Buying guide for best women’s raincoats
Written by Ariel Lynch
Updated September 2022
Getting stuck in unexpectedly wet weather can leave even the best of us cold, soggy, and in need of a warm bath. Owning a women’s raincoat is an excellent way to be prepared for the rainiest of conditions and can prevent you catching a cold or, even worse, ruining your cute new outfit.
With a variety of different styles to choose from, finding the best women’s raincoat to suit your needs can be a tricky feat. Women’s raincoats can be simple and classically styled or fashionable and boast a number of features. There are women’s raincoats designed for light, warmer weather, and those made for more frigid winter conditions.
While exploring the plethora of women’s raincoat options, it’s important to consider the different lengths, suitable features, and unique materials that can affect not only their price, but how they fit your individual needs.
How to buy the best women’s raincoats
Weather considerations
Where and how often will you be using your women’s raincoat? If you live somewhere that gets only occasional rain, you should look for a lighter women’s raincoat or poncho that can keep you dry but won’t be too hot.
If you live in or travel to places that are regularly rainy, you may want to invest in a more heavy-duty women’s raincoat that can keep you dry and warm. Look for a raincoat with waterproof coating and taped seams to have the highest chance of keeping water out. Getting a raincoat that’s longer in length is especially helpful in heavier rain conditions.
Sizing
Considering the climate once again, the weather plays a large role in determining your raincoat sizing. Raincoats should be sized to wear over other clothes or jackets, so choosing a raincoat that allows extra room is important.
If you live somewhere particularly cold, opt for a raincoat that’s a size or two bigger for layering purposes. If you live somewhere warmer, a light raincoat that’s true to your size, or a single size larger, will likely suffice.
Length
The length of the raincoat you choose depends on how much coverage you need from windy rain conditions, rain splatter, and puddles. Shorter raincoats rest somewhere around your hips and offer the least amount of coverage. These are suitable for milder rain conditions, where you won’t be as concerned about protecting your legs. For extra coverage, having an umbrella on-hand is always helpful, especially in heavier rain conditions.
Mid-length women’s raincoats fall just below your bottom, resting at the mid to upper thigh. These offer more coverage than short raincoats, but not as much as raincoats that are classic trench coat styles.
Trench coat-style raincoats offer the most full coverage, falling somewhere between your knee and calf. These work well for protecting your legs from getting wet but still won’t fully protect your feet. If staying completely dry is your priority, you might want to add a pair of rain boots to prevent your feet from getting wet and cold.
Waterproof and water-resistant coatings
Some raincoats are designed to be waterproof, while others are just water-resistant. This refers to the coating they’re layered with. Waterproof raincoats have a heavy-duty coating that won’t allow water to soak through the material. Water-resistant coating is more mild, and in heavy rain is likely to allow some moisture to soak through.
If you find yourself in lighter rain conditions, a raincoat that’s merely rain-resistant is probably all you need. If you’re often caught in torrential downpours, however, a waterproof raincoat is undoubtedly the way to go.
Be careful to wipe and dry the buttons, zippers, and buckles on your raincoat. Buildup of moisture or dirt on these pieces (which are commonly made of metal) can cause them to rust. Keeping them clean prolongs their life, preventing broken buttons or stuck zippers.
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Key features of women’s raincoats
Hoods
Many women’s raincoats include hoods, some of which are removable. This is convenient since it keeps your head dry and captures some of the heat from your head to keep you warm. A number of raincoat hoods are adjustable with drawstrings or Velcro straps. Some also have a stand-neck collar with snap closures to shelter your neck and face from the wind.
Warmer raincoats designed for wintry conditions may feature a soft fleece or plush lining in their hoods for extra insulation. More fashionable or stylish raincoat hoods might have a faux fur lining or accent, some of which are also removable.
Insulated inner lining
Some women’s raincoats designed for colder weather are made with an insulated inner lining meant to trap and retain your natural body heat. This lining can be made with cotton blends, soft materials like fleece, or a simple fabric with a heat-reflective coating. If you live somewhere rainy and cold, an inner lining might be a welcome addition.
