On an unsettled summer day, practical clothes are handy. Choose trousers that do not drag on the ground and fabrics that do not get heavy when damp. Rain splashes show less on dark or melange colours. Also bring a light jacket or layer that is easy to wear. Avoid long legs that touch the ground, suede shoes and light, thin fabrics that turn see-through when wet. That way the outfit stays pleasant to wear even after a short shower. Below you can read what works.
Summer rain and clothes
In summer you want protection from rain without a heavy coat. Because it can stay warm, a heavy raincoat is often impractical. At the same time you do not want to arrive soaked at work or an appointment. So pay particular attention to fabric, colour, length and a light outer layer.
What works and what does not in summer rain
| Works | Does not work |
|---|---|
| Ankle-length trousers | Long legs that drag on the ground |
| Dark or melange colours | Light, thin fabrics that turn see-through |
| Leather sneakers or loafers in smooth leather | Suede and canvas shoes |
| Light jacket that folds up small | Heavy winter coat |
| Knitwear that stays fresh for longer naturally | Thick cotton sweaters that get heavy when wet |
Mind the trouser length
In rain, trouser length is extra important. A trouser that falls to the ground soaks up water and picks up dirt. An ankle-length trouser stays out of puddles and wet dirt more easily. The Arabelli in black has an ankle length and a high waist with pleats, and black hides splashes. The Florence in grey is a flared trouser that ends at the ankle: summery in shape, practical in wet weather.
For men, a slim or tapered model can be practical, such as the Vincent in black with elastic waistband. A narrower leg comes into contact with wet ground less quickly.
The top: melange and dark
On light, plain fabrics, wet patches often show up faster. Melange fabrics and dark colours are much more forgiving. The Edmund in charcoal is a fine-knit polo with quarter zip made of lyocell in a melange shade: rain splashes show less quickly. For women, a blouse with a matte, soft drape, such as the Delphine in shadow blue, works better than a white blouse that can turn see-through when wet.
Merino wool on a cool summer day
A fine merino polo can be pleasant on a cool, wet summer day. Merino wool feels clammy less quickly, keeps you warm when it cools down after a shower and stays fresh for longer naturally. The Trenton in black is an open polo made of ultra-fine merino wool, suitable for summer and winter. It has a roomy fit, so choose one size smaller than usual.
Read more about merino wool on our material page.
The outer layer: light and foldable
A light raincoat or trench coat that folds up small is practical in unsettled weather. Choose a coat without a thick lining, in a neutral colour such as navy, sand or black. A coat that falls just over the hips protects your trousers better than a short jacket.
Shoes for a wet summer day
- Smooth leather lets water run off better than suede. Leather sneakers or loafers are ideal.
- Treat leather shoes beforehand with a protective spray.
- Leave suede at home on days with showers: water marks are hard to remove.
- Bring a second pair on long days if you know you will be outside a lot.
Three outfits for an unsettled day
- Women, to the office: black ankle-length trouser, blouse in shadow blue, light trench coat, leather loafers.
- Men, to the office: black slim-fit trouser, polo with quarter zip in charcoal, light raincoat, leather sneakers.
- Weekend in town: grey flared trouser or jeans, merino polo or knitted top, foldable coat in your bag.
Got wet? How to rescue your clothes
- Hang wet clothes up straight away on a wide hanger, not on the radiator.
- Lay knitwear flat on a towel, so it does not stretch.
- Stuff wet shoes with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature.
- Only brush off mud once it is dry. Wet dirt just gets smeared.
Umbrella or hood?
A small umbrella can be handy if you are on foot. That way you do not have to wear a raincoat all day. Choose a foldable model that fits in your bag and can handle a gust of wind. On a bike that of course does not work, then a light jacket with a hood is the better choice.
Cycling through a shower
If you cycle to work, bring rain trousers or a poncho that you pull over your outfit, and only put on your smart shoes at the office. An ankle-length trouser and a jacket that falls over your hips keep most things dry. Hang your jacket up straight away on arrival, so it is dry again for the way back.
Colours that forgive rain
Rain splashes usually show less on dark and melange shades. Melange fabrics and fine structures do that even better. If you still want to wear something light, choose cream in a sturdy, non-see-through fabric and combine it with a dark trouser.
Take a look at the trousers for women or the trousers for men for trousers with the right length.
Shop the look
Arabelli: high-waist trouser with pleats, black
Florence: flared ankle-length trouser, grey
Delphine: fitted blouse with princess seams, shadow blue
Vincent: slim-fit mid-rise trouser, black
Edmund: lyocell polo with quarter zip, dark charcoal melange
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Frequently asked questions
Which trousers do you wear when it rains?
An ankle-length or narrow trouser that does not touch the ground, preferably in a dark colour on which splashes show less.
Which shoes are best in summer rain?
Shoes made of smooth leather, such as leather sneakers or loafers. Leave suede and canvas at home.
Does a white blouse turn see-through in the rain?
Thin, light fabrics can turn see-through when wet. In showers, choose a mid shade or a sturdier fabric instead.
