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Waterproof Coats Explained: How to Pick the Right One for Any Weather

7th October 2025

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From laminated membranes to marketed fabric brands such as “Gore-Tex”, learn what makes a raincoat truly waterproof and why you may need something other than you expected!

Types of Waterproof Coats

There are very different types of waterproof coats in the market today which prioritise different features and use different waterproofing technologies – it can be a minefield to know where to start but, when you do get it right, your new performance coat is like a new best friend who accompanies you everywhere and has your back in turbulent conditions. Certain coats on the market simply offer a water resistance finish which delivers light shower protection, whilst others offer high performance technology which are suitable for long periods in torrential rain and offer added performance points which could be as essential as stopping you look like a drowned rat in any sudden downpour. Continue reading below to understand the type of coat you need, the technology behind the outerwear and offer our pointers on selecting the right jacket for you.

Key points to consider when purchasing a new Waterproof Coat

The issue with anything which offers technology, is that we all need different types and levels according to our lifestyles. If you think of mobile phones, for example, we all prioritise the features differently whether it’s storage space required or camera quality. Waterproof technology is no different, and in the same way as selecting the phone that has the right features for you, your lifestyle needs should dictate which waterproof coat will be with you for possibly the next 10 years and perhaps beyond!

Climbing a mountain or commuting to the city daily? Are you looking for the best waterproof coat for hiking or to go off-roading when out under stormy skies? In this case you do need to think about durability, breathability (more on this later) the weight of your jacket and, possibly, colour options. Traditional outdoor waterproofs which you can acquire from any outdoor or adventure retailer typically offer brightly coloured jackets, boxy shapes in durable fabrics. The best waterproof coat for commuting will be one which delivers good breathability and, possibly style. Running for trains, trams and flights can be a sweaty affair with temperatures fluctuating between the inside and outside. If this is what you are using your coat for then your needs may be more about all day and every day comfort, breathability and a style which suits your office environment.
Test the hood! – In our opinion, a waterproof coat is reasonably pointless without a hood, but beware that not all hoods are made the same! Check your hood before you buy. Make sure it’s adjustable so you can fix it to your head in stormy winds because there is absolutely nothing more annoying and unrelaxing than clinging to the front of your hood for dear life to avoid is blowing off continually as you head down the shore-line. When trying your hood make sure it covers your head and hair but doesn’t restrict visibility. Good waterproof suppliers cut their hoods ergonomically to ensure complete coverage without impairing your site in any way. This is a really important point, for obvious reasons, but especially when walking or cycling in urban areas.
Read reviews – but be aware that many “Best waterproof” lists are affiliate based, meaning the journalist or media are paid based on sales from their review (they do have to declare this at the top of the article so have a quick look at this to double check). Forums such as “Mumsnet” or “Reddit” are good places to get real life consumer feed-back on your intended purchase or see suggestions for companies and items in the market place you may not have thought or heard of before
Check the brand’s warranty—some brands offer repairs or replacements depending on the type of jacket and the type of waterproofing. Ensure you can return the jacket once you’ve paid for it so you can thoroughly check the fit and the features in the comfort of your own home. A good waterproof brand or retailer should know all the details of the coats they sell, so ask as many questions as you need – most good suppliers are eager to shout about their products details and unique qualities

How Much Should You Spend on a Waterproof Coat?

How to buy a waterproof coat and what to spend on it depends on many factors which come after considering what you can yourself can personally afford.

Decide how often you wear a waterproof – daily, seasonally or occasionally? this can give you a place to start with your budget. For some people, commuting or being outdoors for a period every day will make this purchase a wardrobe staple and cost per wear will be something you may consider to deliver the performance or the style you require
Brands and branded fabrics – Don’t be too swayed by “names” as with everything else in the world you can often be paying for marketing or the premium price positioning of that brand. Try and stick to the performance ratings you need and the look, comfort and fit of a coat which suits your tastes
Breathability: This is the area where cheaper options don’t deliver. To create waterproof fabrics which breath means more sophisticated and expensive technology. You possibly want your jacket to perform across the rainy Summer season, and even low activity in the winter months can build up an uncomfortable sweat in rubber or low-quality options. A Breathable waterproof jacket for walking anywhere, be it hill walking or city strolling, is something we would advise not to compromise on. It’s something you don’t really notice you need until after you’ve ripped the tickets off and had your first day jumping on and off the tubes in London in a flustered and sweaty mess!
Care and longevity Technical fabrics and advanced designs do need a little bit of care. Coats need to be reproofed every 6 months to keep the surface of the fabric beading. They need to be hung up after use and aired ever so now and gain to avoid mildew taking hold. Investing in a good performance coat does necessitate a bit of
Taped seams Sometimes the seams of a waterproof coat aren’t taped with a waterproof tape to seal them and in this case the jacket can’t truly be called waterproof (water will ease its way in eventually through the seams stitch holes). Some offerings tape only the “critical” seams and other coat suppliers fully tape all seams to ensure no water gets into your coat. As you can imagine this process is an expensive undertaking for the manufacturer and you will see a higher price attached to those garments which are fully sealed – the benefit being a fully water tight shell.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Waterproof Coat

The perfect waterproof coat depends on your lifestyle. If you’re mostly commuting, walking the dog, out with the kids or trekking far flung lands your waterproof coat could be a regular companion so it needs to protect you but reflect your style and let you be, well you! If you’re hiking mountains, you’ll want something technical and breathable. And if you live somewhere wet and chilly, an insulated waterproof coat could be your best friend. Coats and waterproof technology is getting better every day and many options now adapt to changing lifestyle activities and settings so you do want to look for a coat with covers most of your needs

Bottom line: look beyond the label, check the features, and invest in the right coat for you. Your future dry, comfortable self will thank you for taking the time to allow you to embrace the outdoors whenever and whatever the weather forecast says!