
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
You’ll be home and dry with these top-rated options
When it comes to waterproof jackets, there’s a multitude of decisions to make. Something to fend off the elements while walking the dogs or hiking is an entirely different beast from something that will keep you dry during your morning commute into the office.
As well as factoring in style and colour, warmth is also worth considering. Are you likely to be wearing the waterproof during winter months for long periods of time or is it a spring and summer transitional jacket you’ll be wearing to the pub in the evening in case it rains during the walk home?
When April showers continue into May and beyond, a good waterproof becomes an essential. You don’t want to end up drenched at the office or dinner.
While running waterproof jackets are all about the lightweight and taped seams, there’s length, cuff, hood style, fastening type and colour to think about when looking for an everyday rain jacket or one for outdoor adventures.
Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you and selected the best waterproof jackets on the market, to help make your search quicker and easier. They also happen to look great.
All jackets were worn over three test periods: on a short walk in lighter drizzle, on a longer walk in heavier rain, and in a commuting scenario where time was spent on public transport, with the jackets worn on either side of the journey. The jackets were tested for comfort, style, ease of fastening, design and how well they coped with rain run-off.
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
This jacket fared brilliantly in heavy rain during testing. The taped seams meant not a drop of water got in, with the adjustable hood and cuffs helping us stay dry.
The mesh lining made the jacket feel breathable and allowed for a warm layer underneath. It’s also a great length. The water ran off this jacket brilliantly, while the zipped pockets kept our belongings safe and dry, too.
This is one of the most versatile jackets on our list, while also being one of the most budget-friendly options. The ripstop fabric and taped seams make it functional, while the slim fit makes it a stylish choice, too. It also packs away into its own carry case, so it’s a great option to take with you when you’re out and about, in case you get caught in the rain. We also loved the contrast zipper.
Adidas’s Rainrdy technology makes sure the rain is kept out, while the packable hood makes this a transitional jacket you can wear even when the sun is shining. The mesh lining makes it breathable and the adjustable cuffs and hood mean you can tailor the fit to suit.
Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, it’s an ecological choice to boot. It also has zipped hand pockets with waterproofing on the zip, so, no matter how long you’re out in the elements, you can always keep your phone dry.
When it comes to waterproofing on the go, this jacket is a great choice. Its stylish colour scheme and slim fit are flattering, while the hood does the job of keeping you dry even in a headwind. It’s windproof, too, and the elastic hem and cuffs mean the rain can’t get where you don’t want it to.
Even better, it’s machine washable, so, bring on those muddy paws. This is a great option if you need a functional waterproof that won’t break the bank.
If you’re after a utility jacket that not only looks amazing but functions fantastically (even in lashing rain), look no further. While taped seams have long been needed in the waterproof jacket world, the smart folks at Columbia have opted for external tape as a style feature, and it looks great.
The peripheral hood adjustment, water-diverting brim, drop tail, adjustable hem and cuffs all keep the rain at bay while you’re out and about. While this jacket kept us dry for hours in thundering rain, it also folded up neatly into a hand pocket when the clouds parted and the sun came out.
While every jacket on this list is waterproof, Arc’teryx has invested a lot of technology into the beta. It’s lightweight, waterproof, windproof, breathable, fair trade certified and reflective. If you want a jacket that’s all things for all women, this is a great option. What’s more, the Gore-Tex is an environmentally friendly ePE fabric that offers a reduced carbon footprint.
While plenty of the other jackets on our list are versatile and as at home in the hills as they are on the streets, the folk at Barbour have designed a waterproof jacket that’s expressly for wet weather in an urban setting.
Barbour’s signature fawn-coloured trench coat vibe and stylish golden zip make this a jacket to be seen in. The detachable hood turns it from a waterproof into a smart work jacket, the signature tartan lining looks great when the jacket is open and the branded embroidery and big buttons make sure everyone knows it’s Barbour. It’s not cheap but this is a jacket that will last decades and never go out of style.
Breathable, lightweight, durable, waterproof, windproof and with great ventilation, this jacket is the perfect option for adventurers. The pockets are designed in such a way you can access them while you’re wearing a climbing harness or a backpack with a waist belt, and the hood has been designed so there’s enough space under it for a helmet.
The jacket is made from recycled materials, and all emissions during production and transport are climate-compensated. It’s also been designed so it can be easily recycled at the end of its life. The two-way zipper means you can open it from either end to cool down and ventilate, too. If you want to stay dry while being active, this is the perfect option.
While needs for a waterproof jacket will vary based on where you live and what activities you do, we found the Mountain Warehouse Rainforest II Extreme to be a great all-rounder. It’s at home in an urban environment but also coped well during a walk through wet woods. The higher price points of many waterproof jackets can be attributed to the technology needed to make them waterproof and breathable, but at just £79.99, this one is a bargain.
Special mention goes to Barbour, too, which has produced an exceptionally stylish waterproof coat that performed brilliantly in lashing rain while looking just as stylish in the boardroom as on the streets.
Need more rainy-day essentials? We’ve rounded up the best wellies for women
Or if you would prefer:
Want an ad-free experience?
View offersHi {{indy.fullName}}