13 best waterproof jackets for women - stay dry and stylish during a downpour

The best waterproof jackets for women are a necessity, no matter the season. If you live in a place where rain is always potentially on the horizon, then it pays to be prepared - and as this list shows, you don't need to sacrifice on style to stay dry.

Whether you're after the best waterproof jackets for women for your daily dog walks, a countryside hike, or need to avoid a soggy commute, a waterproof jacket is a wardrobe essential. Though not typically seen as the most stylish outerwear piece, a great waterproof jacket will protect you from the elements whilst also not straying too far from your personal style and are perfect for spring, autumn and summer when you might not want the weight of the best winter coats, but certainly need the wet weather protection. 

One of the best types of coats for battling storms, as well as a practical option for rainy warmer weather, a waterproof jacket is a must for an autumn and summer capsule wardrobe, and there's a lot more to consider than just style when purchasing. From how much water a coat can withstand to the timelessness of the design, we've checked out dozens of waterproof outerwear styles to help you make an informed decision.

All the waterproof jackets in this list have been tested by the woman&home fashion team and we will revise this list every six months to keep this round-up updated to ensure that these remain the best waterproof outerwear pieces on the market in 2024.

The quick list

The best waterproof jackets tested by our fashion team

Best waterproof jacket for women overall

One of the best parkas around this season, this coat design offers 3-in-1 wear, making it a real game-changer in your wet weather wardrobe. A removable quilted lining makes it wearable during wet warmer months, while the lining of the parka can also be worn alone as a light quilted jacket, giving this style tones of wearability. It’s 100% waterproof and the adjustable cuffs tapered seams and hood ensure you're fully protected from rain and wind. It's also breathable so you're warm, and protected, but at a comfortable temperature. And, considering its size, it's really easy to pack down, great for packing in a suitcase or camping rucksack. Mountain Warehouse is also one of our top picks for what to wear skiing, so you can be sure of high quality.

What the fashion team said: "It’s a good length for keeping almost all of you dry, covering your bum and some of your thigh (depending on your height). The only downside is it’s not particularly fashion-forward, but if it’s practicality you’re looking for, then look no further."

Waterproof rating: Tested to 10,000mm, it is suitable for heavy rain.

Breathability rating: It has a great breathability rating, measuring 5,000g in testing. This means during the 24 hour period it was measured over the fabric allowed sweat and other moisture to pass through the fabric and keep you cool, not sweaty.

• Browse all Mountain Warehouse waterproof jackets from £39.99

Best all rounder waterproof jacket for women

Customers absolutely rave about this waterproof jacket. It has a 10,000mm Hydrostatic Head waterproof rating, making it exceptionally waterproof and it has taped seams throughout, guaranteed to keep the water out. It has a little stretch so a strong contender for exercising in too and comes in five colourways: black, ultra pink (hello Barbiecore), seaglass (pictured), papaya and blue steel - rich colours that can easily be worn for any season. Crafted from recycled fabrics, this light jacket is also breathable. 

What the fashion team said: "While waterproof jackets generally have to be made of coated fabric, this does, in general, make them quite noisy, so the first thing to note about The Rainbird is how unexpectedly soft the jacket is with no noisy rustle, making it a joy to wear."

Waterproof rating: Tested to 10,000mm, it is suitable for heavy rain.

Breathability rating: 10,000g breathability rating so you stay dry, not sweaty.

• Browse all Finisterre waterproof jackets from £125

Best everyday waterproof jacket for women

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Columbia's range of waterproof jackets is one of the best on the market, not least due to the reasonable price points. Whether you are after long, short, padded, lightweight, patterned or plain jackets, you can find a reliable Columbia waterproof coat that won't break the bank. This particular jacket gets our vote for everyday wear as it is light and breathable - ideal for layering with the best cashmere sweaters on colder days. With four-way stretch and an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs, it offers a range of comfortable fits. 

