Behold: Cute Raincoats for Women DO Exist!

Most of us have been there—an unexpected downpour rolls into town right when you're in the midst of commuting, or, worse, enjoying the great outdoors and you're either without a raincoat or stuck with a $25 one that somehow still manages to get you wet. A high-quality rain jacket is a closet staple no matter the time of year. In fact, we might even suggest that you have more than one depending on your activity level and location!

So, what exactly makes a high-quality rain jacket. Turns out, there's quite a few things. We sat down with Grace Wu, Product Analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Plastic Lab, and Amanda Constantine, Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute, to find out exactly what to look for.

Waterproof vs. Water-repellant

No, these two terms are not interchangeable! Waterproof is the ultimate seal when it comes to rain. Absolutely no moisture should penetrate a waterproof raincoat. "To be truly waterproof, zippers and seams should also resist moisture to keep you completely dry," Constantine says. "This does mean that the material isn’t breathable, so true waterproof jackets can get hot and sweaty."

Water-repellant raincoats are oftentimes treated with a coating that actively repels water, though this will fade with every use and wash. "They’re not entirely impermeable to moisture, unlike waterproof materials, so you can expect to get a little wet if you’re out in the rain for an extended period of time," Constantine explains. "Jackets from these materials are typically more breathable and therefore more comfortable to wear."

Generally, if you're relying on a raincoat for daily use or in short bursts of heavy rain, you should be okay getting a water-repellant jacket. However, you will need to replace these every few years. If you live in a location that experience wet weather often or if you don't want to worry about buying a new jacket every few years, we recommend investing in a waterproof raincoat.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle will make a huge difference on what raincoat is suitable for you. For instance, if you're mainly using a raincoat during your commute or while out running errands, you probably want something that has more style than top-notch functions. But, if you're using your raincoat when hiking or for other outdoor adventures, functions like a breathable fabric and storm hood will probably be top priority.

Location

You definitely do not want to use the same rain jacket for a 95 degree summer storm and a 5 degree snow storm. This is why most people prefer to have two or more different rain jackets to use depending on the season. For a summer raincoat, you'll want to look for a jacket that's lightweight and breathable. Many waterproof jackets feature fabrics that use cutting-edge technology to allow body moisture out of the jacket while not allowing rain to penetrate. "Coats that use a waterproof membrane may run a little warm for some users due to the decrease in air permeability or breathability," Wu says.

Waterproofing is essential for a winter raincoat. Not only is it unpleasant to have moisture seep into your coat, but it's also dangerous when it's freezing outside. You'll want to look for a coat with an outer shell that's waterproof and an inner lining of fleece, flannel, or another insulating material. Another option is to get a raincoat that is meant for layering so you can wear it alone in the summer and pair it with a coat in the winter months.

How to Care for Your Raincoat

There's no way around it: the best way to care for your raincoat is to prevent damage. "Unfortunately, raincoats can’t be washed as often as say, t-shirts or leggings, because, at least for those made with topical finishes, the water-repellant finish can only withstand so many washes before it begins to lose its effectiveness," Wu says. If you really want a raincoat that will stand the test of time, you have to invest in a high-quality piece. In fact, "A finish for a rain coat/rain jacket only has to last 20 washes to be considered a 'lifetime finish.'" Wu explains.

Waterproof jackets will continue to repel liquids for years, making them naturally stain-resistant. Another option is to get a jacket that's waxed cotton as you can regularly re-wax.