The best stylish raincoats to buy for rainy spring weather
Don’t let a little drizzle dampen your style.
- A versatile raincoat should balance function and style, with lightweight and packable options being ideal.
- Consider the temperature and season, as you may need a warmer coat for winter or a lighter shell for summer.
- Key features to look for include adjustable cuffs, vents for breathability, secure pockets, and a functional hood.
- Waterproof raincoats offer more protection than water-resistant ones, which are better for light drizzle.
Raincoats are some of the most functional outerwear items you can have in your wardrobe. Even if you don’t live somewhere where rain is consistently in the forecast, having one is a rainy day essential for your comfort. While dancing in the rain might look fun in the movies, it is actually a soggy, miserable mess when you don't have the right weather-proof attire.
Much like winter jackets, you want a raincoat that balances function and style, with a particular focus on versatility. That way, you can wear it with anything in your wardrobe. Look for lightweight, packable options that work well when commuting, traveling or running errands on the weekend. Taking the temperature into account also helps; you’ll likely need a warmer option with enough room for sweaters in the winter and a more lightweight shell for late spring and summer storms. For added comfort, sizing up doesn’t hurt either—that way, you won’t feel restricted in the arms and shoulders.
Here are the 6 best raincoats to invest in
We've put together a helpful list of the best and most popular raincoats you can buy.
1. Best Overall Raincoat: lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket
- lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket
- Style: Trench
- Key Features: Adjustable hood, thigh-length silhouette, zipper pockets, interior pockets,
The lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket is one of the most versatile options, since it’s sleek and stylish enough to wear while commuting to work, but also goes great with athleisure looks. This jacket is like the perfect combination between a trench coat and parka, with a completely waterproof construction, adjustable hood, and thigh-length silhouette to keep the tops of your legs dry, too. It’s also equipped with zippered exterior and interior pockets. “I’ve had this jacket for two years, and it’s my go-to for spring and summer rain,” says Jessie Quinn, USA contributing writer. “The rain jacket is a bit on the snug side, so I recommend sizing up if you want to wear it over sweaters or light puffer coats.”
2. Best Budget Raincoat: 33,000ft Women's Rain Jacket
- 33,000ft Women's Rain Jacket
- Style: Packable jacket
- Key Features: High neck, adjustable hood, zipper pockets, taped seams
Due to the technology required to make the best raincoats, most styles aren’t exactly cheap. However, there are some excellent options on Amazon—especially as far as packable rain jackets are concerned—including the 33,000ft Women's Rain Jacket. This less than $40 raincoat is made from waterproof and breathable materials, and features a high neck, adjustable hood, and taped seams to keep you dry. With its budget-friendly price and packable design, it’s a great backup option for keeping in your car, carry-on, or work desk, too.
3. Best Packable Rain Jacket for Travel: Free People Singin' In The Rain Packable Jacket
- Free People Singin' In The Rain Packable Jacket
- Style: Packable jacket
- Key Features: Zipper pockets, windproof, adjustable cuffs, large hood
A packable rain jacket is maybe the best invention ever—and this one from Free People is stylish, too. The Singin' In The Rain Packable Jacket is made from a lightweight, breathable material that packs down easily into a built-in pouch (so you don’t have to fuss with separate cinch bags). It’s also windproof, has adjustable cuffs, and a larger hood, for excellent coverage. Plus, its oversized fit makes it easy to style over sweaters and puffer jackets.
4. Best Trench-Style Raincoat: Quince Weather Proof Rain Trench Coat
- Quince Weather-Proof Rain Trench Coat
- Style: Trench
- Key Features: Calf-length silhouette, cinched waist, adjustable cuffs, drawstring hood
When you want a more affordable option without skimping on quality, Quince is where it’s at. This is certainly true of the brand’s raincoats, which include this chic and under-$100 Weather Proof Rain Trench Coat. The raincoat is inspired by a classic trench coat design—only it’s actually waterproof—and features a calf-length silhouette, adjustable cuffs, and a drawstring hood to keep you dry. Plus, you can cinch the waist if you prefer a more fitted look.
5. Best Sporty Rain Shell: The North Face Women’s Antora Rain Parka
- The North Face Women’s Antora Rain Parka
- Style: Parka
- Key Features: High neck, drawstring hood, windproof, secure zip pockets, elastic cuffs
Whether you’re an outdoor runner, hiker, or just prefer a more athleisure aesthetic, a rain shell like The North Face Women’s Antora Rain Parka is the way to go. This jacket covers your backside, offering coverage where you need it without being too restrictive in the legs. It’s also constructed from waterproof material and has a high neck and drawstring hood to protect from the rain, as well as secure zip pockets and elastic cuffs. In addition to being rainproof, the jacket is also windproof, so it’s got you covered (literally) when a blustery storm rolls in.
6. Best Plus-Size Rain Jacket: Athleta Rainout Ridge Long Trench
- Athleta Rainout Ridge Long Trench
- Style: Trench
- Key Features: Seam-sealed, windproof fabric, breathable material, drawstring hood
Fit is one of the most important features of a raincoat, especially if you need it to be versatile enough to wear over a variety of garments. This Athleta Rainout Ridge Long Trench is one of the best-fitting raincoats with one of the best size ranges, too. The trench-style jacket has seam-sealed technology and is constructed from a waterproof, windproof, and breathable material with a drawstring hood for good measure. It also offers a more timeless silhouette, so you’ll get tons of wear from it for years to come.
Should I buy a waterproof or water-resistant raincoat?
Waterproof vs water-resistant raincoats refers to the overall level of rain protection. Raincoats that are waterproof are made from materials that do not absorb moisture and typically also feature protective design details, such as a protective coating on the zipper tape, to prevent rain from getting in through jacket openings. These kinds of raincoats can withstand an extended period of moisture exposure without soaking through the materials.
Water-resistant raincoats are better for light rain, such as a light drizzle or mist, or short-term exposure to moisture. They’re also a great choice if you use an umbrella, since the umbrella does a great job of keeping you covered. These types of rain jackets usually have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that encourages water to bead and roll off the garment.
What features should I look for in a raincoat?
When shopping for the best raincoats, start by considering the level of water protection you need; that way, you can narrow down your selections to fully waterproof or water-resistant.
Next, look for features like adjustable cuffs, which you can tighten during heavier rain to prevent your wrists or long sleeves from getting wet. Vents are also great, especially if you’re wearing your coat in warmer rain, as they will ensure you stay protected from the rain but have plenty of breathability to prevent that stuffy feeling that can come when you’re overdressed for the rain. Pockets—especially ones with closures—are also great and allow you to keep your hands dry or stash your phone and headphones when the rain starts coming down.
Hoods are another key component of raincoats. While you don’t necessarily need one if you use an umbrella, it’s always nice to have the option. And, of course, if you ditch the umbrella, a hood will keep your head and hair dry in the rain. Look for options with excellent coverage, including styles that either have a built-in brim or drawstring to tighten the hood in the wind and prevent any moisture from sneaking in.
How do I care for a waterproof raincoat?
Taking care of your raincoat is key to preserving its quality and functional components. First and foremost, always check the garment tag and follow the instructions for washing. This is the best advice for any jacket or coat, as washing instructions aren’t always universal.
When in doubt, gentle washing and avoiding fabric softeners (which leaves behind a residue that reduces breathability and ability to repel water) is the way to go—always let your raincoat air dry, as well. If water stops beading up on DWR-coated jackets, you can purchase the spray separately and reapply as needed.
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