While we're all hoping for a mild autumn (and winter for that matter), the 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.
- Best rubber raincoat: Next Rubber Trench Coat
- Best pink raincoat: Joules Epwell Waterproof Belted Trench Coat
- Top Amazon buy: SOPPY Lightweight Waterproof Rain Poncho
- Best packable raincoat: Mac in a Sac Origin 2 Raincoat
- Best for freezing rain showers: Seasalt Cornwall Field Path Padded Waterproof Jacket
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A classic raincoat or rain jacket is a true necessity during autumn'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...
Shop the best waterproof jackets and raincoats for women
Next Rubber Trench Coat
© Next- Hood? Yes
- Colours: Beige, Terracotta Brown
- Sizes: 6-24, Petite & Regular
- Washing instructions: Handwash only
- Fastening: Button
- Functions: Water-resistant
A stylish trench coat that’s also shower-proof? Yes, please! I’m filing this rubber raincoat under jackets that don’t look like raincoats. It’s made from a rubberised fabric that’s water-resistant and features a button-up fastening, fold-over collar, a set-in hood and dual flap side pockets. It’s just incredibly stylish - the neutral shade will pretty much go with anything, which is a bonus and it also comes in a petite length.
Amazon SOPPY Lightweight Waterproof Rain Poncho
© Soppy- Hood? Yes
- Colours: 13 different colours and designs available including Gradient Blue, Mint Green, Pink Polka Dots
- Sizes: One size
- Washing instructions: Machine wash
- Fastening: Zip
- Functions: Waterproof, packable
Since Amazon is my area of expertise, I had to include 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
Mac in a Sac Origin 2 Raincoat
- Hood? Yes
- Colours: 35 different colours and designs available including Gradient Black, Charcoal and Pink Camo
- Sizes: XXS - 3XL
- Washing instructions: Machine wash
- Fastening: Zip
- Functions: Waterproof, packable, breathable
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!
Rains 12020 Unisex Waterproof Long Jacket in Black
© Rains- Hood? Yes
- Colours: Black
- Sizes: 6-24, Petite & Regular
- Washing instructions: Machine wash
- Fastening: Press stud buttons
- Functions: Water-proof
Rains is a brand you can definitely trust if you’re in the market for a new raincoat. They’re known for their sleek Sacndi-inspired designs, clean lines, neutral colours and modern silhouettes - and great quality, fully waterproof coats, of course! Black raincoats are always in high demand, so this unisex design is out top pick. It features a drawstring hood, side pockets and adjustable hoods. Plus there are welded seams for extra protection against moisture.
M&S Collection Rubber Hooded Funnel Neck Raincoat
© M&S- Hood? Yes
- Colours: Beige, Chocolate Brown
- Sizes: 6-24
- Washing instructions: Machine wash
- Fastening: Zip and Press stud buttons
- Functions: Water-resistant
Seasalt Cornwall Field Path Padded Waterproof Jacket
© Seasalt Cornwall- Hood? Yes
- Colours: Black
- Sizes: 8-28
- Washing instructions: Machine wash
- Fastening: Zipper
- Functions: Waterproof
A waterproof puffer jacket is a genius purchase to see you through to winter - you get the best of both worlds - staying dry and toasty warm. The hood, which folds away into the high collar when you don’t need it - is also lightly padded. The pockets are zipped and the seams are fully taped to completely keep out the rain.
The North Face Mountain Athletics Waterproof Jacket
© The North Face- Colours: Mauve
- Sizes: S-XL
- Washing instructions: Machine wash
- Fastening: Zipper
- Functions: Waterproof, Breathable
This is a good lightweight waterproof raincoat for any runners out there, or any sports fans who are training outdoors and at risk of being rained on. It’s made of two-layer DryVent fabric, which provides protection against the wind and rain while being light enough to stop you from overheating. If you're training after dark, reflective details on the back help you be seen.
H&M Lightweight 3-layer Shell Jacket in Stormove
© H&MJoules Epwell Waterproof Belted Trench Coat
© Joules- Hood? Yes
- Colours: Pink, Green, Brown
- Sizes: 6-26
- Washing instructions: Machine wash
- Fastening: Button
- Functions: Water-resistant
If you’re on the hunt for a pink raincoat then this is the nicest one I’ve seen by far. It’s fully waterproof, so it’ll keep you dry in the most heavy downpours. As far as the fit goes, it’s longline with a flattering A-line shape and has an adjustable tie belt for a perfect finish. It also has a back vent to make it extra breathable. The throat latch, heritage check under the collar and internal linking definitely give it a country attire flex.
