If you are fed up with your regular brown trench coat and want something a little more interesting to keep you dry, you have a wide range of unique raincoats to choose from — if you know where to look! You have a few options. First of all, get down to your local vintage store. This will be a treasure trove of goodies, and if you are lucky you will find a few retro raincoats. Be prepared to search for what you want, and do not count on getting your size. Every item in a vintage store is a genuine “one off,” which makes it all the more satisfying if you do find exactly what you are looking for. If you fancy getting your hands on a cute 60s raincoat or a funky 70s raincoat, a vintage store is a good place to start.

The Internet is great if you want to browse hundreds of styles at one time, from the comfort of your own home. From a raincoat with hood to a reversible raincoat, every style is available. Search for small, independent boutiques who are likely to offer something a bit different to the main rainwear companies. Many websites also offer vintage raincoats or vintage reproductions, such as Mary Quant raincoats. Online auction sites are a fantastic place to start searching for your raincoat. Many people use these sites to sell items they no longer want or need. Just make sure you check the condition of the raincoat before you buy it, and inspect the photographs closely. If an item has been previously worn, it will not be in the same condition as if it was brand new.

Clear Raincoats and Shiny Raincoats – Make a Style Statement

Clear raincoats give a unique look to your wet weather outfit. Because they are transparent, your clothes can be seen underneath, but you are still kept warm and dry. So if you have a wonderful print dress you do not want to hide, cover up with a transparent raincoat. They are perfect for weddings and other social occasions where you might be spending time outdoors, whatever the weather. You will be dressed to impress, and want your outfit to be shown off in the wedding photos. A clear raincoat keeps you dry if it starts to rain without concealing your party gear! Shiny raincoats are often made of plastic or PVC. If you love a high-shine, high-glamor look, a shiny raincoat will make you feel a million dollars. PVC raincoats are available in a wide range of colors and lengths, from short to floor-length.

Stay Dry in Microfiber Raincoats 

Microfiber is a very thin but very resilient synthetic fiber that has excellent moisture-wicking properties, which makes it a popular material for raincoats. The water is absorbed by the material, meaning it won’t simply sit on the surface. This makes it perfect for heavy downpours. Men’s dress raincoats are often made of microfiber, but ladies’ raincoats are available in this material too. Rainwear companies have been making coats with polyurethane, an organic polymer, for decades. It is applied to the raincoat material to give it a waterproof, chemical resistant coating. A polyurethane raincoat is considered to be a healthier choice than PVC, because it is a more inert material and it usually contains fewer toxins.

Go for a Print with Camo Raincoats or Floral Raincoats

If you want to express yourself through pattern, go for a raincoat with an interesting print. The choice is endless! For men and boys, camouflage raincoats are ideal for those adventurous camping trips. For women and girls, a spotty raincoat is cute and a flowery design is ultra feminine. If you just cannot decide between two different patterns, look for a reversible print raincoat, such as one with spots on one side and stripes on the other. You can even order custom made raincoats — the only way to ensure your raincoat is 100% unique! A photograph or image of your choice can be printed onto your raincoat. So if you can imagine nothing better than having a picture of your baby or pet on the back of your raincoat, this is the way to go!

Remember that your raincoat is a functional garment that must fulfil certain criteria as well as look good. It should be well made and fit comfortably. It helps to try on a few different styles, as some raincoats may look amazing but not feel great to wear. Do not buy a raincoat that is too tight-fitting, as you are likely to have a couple of layers of clothing underneath it. It should button or zip closed easily. Check that all attachments, such as the zipper, belt and toggles are secure.

Finally, keep your budget in mind when browsing unique or different raincoats. If money is no object, there is no limit to your options! If, like most people, you have an upper limit on your raincoat spending, it pays to look for an affordable, good quality raincoat that will last for a long time. A good tip is to shop for your raincoat out of season, as most regular and online retailers offer good discounts on rain gear during the warmer, drier months. Sign up to receive email notifications of sales and special offers, so that you are never out of the loop.

Have fun looking for your unique raincoat, and take pleasure in standing out from the crowd!