The best waterproof jackets for women are a necessity, no matter the season. If you live in a place where rain is always potentially on the horizon such as the UK, then it pays to be prepared - and as this list shows, you don't need to sacrifice on style to stay dry.
Whether you're after the best waterproof jackets for your daily dog walks, a countryside hike, or just need to avoid a soggy commute, a waterproof jacket is a wardrobe essential. Though not typically seen as the most stylish outerwear piece, much like the best wellies, a great waterproof jacket will protect you from the elements.
These days many brands are opting for more fashionable approaches to rainwear, meaning you can find a cool waterproof to suit your personal style. As a busy mum and fashion editor, my mission has been to find the best waterproof jackets for women that won't sacrifice on style but will keep you dry on soggy days, whether you're on the school run, commute or walking the dog.
The best waterproof jackets for women are also a great alternative outerwear option for spring, autumn and summer, when you might not want the weight of a winter coat, but need wet weather protection.
One of the best types of coats for battling storms, as well as a practical option for rainy warmer weather, a waterproof jacket is a must for every winter capsule wardrobe and there's a lot more to consider than just style when purchasing. From how much water a coat can withstand to the timelessness of the design, we've checked out dozens of waterproof outerwear styles to help you make an informed decision.
All the waterproof jackets in this list have been tested by the woman&home team and we will keep this round-up updated to ensure that these remain the best waterproof outerwear pieces on the market.
The quick list
This coat design offers 3-in-1 wear, making it a real game-changer in your wet weather wardrobe. A removable quilted lining makes it wearable during wet warmer months, while the lining of the parka can also be worn alone as a light quilted jacket, giving this style tones of wearability.
Customers absolutely rave about this waterproof jacket. With a 10,000mm Hydrostatic Head waterproof rating, it's exceptionally weather proof. It has taped seams throughout, guaranteed to keep the water out. With a slight stretch to the fabric, it is also a strong contender for exercising in.
The latest update to this popular style gets our vote for everyday wear. Light and breathable, it's ideal for layering with knitwear on colder days. With an active cut and four-way stretch as well as an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs, it offers a range of comfortable fits.
With a layer of insulation underneath the waterproof shell fabric, this jacket keeps you delightfully dry and toasty. You can adjust the hood for a better fit - ideal when you're trying to keep the rain out. The style also features inner cuffs, to help you keep the chill at bay.
A cropped rain jacket may seem like a slightly impractical buy, but this short number from The North Face is undoubtedly one of the best options on the market today. With a relaxed, boxy fit, it is ideal for styling with high-waisted items as well as providing a sporty look if athleisure is your thing.
Rains has exploded onto the fashion scene in recent years, largely thanks to its stylish approach to practical outerwear - and at a reasonable price, too. This short jacket is just the right length to have you feeling covered without being swamped, making it ideal for everyday wear and it's available in a wide range of colours.
The best waterproof jackets tested by our fashion team
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Best overall waterproof
Easily one of the best parkas around, this coat design offers 3-in-1 wear, making it a real game-changer in your wet weather wardrobe. The removable quilted lining makes it wearable during wet warmer months, while the gilet-like lining of the parka can also be worn alone as a light quilted jacket, giving this style tonnes of wearability. It’s 100% waterproof and the adjustable cuffs, tapered seams and hood ensure you're fully protected from rain and wind. It's also breathable so you're warm and protected but at a comfortable temperature. It has been thermal tested to -30°C, so it'll keep you toasty on cold, wet days.
Considering its size, it's really easy to pack down, making it great for packing in a suitcase or camping rucksack. Mountain Warehouse is also one of our top picks for what to wear skiing, so you can be sure of high quality.
What the fashion team said: "It’s a good length for keeping almost all of you dry, covering your bum and some of your thigh (depending on your height). The only downside is it’s not particularly fashion-forward, but if it’s practicality you’re after, then look no further."
Waterproof rating: Tested to 10,000mm, it is suitable for heavy rain.
Breathability rating: It has a great breathability rating, measuring 5,000g in testing. This means during the 24 hour period it was measured over the fabric allowed sweat and other moisture to pass through the fabric and keep you cool, not sweaty.
Best all-rounder
Customers absolutely rave about this waterproof jacket. It has a 10,000mm Hydrostatic Head waterproof rating, making it exceptionally waterproof, as well as has taped seams throughout, guaranteed to keep the water out. It has a little stretch, making it a strong contender for exercising in. Available in three colourways: black, rouge (pictured) and blue haze (a combination of navy and teal), the rich colours can easily be worn for any season. Crafted from recycled fabrics, this jacket is surprisingly light, weighing only 300g and is also breathable.