What the fashion team said: "This is the ultimate throw-on-and-go waterproof jacket. It kept us fully dry during a walk in heavy rain, but didn't feel too heavy or suffocating. The hood worked well to keep hair dry and covered, whilst the spacious pockets kept belongings safe and away from the rain. Ideal for everyday wear, it is light and comfortable."

Waterproof rating: Omni-Tech™ waterproof technology crafted for storm protection.

Breathability rating: Underarm venting to keep you dry and cool, perfect for light exercise.

• Browse all Columbia waterproof jackets from £55

Best warm waterproof jacket for women

Waterproofs tend to be packed full of great tech to stop you from getting soaked but they aren't always so good at keeping you warm. But with Berghaus, you get the best of both worlds. With a layer of insulation underneath a waterproof shell fabric, it keeps you delightfully dry and toasty. You can adjust the hood for a better fit - ideal when you're trying to keep the rain out, and the coat also features inner cuffs, to help you master the chill. One of the best black coats for the season, it is a versatile purchase.

What the fashion team said: "This coat is certainly more functional than fashionable and only comes in three colourways, but this is the most sensible of choices. It even has two zip closure pockets for your rainy day essentials."

Waterproof rating: No exact stats on-site, but they do mention the inclusion of Hydroshell 2L fabric which is lightweight and highly waterproof.

Breathability rating: No exact stats on-site, but the Hydroshell 2L fabric is breathable and the fashion team found this coat practical and comfortable. The customer reviews also give it a big thumbs up.

• Browse all Berghaus waterproof jackets from £80

Best cropped waterproof jacket for women

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A cropped rain jacket may seem like a slightly impractical buy, but this North Face number is undoubtedly one of the best options on the market today. With a relaxed, boxy fit, it is ideal for styling with high-waisted items as well as providing a sporty look if athleisure is your thing. Extremely waterproof and featuring an adjustable hood, it is the ideal on-the-go jacket when you want something extremely reliable but also stylish. Available in three colourways, there is also an option for two colours in plus sizes 1X-3X making this cropped jacket an inclusive style. Ideal for what to wear to a festival, or for packing in hand luggage when space is tight.

What the fashion team said: "The North Face is known for its high-quality outerwear pieces that are designed for cold and wet weather, so we were expecting big things from this cropped jacket. It certainly didn't disappoint. With a relaxed, boxy fit it is definitely one of the more trendy waterproof coats we have seen, plus the light but durable waterproof fabric kept us totally dry even in the most vicious of downpours." 

Waterproof rating: The Quest jacket promises an impenetrable barrier to rain and snow for guaranteed dryness, and it really does work. The water-repellent finish works like a charm over the body and on the hood, so your torso and hair will be covered no matter the weather. 

Breathability rating: The outer layer of the jacket is made from a lightweight, two-layer fabric called DryVent™ that works to keep you protected from wind without trapping heat. Plus, the boxy shape allows for airflow even when layered over chunky knits. 

• Browse all The North Face waterproof jackets from £110

Best stylish waterproof jacket for women

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Rains has exploded onto the fashion scene in recent years, largely thanks to its stylish approach to practical outerwear - and at a reasonable price, too. This short jacket is just the right length to have you feeling covered without being too swamped, making it ideal for everyday wear. With a fishtail hem, adjustable cuffs and concealed vents on the back, it is delightfully practical without being unfashionable. Available in 10 different neutral hues (including this fetching metallic hue), there is bound to be one that works with the rest of your closet. 

What the fashion team said: "It's more of a stylish raincoat than a practical one in appearance - although it's as good as my waterproof one that I wear for hiking. I love how it's super lightweight so you can wear a jumper underneath it when it's colder outside or just on its own if you're out and you get warm. This also makes it really easy to pack away in a bag and it doesn't take up too much space while not being one of those specific pack-away coats. It's 100% waterproof - the raindrops just sit on top of the coat and you can brush them off really easily and the coat is basically dry.

"It has buttons that do up the coat in the middle instead of a zipper which felt more premium - these do up the coat equally well though and no rain gets in. The hood is another great part as it has a peak which means you don't get any rain on your face."

