Let’s talk about raincoats. A necessity in almost every climate, they’re often the afterthought of your winter jacket and coat collection. But I'm here to tell you that not only should you invest in a stylish raincoat for this season, but that I’ve found a selection of the best raincoats that you can wear right now and hold onto for years. And if you’re still thinking that raincoats aren’t stylish or special enough to style a rainy day outfit around, I chatted with a trend forecaster to get the scoop on which rain jackets are trending for spring 2023, as well as the best way to wear yours so that it doesn't just feel like a waterproof extra layer.
“If we learned anything about wardrobing through the pandemic, it's that the idea of owning fashion yet functional items no longer feels so foreign,” says Jessica Richards, a trend forecaster and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, about why investing in the best raincoat for your needs is so important right now. “We really need essentials that are ready for anything, because we've come now to expect the unexpected,” she continues. Ahead, I broke down everything you need to know before you go shopping—because, just like investing in other wet-weather essentials (hello, rain boots and snow boots!), finding a great raincoat requires some expert insight.
- Best Simple Raincoat: Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket
- Best Convertible Raincoat: The North Face Antora Triclimate® Jacket
- Best Short Raincoat: OTU Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
What to Look For in a Raincoat
Looking for a raincoat might seem simple, but there are a surprising number of details that make a good raincoat great. Raincoats should all be waterproof, obviously, but that’s where the similarities end for many of the jackets on this list. Some of the rain jackets I’ve included are designed for wearing while you work out outdoors—like a very cute one from Lululemon—while others are best suited for light rain or your commutes to and from the office. Outdoorsy brands like The North Face, for instance, make rain jackets that can be worn in three different types of weather, while other brands, like RAINS, boast easy-to-style jackets that come in trendy and seasonal colors and prints.
“Unpredictable weather patterns are happening all the time, so designers and brands are becoming more thoughtful in adding significant features like weather-proof finishes, rubberized hardware, packability, and sleek but comfortable silhouettes on offer in a variety of weights that work from warm to chilly seasons,” says Richards.
Deals on Raincoats
Stylish Raincoats for Women
This top-rated printed long rain jacket from Joules is the definition of a fan favorite. It’s lightweight and comes in several prints (including this adorable floral and black pattern), plus it's easily packable, making it a perfect pick if you’re on the go. Some reviewers say it runs small through the chest area, but also note that it holds up in both light rain and heavier storms. It’s also made with thoughtful design elements, like an umbrella pocket to keep you hands-free (and dry).
Pros: Long; Lightweight; Packable; Completely rainproof.
Cons: Runs small through the chest.
Customer Review: "Love the unusual, pretty pattern. Wore in heavy rain and it's fully waterproof. Also really like the handy umbrella pocket just below the hood. I usually carry foldable umbrellas in my hood but that can mean my coats/jackets pull on my neck. This little pocket is designed for that purpose and I found it easy enough to reach behind and use. Great length, warm enough for me unless the weather is freezing, really well-made with a mesh lining." — Amazon
For the woman who works out come rain or shine, here’s this raincoat from Lululemon. Available in three colors—this black shade, a lavender purple, and an olive green—and in sizes 0 through 20, this workout-approved jacket is outfitted with a wind vent at the back for breathability, has a hidden drawstring, and an adjustable hood that won’t budge as you work out. There’s even a hidden phone sleeve so you can work out without the hassle of having to carry a bag.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Runs true-to-size; Has a hidden drawstring at the waist; Has a hood; Not good for very cold days.
Cons: Costs over $100; Zipper can be hard to maneuver.
Customer Review: "Really comfortable and cute! Super light, but protects you from the elements. I bought true to size and it fits me perfectly." — Lululemon
Consider me an Everlane super fan at this point. This lightweight raincoat from the brand is made from 100 percent recycled polyester. It also features a double-zip front and a hidden drawcord at the waist so you can cinch yourself in. Available in three colors (including this chic olive green color) and in sizes XS through XXL, it’s a great addition to your wardrobe this season. Reviewers say that it rights slightly oversized—which is great for layering—but also note that it’s not particularly warm.
Pros: Costs under $100; Comes in several colors; Made using recycled materials; Has a hood.
Cons: Unlined; Runs oversized
Customer Review: "I love this coat so much! It runs slightly large, but looks really nice as slightly oversized. I can dress it up or down." — Everlane
Are you in the mood for a pink raincoat? This under-$30 pick is perfect if you're indecisive because it's so dang affordable. Plus, it's garnered over 3,000 five-star reviews. One reviewer wrote: that they "wanted a lightweight, waterproof jacket with a hood," and that "this jacket delivered in all categories." Other reviewers recommend sizing up if you're planning to layer bulky sweaters underneath, and to order based on your measurements rather than the size that Amazon recommends.
Pros: Costs under $100; Comes in several colors; Top-rated on Amazon; Has a hood.
Cons: Runs small.
