Collection: K-Way

K-Way invented the packable rain jacket in Paris in 1965—literally. Before K-Way, there was no jacket you could roll up into its own pocket and tie around your waist. Léon-Claude Duhamel developed the concept, and the result is one of the most successful jackets in fashion history. If you’ve ever been to a festival, you’ve seen K-Way. If you’ve ever been caught in a sudden rain shower and someone magically pulled a jacket out of nowhere—that was a K-Way.

The Le Vrai Claude 4.0

is the flagship and the model we recommend to everyone as a starter. Unisex, ultra-lightweight (under 200g), fully waterproof with welded seams, and packable into its own waist pocket. The "4.0" stands for the current iteration of the original with an improved zipper and a slightly more modern cut. The price is around €129—which is fair for a jacket you’ll pull out of your backpack for unexpected rain over many years. The Le Vrai Claude isn’t a fashion piece for the runway but an honest functional garment that also looks good.

Colors make the difference at K-Way.

The bright tones (yellow, red, orange) are festival classics and give you maximum visibility. Navy and black are the everyday options you can also wear to the office. In the Berlin Store, you can see the colors live—online they often look quite different. Our tip: buy two—one eye-catching for leisure and festivals, one subdued for everyday wear. At this price, it’s doable.

Jacques Plus

and lined models are the extension for cooler days. The Jacques Plus has a light lining and a fleece interior, upgrading it to a transitional jacket. If you only know K-Way as a thin summer rain jacket, you’ll be surprised how warm the lined versions are. Still, they remain relatively light and packable—not pocket-sized, but easily fitting in a backpack.

Sizing

K-Way Le Vrai Claude is unisex and has a rather straight cut. For a fitted look, take your normal size; for a looser fit, go one size up. The sleeves are relatively long—that’s intentional so your hands stay covered in the rain.

Why buy from The Smart Dresser?

Because we carry the colors and models you’re looking for—not just the standard black and navy range, but also the seasonal colorways that sell out quickly. Combine K-Way with The North Face for the complete weather setup, or wear the Claude 4.0 over a Lacoste polo for a summery smart-casual look when rain is expected. In our jacket category, you’ll find more lightweight transitional jackets.

What you get with us:

✓ Authorized dealer — original products, no gray imports or outlet leftovers
✓ Berlin Store to try on — see seasonal colors live, which often look very different online than on screen
✓ Honest advice — we help you choose colors for festival season and tell you which colorways are about to sell out
✓ Fast shipping
✓ 21-day returns — hassle-free, no risk

Pairs well with The North Face and Lacoste.