Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is Waterkant?
That's a good question and logically the first one you ask yourself when you stumble across a new store, a new brand or new things in general...so:
It was 2006 when we decided to open a store in Ottensen that would be a little different to what was usual at the time. We wanted to offer streetwear and Scandinavian fashion for northern Germans, as well as waterproof clothing and especially jackets. Our idea was very simple, very straightforward.
Out in the morning, back in again in the evening!...whatever weather we encounter in between shouldn't spoil our day, regardless of whether we're out and about by car, train or bike, walking around the neighbourhood during our lunch break or taking the dog for a walk in the morning and then heading out into the hustle and bustle of the city, changing clothes is not an option, so we need an outfit that can do everything. This is how the idea came about to sell jeans, leather shoes and sneakers alongside rain jackets and backpacks that matched and were more suitable for city dwellers than, as is so often the case, for hilly regions at home and abroad. We are northerners and love to go for walks along the Elbe or by the sea, and the sun doesn't necessarily have to be shining, sometimes it's much nicer to feel the wind or even the rain on your face without so many people around. That's why the name of our shop is still "city and beach clothes". We are often asked where our "department" with bikinis and swimming trunks is, and our question is usually "where are you going?" If you want to go to the Elbe beach, 90% of the time you will need a hat, a rain jacket and long trousers (... even if summer in Hamburg, when it comes, is one of the best). A lot has happened since 2006 and our range has always adapted to the times and the new temporary trends, just as demands and needs have gradually shifted. We have been able to watch many of the small labels from back then grow and become well-known brands, others have developed in different directions to us and completely new brands are already waiting in the wings to be discovered by us. We are delighted to have been able to run this shop in Ottensen for so long and to be able to welcome such nice new and loyal customers from the very beginning every day. We hope that you, as our customers, will also notice that we always enjoy showing you our most beautiful achievements and new favorite pieces or providing you with tried and tested classics. In any case, we will continue and look forward to the next few years!
Established 2006
When, how and where can I find you?
You can find us either:
In our store at Ottenser Hauptstraße 56 in 22765
Opening hours:
Mon - Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat 11 am - 6 pm
And by appointment
Or around the clock via our online shop at www.waterkant.dk
Is the same product range available online as offline?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Yes...mostly. Sometimes you can only find individual pieces in our store in Ottensen and there are also very few pieces that can be found in our online store but not on the stands and hangers in our store. If you can't find something in one place that you saw in another, don't hesitate to ask! It's always there :)
How can I subscribe to your newsletter?
You will find the newsletter registration form at the very bottom of the page (in the footer). As soon as you have entered your email address and accepted the privacy policy, we will send you a confirmation email and you will always be kept up to date.
If you would like to unsubscribe, you can do so using the "unsubscribe" link in the email. Alternatively, you can send us a short email with your request to post@waterkant.dk .
Are you interested in cooperation?
We are always happy when someone can identify with WATERKANT and our values. If you think we could be a good fit, please contact us by email at post@waterkant.dk or via Instagram .
Order
Do I need a customer account to order?
No. You can also order from us as a "guest". We will need your usual order details (name, address, etc.), but no customer account will be created.
Can I also pick up/return items in store?
We completely get it, we change our minds too! While we wish could, once an order is placed, we are unable to alter or cancel it at this time. We hope to have a cancellation window one day in the future.
Should the item(s) not work out, make sure to exchange for a preferred style or return for a refund. As a reminder, domestic return shipping is free.
How can I pay in your store / online shop?
If you're not quite sure which size is right for you, refer to our size guides. They're located underneath the available sizes for each of our products.
Do you have vouchers?
Yes, we have gift vouchers worth €25, €50, €100 and €200, which can be purchased both in our online shop and in our store in Hamburg Ottensen. Vouchers can be used for all items in our range.
How do I find my size?
The most important thing, of course, is that your new favorite item fits you. Unfortunately, that's not always easy. You've probably already noticed that your size can vary greatly between different brands and manufacturers, materials and cuts.
We always try to try on our range ourselves. If you have found an item in our online store and you are not sure about the size, don't hesitate to ask us for information! Either by email to post@waterkant.dk or by phone on +49 40 28515918. We will ask you a few short questions and use the answers and measurements you give us to find out whether the item of clothing in question fits you.
Shipping, Returns & Exchanges
Where is my package?
As soon as we have shipped your order, you will receive a shipping confirmation from us by email with the tracking number and a link to track your package.
You can also track your package on the DHL website here . Please have a tracking number ready.
What are the shipping conditions?
delivery costs
- Free shipping within Germany for orders over 50€!
- For orders under 50€ the delivery costs in Germany are €4.90
- The delivery costs for Europe (EU) are a flat rate of €19.90
We ship to the following countries:
- Germany
- Europe (EU)
delivery times
Of course, we try to process every order as quickly as possible. Please note that delivery times abroad may vary.
The table below gives you an overview of how long your package will take to reach you from the time it is handed over to DHL. Please note that this is a rough guideline for delivery times and we no longer have any influence on the delivery once we have handed the package over to DHL.
- Germany 2-5 working days
- Europe (EU) 3-7 working days
Reduced items can take up to 9 days.
Your package will be sent with DHL .
delivery conditions
You have the right to exchange or return your order or parts of it within 14 days of receipt, provided the product is unused and returned undamaged .
