How to Dress for the Rain Sustainably

Life in Norway’s second largest city continues on as normal with the common Norwegian saying , ‘’There is no bad weather, only bad clothes”. To avoid getting soaked, there are essential things to remember from layering to the right gear.

Keeping your wardrobe sustainable while doing this is also important. Erina Grasdal Skarpenes, General Manager of Bergen’s Clothing Swap, explains that five percent of things that people donate don’t get worn again.

 – Sustainability keeps a personal look to your rainwear and avoids fast fashion, she says.

– So how could you keep it sustainable? 

– One idea could be to try attending a clothing swap. 

Clothing Swap Bergen have been hosting events for five years. The clothing swap allows attendees to bring seven items per person and based on the clothing and quality, they are given a card with points and can buy clothes with them.

Thrifting at stores such as UFF, Episode and Fretex is also a fun and sustainable way to create your rain wardrobe while also keeping prices affordable.

Grasdal Skarpenes gives three good tips on how to dress for the rainy weather.

1. Stop and think: Plan what you need and what you could make

While revamping your wardrobe, think to yourself: "What do I actually need?". Do you have a rain jacket? Do you have a sweater of good quality to keep you warm? If not, it might be a good idea to knit your own sweater or scarf.

Knitting may involve buying new wool, but it’s slow fashion that ensures you control the quality and longevity of your project. 

– You make it in your own way, Skarpenes explains.

– The handmade pieces adds that personal connection to the wardrobe and makes it less likely to stay there rather than donating it.

2. Layers upon layers upon layers

– Layering your clothing is a staple element when going out in the wet weather. When picking layers to add to your wardrobe, it’s important to pick things that you can mix and match with different clothing.

You should start with a base layer to keep you warm, like a t-shirt followed by a middle layer. This can be a sweater, hoodie or anything that protects you from the cold. Finally, a waterproof, windproof and thick layer is essential to keep yourself dry and to keep the rain out.

3. Umbrellas are out and good raingear is in

– You cannot use an umbrella in Bergen. With strong winds coming from every direction, the chances of your umbrella going inside out or breaking are high, Skarpenes insisted. 

Instead, opt for a good quality raincoat that has a strong outer shell and hood that protects you from the elements. Rainboots are also a must if you want to survive the rain in Bergen

– If you think rain boots are for children, then Bergen may not be for you, she smiled