In Britain, you can guarantee a chance of rain at all times, so owning a waterproof to avoid the inevitable showers is essential.
Shopping for raincoats rarely sends the blood coursing through any fashion lover’s veins. Often dowdy, bland, and reserved for those who are partial to hiking, it’s tricky finding styles that are reliable yet stylish: anything that’s designed for practical reasons can’t possibly look good, can it?
In fact, it seems fashionable outerwear is having a moment, with brands like Hunter and Rains designing sophisticated rubberised waterproofs, Adidas and Uniqlo collaborating with interesting designers to create joyful printed styles, and classic outdoors brands The North Face and Columbia offering steadfast wet weather warriors.
To lend a helping hand, we’ve scoured the market for the best raincoats to tackle all of your bad weather woes. Keep scrolling to discover our pick of the bunch.
Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket
If you like to stand out then this neon Gore-Tex shell jacket from hipster favourite Arc’teryx is our top pick. It’s lightweight but offers full protection with all the details you need to stay dry such as pullies at the hood and the seam around the hem. Choose your normal size as it’s designed to be fitted, to maximise the breathability.
Nike Windrunner
Though technically marketed as a men’s running jacket, this hi-tech Nike Windrunner can certainly be considered a unisex piece. Waterproof specifications aside – what’s most impressive about this sustainably crafted piece is how it packs up into a handy bum-back for the ultimate wearable portability.
Sweaty Betty Mission Waterproof Jacket
Ready for any climate, Sweaty Betty’s innovative waterproof jacket allows you to switch the length of the sleeves. Unzip to reveal a ¾ length that makes it ideal for humid downpours. Its reflective detailing also allows it to be great for running and cycling, protecting you whilst you stay fit no matter the weather. The hood is optional and can be stashed away.
Barbour International Kaylee Insulated Showerproof Jacket
This jacket carries a perfect blend of practicality and style. It features both button and zip closures and is complete with camouflaged pockets, which are then secured with seamless metallic buttons. With an elasticated waist and cuffs, the jacket boasts a smooth silhouette for style and faux fur lining for warmth.
Seasalt Cornwall Waterproof Hooded Longline Parka
British brand Seasalt Cornwall infuses stories of the south coast in its creations, and the padded longline waterproof parka is no exception. The coat will easily keep you dry and toasty in the colder seasons, featuring a zip and popper fastening and a faux fur lining. It comes in an array of seven colours, all which have been inspired by the British seaside.
Rains String W Jacket
Waterproofs are often quite restrictive in terms of style, sticking to neutral colourways – but Rains is here to change that. The oversized bomber design can be tightened through its drawstring hem and comes in petrol blue, black and white tones to slide the rain right off.
The brand’s eye-popping piece features elasticated cuffs, front pockets, and under-arm eyelets for ventilation.
Uniqlo Blocktech Parka
Uniqlo is a go-to for everyday basics – and this coat is no exception. Constructed using the Japanese brand’s trademark Blocktech fabric, it’s windproof and water resistant as well as being lightweight, durable and cut to a contemporary silhouette.
Mac in a Sac Origin Packable Waterproof Jacket
Available in a rainbow’s worth of colours, the Origin Packable Waterproof Jacket from Mac in a Sac is the gold standard when it comes to portable anoraks. Designed to protect against all types of rain, from drizzle to torrential downpours, this stylish piece is also highly breathable and incredibly windproof.
Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Regular hikers and adventurers should invest in this year-round, packable saviour from none other than Patagonia. With three layers of waterproof coating and a PFC-free DWR finish, this breathable yet insulating piece of kit adapts to your environment.
What’s more, after a fair few years of hard-worn use, you can send your jacket back to Patagonia and they’ll re-apply their patented waterproof coating to prevent you from unnecessarily purchasing a new one.
The North Face Women’s Hikesteller Parka Shell Jacket
This North Face coat acts as an impenetrable layer that will keep you protected from the elements. Offered in six colours, it is composed of a waterproof, quick-drying material and is fitted with an adjustable, tight-fitting hood that will keep it secure to the face and neck.
Adidas Consortium x Wales Bonner Silver Anorak in Silver
Space age style meets Nineties ravewear with this anorak that is part of a collaboration between Adidas Consortium and menswear extraordinaire Wales Bonner. The mesmeric metallic finish makes this festival-ready, which is only proven more by the waterproof fabric, elasticated cuffs, adjustable toggle hood and zip closure.
You can just never really be certain in the UK that you won’t need rain protection on hand – even in the height of summer.
Stutterheim Mayfair Light Sand
A contemporary take on the rubberised coat trend, Sutterheim’s Mayfair design takes the classic trench silhouette and makes it watertight.
Designed for a relaxed fit with adjustable waist straps for versatility, a detachable storm flap, and double-welded seams for maximum protection from the elements, it will keep you dry in style. The only downside? There’s no hood, so you’ll need an umbrella, too.
Napapijri Rainforest Nylon Windbreaker Jacket
The worlds of Gorp and Barbiecore combine with Napapijri’s nylon windbreaker in baby pink. The pretty pastel piece comes complete with a polyamide shell, polyester lining, taped seams and a drawstring hood for maximum protection against the drizzle.
Samsøe + Samsøe Stala Jacket 7357
Samsøe Samsøe’s deep seafoam green waterproof ranks well for practicality. The winter coat has been made both waterproof and water-repellent with welded-closed seams meaning there’s zero chance of any water leaking in even on the soggiest of days.
Maium 01 ORIGINAL
Sustainable brand Maium offers the perfect level of style, function, and ethics. Made using 66 recycled plastic bottles, it’s fully waterproof and transforms into a poncho with nifty side zips so it will keep your legs dry when you’re cycling. The front two-zipper means you can stay cool and dry at the same time. A win-win!
Also available at Fenwick
Singin’ In The Rain Packable Jacket
Undeniably chic and brilliantly packable, Free People’s Singin’ In The Rain jacket will have you prancing around in torrential downpours.
Machine-washable on a cold cycle and offered in a stylish and relaxed oversized fit, this is a piece of outerwear that can be thrown on with any outfit and look good no matter what.
Rains Curve Jacket
Take it from us, Danish outerwear brand Rains is a kingpin of wet-weather fashion. Offering classic feminine shapes with its signature matte finishes, it’s no wonder the brand has amassed such a following.
We particularly love the Curve Jacket in lilac which comes with a belted waist and a fishtail bottom. It’s a technically proficient raincoat, too — adjustable cuffs, welded seams and a hidden waterproof zipper will guard you against the soggiest of days.
