The story behind
From Napkin Sketch to Global Icon
It began with a sketch on the back of a napkin at a Parisian café. A spontaneous idea that would evolve into Norwegian Rain’s most iconic creation — the Raincho. Over the past 15 years, that sketch has grown into a garment that reshaped outerwear and created entirely its own category in international fashion.
“Could this be the best raincoat in the world?”
Anna Murphy
Swiper for more
Bergen 2009
Pre-launch pop-up store with Siv Støldal & London designers, picked up by Dazed & Confused Magazine
“Throw away the grubby kagoul as this brand from Bergen has got rain attire completely sorted.”
Bergen 2009
Launching the brand
Spearheaded by the Raincho, the Norwegian Rain brand was developed and launched, based on the simple idea that outerwear should never require a compromise between function and style.
2010, Milan, Italy
Named as one of seven Talented Newcomers in Fashion - Awarded by Vogue Italy
2010 - Tokyo
The Raincho Enters Japan!
The Raincho's story took an unexpected turn during our debut showcase in Milan 2010 when purchased by influential Japanese concept stores from the Tomorrowland group. Its voluminous drape resonated deeply with kimono culture.
2011 - Tokyo, Paris,
London, Brussels
London, Brussels
From Tokyo to the world
While it took some years before the style bloomed in Norway, the Raincho slowly hit pace, embraced by leading fashion destinations across most continents. Harrods and Harvey Nichols in London, Barneys Tokyo, Merci in Paris, and Stijl Brussels — each store a marker of its international journey.
Oslo, 2012
The Raincho in the National Museum in Oslo
In 2012 the Raincho was included in the permanent collection of The National Museum of Norway, slowly starting to affirm its status as more than a garment: a cultural statement.
Oslo, 2012
The Lightweight Raincho is Born!
As the Raincho gained international recognition, demand grew for a version better suited to warmer climates and Scandinavian summers. In 2013, Norwegian Rain responded with the Lightweight Raincho, crafted from an exceptionally light, breathable waterproof fabric while retaining the original silhouette, functionality and protection. The new construction expanded the Raincho's versatility without changing its identity.
2013 Tokyo
The Raincho Meets the Kimono
The Raincho found a natural home within Y. & Sons' vision of the modern kimono. United by a shared philosophy of preserving tradition through innovation, the two brands brought together Japanese heritage and Norwegian technical outerwear. The Raincho's generous silhouette, wide sleeves and understated design made it a natural outer layer for the modern kimono.
Oslo, 2012
The Camo Makes Its Debut
What began as Christian S. Bergheim's intricate pencil drawings—his analogue escape from the digital world—became the foundation for Camo Studies, Norwegian Rain's first bespoke camouflage. A camouflage hiding delicate floral motifs in plain sight, bringing unexpected softness to the iconic Raincho, where artisanal expression met uncompromising performance.
2024
Introducing the Padded Raincho
As demand grew for a version suited to colder conditions, Norwegian Rain introduced the Padded Raincho. Lightweight insulation was integrated into the original construction, adding warmth while preserving the Raincho's signature silhouette, waterproof performance and freedom of movement. Designed for winter, it extended the garment's use well beyond the rainy season.
2025
Customer Reviews are Launched
Customer Reviews introduced a new chapter in the Raincho's story. We had long witnessed customers' enthusiasm for the Raincho in our stores and in everyday life. For the first time, those experiences could be collected and shared publicly, creating a growing source of first-hand knowledge for future customers. Today, the reviews average 4.9 out of 5 stars.
“Clothing is art”
Timothy, UK
“Architectural & timeless”
Dafni, Switzerland
“Extremely well made”
Catherine, Belgium
“Practical & Chic”
David, France
“A love affair”
Annette, Norway
“Avantgarde & Feminine”
Michaela, Switzerland
2025
Article in The Times
All her life, Anna Murphy had been hunting for a fashionable, functional raincoat. And then she found the Norwegian Rain Raincho.
“Could this be the best raincoat in the world?”
Anna Murphy
"It is among the best loved items in my wardrobe and certainly the most indestructible, something that I imagine (and hope) I will be wearing until the day I die."
Anna Murphy
