• Price: ~$100-$150

The Problem with PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in Rainwear

If you’ve ever wondered what makes your rain jacket repel water so effectively, the answer has historically been PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” create the durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings that cause rain to bead and roll off fabric surfaces.

But PFAS don’t break down. They persist in the environment indefinitely, accumulating in soil, waterways, and living organisms, including us. A family of over 10,000 chemicals, PFAS are likely already in the blood of nearly all Americans (and presumably everyone else too).

How widespread is the problem in rainwear specifically? A Danish study published by CHEM Trust testing rain jackets from Temu, Shein, and Amazon found PFAS in 13 out of 17 jackets tested, with 12 containing PFAS that are illegal in the EU. A broader international study by IPEN tested 72 clothing samples across 13 countries and found PFAS in nearly 64% of them, including 35 out of 56 jackets. And testing by Toxic-Free Future found PFAS in 9 out of 13 jackets tested, including products with Gore-Tex labeling that contained older-generation PFAS chemicals banned in Europe.

Recent research published in ScienceDirect has also shown that PFAS in jacket fabrics don’t just stay put. Through aging, wear, and washing, these chemicals migrate through fabric layers and are released into the environment via microfibers, creating exposure pathways through both skin contact and environmental contamination.

Health Concerns Associated with PFAS Exposure

Research has linked chronic PFAS exposure to a range of health concerns. A report from the European Journal of Epidemiology as well as other studies noted likely associations between PFAS exposure and elevated blood cholesterol levels, dyslipidemias related to cardiovascular disease, slightly lowered birth weight, and reduced antibody response to certain vaccines and infections.

It should be noted that direct transdermal exposure from wearing a PFAS-treated jacket is considered lower risk than exposure through contaminated drinking water or food. However, the primary concern is twofold: the manufacturing process (where PFAS can contaminate local water systems and affect factory workers) and the cumulative environmental impact of wearing, washing, and eventually disposing of PFAS-treated clothing. As TIME has reported, PFAS are harmful across their entire lifecycle.

We chatted with outdoor and environmental journalist Meg Carney on Episode 72 of our podcast to dig deeper into forever chemicals in the outdoor industry. Meg, whose work has appeared in Field and Stream, Popular Mechanics, and GearJunkie, explained that PFAS bioaccumulate in our fatty tissues and can persist in the body for 6-8 years before being expelled, and that this bioaccumulation is what drives long-term health effects.

The Regulatory Landscape

Governments are beginning to catch up. California passed legislation restricting PFAS in clothing from 2025, with extreme weather apparel included from 2028. New York has followed with similar regulations. Denmark will ban PFAS in clothing, shoes, and impregnation sprays from July 2026. And the EU is considering a broad restriction on the entire class of PFAS chemicals.

Given the importance of this issue, every brand on our main list has either confirmed PFAS-free status or is in the process of transitioning. Effective, non-toxic raincoat waterproofing without forever chemicals is not only possible but increasingly the industry standard.

Environmental Impact of Conventional Rain Jackets

Beyond PFAS, conventional rain jackets raise several environmental concerns. Virgin synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are derived from petroleum and contribute to microplastic pollution every time they’re washed. Fast fashion rainwear, particularly cheap ponchos and disposable rain jackets, creates enormous waste. And opaque supply chains mean poor labor practices, excessive carbon emissions, and limited accountability.

The sustainable clothing brands making eco-friendly rain jackets address these issues through recycled materials, transparent supply chains, PFAS-free waterproofing, durability-focused design, and circular programs for repair, resale, and recycling.

Though note that many of these rain jackets are still made from synthetic fabrics (even if recycled). This means they should be washed with a microfiber filter of some sort. Read more in our guide to microfiber filters.

Recycled Polyester and Recycled Nylon

Most sustainable rain jackets are made from recycled polyester (often from post-consumer plastic bottles) or recycled nylon (sometimes from discarded fishing nets, as with ECONYL). These materials perform identically to their virgin counterparts in terms of waterproofing and durability but significantly reduce reliance on new petroleum extraction. Look for GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification, which verifies recycled content through the supply chain. To learn more, see our guide on sustainable fabrics.

