Waterproofing Rain Gear / Making It Yourself

Dear users, dear authors,
What kind of clothing do you wear when it rains? How do you waterproof it, if necessary? Is it possible to sew your own rain gear?

Dear Josefa,
today you really want to know exactly what we have in our closets :-)

When it rains, I wear a jacket—depending on the season—that is already waterproofed. I bought it at a sporting goods store. The label lists all its features, including whether and how long it stays rainproof. There is a unit of measurement for that, but I can’t remember it right now. I think it would be difficult to manage that kind of waterproofing yourself.

I do have waterproofing spray in the cupboard, but that’s for suede shoes.

In fall, you can find rain ponchos everywhere in drugstores and discount stores. I tried those once too. They feel like a plastic bag and are very bulky. I prefer my all-weather jacket.

I can’t say anything about sewing. But the “sewing experts” here on CP surely know.

Best regards, Ina

I figured we hadn’t discussed this topic on the forum yet. :-)

You can waterproof things yourself with aluminum acetate solution; that's how we used to weatherproof, or rather rainproof, our tent every year.
I sewed myself a rain poncho, because since I walk either with walking aids or a rollator, I don't have a third hand for an umbrella ;-) :-) I often wear my loden jacket too; it also keeps water out really well, and the advantage is that I don't sweat like crazy in it the way I do in the cape, which is made of plastic.

Best, Inge