The Guardian Lists 13 Sustainable Ways to Stay Dry in the Rain

The Guardian has published a follow-up rain-gear guide titled "From granny hoods to recycled macs: 13 more sustainable ways to stay dry when it rains," according to the original report. The word "more" in the headline signals a sequel to an earlier Guardian list on the same topic, and this round pairs two named categories — knitted "granny hoods" and macs made from recycled material — with a total of 13 recommendations, per the published headline.

What does the Guardian's new rain-gear guide cover?

The roundup frames its picks around staying dry without defaulting to conventional, often petroleum-based waterproof gear, based on the headline the outlet published. Of the 13 entries referenced, two categories are called out directly: granny hoods and recycled macs, according to the Guardian's report. The full breakdown of all 13 items sits inside the original article rather than the headline alone, so readers looking for the complete list should consult the Guardian's page directly.

What are "granny hoods" and why do they make the list?

The phrase "granny hoods" points to the knitted or crocheted hood style long associated with older generations' rain protection, a callback the Guardian's editors chose deliberately for this category, based on the published headline language. The framing suggests an appeal rooted in reviving durable, non-plastic headwear rather than relying on disposable synthetic hoods — the kind that get stuffed in a coat pocket for one wet commute and discarded soon after. Beyond that framing, the specific brands or patterns recommended within the category are detailed in the Guardian's full list, not summarized here beyond what the headline states.

What qualifies a mac as "recycled"?

The second named category, recycled macs, points toward raincoats built from recycled fabric rather than virgin synthetic material, according to the Guardian's headline. That distinction carries weight because most waterproof coats on the market still start with new petroleum-derived fabric and chemical coatings. HTT's own reporting on fiber choices, Natural vs. Recycled Fibers: Understanding Key Tradeoffs, walks through how recycled synthetics compare with natural alternatives on durability, biodegradability and production footprint — the exact tradeoffs a shopper weighing a recycled mac against a traditional one would need to consider.

How does this guide fit into broader ethical-fashion coverage?

The rainwear roundup lands inside a larger push across fashion media to steer buyers toward lower-impact materials and more transparent sourcing. HTT's earlier piece on how Vivienne Westwood shapes ethical fashion practices traced how designer-level commitments to recycled content and slower production cycles have filtered down into the kind of consumer buying guide the Guardian published here. A single wardrobe category — rain protection — is now getting the same scrutiny once reserved for outerwear and denim.

What should shoppers check before buying sustainable rainwear?

Readers following guides like the Guardian's roundup can apply a short checklist before purchasing a granny hood, a recycled mac, or any similar item:

• Confirm the recycled-content claim with a specific percentage or third-party certification rather than a general "eco" label.
• Check whether the waterproof coating itself is PFAS-free — recycled outer fabric can still be treated with persistent chemicals underneath.
• Weigh durability against sticker price; a recycled mac built to last several wet seasons typically beats a cheaper, disposable option on lifetime environmental cost.
• Look for a brand's repair or take-back program, which extends a garment's life past its first owner and keeps it out of landfill longer.
• Ask what happens to the item at end of life — whether it can be recycled again or only sent to general waste.

Where to read the full list

The Guardian's complete set of 13 recommendations, including items beyond the two named in the headline, is available in the original article. Shoppers comparing specific fiber claims against natural alternatives can cross-reference HTT's fiber-tradeoffs guide, and those tracking how legacy fashion houses are shaping the recycled-materials conversation can follow HTT's Vivienne Westwood coverage for additional context.