Aritzia Climatte vs. Rainstop: What's the difference?

The main difference between Aritzia's Climatte and Rainstop fabrics lies in their level of weather protection. Rainstop is a fully waterproof and windproof technical fabric designed for heavy rain and wet conditions, whereas Climatte is a water-resistant and wind-resistant fabric with a stylish matte finish, engineered for light rain, snow, and everyday cold-weather wear.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right Aritzia outerwear for your needs.

Aritzia Climatte Fabric

Climatte is one of Aritzia's most popular signature fabrics, most famously used in their iconic Super Puff™ line. It's a Japanese ripstop fabric engineered to be durable, water-resistant, and wind-resistant, all while maintaining a modern, soft matte finish that avoids the shiny look of other technical materials.

• What it is: A durable, nylon ripstop fabric with a matte finish, treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to shed light rain and snow.
• Key features: Soft and technical feel, prominent matte look, wind-resistant construction, highly durable ripstop weave prevents tearing. Not fully waterproof.
• Price: Found on outerwear typically ranging from $225 to $350, depending on the coat's length and warmth rating.
• Materials/Construction: Premium Japanese 100% nylon ripstop. While the fabric itself is robust, the weather protection comes from its tight weave and DWR coating rather than a waterproof membrane.
• Pros: Aesthetically pleasing matte finish is very stylish. Highly durable and resistant to rips. Effectively blocks wind. Ideal for cold, dry climates with occasional light snow or drizzle.
• Cons: Only water-resistant, not waterproof - it will wet-out in sustained or heavy rain. The DWR coating can wear off over time and may need re-treating. Not designed as a dedicated rain shell.

This fabric is perfect for anyone seeking a stylish, warm winter coat that provides protection from cold winds and light precipitation without sacrificing a fashion-forward look.

Shop this product: The Super Puff™

Aritzia Rainstop Fabric

Rainstop is Aritzia’s proprietary high-performance fabric engineered to be completely waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Used in dedicated raincoats and trench coats, it's designed to keep you dry during heavy downpours while maintaining the brand's signature sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

• What it is: A technical shell fabric designed with an advanced waterproof membrane or coating, providing reliable protection from rain and wind.
• Key features: Fully waterproof and windproof. Sealed seams and water-resistant zippers on some styles. Lightweight, flexible, and breathable to prevent overheating.
• Price: Styles using Rainstop fabric generally range from $150 to $300.
• Materials/Construction: Engineered with a membrane or coating that acts as a barrier to water molecules while still allowing moisture vapor (sweat) to escape. This ensures waterproofing and breathability for comfort.
• Pros: Offers superior protection in wet conditions. The stylish cuts surpass typical, utilitarian rain gear. Lightweight material makes it ideal for layering and travel. Solid construction enhances longevity.
• Cons: A more technical feel than Aritzia's other fabrics. As a shell, most styles don't offer insulation and require layering for warmth. Price point is premium for rainwear.

Ideal for commuters and city dwellers in rainy climates who need dependable waterproof protection without compromising on modern style.

Shop this product: Aritzia Rainstop Collection

Climatte vs. Rainstop Comparison

Water & Weather Protection

This is the most critical difference between the two fabrics. Aritzia's Rainstop is 100% waterproof and windproof. It is designed to withstand a downpour, featuring sealed seams and technical construction that prevents any water ingress. If you live in a notoriously rainy city like Vancouver or Seattle, Rainstop is your best bet for staying completely dry.

Climatte, on the other hand, is water-resistant. Its DWR coating causes water to bead up and roll off the surface, making it suitable for fending off light snow or brief, misty showers. However, it is not engineered for 'soaking conditions.' In prolonged rain, water will eventually saturate the fabric. It excels at wind resistance and provides warmth when part of an insulated coat like The Super Puff™, making it better for cold, drier days.

Fabric, Feel & Aesthetic

Aritzia's Climatte fabric is defined by its signature soft, matte finish. It feels technical but not "plasticky," offering a contemporary vibe that pairs well with urban and casual outfits. Its ripstop texture provides a subtle visual detail confirming its durability.

Rainstop feels more like traditional, high-quality rainwear. It's smooth, lightweight, and has a sleek handle. While Aritzia designs Rainstop pieces to be far more stylish than outdoor-brand shells, the fabric’s primary purpose is functional weather protection, which is reflected in its feel.

Primary Use Case & Versatility

Outerwear made with Climatte, such as The Super Puff™, is designed primarily for warmth and cold-weather style. It’s a versatile winter coat for everyday wear in climates where freezing temperatures and wind are a bigger concern than heavy rain. It functions as an all-in-one solution for style and cold protection.

Rainstop jackets are purpose-built rain shells. Their primary function is to protect you and your clothes from water. They are excellent for the rainy seasons of spring and fall. Because they are often uninsulated, their versatility comes from layering, you can wear one over a light sweater on a cool day or a heavy knit on a cold, wet day.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fabrics are excellent, but they are engineered for distinctly different purposes and climates.

Choose Climatte if:

• You live in a climate where winter is cold and snowy rather than wet and rainy.
• You prioritize warmth and style, and your main concern is blocking wind and bitter cold.
• You want an all-in-one winter puffer or parka with a modern, matte finish.
• You need a jacket that can handle light, intermittent snow or drizzle, but you have another option for true downpours.

Choose Rainstop if:

• You live in an environment with frequent or heavy rainfall.
• Your top priority is staying 100% dry.
• You need a dedicated raincoat for commuting, travel, or everyday errands in wet weather.
• You prefer to layer your clothing to adjust for temperature changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between water-resistant (Climatte) and waterproof (Rainstop)?

Water-resistant fabric has a coating (like DWR) to repel water, but it will eventually soak through under sustained pressure or heavy rain. Waterproof fabric has a membrane or laminate that acts as a complete barrier, preventing any water from penetrating, even in a downpour.

Is the Climatte fabric warm on its own?

No, Climatte is just the name of the outer shell fabric. The warmth comes from the fill inside, such as the responsibly sourced down in The Super Puff™. The fabric itself is primarily wind-resistant and durable.

Are Rainstop jackets warm?

Most jackets made with Rainstop are shells, meaning they aren't insulated and don’t provide significant warmth. Their purpose is protection from rain, and they are intended to be layered over warmer clothes like sweaters or fleece.

Which fabric is more durable?

Both are designed to be durable for everyday wear. Climatte uses a ripstop construction, which is specifically engineered to prevent small tears from spreading, making it very tough and resistant to snags.

Can I wear a Climatte jacket in heavy snow?

A Climatte jacket is an excellent choice for a snow day. It easily sheds dry, light to moderate snow and provides the insulation needed to stay warm. However, it may become saturated in prolonged exposure to very wet, heavy snow.

How do I care for these fabrics?

Always check the garment's specific care label. Generally, both should be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and zipped up. For Climatte, a DWR-renewing wash or spray after several seasons can help refresh its water-repellency. For Rainstop, avoiding fabric softeners is key to maintaining the fabric's breathability.

Does Rainstop fabric look like a typical rain jacket?

No, and that's its main appeal. It offers the performance of a high-end technical rain jacket but is used in stylish cuts like trenches and modern parkas that look at home in the city, not on a hiking trail.

Between Climatte and Rainstop, which is a better investment?

This depends entirely on your local climate. A puffer with Climatte is a better investment for a typical North American winter wardrobe focused on cold and snow. A Rainstop jacket is a better investment if your biggest weather challenge is rain.