A wet weather essential, a quality raincoat can protect you from a steady drizzle or a sudden downpour, especially when combined with a pair of rain boots. Whether you’re facing the rain while walking around the city and want something with a stylish flare or are headed out on a hike and need something a little more technical, we’ve got you covered (just like our favorite umbrellas).
1
Best Overall
Outdoor Research Aspire II Gore-Tex Jacket
Pros
- Zipper vents run down each side
- Hood stays securely in place
- Breathable Gore-Tex membrane
- Aced water-repellency tests
Cons
- Online reviewers say it’s tight around the hips
This jacket from Outdoor Research is ideal for everyday wear but is also a great rainy day companion when it’s time to hit the hiking trails, along with a pair of top-tested hiking shoes. It features a unique zippered ventilation system with two-way zippers running from the armpit to the hemline, meaning you can adjust them to allow for the perfect amount of airflow and even drape it over a backpack to keep your things dry.
The raincoat also implements a Gore-Tex membrane, which is covered in microscopic holes that are too small for water droplets to pass through but large enough for sweat vapor to escape. In turn, it’s breathable, helping you to stay dry without feeling too sweaty. When I evaluated the raincoat in our Lab, I appreciated the substantial material that still had nice flexibility and didn’t crinkle as much as other jackets we assessed. The jacket also aced my tests for water-repellency, remaining completely dry inside after being sprayed with our standardized rain tester for five minutes.
| Sizes | XS-4X |
|---|---|
| Color variations | 10 options |
| Material | Polyester with a Gore-Tex membrane |
2
Best Value
Columbia Switchback IV Jacket
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Adjustable hood, cuffs and hemline
- Folds into own pocket
- Hood can be stashed away when not in use
Cons
- Can feel stuffy in warm weather
Columbia’s best-selling Switchback jacket is back in its fourth iteration and equipped with even more functional features. It’s still a total steal at just $50. The flexible hood has a drawcord on each side to keep it securely in place, and the hood can also be stashed away in the jacket’s collar when not in use. Additional drawcords at the hem and hook and loop adjusters at the cuff allow you to achieve the best possible fit and keep wet weather out.
When I evaluated the jacket in the Textiles Lab, I was impressed that with a few simple folds, the entire lightweight jacket could be compressed into its own mesh pocket. Better suited for light rains and shorter storms, the jacket is water- and stain-repellent, but it’s not fully waterproof: during my water-repellency tests, the nylon jacket was able to keep the majority of the water out when it was sprayed for five minutes, but it did feel slightly damp inside.
One consumer tester shared that she loves the lightweight feel of the jacket and added that she enjoys wearing it even when it’s not raining. I’ve worn rain jackets from Columbia for years, including a former version of this style that lasted for several years, and the quality for the low price point really can’t be beat. The drawback: Without any built-in vents or a full mesh lining, the material can stick to your skin and feel a bit stuffy in hot, humid weather.
| Sizes | XS–2X |
|---|---|
| Color Variations | 9 options |
| Material | Nylon with water-resistant coating |
3
Best Full-Length
Athleta RainOut Sutro Long Trench
Pros
- Sealed seams and water-repellent finish
- Inclusive size options
- Zipper and snap closure
Cons
- No breathable lining or zippered vents
Raincoats with longer hemlines provide extended coverage from wet weather, like this thigh-length style from Athleta — our favorite workout apparel brand. Cut with a relaxed fit, the jacket is roomy and comfortable but also features a shirred panel in the back to create a more defined silhouette. Several testers who have tried this jacket love the overall fit and look of the style, describing the shirring and longer hemline as “flattering.” Available in sizes XXS to 3X, as well as petite and tall, it’s also one of the most size-inclusive styles I’ve evaluated.
Made of a recycled polyester material that’s covered in a water-repellent finish and designed with sealed seams to prevent rain from seeping through, the raincoat proved water-repellent when subjected to our standardized rain tester, keeping moisture from seeping through to the inside of the coat. Another layer of protection, the front zipper closure is also shielded by a panel of metal snaps.
I’ve been wearing this raincoat for years because I love the elevated look combined with the functionalities of a more technical rain jacket. Unlike a standard trench or Mac coat, this style still looks great but has a hood and truly keeps me completely dry in wet conditions. Because it doesn’t feature a breathable lining or any zippered vents, I wouldn’t recommend this pick for involved activities like hiking, and I’d avoid wearing it in higher temperatures because I and other testers have found it to run warm.
| Sizes | XXS–3X with tall and petite options |
|---|---|
| Color variations | Black and Bali green |
| Material | Polyester with a non-PFC DWR finish |
4
Best for Everyday
Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket
Pros
- Breathable membrane
- High scores in water-repellency evaluation
- Adjustable hood, cuffs and hemline
Cons
- No mesh or zippered ventilation
At first glance, this rain jacket from Cotopaxi may seem simple, but it’s packed full of functional features that helped it to stand out during my evaluations. Constructed from a lightweight, recycled polyester material that’s coated in a water-repellent finish, the rain jacket proved truly water-resistant in my water-repellency tests.