What the fashion team said: “I bought the Rainbird for its super-lightweight nature and ability to be tucked away into the smallest of bags. It’s lasted me for years of daily dog walks and has kept its colour and waterproofing throughout. It wasn’t cheap, but I think it’s worth the investment if you want an eco-friendly option.”"
Waterproof rating: Tested to 10,000mm, it is suitable for heavy rain.
Breathability rating: 10,000g breathability rating so you stay dry, not sweaty.
Best for everyday
Columbia's range of waterproof jackets is one of the best on the market, not least due to the reasonable price points. Whether you are after a long, short, padded, lightweight, patterned or plain jacket, you can find a reliable Columbia waterproof coat that won't break the bank. This particular jacket gets our vote for everyday wear as it is light and breathable - ideal for layering with the best cashmere jumpers on colder days. With four-way stretch and an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs, it offers a range of comfortable fits.
What the fashion team said: "This is the ultimate throw-on-and-go waterproof jacket. It kept me fully dry during a walk in heavy rain, but didn't feel too heavy or suffocating. The hood worked well to keep my hair dry and covered, whilst the spacious pockets kept belongings safe and away from the rain. Ideal for everyday wear, it is light and comfortable."
Waterproof rating: Omni-Tech™ waterproof technology crafted for storm protection.
Breathability rating: Underarm venting to keep you dry and cool, perfect for light exercise.
Best for warmth
Waterproofs tend to be packed full of great tech to stop you from getting soaked but they aren't always so good at keeping you warm. However, with Berghaus you get the best of both worlds. With a layer of insulation underneath the waterproof shell fabric, it keeps you delightfully dry and toasty. You can adjust the hood for a better fit - ideal when you're trying to keep the rain out, and the coat also features inner cuffs to help keep the chill at bay. Without a doubt, it's one of the best black coats if you're looking for a sensible, everyday style. Made from over 50 per cent recyclable materials, this is also an eco-conscious choice.
What the fashion team said: "This coat is certainly more functional than fashionable and only comes in three colourways, but this is the most sensible of choices. It even has two zip closure pockets for your rainy day essentials."
Waterproof rating: No exact stats on-site, but they do mention the inclusion of Hydroshell 2L fabric which is lightweight and highly waterproof.
Breathability rating: No exact stats on-site, but the Hydroshell 2L fabric is breathable and the fashion team found this coat practical and comfortable. The customer reviews also give it a big thumbs up.
Best cropped
A cropped rain jacket may seem like a slightly impractical buy, but this North Face number is undoubtedly one of the best options on the market today, particularly if you're petite. With a relaxed, boxy fit, it is ideal for styling with high-waisted items for an atheleisure-inspired look. Extremely waterproof and featuring an adjustable hood, it is the ideal on-the-go jacket when you want something extremely reliable but also stylish. Available in three colourways, it is also available in plus sizes 1X-3X in three stylish shades, making this cropped jacket an inclusive style. A lightweight style, it's ideal for those moments where space is at a premium, such as throwing it into your tote bag or packing in hand luggage.
What the fashion team said: "The North Face is known for its high-quality outerwear pieces that are designed for cold and wet weather, so we were expecting big things from this cropped jacket. It certainly didn't disappoint. With a relaxed, boxy fit it is definitely one of the more trendy waterproof coats we have seen, plus the light but durable waterproof fabric kept us totally dry even in the most vicious of downpours."
Waterproof rating: The Quest jacket promises an impenetrable barrier to rain and snow for guaranteed dryness, and it really does work. The water-repellent finish works like a charm over the body and on the hood, so your torso and hair will be covered no matter the weather.
Breathability rating: The outer layer of the jacket is made from a lightweight, two-layer fabric called DryVent™ that works to keep you protected from wind without trapping heat. Plus, the boxy shape allows for airflow even when layered over chunky knits.
Most stylish
Rains has exploded onto the fashion scene in recent years, largely thanks to its stylish approach to practical outerwear - and at a reasonable price, too. This short jacket is just the right length to have you feeling covered without being too swamped, making it ideal for everyday wear. With a fishtail hem, adjustable cuffs and concealed vents on the back, it is delightfully practical without being unfashionable. Available in 15 different colours and prints, there is bound to be one that works with the rest of your closet.
