It's a fact – spring weather can be incredibly fickle, so it's best to have a raincoat ready for those sudden showers, just in case!
In case there's rain in your forecast, we've rounded up some of the most stylish waterproof raincoats and rain jackets for women – because the fun needn’t stop just because there's a downpour.
A classic raincoat or rain jacket is a true necessity during spring's unpredictable weather, and the ones I've rounded up are practical AND look great.
What's the difference between a 'waterproof' raincoat and 'water resistant' raincoat?
When shopping for a rain coat, you might want to take note of the fashion terms so you know what you're shopping (or Googling!) for.
It a rain coat or rain jacket is 'waterproof', it means it is impenetrable by water – and might even have special details like sealed seams to keep water out. Bascially, it's designed to withstand extremely wet weather and keep you dry even in a major downpour.
If the garment is described as 'water resistant' or 'water repellent', it is still rainy-weather worthy, but to a lesser degree. Water resistant fabrics offer the lowest level of protection, and will keep you dry in light rain, while water-repellent fabrics offer a slightly higher degree of protection from the rain.
Water-repellent raincoats and rain jackets resist water absorption, so aren't easily penetrated by pesky raindrops but don't guarantee the same level of dryness as waterproof.
It's also handy to know the difference between a rain coat and a rain jacket! A rain jacket typically is waist-length waterproof, water-resistant or water repellent outerwear, while a raincoat is longer, usually hip-length, knee-length or calf-length.
How we chose the best raincoats for women
Now that you know a bit more about raincoats and jackets, I’ve scoured the high street for the best women's looks that are in stock. Here’s how I chose them:
- Price: There’s a raincoat to suit every budget - whether you want an investment piece that will last you years, or a bargain piece that still does the job without breaking the bank. We selected raincoats at both ends of the scale, so there’s something for everyone. Where possible, we included waterproof jackets that are on sale.
- Style: We looked for the most stylish raincoats for women that we could find. Just because the weather is horrid doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style!
- Length: We recognise that some shoppers want a long raincoat, others want something shorter. We catered for both.
- Colour: From bright shades to muted tones, and classic yellow, black and navy blue - we wanted raincoats to suit all tastes to feature in this roundup.
- Reviews and trusted brands: We included raincoats from our list of trusted brands with solid reputations - Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Canada Goose and more. Where it wasn’t possible to test the coats ourselves we only selected waterproof coats that had a large volume of positive reviews from trusted shoppers.
So keep scrolling for a list of our favourite picks from Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and more.
Shop the best waterproof jackets and raincoats for women
Mac in a Sac raincoat
The details
- Hood? Yes
- Available in multiple colours
- Packable
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Temperature Regulating
- Waterproof
Editor’s note: “What a genius idea! A packable, fold-down raincoat is a great shout for weekend trips, keeping in your car or bag or just generally for making your life easier. It’s available in sizes XS to XXL and comes in a rainbow of colours besides the black pictured. It’s a great breathable raincoat that folds down into a tiny pack that fits in the palm of your hand!
Shop it at John Lewis or in the US at Amazon."
Marks & Spencer rain jacket
The details
- Hood? Yes
- Available in 2 colours
- Regular fit
- Popper and zip fastening
- Lined
Editor’s Note: “You can't really go wrong with Marks & Spencer raincoats and rain jackets - this season’s offering is no exception. This waterproof jacket, with a regular fit and flattering drawstring waist, features a high collar, concealed placket with poppers and zip fastening. Last but certainly not least, it's created with M&S's signature water-repellent Stormwear™ technology. It comes in buff and, as pictured, in hunter green."
WAT The Brand rain jacket
The details
- Hood? Yes
- Zip and popper closure
- Cargo pockets with popper closure
- Adjustable cuff
- Internal waisted drawstring
- Waterproof
Editor’s Note: "WAT the Brand’s rain jackets are HELLO! Editor approved, having saved us during real-life downpours, and this bestseller is back with an improved fit and new colourway. At £140 / $228, it’s not the cheapest in this edit but we can confirm it's totally worth the investment.”
Lululemon raincoat
The details
- Hood? Yes - cinches at the front and back
- Available in 2 colours
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Seam-sealed to keep you dry
- Back vent strategically placed to provide airflow
- Zippered hand pockets with hidden phone sleeve
- Adjustable cuffs
Editor’s Note: “Lululemon is loved by celebrities and even royalty, so to discover they make top-notch raincoats is music to our ears. This sleek rain jacket is waterproof and windproof, and its cape-like back, with a vent for air flow, helps keep the rain away from you. Note that this style is meant to be oversized, so if you'd like a more close-cut fit, size down."
H&M rain jacket
The details
- Hood? Yes
- Available in 2 colours
- Windproof
- Water repellent
- Loose fit
Editor’s Note: “If you’re looking for something more sporty, H&M’s water-repellent and windproof jacket has side pockets, as well as a zipped chest pocket with a two-part outer compartment, plus a concealed elasticated drawstring at the waist. The design, which has a packable hood with visor, is made for light showers, so you might want to choose something heavier if you're weathering a major downpour.”
Amazon raincoat
The details
- Hood? Yes
- Packable
- Available in multiple colours and prints
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Hand wash only
Editor’s Note: “Since Amazon is my area of expertise, I couldn’t end the roundup without including my top Amazon raincoat find. If you don't want to get a full-on coat and just want a poncho to stow away just in case, their top-rated model comes in a variety of cute prints and it won’t break the bank.”
Canada Goose raincoat
The details
- Hood? Yes, adjustable with hidden cordlock and stowaway hood optionality
- Wind-Resistant
- Water-Repellent
- Made in Europe from from premium 100% Recycled AcclimaLuxe
- Two-way front zipper
- Waist drawcord
- Clean stretch finish at hood, cuffs and hem
- Back vent with mesh ventilation
- Two exterior pockets: zippered front hand pockets; One interior drop-in pocket
Editor’s Note: “Canada Goose’s raincoat is an investment piece that will last you a lifetime if you look after it properly. How gorgeous is this Instagram-ready silhouette? This raincoat is a true premium design, and it's also practical of course, with two exterior pockets and interior drop in pocket, as well as a fully packable hood. The ultimate in luxe streetstyle - and it will keep you dry!"
New Look raincoat
The details
- Hood? Yes
- Available in 5 colours
- Showerproof
- Toggle detail
- Pocket front
- Zip and popper-front fastening
- Regular fit
Editor’s Note: “Classic and chic, this anorak is currently trending on the New Look site, with pink the most popular shade - but it's also available in black, grey, yellow and khaki! If you’re looking for a bargain raincoat this is the one; it's earning rave reviews from verified shoppers, which just shows how good it is.”
Seasalt Cornwall raincoat
The details
- Hood? Yes - adjustable and detachable
- Available in 2 colours
- Outer coat: 65% organic cotton, 35% nylon
- 5000mm waterproof rating
- Adjustable cuffs
- Adjustable waist tabs
- Pockets with fastenings
- Internal pocket
Editor’s Note: “You know this one’s a winner because it has 736 positive reviews who rate the raincoat for being fully waterproof, lightweight and breathable. It has an adjustable short belt at the back, a removable hood and a secret inside pocket which is perfect for stashing your phone. If you’re not feeling the blue, it’s also available in burgundy, black and green, and it comes in sizes six to 28."