Fabrics, Technical Features, and Eco-Friendly Benefits in Women’s Sustainable Rainwear

Our Changing World
In today’s world we can no longer ignore the needs of our planet, as difficult as it is, we have to address some of our consumption behaviour. The fashion industry also has to do this and very slowly it is beginning to change. BYBROWN is at the forefront of this change as these principles have always been in our DNA.

DWR and PFA’s or Forever Chemicals 
One of the most important developments in sustainable rainwear is the phasing out of PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and and polyfluoroalkyl substances) ; often called ‘forever chemicals.’
PFAs are chemicals that don't break down, leading to significant environmental contamination and health concerns.
Many brands are transitioning to shorter-chain PFA’s (C6) which are less damaging than the longer C10 chains, but ultimately the industry is stepping over to more natural, PFAS-free alternatives (C0 treatments).
While PFAS-free alternative DWR performs well and is often OEKO-TEX certified, its main trade-off is slightly lower oil/stain resistance and the need for occassional reactivation. 
At BYBROWN, all new production uses a PFAS-free finish called Ruco Dry Eco Plus, also known as Bionic Finish Eco—a safer, more responsible choice for both people and planet. 

Our Waterproof, Breathable Membrane
As well as DWR coatings, our coats also keep you warm and dry using a technical membrane. Our membrane has a water column above 20,000 mm meaning it can withstand extremely high water pressure—far more than everyday rain.
The water column indicates the level of water pressure that a fabric can withstand before water penetrates it with higher numbers meaning better waterproofing against water pressure. 

To put this into perspective:

• 5,000 mm: light rain
• 10,000 mm: heavy showers 
• 15,000 mm: storms, snow
• 20,000 mm+: extreme outdoor protection

This membrane is also breathable. Its hydrophilic (water-loving) molecular chains absorb moisture vapour from inside the coat and release it outward, preventing buildup of sweat and humidity. The result: you stay dry from the outside and the inside.

Recycling Polyester
Generally synthetics are used in rainwear because they are tough, performance materials that can endure in heavy weather conditions.
Traditionally the technical membranes, which give both waterproofness and breathability are made of polyurethane leading to a blended material that can’t be recycled. Our state of the art membrane is made of 100% polyester which means our materials are mono materials and therefore recyclable.

As a fossil product polyester/plastic suffers from the misuse of single-use plastics and the over consumption within our society.
However Polyester/plastic has many benefits when it comes to recycling.

Recycled polyester has a much higher up-cycling quality than other textiles, giving a strong fibre that can be recycled multiple times. Recycled polyester offers several benefits:

• It can be recycled multiple times without major loss in performance.
• It has a much stronger upcycling potential than most other fibres.
• It reduces reliance on virgin petroleum.
• It gives waste materials a new life.

We aim to run a supply chain that is fully circular, producing all our coats from recycled BYBROWN’s goal is clear: produce all coats from recycled polyester by 2030, completing a fully circular supply chain.

After Purchase Care: 
Extending Longevity Sustainability has always been part of BYBROWN’s ethos, trying to make responsible decisions wherever possible;

• in the material we use,
• where we do our production,
• where are products are sold,
• as well as smaller details, such as the use of recycled labels in the coats and recycled packaging.

After sales care is also an important aspect, on average 20% of a garment’s environmental impact happens at the consumer use stage. Proper care is therefore essential. BYBROWN coats require minimal washing, we encourage spot cleaning. 
When it is needed the coats can be machine washed on a delicates cycle at 30ºC.
The coats can be put in the tumble drier at a low temperature.
When needed the DWR can be renewed with a PFA free, waterproof wash-in treatment that restores water repellency.
With simple care, our coats maintain their performance for many years, allowing you to wear your favourite BYBROWN coat for longer.

Repair instead of Replace
Fashion cannot be truly sustainable without rethinking the way we consume.
We encourage our community to move away from a linear take-make-waste consumption style to one where garments are cared for, repaired, and cherished.
That’s why BYBROWN offers a repair service for all coats.

Crafted in Europe 
All BYBROWN coats are made in Europe through long-standing partnerships in Portugal and Poland. 
We believe in keeping our manufacturing in Europe as this ensures

• higher transparency 
• responsible labour conditions
• exceptional craftsmanship 
• reduced shipping distances

This approach is neither fast nor cheap, but it guarantees quality and integrity in every stitch.

Made With Love, Design, and Real Quality
When you choose a BYBROWN coat you treat yourself to something made with love, design, and true quality. A statement piece for yourself to protect you from the elements but at the same time treating the planet with more respect.
Our coats help you make that step towards circularity.
At BYBROWN, we believe in fair value, our pieces are priced honestly, crafted with care, and designed to last.
We stand for thoughtful consumption, slow fashion, and repairing rather than replacing. It’s simply how we choose to make clothing.