The temperatures drop, the breeze picks up, the showers begin to fall, and it's already time to waltz and learn to dance in the rain. What could be more appropriate for facing rainy and windy days in the best possible way? Windbreakers and raincoats will undoubtedly offer you the comfort and protection you'll need.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF RAINWEAR?
Windbreakers and raincoats are jackets that will protect you from wind and rain in all seasons, especially during mid-season.
The Cut
Most windbreakers and raincoats have a relaxed or oversized fit. Indeed, these rain garments are designed to be worn comfortably with warm clothing and thus different layers underneath. Often mid-length or long, the length of these rain garments can extend to mid-thigh. Windbreakers and raincoats are mostly unisex and can therefore be worn by every member of your tribe.
Functional advantages of the windbreaker
The traditional windbreaker is distinguished by its adjustable waist with drawstrings, like the Le Vrai Claude 3.0 model from the K-Way brand. The hood, usually fixed, with or without a visor, can be adjusted with drawstrings and stoppers. Your everyday essentials (keys, wallet, etc.) will accompany you everywhere thanks to numerous zippered or snap pockets, preventing rain and humidity from penetrating. The cuffs are adjustable, either by elastic or snap buttons, allowing for better insulation against wind, cold, and humidity. Breathable, these rain garments have eyelets and ventilation panels under the armpits or in the back that will protect you from heatstroke or chills and help you manage sudden temperature changes, because if the famous adage is to be believed: "after the rain comes the sunshine." Useful and essential in case of showers, the subsequent sunbeams will never be a problem because the windbreaker is very light and easy to carry. The majority of K-Way brand models are packable in their own pockets and can be worn around the waist like a fanny pack. The very lightweight raincoats from the Danish brand Rains also have the particularity of uncreasing extremely quickly.
WHY IS THE WINDbreaker SO DURABLE?
The windbreaker, a true flagship garment for mid-season, is often shunned because it is perceived as too light, flexible, etc. Although light in appearance, the windbreaker is a durable piece that wonderfully fulfills its primary mission: to protect you from wind and rain. Here's why the windbreaker, a transgenerational piece, is such a durable rain garment that will accompany you on all your adventures. A quality rain garment is water-repellent, waterproof, breathable, light, and discreet.
Water repellency
A garment is said to be water-repellent when it contains a specific treatment that allows it to be waterproof to a certain extent. Indeed, water does not permeate the fabric but slides and flows off in the form of droplets. A water-repellent treated garment will not allow you to stay for long hours under torrential rain. Be careful not to confuse water repellency and waterproofing. A waterproof garment is necessarily water-repellent, whereas the reverse is not true.
Waterproofing
A waterproof garment can allow you to stay for long hours in the rain because it prevents the total penetration of water. This waterproofing is due in particular to the existence of sealed or heat-sealed seams, but also to a membrane or coated fabric. Coating is a layer of chemical product on the internal surface of the fabric, whereas a membrane fabric has a film integrated into the internal surface of the fabric. Waterproofing is expressed in water column height (mm). The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric will be. For example, the Long Jacket 1202 raincoat from the Rains brand has a waterproofing of 4,000 mm. In other words, above 4 m of water pressure, water droplets will pass through the fabric, but not before.
Breathability
A fabric's breathability lies in its ability to wick away water vapor. Throughout the day, body temperature varies and the body sweats. The same applies to outdoor temperatures, especially during the interseason. To avoid suffering from temperature changes, whether external or bodily, your garment can be breathable up to a certain point. Water vapor and humidity are evacuated more or less quickly depending on the breathability of the fabric. This breathability is expressed in g/m2/24h; in other words, the amount of water vapor evacuated per 1 m2 of fabric surface in a 24h period. The higher the breathability rate, the better the fabric's breathability. To stay protected from hot and cold flashes, your rain gear may also include ventilation eyelets, most often discreetly located under the armpits, as well as ventilation panels in the back. For example, the Vrai Claude 3.0 from K-Way has a breathability of 3000 g/cm2 and has a ventilation panel in the back for greater breathability.
The coating
Mostly made of nylon, polyamide or polyester, rainwear is super light and therefore easy to carry. Many K-Way men's and women's windbreakers are cleverly foldable, packable and transportable. How can you not succumb to the ultralight trend?
Tear-resistant fabric
A windbreaker, due to its lightness, can sometimes seem flimsy, but this is not the case. The K-way brand uses a fabric called Ripstop, with resistant and tear-resistant properties; widely used for sailing items in particular. This fabric will allow you to withstand all situations and all adventures, such as forest hikes or sea excursions.
