If there's one item of clothing that's pretty much a non-negotiable in the UK, it's a rain jacket. Because even though it's summer, the weather is throwing everything at us at the moment - from a day of sun to torrential rain the next. Made using a range of technical fabrics that mean they're waterproof (and sometimes windproof), a durable jacket to protect whatever you're wearing from showers or full-on deluges is a must for almost every month of the year.
This doesn't need to mean a washout for your wardrobe because when life gives you lemons, why not follow that old adage and make the sartorial equivalent of lemonade (which is, in this case, means investing in a rain jacket that delivers on function as well as fashion)?
Let's face facts: they might not be known for their style prowess like scarf coats, for example. Or have the same fashion pedigree as, say, trench coats. In fact, one may evoke distant memories of school trips to historic sites, an anorak worn over your uniform as you stand in the rain half-listening to a story about Oliver Cromwell. I'm not bitter (promise!). But I do regret the limited array of waterproof jackets that were on offer during my childhood. Now, however, I'm making up for lost time. Because a waterproof no longer means drab. Or boring. Instead, brands have actually started to marry function with form, resulting in a whole new breed of excellent rain-resistant cover-ups.
Whatever you're wanting to achieve with your rain jacket - something lightweight that can be folded into a pocket or something lined to double up as a winter coat - you can rest assured that it's about as far from that pac-a-mac as humanly possible. Style forecast: cheerier than expected. Here are the best rain jackets you can shop right now.
How we tested:
Drawing on our existing knowledge of the best rain jacket brands like Rains, Columbia and Regatta, Grazia's editors came up with a short list then put them to the test on a day that was a mix of blustery and drizzly at times, the kind of weather conditions where a rain jacket or water-resistant parka would definitely have come in handy. We considered a few different factors before making our final decision, including durability, comfort, design, style and water-resistance.
Best Rain Jackets For Women 2024, At a Glance:
Best Overall Rain Jacket: Regatta Corinne IV Waterproof Parkaway Jacket
Most Stylish Rain Jacket: Rains Long Jacket
Best Everyday Wear Rain Jacket: Columbia Explorer's Edge II Waterproof Insulated Jacket
Best Rain Jacket For Dog Walks: Sweaty Betty Motion Longline Waterproof Parka
Best Affordable Rain Jacket: New Look Grey Unlined Hooded Raincoat
Best Designer Rain Coat: Arc'Teryx Veilance Fora Coat
Shop: The Best Rain Jackets And Coats For Women 2024
Best Overall Rain Jacket
www.regatta.com
Regatta's waterproof jacket is our best overall coat because of its price (£48.95!) and techy features that mean it's more than capable of keeping you dry (and feeling cool in both senses of the word) when the heavens open. As you can see, this is a seriously stylish rain jacket that hits the upper thigh for a snug fit that mirrors the retro vibe of sportswear cover-ups. Its biggest pro is that it's so lightweight, meaning it can pack away into a pocket or a belt bag (neat for festivals!) and won't make you feel soggy on the move.
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight
- Packs away into a belt bag or pocket
- Machine washable
Cons
- Hip-length hemline meaning you'll have to buy waterproof trousers for full protection
| Sizes | UK 8-26 |
| Material | 100% polyamide |
| Colours | Six |
| Use | Daily use for light rain |
Most Stylish Rain Jacket
www.uk.rains.com
Rains is definitely known as the 'fashion' choice if you're looking for a rain jacket (the clue's in the name). The good news is that it's also one of the market leaders when it comes to waterproof gear that won't let you down when it matters (i.e. when the heavens decide to open). Its Long Jacket is an elongated version of the brand's classic rain jacket, offering even more protection from light rain. The best thing about this jacket, however, is that it doesn't feel like you're wearing something 'functional'. It's pleasingly stylish, especially in this shade of sand, which reminds me of a trench coat.
Pros
- Protects against windchill
- Elongated silhouette with fishtail hem
- Adjustable cuffs
- Back yoke with concealed vents for breathable comfort
Cons
- Waterproof but mostly suitable for light rain
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Material | 100% polyester |
| Colours | 12 |
| Use | Daily use for light rain |
Best Everyday Wear Rain Jacket
www.columbiasportswear.co.uk
Columbia's Explorer's Edge™ is perfect if you want a durable cover-up to wear day in, day out. Its selling point is maximum warmth, minimum weight - and both elements were absolutely true in my experience. I also love that it has an in-built layer with thumb holes (and the fact that you can adjust the cuffs and waist as soon as it's really pouring to hunker down while you're out and about). If you want to be able to fit bulky jumpers underneath when it gets to winter, however, I would advise sizing up as the body-skimming fit means that it'll quickly start to feel snug.
Pros
- Breathable with vented underarms
- Maximum warmth with minimum weight
- Full adjustability (drawcord hem, velcro cuffs)
- Comfortable chin guard
Cons
- Hip-length hemline meaning you'll have to buy waterproof trousers for full protection
| Size range | XS-XL |
| Materials | 100% polyester, 100% recycled polyester, 80g Microtemp XF II 85% recycled polyester/ 15% polyester |
| Colours | Purple, black, pink |
| Use | Hiking, walking |
Best Affordable Rain Jacket
www.newlook.com
New Look's waterproof jacket comes in at £39.99, which is a very reasonable figure considering it's more than capable, in my experience, of keeping you dry in drizzle. Unlined and lightweight, it comes in two chic shades - grey and khaki - that feel just as appropriate for the office as for off-duty. It's not as heavy-duty as the insulated jacket from Columbia, but for the price (and for daily use as opposed to hikes or countryside walks), it delivers.
Pros
- Adjustable hood
- Lightweight and easily foldable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Unlined meaning limited insulation
| Size range | UK 8-18 |
| Materials | 100% polyester |
| Colours | Grey and khaki |
| Use | Daily use for light rain |
Best Designer Rain Jacket
arcteryx.com
Arc'Teryx's waterproof jacket is the gold-standard when it comes to all-weather protection and one of our favourite winter coats, providing all-year-round coverage from rain, snow and driving winds. It's also the chicest of the bunch - not a guarantee when it comes to rain gear - and has a purposely oversized fit to allow for extra layers when the weather turns biting. The price might be something of a sticking point but, when it looks this good, you'll probably wear it as your standard winter coat.
Pros
- Four-season protection from rain, snow, and driving winds
- Fit accommodates winter layers
- Back vent for comfort
- Adjustable hood
- Machine washable
| Size range | XS-XL |
| Materials | N40p GORE-TEX fabric with 3L tricot technology |
| Colours | Khaki, beige and black |
| Use | Heavy-duty use for rain, snow, and driving winds |
Hannah Banks-Walker is the Head of Fashion Commerce for Grazia, where she waxes lyrical about midi dresses and tries not to collect any more red lipsticks.