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As you gear up for the wet and rainy season, you’ll be glad to have proper outerwear on hand. We’re talking about a rain jacket, of course — but as you know, not all are created equal.
We researched today’s highest-rated, best-selling styles for women that promise to keep you comfy and dry. After selecting 23 raincoats to try firsthand, we caught up with Charlie Berg of Outdoor Research, who offered expert insight into what makes a good rain jacket and what types of lab tests to perform.
To test for design, comfort, water resistance, breathability, and value, our assessments included wearing the jackets while standing under portable showers, being doused by watering cans, and doing jumping jacks. We also took them home and continued testing them in real-life settings over a six-month period. The ones that made our list are all waterproof and well-made using high-quality materials. Read on to see our top picks for the best rain jackets for women based on our tests.
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Amazon
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This lightweight, breathable, ultra-comfy jacket keeps water out while allowing for a full range of movement.
Our favorite women’s rain jacket is the Aspire Super Stretch Jacket from Outdoor Research. We love the extremely lightweight and smooth feel of the high-quality material and appreciate how easily it can be packed in a suitcase or backpack — definitely something you’d want to pack for a trip to Thailand during the rainy season. The hood also provides sufficient coverage for your head and face, and the zippers feel sturdy and smooth.
This coat lives up to its waterproof claims. When we got it wet, the water beaded up as soon as it hit the exterior, then rolled right off. No moisture absorbed into the material, and we stayed completely dry. Even after six months of use, this jacket worked wonders in drizzle, mist, and complete downpours and still looks brand new. We enjoyed a full range of motion while wearing this stretchy rain jacket, so it’s a great choice for an active lifestyle. What’s more, a zipper runs from the armpit down to the hem, offering ventilation to prevent you from overheating.
Though the Aspire Jacket doesn’t come in any neutral colors, we’re big fans of the flattering silhouette. If we could change anything about it, we’d add a small interior pocket for keys or cards. But considering the impressive performance and comfortable, versatile design, we think the price is absolutely reasonable.
The Details: XS to XXL | DWR recycled polyester, polyester, nylon, elastane
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Kari Traa
Kari Traa’s Voss Jacket was a close runner-up to the Aspire Jacket. Upon first trying it on, we loved the buttery-smooth, matte exterior of this raincoat. The material feels lightweight but also durable and thick enough that you won’t get cold unless the temperatures drop really low. When we tested it for waterproofness, water beaded up immediately and rolled right off — and no moisture seeped through to the inside.
We did jumping jacks while wearing this jacket. Thanks to the zippered armpit vents and not-too-tight fit, it stayed breathable while offering a full range of motion. The generously sized hood covers your entire head and mouth when zipped all the way up, the elastic wrists keep water out of the sleeves, and the front pockets are big enough to stash a phone and water bottle. In the end, the Voss Jacket is definitely worth its price tag — we only wish it came in more colors.
The Details: XS to XL | Polyester
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Amazon
The best raincoats for women often come with hefty price tags, but this one from 33,000ft is a great wallet-friendly option. It’s lightweight and flexible with a water-repellent exterior and breathable mesh lining. When we stood underneath the stream of a full watering can, water beaded up on the surface and rolled off upon shaking it. While the exterior was still slightly damp shortly after, no moisture made it inside.
We found this rain jacket to be comfortable all the way around. The material felt nice against our skin, and we could move freely while wearing it. One thing to note is that since it’s fully water-sealed, the taped seams sometimes make it hard to zip up. Still, for such an affordable price, it’s absolutely worth buying.
The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester, mesh
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Amazon
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The single-layer, lightweight, breathable design is just the thing for wet, humid weather.
If you need something to wear in a warm locale during hurricane season or are heading to a tropical destination known for short spurts of rain, Columbia’s Switchback III Jacket might be your best bet. The perfect outerwear for wet, humid weather, we never felt too hot wearing this lightweight, breathable coat. We didn’t overheat during our jumping jacks tests, either. With no inner lining and non-bunching mesh pockets, we appreciate how it folds up into its own pocket and takes up minimal luggage space.
More to the point, this raincoat is just as waterproof as it claims to be. When we wore it while standing under a portable shower, the water beaded up immediately and slid right off. While we feel this jacket would look more modern with a longer back, for under $100, we’re not really complaining.