Vents
Vents offer airflow and reduce the buildup of moisture inside your raincoat. They’re often located in warmer areas of the body that are prone to sweating, such as the underarms or along the upper back. Many raincoat vents are made with zippers so they can be opened or closed as needed in warm or cold conditions.
Pockets
Almost all raincoats are equipped with at least one or two pockets for storage of small items or to keep your hands warm. These pockets can close via zippers, snap buttons, or Velcro. Some more expensive and feature-packed raincoats have pockets for the hands, chest, and arms. Many also boast hidden pockets along the inner lining for secure storage of more important items like phones or wallets.
Colors & reflective accents
Depending on the style of raincoat you choose, various color choices may be available. More elegant, professional-style raincoats tend to come in black, dark brown, white, or gray. You can also find trench coat styles in fashionable plaid, striped, or floral patterns.
Casual athletic styles are where you’ll find the brightest raincoat color varieties. Pinks, blues, oranges, and greens are common colors. Many of these also include reflective accents that pick up light during darker conditions. If you plan to wear your raincoat on night runs, for example, this reflective fabric is an excellent way to let cars know you’re there.
DID YOU KNOW?
“Mackintosh” is another common word for “raincoat” throughout the UK. This came from the Scottish inventor of the raincoat, Charles Macintosh, who went on to found the well-known outerwear brand Mackintosh.
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How much do women’s raincoats cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable women’s raincoats typically range from around $25 to $85. These are more basic styles made from thinner material and with fewer features such as multiple pockets or warm inner linings. You can find very simple raincoats for closer to $15 or $20, but these are similar to ponchos and are nowhere near as effective or durable.
Mid-range
Mid-range women’s raincoats range from $95 to $250. These are of varying lengths depending on the manufacturer and material, but you can find a nice-quality mid-length raincoat in this price range. These raincoats include more and are made of thicker material.
Expensive
The most expensive women’s raincoats cost between $270 and $550. These raincoats are generally thicker and offer more coverage, making them appropriate for more intense weather conditions. They’re made with higher-quality materials and should last a long time. While there are women’s raincoat choices that exceed these prices, they’re made by luxury brands and not geared toward the normal consumer.
You might be better off looking for a raincoat that has a front Velcro closure as opposed to a zipper or buttons. Especially if you live in cold weather, the Velcro is easier to manage if you’re wearing gloves.
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Tips
- Take care to dry your raincoat before putting it away. You can protect your raincoat from mold or mildew by ensuring it’s dry after use. Hang it in a cool, dry closet that’s free of clutter and other clothes.
- Look for a raincoat with a sizable hood if you live somewhere particularly cold. The extra room allows you to wear a cozy beanie but remain protected from the rain.
- Avoid putting your raincoat in the dryer. Regardless of the material, drying a raincoat in the dryer has been shown to reduce its lifespan and puts it at risk for shrinking or experiencing damage from the heat. When in doubt, hang-dry your raincoat. If you must machine-dry, use the lowest heat setting or set the cycle to tumble dry, which uses cool air.
FAQ
Q. Why do I get wet inside my raincoat?
A. Condensation inside your raincoat can be caused by leaky seams or sweat. You might want to investigate to see if any of the seams have split or torn and get them repaired. To prevent sweating, choose a raincoat with air vents in particularly warm areas, like the underarms, midsection, and back of the neck.
Q. How long will my raincoat last?
A. Depending on the environment, frequency of use, and quality of materials, raincoats can last a number of years. Those that get more regular use in heavy rain are likely to last for a shorter time. Taking care of your raincoat with safe cleaning methods and proper storage is the best way to keep it in good shape for years to come.
Q. Does washing a raincoat ruin it?
A. Many raincoats are designed to be safe for machine washing. The main culprits of damage during machine washes are hot water and detergents with powerful chemicals. The hot water can warp or melt certain materials, and the chemicals in detergents have been known to break down waterproof coatings over time. Make a habit of washing your raincoat in cold or warm water, and always use all-natural laundry detergent.
Q. Can I make my women’s raincoat waterproof again?
A. If your raincoat’s waterproof coating seems to have lost its effectiveness, there are a variety of waterproofing sprays available that can help restore its resistance. While they may not be as powerful as the original coating, this can be an affordable solution to extend the longevity of your raincoat.