Crease resistance
An undeniable asset of rain gear, such as K-Way windbreakers or Rains raincoats, is their crease resistance in all circumstances, or their ability to quickly return to a flat appearance.
WHY WEAR A WINDbreaker?
The primary use of this type of garment for men and women is, as its name suggests, to protect you from bad weather: from light rain to heavy showers, as well as windy days. While the windbreaker will protect you from wind and light rain, the raincoat will be useful in case of heavy downpours, thanks to its highly waterproof fabric and its heat-sealed or ultrasonically welded waterproof seams. Windbreakers and raincoats have elasticated and tightened cuffs, adjustable waists with drawstrings, and closed pockets; all elements that will prevent wind from penetrating inside your garment. Enough to get rid of traditional and bulky umbrellas and rain hats. Beyond the technical benefits, the windbreaker and raincoat have become real fashion pieces for the interseason. The K-Way brand, a true reference in terms of windbreakers, collaborates with many ready-to-wear brands to offer increasingly contemporary, trendy, and fashionable collections. The Rains brand offers minimalist raincoats that will complement your urban, casual, sportswear, or even sophisticated looks. Staying trendy in the rain has never been so cool!
WHY IS A WINDbreaker CALLED A K-WAY?
"K-Way – (invariable masculine noun). Registered trademark of a windbreaker which, folded into one of its pockets, can be worn as a belt." Larousse. The K-Way brand, created in 1965, has enjoyed such success for many years thanks to its iconic and transgenerational windbreakers (Le Vrai Claude, Le Vrai Leon, Le Vrai Eiffel) that the term K-Way has become a generic name, much like the brands Frigidaire, Lego, or Scotch. Thus, today, many people say "K-Way" to refer to a windbreaker.
IN WHICH SITUATIONS SHOULD YOU WEAR A WINDbreaker OR RAINCOAT?
These rain garments: windbreakers or raincoats are extremely practical and will follow you on all your adventures: from mountain peaks to city pavements, including your maritime escapes. Whatever your favorite activities and the external conditions, these rain garments for men and women are real allies for facing the changing climate of the season. Adaptability to every situation also comes from offering a wide range of colors. For all occasions and all moods: a color. Want to spice up your seasonal wardrobe? Opt for the fluorescent and vibrant trend with bright yellow, powerful red, or even Klein blue. A fan of timeless colors? Go for deep black, navy blue, or military khaki, true bestsellers! In a soothing mood? Wrap yourself in neutral and pastel tones like beige, transparent, or burgundy.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR RAINWEAR?
Your windbreaker or raincoat accompanies you in all situations and daily adventures; whether it's windy, snowing, or raining... It must therefore be maintained throughout the seasons. It is important to take care of them so that they last over time and retain their technical properties for as long as possible. Most often made of polyamide, nylon, or polyester, your rainwear will only require a few precautions. Is your rainwear coated or membrane? Indeed, there are different ways to make a garment waterproof. This will, in fact, have an impact on the recommended washing method. In all cases, it is important to scrupulously follow the washing instructions indicated on the product. Indeed, each brand is different and will recommend a specific washing method. It is important to pay the utmost attention to washing but also to the drying stage of your windbreaker or raincoat. You should never dry your garment near a heat source such as a radiator. It is also advisable to ban the dryer.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND AT LA CANADIENNE: PREMIUM WINDbreaker BRANDS
Not all windbreakers and raincoats are alike, and above all, not all are equal, whether in terms of price or technical properties. Our mission and desire is to assist you in choosing the garment that will accompany you in every movement and every adventure. This is why La Canadienne offers several premium brands in their categories that will meet your expectations and needs. Brands such as K-Way, Rains, Canada Goose, Nobis, and Mackage are premium brands offering windbreakers and raincoats with waterproofing and breathability properties adaptable to all types of situations and, above all, unique to each of them. The windbreaker has become a real fashion statement, and this is especially why you can now find them everywhere and at all price points.
Here are the elements, guarantees of technical quality and durability, to check carefully before buying your windbreaker or raincoat: – The degree of waterproofing, expressed in mm/cm² – The degree of breathability, expressed in g/cm². Buying your windbreaker or raincoat at La Canadienne also ensures a quality product, traceability regarding the Made in of each brand; but also acquiring a garment with a lifetime guarantee. We invite you to learn more about the lifetime guarantee of your future purchases here >
You are now experts on windbreakers and raincoats! Now it's up to you to choose yours, the one that will become your best ally of the season, or the one you will offer.
Our advisors remain at your disposal to answer all your questions. Shop at La Canadienne without fear, all our products are guaranteed for life!