Waxed Cotton and Natural Fibers

Brands like Rapanui use GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas with water-resistant coatings. This offers a more natural feel and avoids synthetic microplastic shedding, but cotton canvas provides water resistance rather than full waterproofing and is heavier than synthetic alternatives.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Explained

DWR is the coating applied to the outer fabric of a rain jacket that causes water to bead and roll off. Traditionally, DWR has been made using PFAS chemicals. PFAS-free (also called PFC-free) alternatives include silicone-based treatments, plant-based and botanical formulations (like Finisterre uses), and wax-based coatings. These alternatives provide effective water repellency, though they may require more frequent reactivation through washing and tumble drying.

Waterproof Ratings Explained

Rain jackets are often rated in millimeters (mm), indicating how much water pressure the fabric can withstand. 5,000mm handles light rain and is suitable for everyday city use. 10,000mm handles moderate to heavy rain and is the most common rating for sustainable rain jackets (and what most people need). 20,000mm handles extreme, sustained downpours and is best for mountaineering, though higher ratings often reduce breathability. A 10,000mm/10,000g rating (often written as “10K/10K”) offers a good balance of waterproofing and breathability for most activities.

Certifications to Look For

Several certifications help verify a sustainable rain jacket’s claims:

• bluesign ensures materials meet strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards.
• GRS (Global Recycled Standard) verifies recycled content.
• Fair Trade Certified ensures fair wages, safe conditions, and community investment.
• B Corp covers a company’s entire social and environmental impact.
• GOTS is the leading standard for organic fibers.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests textiles for harmful substances.
• REACH is an EU regulation ensuring chemicals are safely managed.

Our selection criteria prioritized both health and sustainability considerations, guided by our sustainable fashion criteria.

Material Safety & PFAS Status

Every main recommendation had to meet our core standard: either confirmed PFAS-free/PFC-free waterproofing or a clear commitment to transitioning. Brands where PFAS status remains unclear were moved to notable mentions. We also prioritized recycled, organic, or responsibly sourced materials over virgin synthetics.

Sustainability Standards

We looked for B Corp or equivalent certifications, recycled and responsibly sourced materials, transparent supply chains, carbon reduction commitments, circular programs (repair, resale, recycling), and reduced-waste packaging.

Ethical Manufacturing & Fair Labor

We prioritized brands with third-party audited factories (Fair Trade, BSCI, SMETA, SA8000, Fair Wear Foundation), transparent supply chain reporting, and fair wage commitments.

Performance & Durability

We evaluated waterproof ratings, breathability, construction quality, and versatility. Choosing durable gear that lasts is one of the most impactful sustainability decisions you can make.

Value

We included options from mid-range everyday jackets (Amble ~$219, Rapanui ~£60) to premium, buy-it-for-life pieces (Paka ~$399). Long-term durability and repairability matter as much as the sticker price.

Do sustainable rain jackets actually keep you dry? Yes. The recycled materials used in most sustainable rain jackets perform identically to virgin synthetics. A 3-layer recycled nylon jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell provides the same waterproof protection as any conventional equivalent. The key is the waterproof membrane and DWR coating, not whether the base fabric is virgin or recycled.

What are raincoats made of? Conventional raincoats are typically made from polyester, nylon, or PVC (vinyl), all derived from petroleum. The waterproof layer usually comes from a membrane (like Gore-Tex or PU) and a DWR coating on the outer fabric. Sustainable alternatives use recycled versions of these synthetics, organic waxed cotton, or bio-sourced materials, with PFAS-free waterproofing treatments.

Are rain jackets toxic? Do they contain PFAS? Many conventional rain jackets do contain PFAS “forever chemicals” in their DWR coatings and sometimes in waterproof membranes. Studies have found PFAS in roughly 60-75% of rain jackets tested. However, PFAS-free alternatives are increasingly available, and every brand on our main list has either confirmed PFAS-free status or is transitioning. Look for labels stating “PFC-free,” “PFAS-free,” or “fluorocarbon-free.”

