Every year it happens the same way. September feels like summer will never end, then one October afternoon the sky over Beirut turns grey, the first real storm rolls in, and half the city discovers their umbrella is broken and their canvas sneakers are not, in fact, waterproof. If you have ever squelched through a flooded street in the wrong shoes, this one is for you.
The good news: rain gear is one of the smartest things to buy second-hand in Lebanon. Trench coats, rain jackets and boots are built to take a beating, most of them get worn a few weeks a year, and plenty end up barely used in someone else's closet. Here is how to get ready for the wet months without paying full price.
Why rain gear is a perfect second-hand buy
Our rainy season is short but intense. Most people reach for their rain jacket on a handful of stormy days, then it goes back on the hook until next year. That means pre-loved rain gear often has very little real wear on it. A good trench or a pair of rubber boots can look almost new after several seasons.
It is also the kind of purchase where quality matters more than trends. A well-made water-resistant jacket from a few seasons ago will keep you just as dry as this year's version. That is exactly where thrift shopping in Lebanon pays off: you put your money into construction, not novelty.
The trench coat: the city classic
If you buy one rain piece, make it a trench. It is the backbone of pre-loved fashion in Lebanon: it works over office clothes, over a hoodie on the weekend, and over a dress at an evening dinner. It handles the in-between weather we know so well, when it is too warm for a wool coat but too wet for a denim jacket.
- Check the fabric. Tightly woven cotton gabardine or a cotton-polyester blend sheds light rain well. Run your hand over it: it should feel dense, not thin.
- Look at the seams and buttons. Shoulders and pockets take the most stress. Make sure the stitching is intact and every button is there.
- Size with layers in mind. Try it on over a sweater. If you can cross your arms comfortably, it will work all season.
- Belt included? A missing belt is not a dealbreaker, but a trench with its original belt is easier to style.
Rain jackets and shells: light, packable, practical
For students, commuters and anyone who walks a lot, a light hooded rain jacket is the hero piece. It folds into a bag, dries fast, and layers over anything. When you shop second-hand clothes in Lebanon, look for:
- A hood that actually fits over your head and has working drawcords.
- Zips that run smoothly from top to bottom, including pocket zips.
- Taped seams on the inside, if the jacket has them. Peeling tape is a sign the jacket has had a hard life.
- Cuffs that close at the wrist, so rain does not run up your sleeves.
Boots that keep your feet dry
Lebanese streets in a storm are no joke. Water pools fast, and wet feet ruin a whole day. Rubber rain boots, leather ankle boots and sturdy waterproof sneakers are all worth hunting for pre-loved.
- Bend the sole. It should flex without cracking. Cracks near the toe let water in.
- Check the tread. A worn-flat sole is slippery on wet tiles and marble stairs.
- Inspect leather. Leather boots should feel supple, not dry and stiff. A little polish and a waterproofing spray will bring good leather back to life.
- Walk around in them. Comfort in the shop means comfort in the rain.
Do not forget the kids
Children outgrow rain gear before they wear it out, which makes it ideal second-hand territory. A rain jacket with a hood and a pair of boots in the next size up will cover the whole winter of school mornings and puddle jumping. Browse our kids and baby collection early in the season, before the first big storm sends every parent shopping at once.
Small extras that make a big difference
- A compact umbrella that lives in your bag, not at home.
- A water-resistant tote or backpack to keep your laptop and papers dry.
- A warm scarf and hat for the windy days when rain turns cold.
And if you want to look sharp under all that rain gear, our tops and new with tags collections are a good place to start.
How to shop rain gear at Why Go Less
Every piece that reaches our racks is inspected, cleaned, steamed, photographed and honestly described, so you know exactly what you are getting. New items land in collection drops every 15 days, which means outerwear arrives steadily through autumn. Come early in the season for the widest choice, and keep an eye on prices: items move down our markdown ladder, up to 30% off after 30 days and up to 50% off after 60 days.
Shopping online? You can inspect your order at delivery and refuse it before paying if it is not right. All prices are in USD.
Got rain gear you never wear?
That trench that never quite fit, or the boots your kids outgrew last winter, could be keeping someone else dry this year. As a consignment store in Lebanon, we sell your pieces for a flat 50/50 commission. Read our supplier terms to see how it works, and bring your outerwear in early, while everyone is shopping for the wet months.
Visit us before the next storm
Looking for a thrift store Beirut shoppers can reach in minutes? Our second-hand Dekwaneh store is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Sundays by appointment only. Drop in, try on a trench, test a pair of boots, and walk out ready for whatever the sky does next. Questions? Write to hello@whygoless.com or find us on Instagram @whygoless.
