Amsterdam’s Raynsie High Performance Rain Gear
A full-body coverall that fights unsavory weather conditions with a positive spirit
Amsterdam is known for many things, but cyclists and rain (with a whopping 250 rainy days a year) can be found pretty high up on the notable list. Aware of the latter, and wanting to give back to the city, Amsterdam-based creative agency 72 and Sunny began to develop their first ever product: Raynsie. We’ve fallen for technical rainwear before, but Raynsie is different. It’s a performance-driven head-to-toe coverall, but its Dutch-inspired prints lend a truly buoyant energy. And, as it’s Amsterdam, the Raynsie has been optimized for cyclists, boarders and those always on the move. Ultimately, though, it’s beneficial for riders around the globe.
All details have been taken into consideration here, especially production. The Raynsie has been composed of 2.5L waterproof, breathable, ripstop nylon. The attached hood can be adjusted to compensate for a helmet, while an internal stretch gaiter and sustained visor guarantee visibility. All seams are taped and even the zippers are water-repellent. There are numerous areas with reflective material, including the cuffs which can be used to signal in low visibility. Every Raynsie has been produced at KTC, a premium apparel workshop in China that’s certified by the Fair Labor Association. To learn more about their responsibly-produced rain gear, we spoke with 72 and Sunny Amsterdam’s Nic Owen, Managing Director; Rey Andrade, Creative Director; and Valentina Mandozzi, Brand Director.
At first, we wondered what could compel a creative agency to begin their own product development. Owen explains that “At 72andSunny we’ve always fostered a culture of makers and doers, and we nurture an entrepreneurial spirit.” That extended beyond clients like adidas and Benetton. “Roughly three years, seven months and four days ago, when the Amsterdam office was a lot smaller and we had way less to do, we set ourselves the challenge of coming up with products or services that would make life in Amsterdam a bit more fun for us and our neighbors,” he continues. “We had loads of amazing and stupid ideas, tech and otherwise, but one stood out. Amsterdam is probably most famous for vice, drugs, rain and bikes. The stand out idea, Raynsie, scratched the first two and focused on three and four.” The team notes that it’s a true homage to their European home—and as the product took its course, it paired well with the agency’s optimistic outlook.
One has to wonder why, of all potential rain-repelling products, did they commit to a jumpsuit first. Andrade starts by explaining the name: “Rain + Onesie was how the original idea came to us and it seemed so obvious at the time that we needed something that would put an end to bad fashion and soggy legs. In terms of the garment, a coverall nails form and function, something that is very dear to Amsterdammers. As many of us cycle everyday to and from work, we also really wanted people to experience the environment like the Dutch do, with a bold indifference to the rain.” They looked to workwear, addressed the UX issues riders face and populated it all with bright design sensibilities. Andrade adds “Plus, we really liked the name Raynsie.”
The development presented many challenges but informed their work elsewhere. “As a creative company, Raynsie gave us deep empathy with entrepreneurs from all fields, especially since we were so used to the fast-paced world of advertising and had to readjust to the timing of manufacturing and product development. The key lesson is that ideas are not really worth much and are easy to come by. It’s having the commitment and drive to make them a reality, and scrappily finding resources to do that, which are key,” says Mandozzi. The team spent months developing fit and researching materials that would serve “modern urban riders.” After many stages of prototyping, they delivered everything from fit to hood design. The lightweight nature, and the fact that it’s fully-packable into one of its own side pockets are counted as two great successes. Altogether though, it’s easy, vibrant and does what it purports to do: deter wind and rain effectively.
As for other products down the line, the team shares that “At the moment, we’re fully focused on establishing Raynsie as a bold and positive brand that speaks to city riders all around the world.” As a company as a whole they note “we are purpose-driven and we developed this project with the intention of creating a brand that has longevity and infuses the world with boldness and a no-raincheck attitude. So, although we don’t discard the idea of other products, they must first fit our culture and ultimately serve a purpose and make our life better.” With Raynsie, they’ve done that from a functional and aesthetic stand-point.
You can snag a Raynsie online, where prices begin at $318.
Images courtesy of Raynsie