The costs for returns are borne by the customer.
payment methods
The following payment methods are available in our shop:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- PayPal / PayPal Express
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
How fast do you ship?
We try to process every order as quickly as possible. Please note that delivery times abroad may vary.
The table below gives you an overview of how long your package will take to reach you from the time it is handed over to DHL. Please note that this is a rough guideline for delivery times and we no longer have any influence on the delivery once we have handed the package over to DHL.
- Germany 2-5 working days
- Europe (EU) 3-7 working days
Reduced items can take up to 9 days .
Do you ship outside of Germany?
Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply and will be added at checkout.
Can I return goods that don't fit or that I don't like (in store)?
You have the right to exchange or return your order or parts thereof within 14 days of receipt, provided the product is unused and returned undamaged .
The costs for returns are borne by the customer.
Alternatively, items purchased online can also be returned in store. Please bring your receipt with you.
Can I return an item that I want to give away or that I have received as a gift after Christmas if it doesn't fit or I don't like it?
Yes, you can!
For all orders placed between December 2nd and 22nd, the return period is automatically extended until January 12th, 2025.
Either send us the unsuitable item back properly or come to our store and exchange it for a suitable product or get your money back.
How quickly will my return be processed?
We endeavour to process all returns within a few working days. In exceptional cases, processing may take up to 14 days.
How and when will I receive my refund?
We endeavour to process all refunds within a few working days. In exceptional cases, processing may take a maximum of 14 days. Refunds will always be made using the same method used to receive payment, unless otherwise agreed by mutual consent.
What do I do in case of a complaint?
If you ever have to complain about something, we are sorry. So that we can find a solution quickly and accommodatingly, we ask you to take photos of the damage. You can then report your complaint to us by email to post@waterkant.dk, stating your order number. Of course, you can also report the complaint to us by phone on +49 40 28515918, or you can bring the item along with the purchase receipt directly to the store.
care instructions and materials
How do I wash my rain jacket/waterproof clothing properly?
We get asked this question a lot and for good reason. Incorrect washing and care of performance materials like GoreTex can lead to a loss of waterproof or water-repellent properties and that's the last thing you want for your expensive rain jacket...
Before washing: Close all zippers and buttons etc. so that they cannot pull, tear or otherwise cause damage to other items of clothing or the jacket itself. It is best to wash the jacket inside out.
In general, you need the right product. There is black detergent for black laundry, wool detergent for wool and technical detergent for technical materials. This is gentler on the membrane, but still dissolves grease and sweat that has built up on it through use.
The jacket/garment is then washed with plenty of water according to the detergent manufacturer's instructions. To be absolutely sure that all detergent residues are removed, you can also wash the garment again with just water.
Then hang it up or lay it down to dry completely. Tumble drying is not recommended if the drying temperature exceeds the recommended washing temperature. If you do want to tumble dry your jacket, make sure that the temperature of the dryer does not exceed the temperature of your wash cycle (eg 40 degrees).
To recreate the water-repellent lotus effect, which ensures that raindrops can run off and the material does not get wet in the first place, there are sprays that can be applied when dry, or wash-in solutions that "wash" the impregnation back into the fabric. However, this requires the use of the washing machine again.
We assume no liability for individual damage that may occur during the washing and care process.
How do I wash my wool product properly?
A good rule of thumb is: it's best to do it as the manufacturer describes. This is the only way to ensure that you don't find any damage or changes later. Always look closely at the sewn-in or enclosed care label.
However, the following actually always applies to wool: air it first before washing. Wool is a natural fiber, the scales on its surface actually repel dirt. If there are no large stains on your item, it is better to air it in cold air, because even without washing, odors on wool products usually disappear after a day or two.
If you do have to wash your wool product, do so as cold as possible, always using the right (wool) detergent and on a gentle cycle. Afterwards, it is best to lay the item of clothing over a clothes rack to dry, as the weight of the wet wool can lead to undesirable deformation.
We assume no liability for individual damage that may occur during the washing and care process.
My wool/cotton/fleece item is developing small pills, is that a problem?
No, that's normal and in most cases easy to fix. Pillings are small, matted fiber balls or knots that tend to form on clothing with a roughened or fibrous textile surface. For example, fleece fabrics or knitwear. The term is derived from the English word "to pill" means "to fluff". When your clothes rub against each other or a rough surface like a backpack or Velcro rubs against your clothes, these small knots form.
It is important: DO NOT tear it off! This will only cause the next loose fibre to appear, which will sooner or later lead to pilling.
The solution is so-called pilling shavers or combs, which are passed over the garment and cut off the pills on the surface. These are available hand-operated or battery-operated and can be bought for a few euros in drugstores. After use, your favorite items will look like new again!
We assume no liability for individual damage that may occur during the washing and care process.
Are all your winter jackets down filled?
No. The majority of our jackets have a synthetic filling such as Thermore EcoDown or Primaloft. If down has been used to fill a piece of clothing, this is explicitly stated.
My two-way zipper won't close, is it broken?
Two-way zippers can be a little stubborn. In most cases, however, a little adjustment to your usual finger movements will help them close smoothly again. Read our zipper guide to learn how to close your two-way zipper reliably and easily.
Do you need help? Write to us!
Do you have questions about your order or a general enquiry?