While there are no pit zips or mesh lining for ventilation, the jacket isn’t overly hot and stuffy to wear, thanks to its breathable internal membrane. The jacket also has taped seams to prevent rain from seeping in, along with hook-and-loop cuff adjustments and a drawstring at the hemline for a secure fit. Plus, the hood is one of the more structured, fitted styles I evaluated and keeps out wet weather.
Though it doesn’t fold into its own pocket or come with a packable pouch, I was easily able to compress the jacket into a compact size to take on the go. (Pair it with the brand’s top-tested travel backpack for your next outdoor adventure).
| Sizes | XXS–4X |
|---|---|
| Color Variations | 8 options |
| Material | Recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR finish and breathable membrane |
5
Best for City Wear
Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket
Pros
- Back yoke with mesh panel for breathability
- Sleek silhouette
- Performed well in water-repellency tests
Cons
- Recommend sizing up for a more true-to-size fit
Every single time I’ve stepped outside in this sleek raincoat from Lululemon (our favorite leggings brand) in New York City, I’ve received multiple compliments from strangers who want to know where I got it. They highlight the fitted, stylish silhouette and love the length of the hemline (I’m nearly 6-foot tall, and it hits mid-thigh on me). I did size up in this style for a more true-to-size fit and to ensure I could wear a sweater underneath.
While it may not have technical pit zips or a membrane, the raincoat is made with a polyester material that has a water-resistant finish to keep wet weather out. During water-repellency evaluations, the material was able to withstand being sprayed with a steady stream of water for five minutes without totally soaking through — the majority of the water beaded on the fabric’s surface, and the inside of the jacket was just slightly damp afterwards.
One of my favorite features of the rain jacket is the back yoke with hidden mesh ventilation underneath, which allows rain to roll off the shoulders of the jacket while still allowing for a breathable, comfortable feel. Other thoughtful features like a cinchable waist, spacious hood, flip-up cuffs with a reflective logo and a covered zipper helped the jacket to stand out during my evaluations. One tester who wore this style shared, “This is the perfect, effortless everyday rain jacket.”
| Sizes | 0–14 |
|---|---|
| Color Variations | 6 options |
| Material | Polyester with an unspecified water-resistant finish |
6
Best Technical
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Pros
- Structured hood with stiff brim
- Pit zip ventilation
- Sealed seams for extra protection
- Folds into its own pocket
Cons
- Loud, crinkly material
The Torrentshell 3L Jacket from Patagonia, a sustainable fashion brand, features technical design elements like pit zips and a breathable membrane that make it a great option to don on the hiking trail, but the look is simple enough for everyday wear, too.
When I reviewed the jacket in the Textiles Lab, I was impressed by its secure taped seams, which are sealed on the inside to keep water out. During standardized water-repellency tests, the material was successfully able to stop all moisture from making its way inside the jacket; instead, the water beaded right off of the surface. Along with reinforced seams and water-repellent material, the main zipper is covered in a placket, and the ventilating pit zips are welted for even more defense against the rain. Plus, the brimmed hood more structure to it than any others I evaluated, and it can be adjusted so it stays in place and keeps rainy weather out of sight.
One tester who wore this rain jacket in both heavy rain and light showers shared that she stayed dry and comfy inside this style. Another described the jacket as “fashionable and lightweight.” Both testers appreciated the adjustable cuffs for a tighter fit and loved that the jacket can be packed down into its own pocket for traveling. I and testers agree that although the substantial material is ideal for repelling rain, it’s quite noisy and crinkles loudly, especially compared to other jackets I evaluated.
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
|---|---|
| Color variations | 9 options |
| Material | Nylon and polycarbonate with a PFC-free DWR finish |
7
Best for Heavy Rain
Helly Hansen Moss Jacket
Pros
- Good value option
- Zipper and snap closure for extra protection
- Adjustable cuffs and hood
Cons
- Not breathable
Modeled after a traditional fisherman’s jacket, this raincoat is designed to withstand strong downpours. It’s made with a durable polyurethane material, which blocks out water, and the seams are reinforced for added protection.When I tested the material for water-repellency in the Textiles Lab, water rolled right off of the surface, leaving the inside of the jacket completely dry. Online reviewers describe the jacket as “completely waterproof,” and one called it “the best jacket ever.”
The jacket has a double closure for two lines of defense against heavy rains — an easy-to-use zipper and a storm flap with color-coordinating snaps. Although the side pockets aren’t zippered, they are covered with fabric flaps and are reinforced with rivets for added security. Adjustable snaps at the cuffs and a drawstrings in the hood are helpful to achieve a better fit and stop wet weather from dripping inside.
The brand offers a longer version for even more coverage as well. Know that the material and design are not very breathable, and there are no zippered vents or mesh panels to allow for airflow, either, so this truly waterproof jacket isn’t the best option for warmer weather. Along with the Moss jacket, I also evaluated Helly Hansen’s T2 model, which is a cropped style with an ultra-chic design that testers and I loved.
| Sizes | XS–XL |
|---|---|
| Color variations | Essential yellow and black |
| Material | Polyester with polyurethane shell |