What the fashion team said: "It's more of a stylish raincoat than a practical one in appearance - although it's as good as my waterproof one that I wear for hiking. I love how it's super lightweight so you can wear a jumper underneath it when it's colder outside or just on its own if you're out and you get warm. This also makes it really easy to pack away in a bag and it doesn't take up too much space while not being one of those specific pack-away coats. It's 100% waterproof - the raindrops just sit on top of the coat and you can brush them off really easily and the coat is basically dry.
"It has buttons that do up the coat in the middle instead of a zipper which felt more premium - these do up the coat equally well though and no rain gets in. The hood is another great part as it has a peak which means you don't get any rain on your face."
Waterproof rating: Fully waterproof and windproof, so will protect in all weathers.
Breathability rating: Engineered ventilation to keep you cool throughout the day.
Best collaboration
What happens when one of the best denim brands team up with one of Sweden's premium waterproof jacket companies? A very cool collaboration! Lee Jeans and Stutterheim have collaborated to create a capsule collection of some of the chicest rainwear we've seen. Our top pick is the chore jacket, a combination of the Swedish brand's classic Mosebacke raincoat but with an updated dash of denim cool. Available in two blue hues, Ash blue (pictured) and Aviator Navy, this elevated Scandi-cool rainwear is perfect for denim lovers.
What the fashion team said: "Slipping on this jacket, you can feel the quality immediately in all of the details. The striped mock-blanket lining stops any clammy moments, while the coated denim makes you feel like you aren't wearing a raincoat at all. The longer length is also great for those who want more protection against the elements."
Waterproof rating: Tested to 20,000mm water column pressure, this raincoat is fully waterproof against even the heaviest of showers. With double-welded seams, you're guaranteed to stay dry.
Breathability rating: Made of 380-gram denim fabric with a waterproof coating rather than polyurethane like many other coats, this jacket feels cool and breathable, with vent rivet details under the arms to allow for air flow.
Most sleek
If it’s a sleek Mac you’re after, then this one is a front-runner. One of our favourite British clothing brands, we often turn to Boden for its quirky twists on classic pieces. Available in four prints and colours, this Boden raincoat is fully waterproofed and features a snap-and-zip closure for extra protection against showers. The front pockets feature a flap and popper closure, so you can keep your phone and valuables both safe and dry. It also has tapered seams and cinchable cuffs and an enveloping hood for a truly waterproof finish.
What the fashion team said: "Boden might be a fashion brand, but don't underestimate this lovely buy, this waterproof jacket can hold its own. In classic navy but with neon detailing, this is more than just a regular run-of-the-mill waterproof."
Waterproof rating: The Wells coat has been tested to withstand 5,000mm of rain, meaning it'll withstand the average downpour and leave you dry. With a more fashionable approach, it's great for daily use during wet weather but is probably not the one to pick for outdoor hikes and camping.
Breathability rating: There's no specific breathability rating, although given the 65% cotton count, even without vents, it's relatively breathable.
Best packable
If you're looking for the perfect lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small enough to fit into your handbag, then Seasalt Cornwall's Pack-It waterproof jacket is the ideal candidate, folding down to a tiny concealed pocket on the inside of the jacket itself.
Made from 100% recycled polyester, it's also an eco-friendly option and the small size means you can keep it on your person at all times - handy for those moments when you might get caught out by a sudden downpour!
However, the packable nature comes at a price - the fabric is quite fine, so it's not one to rely on to keep you warm while out and about or to wear for an extended period in heavy rain.
What the fashion team said: "The small size is great for even the smallest of handbags but it definitely needs another layer underneath! If you're planning on throwing it over one of your best winter coats as an emergency layer, you might want to size up to allow for extra room."
Waterproof rating: Tested to 3,000 mm of water/rain, this jacket is more suitable for short showers rather than torrential downpours.
Breathability rating: While this jacket doesn't come with a breathability rating, the lightweight fabric will keep you from overheating.
Best breathable
Made using Futurelight technology, the waterproof fabric provides an excellent moisture barrier, whilst remaining breathable too, regulating body temperature, keeping you comfortable and sweat-free. Not only that, it’s made from recycled materials to reduce landfill waste.
What the fashion team said: "The North Face has really pulled it out of the bag with this waterproof jacket. Plus points include a snap-locking storm flap to keep the wind out, secure zip pockets and adjustable hem and cuffs. It's also available in three colours - black, teal or taupe and a wide range of sizes, adding inclusive appeal."
Waterproof rating: Using seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT™ 3L this coat should give good waterproofing, giving it an own-brand website level rating of three - for waterproofing (higher than repellent and resistant). It is also windproof.
