This spring we’re looking to designers who know a thing or two about the outdoors. Now that spring is in full swing (at least in Vancouver) we’re spending more time outside but we can’t go sans jacket just yet, especially in Vancouver where we are no stranger to rain. We consider ourselves true experts in the field of spring rainwear. While this particular weather pattern lasts, we’re focusing on the best spring rainwear to help us through the season.
Every spring we ask ourselves: what are the best rain jackets for spring? We turn to Barbour and Ilse Jacobsen as our go-to’s for functional outerwear that we trust season after season to protect us against the elements.
Why Barbour and Ilse Jacobsen for Spring Rainwear?
Barbour and Ilse Jacobsen have so much to offer when it comes to spring rainwear and layering up for rainy days. These two brands look to the outdoors for inspo when designing their collections. The founders lived outdoor-driven lifestyles, and the brands still practice what they preach to this day.
The Test of Time
Since 1884, Barbour has remained a timeless staple for good reason. We are true fans and proud to carry one of the largest assortments of Barbour in Canada. From the waxed finish to signature tartan, Barbour jackets are as iconic as they are functional and offer amazing options to wear for rainy spring weather. Originally created to service sailors, fishermen and mariners, the jackets were engineered to brave the most extreme weather conditions. Even today, the 5th generation family business takes cues from their heritage to design products to serve a lifestyle rooted in the outdoors. What we love about Barbour is that their dedication to quality and style has never wavered. The aesthetic, which we would describe as elevated utility, is unique to Barbour and therefore a timeless spring rainwear choice. Choose your Barbour coat wisely - it'll last a lifetime.
What makes a Barbour jacket so iconic and perfect for spring rainwear?
The three pillars that make Barbour coats so special and perfect for spring rainwear are the wax coating, front facing utility pockets and classic tartan lining. One of the more personal elements of a Barbour jacket is the story created by the person who wears it.
Thornproof Wax Coating
The wax coating seals the coat and shields the wearer from wind and rain, making it ideal for spring rainwear. The wax provides a more lived in vibe. Over time, it settles into the cotton fabric and adapts to the individual's movements. Unlike other rain coats that have finishes like DWR or PVC, Barbour jackets are easy to refinish by rewaxing. You can rewax your jacket at home with the Thornproof Wax or send your jacket into the Barbour re-wax and repair service to enhance the lifespan and quality of your jacket. DWC and PVC are extremely effective when it comes to water proofing garments but they are nearly impossible to restore after heavy use.
The Utility Pockets
The utility pockets are a marvel of functional design. They are designed to expand without distorting the silhouette of the jacket. From the wearers perspective, you barely notice any bulk or restrictions to movement.
The Barbour Tartan
The tartan is an internal lining of the Barbour jacket and a nod to the Barbour family’s Scottish heritage. The tartan was specifically produced for the Barbour family to symbolize the family’s legacy (dating back to the 13th century) and their roots from the Ayrshire District. The colours were inspired by the British countryside. The tartan is also a symbol to every Barbour wearer, that they are part of a legacy that spans generations.
A Barbour for all Seasons
Barbour continues to evolve, researching and exploring new ways to offer its signature jackets. Barbour is now offering two significant types of fabrications for water protection: Waterproof and Showerproof. What is the difference between showerproof and waterproof you ask? Barbour’s showerproof (aka water resistant) jackets are meant for light rain and variable weather. They are trendy, versatile and perfect for spring rainwear in the city and short commutes outdoors when it’s raining. They are constructed from lightweight nylon, polyester or treated cotton.
Barbour's Waterproof jackets are made to endure sustained rain. Their most significant feature is taped-seam construction and bonded fabric, ensuring you can be outside in the rain and stay comfortably dry. See below for a more detailed difference between waterproof and water resistant features.
Ilse Jacobsen
Image sourced from Ilse Jacobsen
Ilse Jacobsen hails from a seaside town called Hornbaek located on the north coast of Denmark. Like Barbour, the design inspiration for the outerwear company are connected to nature and the natural elements that one encounters in Hornbaek. The woman behind the brand, Ilse Jacobsen, created outerwear that could be loved and relied on season after season. She designed the garments to reflect the utilitarian, minimalist and Scandinavian sensibility that we’re eternally drawn to. The dedication to outwear that protects and looks so effortlessly chic, is why we turn to Ilse Jacobsen for outerwear.
The Ilse Jacobsen Way
Despite having expanded, Ilse Jacobsen has remained dedicated to nature and sustainability. With this in mind, the brand has reviewed its supply chain to upgrade manufacturing processes, utilize responsible materials and has partnered with suppliers dedicated to fair labor standards. This is why we love Ilse Jacobsen. All Ilse Jacobsen products comply with the EU sustainability regulations which have very high standards. All products are reviewed for nickel and PFAS to ensure they are below the standards set and they try wherever possible to work with recycled polyester.