What is DWR and is it safe? DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent, a coating applied to the outer fabric of rain jackets that causes water to bead and roll off. Traditional DWR uses PFAS chemicals, which are not safe for the environment or human health long-term. PFAS-free DWR alternatives (silicone-based, plant-based, or wax-based) are safe and increasingly effective, though they may need reactivation more frequently.

Is there a natural fiber rain jacket? Yes, though with caveats. Rapanui makes rain jackets from GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas with a PFC-free water-resistant coating. Waxed cotton is a traditional waterproofing method that works well for moderate rain. However, natural fiber jackets are heavier, provide water resistance rather than full waterproofing, and may not perform as well in sustained heavy rain compared to synthetic 3-layer shells.

Are recycled polyester rain jackets really sustainable? Recycled polyester is a significant improvement over virgin polyester: it diverts plastic waste and requires less energy to produce. However, recycled synthetic jackets still shed microplastics when washed. To minimize this, use a microfiber-catching wash bag (like GuppyFriend), wash less frequently, and invest in higher-quality jackets that last longer. Ultimately, reducing consumption and extending the life of your gear has the greatest impact.

How do I wash a sustainable rain jacket? Most sustainable rain jackets can be machine washed on a cold or warm gentle cycle with a technical wash (like Nikwax Tech Wash) rather than regular detergent, which can clog the DWR coating. Tumble dry on low heat afterward, as heat helps reactivate the DWR finish. Never use fabric softener, and avoid dry cleaning. Washing your rain jacket actually improves its performance by clearing dirt that interferes with the DWR.

What waterproof rating do I need? For everyday city use, 5,000-10,000mm is sufficient. For regular outdoor activities in moderate to heavy rain, 10,000mm is the sweet spot. For mountaineering or sustained extreme weather, 20,000mm+ is recommended. Most of the sustainable rain jackets on our list are rated around 10,000mm, which is enough for the vast majority of people and activities.

Is Gore-Tex sustainable or PFAS-free? Gore-Tex has historically used PFAS in both its ePTFE membrane and DWR coating. However, W.L. Gore has introduced a new ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane and committed to transitioning the “vast majority” of its consumer portfolio away from PFAS. If you’re specifically avoiding PFAS, check individual product descriptions carefully, as the transition is still ongoing.

Can sustainable rain jackets handle heavy rain? Absolutely. Brands like Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and Finisterre use 3-layer waterproof construction that handles sustained heavy rain as well as conventional alternatives. The Patagonia Torrentshell has been field-tested in everything from Scottish highlands to actual Patagonian storms. The key is choosing a jacket with a proper waterproof membrane (PU, TPU, or Gore-Tex ePE) rather than relying on DWR coating alone.

You can’t predict the weather, but you can turn a dreary day cheery by choosing to support one of these brands.

Whether you need a premium waterproof parka insulated with traceable alpaca fiber (Paka’s Apu Parka), a trusty all-rounder that sets the gold standard for sustainable outdoor clothing (Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L), a comfortable stretch shell for hiking and travel (Cotopaxi’s Impermeo), or a GOTS-certified cotton canvas jacket for rain-light city days (Rapanui), there’s a PFAS-free, planet-friendlier option for every budget, body, and rainy-day scenario.

Remember to shine some light on your closet before purchasing something new. Secondhand stores and resale platforms like Patagonia’s Worn Wear and tentree’s Circularity program have a wealth of affordable eco-friendly raincoats. Thrifting is always the most sustainable option.

And when you do invest in a new piece, look for the details that matter most: PFAS-free waterproofing, recycled or natural materials, and transparent, audited supply chains. Your skin, the environment, and the workers who made your jacket will thank you.

Do you know someone who needs a bit of cover? Share this article with them so we can all turn gray days green.

Editor’s Note: Joy McConnochie has been researching sustainable fashion and outdoor brands for 8+ years as part of Sustainable Jungle’s mission to help people make more informed, environmentally responsible choices. All products are independently researched, and in some cases rated using our comprehensive sustainability rating methodology. This article was first published in January 2022 and has been updated several times since. This March 2026 update includes new brands, updated product recommendations, fresh PFAS research, and more contextual information about waterproofing and sustainability in rain jackets.