Waterproof rating: Fully waterproof and windproof, so will protect in all weathers.

Breathability rating: Engineered ventilation to keep you cool throughout the day. 

• Browse all Rains waterproof jackets from £79

Best waterproof jacket for women for travelling

This one packs down neatly into its own left-hand pocket, making it easy to pop in your bag as you dash out of the house. 100% waterproof, the fabric is lightweight and soft with a four-way stretch for easy movement, making it a good choice for exercise. The pockets are pretty deep, allowing plenty of room for the essentials. 

What the fashion team said: "We loved the slight peak on the hood which helped to keep our face dry too. It can come up quite large so you may want to downsize or stick to your usual size if you want to layer up underneath. Available in four different colours in the UK and eight in the US, this golden hue is our fave."

Waterproof rating: Durable Water Repellency (DWR) finish for wind and water resistance, they don't give the data on what level of rain it has been tested to, but the fashion team found this coat 100% waterproof. And it's highly recommended by website reviews. 

Breathability rating: There isn't any mention of breathability but when our fashion team tried this jacket, they didn't find that they were overly warm. 

• Browse all Merrell waterproof jackets from £80

Best sleek waterproof jacket for women

If it’s a stylish mac you’re after, then this one is a front-runner. We often turn to Boden for our wardrobe essentials, from the best shirts to the best dresses, it's great for both of the minute prints, and timeless basics. And we love its modern take on this classic raincoat silhouette. Fully waterproof, this Boden raincoat features a snap-and-zip closure for extra protection against showers. The front pockets feature a flap and popper closure, so you can keep your phone and valuables both safe and dry, with tapered seams and cinchable cuffs, as well as a enveloping hood for a waterproof finish. 

What the fashion team said: "Boden might be a fashion brand, but don't underestimate this lovely spring buy, this waterproof jacket can hold its own."

Waterproof rating: No test stats are given for this particular coat, although previous rainproof pieces from the brand have been tested to withstand 5,000mm of rain, so Boden do understand what is needed to make this coat withstand a downpour. With a more fashionable approach, it's great for daily use during wet weather but is probably not the one to pick for outdoor hikes and camping. 

Breathability rating: There's no specific breathability rating, although given the 65% cotton count, even without vents, it's relatively breathable. 

• Browse all Boden coats from £85

Best lightweight waterproof jacket for women

Crafted from recycled fabrics, this one has some serious eco-credentials. It packs neatly into its pocket, so you can stash it easily, making it a good choice for the daily commute and weekend adventures. Available in 11 colourways in the UK and three colourways in the US, it uses lightweight premium-feeling fabric (which is breathable), and while it won’t keep you warm, it is perfect if you want an extra waterproof layer on warmer days - or style under one of the best gilets for added protection.

What the fashion team said: "The design is pretty basic with a simple hood and two hand pockets, but it still delivered on all the technicals, keeping us dry and comfortable during a downpour."

Waterproof rating: This jacket is very waterproof, with a rating of withstanding 20,000 mm of water/rain - making it probably the most waterproof jacket for women in this guide. 

Breathability rating: >15,000 g/m²/24h** - looks confusing? Essentially this formula means that this waterproof jacket has been tested for its breathability over a 24hr period and the result is excellent. Anything over 3000 is high performance and usually found in items such as ski clothing. Breathability is measured in grams and counts the speed at which sweat moves through the fabric, per square meter over a 24 hour period. 

• Browse all Jack Wolfskin waterproof jackets from £85

Best breathable waterproof jacket for women

Made using Futurelight technology, the waterproof fabric provides an excellent moisture barrier, whilst remaining breathable too, regulating body temperature, keeping you comfortable and sweat-free. Not only that, it’s made from recycled materials to reduce landfill waste. 

What the fashion team said: "The North Face has really pulled it out of the bag with this iteration. Plus points include a snap-locking storm flap to keep the wind out, secure zip pockets and adjustable hem and cuffs - oh and it comes in five stylish colours too, including this hot pink design that fits perfectly into the latest fashion colour trends."

