This article compiles the DON’T&DO tips for summer rainy day outfits, avoiding wet and hard-to-dry tops, pants, skirts and shoes at once. The rainproof dressing techniques will help you rest easy after taking notes, and your commute to work will no longer be gloomy due to cloudy days!

Rainy Day Outfit DON’T 1: Denim Jeans
When it comes to rainy-day fashion no-nos, denim jeans are the biggest culprit! Made from cotton denim, jeans have a structured silhouette that adds great presence to any look—but that same thickness and heavy twill weave make them total moisture magnets with poor breathability. Step in a puddle, and your pant legs are guaranteed to get soaked; in a downpour, they’ll absorb water like a sponge, and even once you’re indoors, they take forever to dry out. This goes double for wide-leg, straight-leg, or flared denim styles—their larger surface area makes them even more of a hassle, so commuters especially should steer clear.

Rainy Day Outfit DON’T 2: Heavy-Weight Tops
“Weight” (measured in ounces per square yard, or “oz/yd²” in textile terms) refers to a fabric’s weight per square yard. The higher the weight, the thicker and denser the fabric—made with thicker, more yarns, it’s sturdier and more durable. These heavy-weight pieces have a crisp, put-together look that’s popular among office workers, but their thickness is exactly what makes them a rainy-day nightmare: once they get wet, they take forever to air-dry. Not only do you risk catching a chill, but they’ll also feel uncomfortable to wear all day long. So steer clear of styles like long-sleeve cotton sweatshirts, college tees, utility shirts, and knit sweaters on rainy days.

Rainy Day Outfit DON’T 3: Long Skirts
While long skirts are technically more rain-friendly than long pants, those that fall below the knee or have wide, voluminous hems still pose a problem—they’re just as prone to getting soaked and take forever to dry. Case in point: with the resurgence of vintage preppy style, pleated maxi skirts and 伞 skirts (full-circle skirts) have made a comeback—but the layered fabric of these styles soaks up even more moisture, making them a poor choice for rainy days.

Rainy Day Outfit DON’T 4: Canvas Bags
Canvas is inherently highly absorbent—when it gets caught in the rain, moisture easily soaks through the material, leaving the inside of the bag completely damp and putting your belongings at risk. What’s more, given Taiwan’s humid climate, if a canvas bag gets rained on or damp and isn’t dried promptly, it’s prone to mold growth. This not only ruins the bag’s appearance and shortens its lifespan but also creates an unhygienic issue that’s hard to fix.

Rainy Day Outfit DON’T 5: Mesh Sneakers

Mesh sneakers are a total no-go on rainy days—and their signature “breathable mesh upper” is exactly why. The open, porous structure of mesh is designed to let air flow in and out, but this same feature turns into a downside when it rains: raindrops seep through the tiny holes instantly, soaking the shoe’s interior within minutes. Even a light drizzle can leave your socks damp, and if you step in a puddle, the mesh acts like a sieve, pulling water into the shoe and making your feet feel heavy and clammy all day.

Worse yet, mesh is hard to dry quickly—even if you stuff the shoes with paper towels or set them near a vent, the moisture trapped in the fabric lingers, leading to that unpleasant “wet shoe odor.” Over time, repeated exposure to rain and slow drying can also break down the mesh fibers, making the shoes look worn out and less supportive faster. For commuters or anyone who spends time outdoors, this means uncomfortable feet, potential blisters, and a ruined pair of sneakers—all avoidable by swapping them for water-resistant footwear.

Rainy Day Outfit DO 1: Capri Pants + Knee-High Boots
Wondering what to wear on rainy days? The combo of capri pants and leather or PVC knee-high boots is a foolproof choice for keeping your feet dry and fresh.
Capri pants work by baring your calves—this cuts down on the amount of fabric that could get splashed or soaked by rain. Even if they do pick up a little moisture, a quick wipe once you’re indoors is all it takes to get them dry again. As for the boots, leather and PVC are naturally water-resistant, so they block rainwater from splashing into your shoes when you step in puddles. Together, they create a practical yet stylish solution for staying dry on wet days.

Rainy Day Outfit DO 2: Shorts + Rain Boots

Wellington boots (or rain boots) also pair great with miniskirts or shorts—showing a sliver of thigh in between. This trick not only makes your legs look longer and leaner, but also adds a subtle, feminine touch of sexiness to your casual, effortless vibe.