The Details: XS to 3X | Polyester, nylon
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Helly Hansen
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This sleek thigh-length coat is not only stylish, but comfy and functional, too, repelling water like a champ.
Looking for a stylish rain slicker to wear around town, perhaps on your daily commute or while exploring a new city on a rainy day? Helly Hansen’s Long Belfast Jacket might be just the thing. The flattering thigh-length silhouette, durable construction, and all-around high-quality design stood out right away. We love how comfortable it is and how it moves with you wherever you go.
This jacket repels water like a pro, and it kept all moisture out during our six months of tests. We also like how much coverage the hood offers and how smooth the zippers are. Though it doesn’t have as much ventilation as other raincoats we tried, it’ll keep you warm and dry on cold, rainy days. While there are two hand pockets and a chest pocket, we would have loved to see one or two interior pockets as well. The Belfast Jacket isn’t the most affordable option we tried, but considering the length and high-end design, we were pleasantly surprised by the mid-range price tag. As a bonus, the coat also dries quickly after getting wet, perfect for packing, commuting, or storing at home.
The Details: XS to XL | DWR polyester
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Amazon
If you prefer a shorter cut, we highly recommend this raincoat from Little Donkey Andy. The simple design is comfy, lightweight, and slightly fitted, though you can still move freely and layer a fleece or sweater underneath on colder days. With a water-repellent exterior and fully sealed seams, this jacket keeps all moisture out. When we doused it with water, it beaded up right away and rolled off without penetrating the material whatsoever.
While the brand touts this jacket as breathable, it doesn’t have a mesh lining or any true ventilation. This isn’t a huge deal, but depending on the forecast, it might not offer enough airflow for long hikes or other sweat-inducing outdoor activities. However, considering its performance and versatility, we think the price is more than reasonable for the value.
The Details: XS to 3X | DWR polyester
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Amazon
Our favorite lightweight raincoat is the Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket. The recycled ripstop nylon material is thin and breathable yet strong, with impressive waterproofness. After six months of testing, we noticed that even the zippers and buttons remained waterproof and were not weak points in the design. Water beads up instantly when coming into contact with the exterior. When we shook the jacket, most droplets fell right off. A tiny amount of water remained on the exterior for a short while, but nothing seeped through to the inside.
We enjoyed a full range of motion while wearing this coat. Since it’s not too tight, you can wear another layer underneath on chillier days. And the zippered ventilated armpits release heat if you get too warm or wear it on a hike. The packable design stuffs into its own pocket, making it easy to bring on a trip or stow away in your commuter bag. In the end, we think the PreCip Eco Jacket is an excellent value — we’d even consider paying slightly more for it.
The Details: XS to XXL | Recycled nylon
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Outdoor Research
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After six months of testing, we love that this lightweight design is also extremely waterproof. Plus, it comes in a wide range of sizes to choose from.
We also liked the Aspire II Jacket from Outdoor Research. It stood out for its sturdy material, structured shape, and soft-to-the-touch texture. This raincoat is breathable and doesn’t restrict movement. The comfy, flattering, versatile design is perfect for everyday wear during the rainy season. But due to the relatively thick material, it might not be the best option for strenuous hikes or other high-intensity activities.
Having said that, the material performed exactly as it should to keep moisture out. Water slides right off without so much as a chance to bead up. A couple of minutes after getting it wet, the exterior was essentially dry. The Aspire II Jacket comes in several colors, including neutrals and brighter statement hues. And unlike many others on the market, it’s available in an inclusive size range extending up to 4X.
The Details: XS to 4X | DWR polyester
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Kuhl
Kühl’s Stretch Voyager Jacket claims to not only be waterproof but also flexible and breathable. After trying it out ourselves, we’re happy to report it checks all the boxes. Water beaded up on contact and rolled right off the weather-treated exterior — not one drop made it to the inside. During our six-month test, we also found this to work well as a wind breaker.
This sleek, slightly form-fitting coat has a sturdy yet lightweight feel and a soft interior. It allows for plenty of airflow, so you won’t have to worry about overheating or getting too sweaty during a hike or workout. As the name suggests, it has a bit of stretch to it, ensuring you can move freely through any activity. You can also adjust the waist cinching to make it even roomier if needed.