Breathability rating: Although the jacket doesn't specifically discuss breathability, the fashion team found this waterproof jacket did help regulate body temperature and stopped them from feeling sweaty.
Best for commuting
If you're looking for a good everyday raincoat that will keep you dry without compromising on style, Fat Face's Juno raincoat has a timeless fishtail cut that will keep you dry as you go about your day.
The knee length style offers additional protection against wind and rain, while the cosy lining will keep the chill at bay on cooler days. Available in two colours - red (pictured) or navy, take a tip from Kate Middleton's burgundy trench dress and add the colour of the season to your wardrobe with this stylish waterproof coat.
What the fashion team said: "While this coat is not made from high specification technical fabrics meaning it may not be as waterproof as some of the others, it can hold its own in a downpour. In a classic parka cut and available in two timeless colourways, it's a good option that will work for the commute or weekends in the park in equal measure. The addition of a drawstring waist means you can also cinch it, creating a more fitted, feminine silhouette."
Waterproof rating: While there are no official testing statistics for this particular coat, Fat Face state that this coat is fully waterproof. With both zipper and popper closures as well as adjustable cuffs and hood, you'll be able to keep the rain at bay in this coat.
Breathability rating: While this jacket doesn't have an official breathability rating, a combination of cotton and polyester linings inside the coat, this jacket will keep you cosy without overheating.
Best longline
This long raincoat from Danish brand Ilse Jacobsen is made from a breathable and stretchable softshell material, with a lightly tailored silhouette to give a feminine finish. The coat features a YKK AquaGuard 2-way zipper and the surface is treated with an Ecorepel dirt and water-repellent coating that creates an invisible shield. This khaki colourway is a timeless choice, although it also comes in navy.
What the fashion team said: "Functional and stylish, Ilse Jacobsen is minimalist Scandinavian design at its finest. With a huge array of raincoats, it was hard to pick our standout style but this sleek style is a great mixed of utilitarian function and cool Scandi style."
Waterproof rating: The coat has been tested to withstand up to 5000 milimeters of rain, making it a high-quality rainwear item.
Breathability rating: With a test result of 3000 G/M2, this jacket has medium breathability, so it should stop you from getting too warm too - anything over 3000 is considered highly breathable, so really this one is right on the cusp.
Best reflective
Proviz makes a range of impressive outerwear and exercise clothing, so we were expecting big things from this jacket - and it lived up to expectations. The fleece lining is extremely cosy without being too oppressive or warm, whilst the reflective outer layer wowed us in the rain. When it comes in contact with water, the shell develops splatters of a holographic rainbow, making for an extremely eye-catching waterproof jacket that will stand out during both the day and night. Featuring an adjustable waist, cuffs, and sturdy zip pockets, this jacket has everything you need to keep yourself and your essentials fully weather-proofed.
What the fashion team said: "This rain jacket really has it all. The cool reflective outer material keeps things trendy, whilst the fleece lining adds that element of comfort without being too restrictive. It lives up to its claims of being windproof and waterproof; we felt extremely protected when wearing this outside. The hood is spacious - ideal for wearing hats or hoodies underneath - and the adjustable waist toggles give a custom fit that can be changed depending on what you're wearing. It's the perfect item to wear if you commute by bicycle, adding an extra element of visibility."
Waterproof rating: It is 100% waterproof (5,000ml), meaning you will stay totally dry and protected no matter the weather.
Breathability rating: The fleece lining means that it is more cozy than breathable, however it doesn't feel restrictive or suffocating. This is definitely built for cold weather, rather than warmer climates.
How we selected the best waterproof jackets for women
If you’re on the lookout for a waterproof jacket that delivers then we’ve got you covered. We've spoken to style experts and immersed ourselves in the details to bring you the best waterproofs for women.
We've considered:
- Waterproofing technology: Some designs will specify how much water the coat can withstand with a measurement in millimeters like "10,000mm." The higher this number, the more waterproof it is. Your need will be based on your waterproof usage. For those looking for clothing for hiking outfits or for daily dog-walking coats, you're best off picking the highest protection possible.
- Breathability: Some waterproof fabrics can feel stuffy and sweaty once wet, so breathability will help you feel less hot too.
- Practical features: Mesh detailing, ventilation, and fabric weight.
- Design: From look and feel to trend-led choices. We've considered cut and how flattering the jacket is, to colour options and design aesthetic.