Waterproof rating: Using seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT™ 3L this coat should give good waterproofing, giving it an own-brand website level rating of three - for waterproofing (higher than repellent and resistant). It is also windproof.

Breathability rating: Although the jacket doesn't specifically discuss breathability, the fashion team found this waterproof jacket did help regulate body temperature and stopped them from feeling sweaty. 

• Browse all The North Face waterproof jackets from £110

Best commuting waterproof jacket for women

Getting caught in the rain has never looked so chic, thanks to Danish brand Rains’ long waterproof coat that provides slightly more coverage than its shorter counterparts. This long jacket is an extended version of their ever-popular classic basic jacket and we love the extra coverage. It has the same unstructured silhouette for a fuss-free finish and the matte texture adds a more luxe appearance. 

What the fashion team said: "Admittedly this coat is not as waterproof as some of the others but can hold its own in a heavy downpour. It's lightweight and extremely elegant, making it a good option for work and smarter occasions. It's also available in ten elegant colours."

Waterproof rating: This waterproof jacket can withstand up to 4000 millimeters of water and features ultrasonically welded seams and a placket with snap fastenings for strong protection.

Breathability rating: To keep you cool, the coat utilizes eyelets at armholes and a back yoke with concealed vents for extra breathability.

• Browse all Rains waterproof jackets from £79

Best long waterproof jacket for women

This long raincoat is made from a breathable and stretchable softshell material, with a lightly tailored silhouette to give a feminine finish. The coat features a YKK AquaGuard 2-way zipper and the surface is treated with an Ecorepel dirt and water-repellent coating that creates an invisible shield. This bold red hue plays into current fashion trends, favouring bright colours to liven up the dull mornings ahead.

What the fashion team said: "Functional and stylish, Ilse Jacobsen is minimalist Scandinavian design at its finest. With a huge array of raincoats, it was hard to pick our standout style. There are lots to choose from, so it's well worth a browse and they also have 14 colourways available, depending on if you want something sleek and subtle or an iteration that will feel cheery on a rainy day." 

Waterproof rating: The coat has been tested to withstand up to 5000milimeters of rain, making it a high-quality rainwear item.

Breathability rating: With a test result of 3000 G/M2, this jacket has medium breathability, so it should stop you from getting too warm too - anything over 3000 is considered highly breathable, so really this one is right on the cusp.

• Browse all Ilse Jacobsen waterproof jackets from £131

Best reflective waterproof jacket for women

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Proviz makes a range of impressive outerwear and exercise clothing, so we were expecting big things from this jacket - and it lived up to expectations. The fleece lining is extremely cosy without being too oppressive or warm, whilst the reflective outer layer wowed us in the rain. When it comes in contact with water, the shell develops splatters of a holographic rainbow, making for an extremely eye-catching waterproof jacket that will stand out during both the day and night. Featuring an adjustable waist, cuffs, and sturdy zip pockets, this jacket has everything you need to keep yourself and your essentials fully weather-proofed. 

What the fashion team said: This rain jacket really has it all. The cool reflective outer material keeps things trendy, whilst the fleece lining adds that element of comfort without being too restrictive. It lives up to its claims of being windproof and waterproof; we felt extremely protected when wearing this outside. The hood is spacious - ideal for wearing hats or hoodies underneath - and the adjustable waist toggles give a custom fit that can be changed depending on what you're wearing. 

Waterproof rating: It is 100% waterproof (5,000ml), meaning you will stay totally dry and protected no matter the weather. 

Breathability rating: The fleece lining means that it is more cozy than breathable, however it doesn't feel restrictive or suffocating. This is definitely built for cold weather, rather than warmer climates. 

• Browse all Proviz waterproof jackets from £39.99

How we selected the best waterproof jackets for women

If you’re on the lookout for a waterproof jacket that delivers then we’ve got you covered. We've spoken to style experts and immersed ourselves in the nitty-gritty to bring you the best waterproofs for women.

