For Fall 2026, designers across the fashion industry have reimagined the humble raincoat. What was once a purely utilitarian garment is now a key element in high-fashion collections.

Tom Ford & Saint Laurent Lead the Trend

At Tom Ford’s Spring 2026 show, Haider Ackermann presented a collection characterized by sharp tailoring and glossy materials. A standout moment was the introduction of clear plastic trench coats, cropped jackets, and see-through skirts, creating a voyeuristic aesthetic. The show evoked a precise, almost unsettling atmosphere.

Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent also explored precision, showcasing a brown trench coat crafted from a liquid-like rubber material. This translucent coat was styled with sheer tights and pointed-toe stilettos, adding to the collection’s edgy vibe.

Runway Interpretations & Brand Collaborations

The prevailing fantasy for fall appears to be a glamorous encounter in the rain, demanding both practicality and allure. Designers are proving that even the most basic rain jacket can be thrilling.

Diverse Designs from Leading Houses

Veronica Leoni at Calvin Klein displayed car coat-style garments in transparent leather, while Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez at Loewe exaggerated the silhouettes of waterproof outerwear with extra padding. Tod’s presented rain ponchos made from leather, and Lii warped sporty anoraks paired with full skirts.

Lacoste collaborated directly with Mackintosh, creating techy waterproof garments featuring the Lacoste logo. Burberry, renowned for its iconic trench coat, updated its classic designs with ruffled collars and Nova-check prints.

Expanding the Market

Smaller brands like TWP, Staud, and Kule have released their own stylish anorak iterations, while function-first brands like K-Way are gaining traction in the fashion world.

The Power of Contrast in Styling

The styling of these new rainwear pieces is crucial to their impact. A memorable look from Prada’s Spring 2025 show featured a model in a yellow anorak, plum satin pumps, a silver sequined sheath, and a straw visor – a striking combination of utilitarian and formal elements.

Rain gear offers a unique opportunity for contrast, being perceived as sporty, techy, or even provocative. Designers like Tom Ford and Saint Laurent leaned into the fetishistic qualities of plastic materials, while Loewe and Lii created clashes between sporty and elegant aesthetics. This inherent oddity allows for playful experimentation.