Customer Review: "It is very light and comfortable, fit is great! I really like the fact that it has a draw string at the waist for better fit and also helps keep the cold air out lol. The hood covers my head and fits over a hoodie sweatshirt hood, the velcro at the neck keeps it nicely formed around my face and again helps keep wind and rain out" — Amazon
Yes, this jacket from outdoor-focused brand The North Face is pricey, but it’s worth it because it’s meant for any type of weather—and is basically two jackets in one. It’s a combination of an inner fleece layer and an outer waterproof jacket, which can be worn separately depending on the weather. The fleece jacket is great as a lightweight base layer underneath your parka, while the combination of the two is great for chilly, wet winter days. It’s available in sizes XS through 3X and you can shop it in six colorways.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Lined; Runs true-to-size; Versatile; Good for all weather.
Cons: Costs over $100; Has no inner pockets.
Customer Review: "Highly recommend winter jacket! Highly water resistant, warm and durable. Inner jacket is removable and stylish. It's true to size, but I recommend 1 size up for more comfort." — The North Face
If you're looking for a shorter raincoat that you can wear while you work out, consider this under-$100 pick from Adidas. It's outfitted with important wet-weather-ready details such as storm-proof zippers, a drawcord waist, and a drawcord hemline to add a customizable shape. Plus it comes with plenty of other helpful touches, like elastic cuffs to keep the rain out. You can shop it in two colors—this bright berry shade plus a simple black option—in sizes up to a 2XL.
Pros: Costs under $100; Great for working out; Comes in two colors; Made with recycled materials;
Cons: Reviewers say it runs small.
Customer Review: "This jacket runs small. It is a great jacket. Very light, does a great job at keeping me dry from the rain and blocks the wind very well!" — Adidas
This lightweight and durable raincoat from Columbia comes in 15 different colors including this bright pink shade, an ice blue, white, black, a peachy pink, and more. It has seam-sealed finishings and has a drawstring at the bottom hem to keep the water out, no matter if it's a light drizzle or a heavy downpour. Plus, it packs up small enough to fit into one of the pockets, making it great for taking away on a vacation or camping trip. Oh—and it has over 1,500 five-star reviews on Columbia's website.
Pros: Top-rated; Comes in 15 colors; Lightweight; Packable.
Cons: Runs small.
Customer Review: "I have been looking for a light rain jacket for a long time and I came across this, so glad I did. It’s very light weight and will be great for travel. The fit is great, room enough for a sweater underneath and yet comfortable without feeling too big without or too small with the sweater, the sleeves are adjustable." — Columbia
“I know, I know, I'm a British stereotype, but during the cold-but-not-too-cold months—in New York, that's October through January—I live in my Barbour wax jacket. While this is not the jacket for below-freezing temperatures—that's the Aritzia Super Puff, in my opinion—the Barbour is the jacket for a light rainstorm or cool fall or winter day with a chance of showers. The rain rolls off the waxed finish to leave your outfit untouched—this was designed in the U.K. for U.K. weather, so you know it's meant for rain—but, again, I will caution that this is not the jacket for snow days. Just, you know, most others.” — Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy
Pros: Lined; Runs true-to-size; Editor-approved.
Cons: Costs over $100; Only comes in one color; Doesn't have a hood; Not warm enough for snow days.
Customer Review: "Lovely jacket, fits perfectly I went up a size as I want to wear jumpers etc underneath but it still fits well with just a t-shirt. Pockets spacious and collar fits tight around the neck to keep drafts out!" — Bloomingdale's
If you want a simple raincoat that does what it promises and goes with everything in your wardrobe, allow me to introduce you to this great one from The North Face. It comes in either black or gray, in sizes XS through XXL, and a hood. It’s also both waterproof and windproof, has a lining for warmth, and is made from 100 percent recycled polyester. Reviewers say that it’s great for warm rainy days and that it fits true to size.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Made using recycled materials; Windproof; Lined; Runs true-to-size; Has a hood.
Cons: Costs over $100; Not good for very cold days.
Customer Review: "Perfect fit, waterproof and lightweight." — Nordstrom
If you happen to live in a place that gets both frigidly cold and very (very) wet during the winter months, this puffer-jacket-rain-coat hybrid from Eddie Bauer is practically made for you. It’s available to shop in three different neutral colors and is made with bonded seams instead of regular ones that are designed to keep warmth in. It's designed with a comfortable, ever-so-slightly oversized fit that's ideal for layering, comes in four size ranges; and comes complete with an adjustable hood for extra protection.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Has an adjustable hood; Insulated for warmth; Comes in four size ranges.
Cons: Costs over $100; Runs slightly oversized.
Meet The Expert
Jessica Richards is a trend forecaster, style storyteller, and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, whose synergistic focus inspires what is now and next. With an extensive background in forecasting, concepts, and design for major North American retailers, she brings a forward-thinking yet commercially and brand-right viability to projects across the fashion and wellness industries.
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