The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester
Other Women’s Rain Jackets We Liked
Rains Long Jacket: We loved the sleek and chic appearance and sturdy construction of this high-quality raincoat. However, we’d prefer a zipper closure over the button front, which left openings for some water to make its way inside.
Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Eddie Bauer RainPac Jacket: This jacket did an incredible job repelling water and keeping us dry. But unfortunately, we could feel the cold of the water through the material even after it dried, so you’ll want to wear it over another warm layer.
Our Testing Process
We selected 23 highly-rated, best-selling women’s rain jackets to try firsthand. We first evaluated them through a series of lab tests, including spraying the exteriors and simulating rainfall with portable showers and watering cans to see how well water beaded up and whether the materials absorbed any moisture. We also wore the coats while doing jumping jacks to assess the ventilation.
Each jacket was carefully inspected for its construction, silhouette, pockets, hood, zippers, and other standout features. After continuing to test them for a six-month period in real-life settings, they were rated for design, comfort, water resistance, breathability, and value. Then we narrowed down our list to the highest-scoring jackets, which made it onto this list.
You May Also Need This Rain Gear
Weatherman Travel Umbrella: Ranked as our favorite travel umbrella, the Weatherman is sturdy, compact, and stands up unbelievably well to windy and rainy weather. It dries quickly and comes in a wide range of color options to choose from.
Sorel Out N About III Duck Boot: These boots scored extremely well in our tests, and even earned our top spot as the best rain boots for women. Stylish enough for street wear, they’re also supremely comfortable and fully waterproof.
Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket: If you’re in the market for the best men’s rain jacket to complement your own, this is the one to pick. Completely waterproof with plenty of stretch for full range of motion, this jacket performed exceptionally well in our tests.
Tips for Buying Women’s Rain Jackets
Think about how you plan to use it
Before buying a rain jacket, think about when and where you plan to use it. For instance, if you need waterproof outerwear for hikes or other sporty activities, look for a durable, functional coat designed for movement. Need something for your commute to work or to wear on a trip to London? Get a jacket with a stylish silhouette that doesn’t compromise performance.
Also, a raincoat worn during a quick jaunt outside (like running from a car into a restaurant) doesn’t need to be as substantial as one worn for several hours on a particularly wet or cold day. Ultra lightweight, packable styles are best for tucking into backpacks and bike bags for sudden rain showers.
Consider temperature control
Some rain jackets have linings that add an extra layer of warmth in chilly weather. Others are lighter-weight with built-in ventilation, which you might appreciate on a strenuous hike or on a rainy day in a humid climate.
Since raincoats often have water-repellent polymer coatings, they aren’t inherently very breathable (though some brands have figured out how to do both through impressive innovation). Many feature zippered armpit vents to provide airflow when you need it. “That sort of venting allows you to use fabrics that prioritize protection over breathability,” says Berg.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How should a women’s rain jacket fit?
Some women prefer form-fitting silhouettes, while others like more oversized cuts they can layer over a fleece or sweater. The most important thing, however, is that you have a full range of movement, meaning you can twist, turn, bend, reach, and lift your arms over your head. Since rain jackets aren’t typically the stretchiest due to the types of materials they’re made of, they should be slightly roomier than most garments. Depending on the cut, you might consider ordering one size up from what you normally wear.
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What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
Technically speaking, a waterproof jacket should be completely impermeable, meaning no water can pass through the exterior material. A water-resistant coat, on the other hand, will repel some moisture, but you can’t expect it to keep you totally dry in a torrential downpour. As Berg explains, many waterproof rain jackets feature a DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment. This means the outer layer is coated with a polymer that causes water to bead up and roll off.
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How do I wash a rain jacket?
Some rain jackets are machine-washable, in which case you can use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and cold or warm water. You might be able to tumble-dry your coat, but hanging it up or laying it flat will prevent it from getting misshapen. That said, some raincoats call for hand-washing only, and others should be spot-cleaned or wiped off with a damp cloth as needed. When in doubt, check the brand’s recommended care instructions.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in travel, recreation, apparel, and online shopping. To compile this list, she reviewed our detailed, long-term testing insights, combed through product descriptions, and researched waterproof materials and manufacturing processes. Charlie Berg of Outdoor Research also provided his expertise, including information about DWR outerwear and recommendations for what kinds of lab tests to perform.
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