FAQs
What should I look for when choosing the best waterproof jacket?
There are some key things to look out for when choosing the best waterproof jacket. The lingo can be confusing and sites use a lot of abbreviations for technical terms that can make you think a product has higher specifications than it actually does.
It's important to establish what level of waterproof coat you need. Many brands offer coats that give a level of 'shower protection' which is fine for most daily occurrences, light rain between home and the car or nipping to the shops. However if you like to get out and get off-road, go for long walks etc, then beside from the best hiking boots, you'll need to invest in a raincoat that can really withstand a downpour.
Sometimes the most practical and functional rainwear isn't the most stylish, so again you need to consider if you're happy to compromise on fashion credentials to get the maximum level of protection.
We've added a handy guide to some terminology to look out for when you're shopping for the best waterproof jackets for women.
Why does breathability matter, what to look out for and how is it measured?
The breathability of a coat or jacket ensures you don't get too hot and sweaty while wearing it. This is particularly important in waterproof jackets, as they are often coated in finishes or made from non-breathable fabrics, so they can be quite warm and make you feel sweaty.
Look out for...
- Eyelets under armholes to increase breathability and ventilation. A number of brands we looked at did not list breathability test results, but if coats have vents and underarm eyelets, these are also good indicators for good breathability.
- Conceal vents in the back of a jacket - same great protection from rain but again with added ventilation.
- This formula g/m2/d represents the level of breathability of a fabric. It is sometimes found in the product specification, take note of the number preceding it. Anything below 800 doesn't have huge amounts of breathability. Between 800-3000 has a medium level of breathability - the most common level for good quality, water-resistant coats as it gives breathability and still protects from the rain. Anything over 3000 is high-end and most common in high-performance weather wear and offers the highest level of breathability. The breathability test is done by measuring how much sweat or moisture the fabric allows through over a 24hr period, as letting it out through the fabric stops you from getting too warm.
How can you tell if a coat is really waterproof, what to look out for and how is it measured?
When picking the best waterproof jacket for women, it's important to learn the right keyphrases to look out for. If you're wondering which is better, waterproof or water resistant, our handy guide below may help you choose what level of protection you need - water-repellent, water-resistant or waterproof.
Water-repellent: You'll have seen water-repellent fabric, this is where the beads of water sit and roll off the top of the fabric. It repels water, however it is not impervious to water like waterproofing.
Water-resistant: This means it is made from fabric that resists water, meaning it is super hard for water to penetrate the fabric's top layer. But it is not necessarily a complete, hard, barrier.
Waterproof: No water should be making it through a waterproof jacket, but you also need to take note of just how waterproof a jacket is, what level of rain or water they have measured its waterproof-ability to.
When you look at the specification for a waterproof jacket, look out for test results of their waterproof abilities. This is measured in millimeters and is regarding the amount of water pressure the coat can take before it starts to let water in.
What is the highest waterproof rating for a jacket?
- Anything from 1000mm-3000mm has a low resistance to water, probably only appropriate for light showers.
- 3000mm-5000mm gives a strong resistance. This is probably the most likely level you will see both from coats in this guide and from waterproof jackets on the main market.
- 5000mm is high resistance and what you should look for from high-quality rainwear specialists.
- 10,000mm excellent level of rain protection, most likely from activewear/outdoor clothing labels or highly specialized brands.
What is better waterproof or water repellent jacket?
The kind of jacket you ultimately go for depends on what you'll be using it for most - if you're wearing it for a quick walk around the park, you might only want a water repellent style, whereas if you're going on long hikes where you'll be exposed to the elements for longer periods of time, a fully waterproofed jacket is no doubt a wise investment to make.
Are GORE-TEX jackets 100% waterproof?
GORE-TEX is an incredible patented fabric - a membrane with billions of pores that are approximately 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, it stops water from getting in but allows sweat to escape, meaning you'll keep cool rather than clammy. While the fabric itself will largely keep you dry, you may find some condensation gathers so it's important to look for waterproof jackets with breathability features such as under-arm vents and eyelets.
Like any outerwear, proper maintanence is key - if you know how to wash a waterproof jacket, your GORE-TEX jacket is likely to last much longer as washing, drying and reheating GORE-TEX helps to maintain the fabric's Durable Water Repellent membrane.
Other things to look out for include:
- Taped, sealed or bonded seams - usually a seam is where two pieces of fabric are stitched together and if you see seams on your regular clothes, they would leave you open to the elements. For rainwear look for covered seams or those bonded with glue to help with water resistance.
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