Image sourced from Hill's Dry Goods.
To learn more about why we love these two brands so much, have a look at The Archive for more on Heritage Style, Barbour Care Guide and Ilse Jacobsen.
Spring Rainwear Basics & Styling
While we love waxing poetic about Ilse Jacobsen and Barbour, we should cut to the chase. Below are our favourite spring rainwear essentials from Barbour and Ilse Jacobsen that will keep you looking calm, cool, collected and most importantly DRY during the rainy months in Vancouver.
While Barbour and Ilse Jacobsen are the two labels we turn to for spring rainwear, they differ in what they both have to offer aesthetically speaking and functionally:
Feature |
Barbour (British Heritage) |
Ilse Jacobsen (Danish Minimalist) |
Core Aesthetic |
🇬🇧 Classic, "countryside" chic, and rugged. Known for tartans and corduroy collars. |
🇩🇰 Sleek, modern, and functional. Known for feminine silhouettes and bold colors. |
Primary Protection |
Focuses on Weatherproofing (Wax) and light layers (Quilts). |
Focuses on Waterproofing (Raincoats) and technical softshells. |
Materials |
Iconic waxed cotton (Thornproof/Sylkoil) or diamond-quilted nylon. |
Lightweight rubberized PU or breathable E-TPU softshell fabrics. |
Waterproofing |
High to Extreme. Wax is naturally repellent; their "Waterproof" line uses taped seams and membranes. |
Medium to High. Usually rated at 5,000mm pressure with waterproof welded seams. |
Breathability |
Variable. Traditional wax can be heavy; modern "Waterproof & Breathable" lines are designed for active use. |
Moderate. Often features under-arm eyelets for airflow; softshell offer the highest breathability. |
Design Details |
Signature corduroy collars, brass hardware, and Tartan cotton linings. |
Minimalist silhouettes, two-way waterproof zippers, and soft tricot or fleece linings. |
Sizing Style |
Often uses Numeric UK sizing (2–12); fits range from slim to relaxed. |
Usually uses Alpha sizing (XS–XL); typically offers tailored or "A-line" fits. |
Performance |
Excels in wind and mist; iconic for lifelong durability with maintenance. |
Excels in heavy rain and coastal wind; very low maintenance. |
Maintenance |
High. Requires periodic re-waxing; generally "sponge clean only" to preserve the wax. |
Low. Most are machine washable (gentle/cool) and very easy to wipe clean. |
Find your Favourite Spring Rainwear
Now that we’ve reviewed the technical elements between Barbour and Ilse Jacobsen, it’s time to get to the fun stuff to find the perfect spring rainwear.
Layering for Heritage Style
Base Layer - A chunky cable knit or cardigan like the Mel Cashmere Pullover or Aster Cable Cashmere Cardigan, both from One Grey Day.
Outer layer - The Barbour Highclere Waxed Jacket in Olive
The Look: Sophisticated British countryside with a relaxed vibe, anchored by a signature Barbour waxed jacket. We love the combination of a soft, cozy sweater with the rugged, lived in jacket. Wear it undone so the sweater is in full view or tie it around your waist should you feel like getting some air.
Barbour is a classic choice and one that ages alongside the wearer. It’s perfect for someone who loves a rugged, storied look and doesn't mind a yearly re-waxing ritual to keep it in good condition.
Below are our favourite Barbour pieces for spring rainwear:
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The Ilse Jacobsen Essentials
An Ilse Jacobsen coat is perfect for a high-performance, "set it and forget it" raincoat. It’s the ideal choice for someone who needs a 100% waterproof barrier for city commutes or seawall walks and prefers a modern, clean silhouette.
Base Layer - A lightweight Cotton sweater such as The Sailor Sweater from The Great.
The Outer Rain Shell: The Ilse Jacobsen Long Raincoat in Greige
The look: a sleek Scandinavian city ensemble with an edge. Look put together and chic (and arrive to your destination dry!). Since Ilse Jacobsen rain coats are made to be waterproof, your outer shell is like a fortress against the rain. The cotton is lightweight, breathable and will keep your temperature in check so you don’t overheat.
Below are our Ilse Jacobsen essentials for spring rainwear:
Knitwear Pairing at a Glance:
The Fiber |
The Characteristic |
The Perfect Outerwear Match |
Merino |
Effortless & Regulating |
Technical Waterproofs (Ilse Jacobsen) |
Cotton |
Crisp & Breathable |
Quilted Classics (Barbour) |
Cashmere |
Soft & Luxurious |
Waxed Heritage (Barbour) |
For a full breakdown on knitwear to wear this spring and how to care for it, check out our Archive post Spring Knitwear and How to Care for your Knitwear