We've considered:

• Waterproofing technology: Some designs will specify how much water the coat can withstand with a measurement in millimeters like "10,000mm." The higher this number, the more waterproof it is. Your need will be based on your waterproof usage. For those looking for clothing for hiking outfits or for daily dog-walking coats, you're best off picking the highest protection possible.
• Breathability: Some waterproof fabrics can feel stuffy and sweaty once wet so breathability will help you feel less hot too.
• Practical features: Mesh detailing, ventilation, and fabric weight.
• Design: From look and feel to trend-led choices. We've considered cut and how flattering the jacket is, to colour options and design aesthetic.

How to choose the best waterproof jacket for women

There are some key things to look out for when choosing the best waterproof jacket. The lingo can be confusing and sites use a lot of abbreviations for technical terms that can make you think a product has higher specifications than it actually does. 

It's important to establish what level of waterproof coat you need. Many brands offer coats that give a level of 'shower protection' which is fine for most daily occurrences, light rain between home and the car or nipping to the shops. However if you like to get out and get off-road, go for long walks etc, then beside from the best hiking boots, you'll need to invest in a raincoat that can really withstand a downpour.

Sometimes the most practical and functional rainwear isn't the most stylish, so again you need to consider if you're happy to compromise on fashion credentials to get the maximum level of protection. 

We've added a handy guide to some terminology to look out for when you're shopping for the best waterproof jackets for women.

Why does breathability matter, what to look out for and how is it measured?

The breathability of a coat or jacket ensures you don't get too hot and sweaty while wearing it. This is particularly important in waterproof jackets, as they are often coated in finishes or made from non-breathable fabrics, so they can be quite warm and make you feel sweaty. 

Look out for...

• Eyelets under armholes to increase breathability and ventilation
• Conceal vents in the back of a jacket - same great protection from rain but again with added ventilation.
• This formula g/m2/d represents the level of breathability of a fabric. It is sometimes found in the product specification, take note of the number preceding it. Anything below 800 doesn't have huge amounts of breathability. Between 800-3000 has a medium level of breathability - the most common level for good quality, water-resistant coats as it gives breathability and still protects from the rain. Anything over 3000 is high-end and most common in high-performance weather wear and offers the highest level of breathability. The breathability test is done by measuring how much sweat or moisture the fabric allows through over a 24hr period, as letting it out through the fabric stops you from getting too warm.

A number of brands we looked at did not list breathability test results, but if coats have vents and underarm eyelets, these are also good indicators for good breathability. 

How can you tell if a coat is really waterproof, what to look out for and how is it measured?

When picking the best waterproof jacket for women, it's important to learn the right keyphrases to look out for. For starters, remember that there is a difference between water-repellent, water-resistant and waterproof.

Water-repellent: You'll have seen water-repellent fabric, this is where the beads of water sit and roll off the top of the fabric. It repels water, however it is not impervious to water like waterproofing. 

Water-resistant: This means it is made from fabric that resists water, meaning it is super hard for water to penetrate the fabric's top layer. But it is not necessarily a complete, hard, barrier.

Waterproof: No water should be making it through a waterproof jacket, but you also need to take note of just how waterproof a jacket is, what level of rain or water they have measured its waterproof-ability to. 

When you look at the specification for a waterproof jacket, look out for test results of their waterproof abilities. This is measured in millimeters and is regarding the amount of water pressure the coat can take before it starts to let water in. 

• Anything from 1000mm-3000mm has a low resistance to water, probably only appropriate for light showers.
• 3000mm-5000mm gives a strong resistance. This is probably the most likely level you will see both from coats in this guide and from waterproof jackets on the main market.
• 5000mm is high resistance and what you should look for from high-quality rainwear specialists.
• 10,000mm excellent level of rain protection, most likely from activewear/outdoor clothing labels or highly specialized brands.

Other things to look out for include:

• Taped, sealed or bonded seams - usually a seam is where two pieces of fabric are stitched together and if you see seams on your regular clothes, they would leave you open to the elements. For rainwear look for covered seams or those bonded with glue to help with water resistance.