When the skies darken and the rain starts to pour, chances are you’ve asked yourself the age-old question: what should I wear? If you’re looking for inspiration that’s fun, practical, and rooted in history, the fashion trends of the 1930s to 1950s have something for everyone. From classic trench coats and chic ponchos to quirky rain hats and sensible rain boots, discover the 1930s to the 1950s best pieces for staying dry and stylish in any storm.

Note: At the end I provide vintage shopping tips on where to get your own vintage rain gear.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy & RocknRomance Vintage are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

What To Wear When It’s Raining-1930s to 1950s Inspiration

Vintage Rain Gear Advertising & Vintage Patterns to Inspire:

1930s Vintage Catalog Page for Raincoats: I’m a big fan of the transparent raincoat (top on the right) which you will see a few more times below. Your outfit will never be hidden! Honestly though all those coats are pretty fantastic in this ad.

Source

This is a early 1930s Canadian ad for a slicker called “Whooppee Slicker”. Comes in fun patterns I must say.

Source: eBay

1940’s raincoat and rain hat vintage sewing pattern illustration.

Source

1940s Vintage Sewing Pattern for a women’s raincoat with hood.

Source: Etsy

Here are transparent raincoats for both men and women made from Vinylite Plastics-1946 ad.

A real life example of a plastic transparent raincoat from Follow me Quietly, 1949.

Source

Another FANTASTIC examples of transparent raincoats from the 1943 MGM film, ‘The Human Comedy’. In the film Donna Reed rocks a transparent slicker and headcover with matching transparent umbrella. 

Thank you to Michael W for the screenshots for my blog.

Raincoats for the whole family in the 1950s! The green coat is so beautiful and did you notice her boots (keep scrolling to see an ad for the rain boots)? What a cool Fashion Frocks ad.

1950s Vintage Sewing Pattern for Kids Rain Coats and Fall Jackets.

Source: Etsy

Looking for some vintage rain boots that are also transparent?? Look no further than these darling “Rain Dears” with bow! Can I have 10???

1950s raincoat and rain gear ideas as seen in a 1950s Sears Christmas Wish Book catalog. What would you buy?

Source: Sears Wish Book

1953 ad for Firestone Velon Plastic. Love that even the dog has a rain coat 🙂

Source

I cannot end this post without referencing some great rain-wear photos from “Singin in the Rain“.

I want Debbie Reynolds boots in this picture.

“Girls: Protect your curls!” 1950s vintage ad for a rain bonnet.

You can’t go wrong with a cute plastic rain bonnet (you can find lots of versions on Etsy, which I have shared some samples below).

I recently did a video on a rain bonnet and how they work on TikTok. Take a look below!

@tovintagelizzie Hairstyle tip: How to protect your hair when it rains #hairtip #vintagehair #vintagetip #raining ♬ original sound – Liz Gruening-Vintage Lover

Here are some examples of vintage rain gear items you can take home and enjoy

(updated Feb 2024)

Vintage Shopping: I have put together an Etsy Collection that I update monthly of “Vintage Rain Gear“.

NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.

Do you love the transparent rain coats I posted above? Well Etsy has a bunch of new and vintage styles, just hit the search button and pick what works for you. To get you started here is a vintage 1970’s clear vinyl raincoat with white polka dots (avail as of Feb 2024 HERE).

Source: Etsy

RocknRomance Vintage is a brand that makes REPRODUCTION 1940s & 1950s fashions (aka modern sizes and fabrics), they have a cute ‘Semi Transparent’ raincoat that you can purchase from their website (this one is made to order). Take a look by clicking HERE or the image below.

1950s overshoes. These black rain boots are two-tone glossy and matte rubber with cuban heels. They slip on and are just below mid-calf (avail as of Feb 2024 HERE).

Source: Etsy

Late 1950s Baby Rain Jacket that features a bright yellow trim with a clear body with yellow poppies and white daisies.

Source: Etsy

Look at this adorable 1950s rain bonnet box with a surprise inside..the rain bonnet itself! LOVE THIS! The seller has more styles, that are just too cute!

Purchase from Nkempantiques

Source: Etsy

1950s ladies full length raincoat with hood & 3 snap fasteners in handy purse size pouch.

Source: Etsy

Well I think I have lots of ideas now on what to wear when it’s raining, I can’t wait for it to rain now. HA!

Share your favourite way of staying dry, in the comments section below.

FURTHER READING:

• Vintage Fashions 1920s-1960s
• Vintage Fall / Autumn 1920s-1960s Blog Posts (Archived)

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz