Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Stretch Rain Jacket Review
The research
- A classic women's raincoat: L.L.Edible bean H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket
- A men'southward commuter raincoat: Helly Hansen Moss Rain Coat
- An affordable women'due south raincoat: Columbia Women's Arcadia Casual Jacket
- A utilitarian men's pelting jacket: Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket
- An outdoorsy raincoat for men and women: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
- The near stylish raincoat for men: Hunter Men'south Original Waterproof Cotton Hunting Coat
- An insulated women's raincoat: Eddie Bauer Daughter On The Go Insulated Trench Coat
- Why you lot should trust united states
- Who these are for
- How nosotros picked and tested
- Care and maintenance
- The competition
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
A classic women'south raincoat: L.L.Bean H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket
Our option
Who this is for: Anyone looking for an all-purpose raincoat that won't go out of style.
Why it'due south great: The simple aesthetic of the L.L.Bean H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket works equally well for commuting to the city or standing on a soccer field, and it'southward comfortable to clothing from bound through fall. It has the most style and size variations of whatever of the coats we tested—it's available in 13 sizes and three lengths, and comes in an insulated version for winter. It also has the near thoughtful details of whatsoever women'due south raincoat we looked at. I of our testers noted, "I have very petty to say near this coat, which is a good matter! It simply does its chore."
The H2Off's subtle, logo-free fashion and uncomplicated details make it less sporty looking than the Columbia Arcadia (which nosotros also recommend), and we think the four archetype color choices and the impress options (now unavailable) volition adjust both work and weekend wardrobes.
The H2Off offers more than cuts and sizes than any other choice. It's the only glaze nosotros tested that comes in 3 lengths: hip, mid-thigh, and talocrural joint (the latter two lengths come in fewer colors). Our testers preferred the shorter lengths, commenting that the longest style looked too sci-fi for them. "I feel similar I'm an actress in Blade," 1 tester said. Another said that they felt "like Trinity from The Matrix except I look like a penguin." The longer coat was less breathable since information technology totally covered the legs, and we also had difficulty starting the zipper down at the ankles.
The H2Off's size range was 1 of the best we found. The hip- and ankle-length versions include petite and plus sizes, and the mid-thigh selection comes in petite sizes. L.L.Bean likewise makes a PrimaLoft-lined version for wintertime, in hip, mid-thigh, and talocrural joint lengths. (We didn't test the lined option, only it has the same design every bit the regular version.) Nosotros recommend sizing up if you have curves, autumn betwixt two sizes, or want to add thick layers underneath.
In the rain, water rolled correct off the H2Off jacket. This was typical for almost of the coats we tested, just it seemed to roll faster from the H2Off than from the J.Jill and Eddie Bauer coats. The H2Off'due south fabric was thicker than that of the Columbia and J.Jill coats we tested, and information technology felt smoother than the fabric of any of our other women's picks. The fully taped seams help to block water, and the tiptop one-half of the lining is mesh, which makes the coat breathable. The hood is adjustable with a Velcro strap (though testers didn't need to employ this feature), and information technology's deep plenty for about hairstyles, except loftier buns, and hair thicknesses. Testers said the H2Off'southward ii-mode zipper was among their favorites. The design allows y'all to unzip the lesser of the coat for ventilation, and this makes it easier to sit down down in longer versions of the coat. Testers also loved that the colors of the zippers matched the coats' colors. You can tighten the cuffs on the sleeves with snaps; these cuffs were better than the Eddie Bauer Daughter On The Go'due south nonadjustable cuffs at keeping water out and customizing fit, but not as good equally the the Columbia Women's Arcadia coat'southward Velcro cuffs, which immune the nigh fine-tuning.
The 50.L.Bean H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket is my go-to raincoat, and I've admittedly loved information technology for the by 2 years. I bought myself one of the polka-dot prints, and information technology's proved to exist a solid effectually-town jacket. The hood is substantial, with room for my thick curls (even when my pilus is upward in a high bun). And the pockets have lots of space—I've stuffed flashlights, water bottles, eggs from my craven coop, and gardening tools in them. This glaze has definitely been watertight through some really heavy rainfall where I live, in Washington state. It's also warm, even the version I have, without the PrimaLoft lining. (Honestly, it's sometimes besides warm, when I'thou working out in the chiliad. I've overheated in it a couple of times.)
I've been using the H2Off as my regular raincoat for a couple of years, and it withal looks new after a few washes. I haven't worn information technology for any intense outdoor sporty activities to see how it holds up. Merely I take worn information technology for a lot of state-life stuff: gardening, cleaning up after my chickens, hauling effectually feed and supplies, and around the stables, where my kiddo takes riding lessons, as well.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Nosotros were disappointed to larn that the mid-thigh version of the H2Off didn't come in plus sizes. In an email, an L.50.Bean spokesperson told us that the company had discontinued plus sizes in the mid-thigh version because relatively few people bought this length compared with the other two lengths, but they added that 50.L.Bean was because bringing it back in upcoming seasons. As of fall 2020, L.L.Edible bean had not brought it back, although yous can purchase mid-thigh plus sizes in the jacket'south PrimaLoft version.)
Our testers besides noted some size differences between the hip and mid-thigh versions. They all found the mid-thigh version to exist a fiddling roomier, but we notwithstanding think sizing upward is the way to go. The pockets didn't have closures to keep them dry out, which wasn't a problem in our rain tests, but it did make testers nervous about losing things. The pockets were also smaller than the ones on our other picks, but all of the H2Off coats had an inside chest pocket that zipped to protect valuables.
Sizes: hip and ankle lengths: XS–Xl, petite XS–Forty, plus 1X–3X;
mid-thigh length: XS–40, petite XS–Twoscore
Colors: hip length: gray, black, red, navy, khaki; mid-thigh and ankle lengths: blackness, navy, khaki
Returns/warranty: 1-twelvemonth returns, with a warranty against defects after that
A men'southward driver raincoat: Helly Hansen Moss Pelting Glaze
Our choice
Who this is for: Commuters who desire to keep their rear ends dry out when sitting at the bus stop and those who desire mode without a luxury price tag.
Why it's great: The Helly Hansen Moss Rain Coat is the best glaze we constitute that combined a longer, mid-thigh length with style and price (there'south besides a shorter selection available). Although the Helly Hansen wasn't as size-inclusive equally our other picks, it did have more sizes and was more breathable than other similar trendy coats.
If you need something to assist keep your bum and thighs dry but don't similar your raincoat to fall likewise low, the Moss is exactly in the center (it'southward about two inches longer than the hip-length Columbia Watertight II and two inches shorter than the Hunter). Our shortest tester for the men's coats was 5-foot-9 and our tallest was about six-foot-iv, and both of them liked how the length hitting them. The Moss doesn't offer as many sizes as the Columbia Watertight II, just information technology does have more options compared with similarly styled mid-thigh coats nosotros considered, such every bit the Stutterheim Stockholm. Nosotros thought the cut was consistently generous in all of the sizes we tested, and the design was flattering on more body shapes. All of our testers noted that the Moss felt comfortable and roomy plenty for layers, and 1 tester told us that the Moss's XXL fit was more spacious in the arms than the Hunter's XXL (these were the largest sizes offered past both brands). Helly Hansen as well makes a hip-length Moss Jacket (which we didn't test) if you similar the Moss Pelting Coat's style but want something shorter.
Helly Hansen may not evoke luxury similar coats from brands such as Hunter or Stutterheim, merely if you want something more urban for commuting, the Moss Rain Coat looks less outdoorsy than a basic nylon jacket. We found the zippers to exist well made. The hood was deep plenty for nearly testers, and information technology repelled water just as well every bit other coats we tried. It's our only pick that'southward made with polyurethane, which testers noted gave information technology a "rubberized" feel that they liked. Although the fabric isn't bulky, it's less breathable than the cotton, polyester, and nylon coats we recommend. There is a ventilation flap in the dorsum, but testers didn't notice a difference in breathability with the flap open or airtight (this was also true for the Hunter, some other coat with a back flap). We called Helly Hansen's client service, which confirmed that this coat is probably best for cooler temperatures.
My married man has been wearing the Helly Hansen for a couple of years now, and it'due south the coat he immediately grabs when faced with Washington state'southward heaviest rains. Since information technology's thicker and longer than the other pelting jackets we recommend, it gives him better protection against the rain when it'south coming downwards hard. I've inspected the coat, and even after two years, I don't meet any major signs of wearable or tear. The stitching looks fine, and my hubby tells me that information technology'southward all the same perfectly waterproof to protect him outside when he needs it the most.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This is the only glaze nosotros recommend that tin can't get in the dryer (putting it in the dryer voids the warranty), according to the label instructions. But it held up fine when I decided to tumble-dry it during testing. I also air-dried it and found that dragging a dripping-wet raincoat out of the washing machine was a hassle.
Our testers didn't like the placement or blueprint of the Moss's pockets. They weren't fans of the almost vertical openings (although one did annotation that this factor would probably continue the contents dry), and they institute the openings too tight to fit hands into.
Returns/warranty: 90-day returns, 1-year warranty against defects
An affordable women's raincoat: Columbia Women's Arcadia Casual Jacket
Upkeep pick
Who this is for: People looking for an inexpensive women's jacket that will do the chore in warmer weather.
Why information technology'south great: The no-frills Columbia Women'southward Arcadia Casual Jacket is one of the best values nosotros found. Compared with other sporty coats we tried, it came in more than sizes, was more flattering on our testers, price less, and performed just as well in the rain.
Our testers said they felt cute in this jacket, and they preferred the style to similar sporty models. They said its slim cut didn't make them look like white potato sacks, and they liked the high-depression bottom hem. Compared with activewear coats we tried from both REI and L.L.Bean, the Arcadia came in more sizes. If you fall between sizes, nosotros recommend sizing upwardly.
The Arcadia comes in six colors, more than any other women'due south manner on our list, and each tester was happy with the color they tried. With options similar "peach deject" (a delicate orangy-pink) and "new moon" (an icy blueish), you can show off your personality in this jacket. Testers liked the textile, and although they found it to be thinner and less shine than the L.L.Bean H2Off'southward, they said information technology still felt absurd and comfy. The Arcadia's mesh lining keeps information technology breathable in warmer weather, too.
The Arcadia is 1 of the most affordable jackets we considered. We noticed some price fluctuations while working on this guide, but you can typically get 1 for under $100. This coat's midweight textile fabricated it feel more substantial than the J.Jill Fit Packable Anorak, but it wasn't every bit heavy-duty or warm as the Eddie Bauer Girl On The Go coat. Our testers had room to layer underneath the Arcadia, which would help information technology transition through the seasons. They also said that the hood provided some of the best full-confront coverage for a variety of hairstyles, from top knots to thick curls.
The Arcadia is the merely women'due south coat we recommend with Velcro wrist cuffs, which we prefer to snaps (even though snaps might concluding longer) considering Velcro gives you more than command over the fit. And the zippered pockets are roomy enough to hold your keys, phone, wallet, or even a bottle of water or a small umbrella (if yous don't zip the pockets airtight). The Arcadia survived our wear tests with no issues, repelling water but every bit quickly and effectively equally our other picks, even later on three washes.
Flaws only not dealbreakers: The Arcadia lacks some of the nice extras we found on expensive raincoats. The zipper feels a fiddling cheap compared with zippers on other coats we tried. Likewise, the zipper doesn't accept a placket over information technology to end water from seeping in, and not all of the seams are taped. Although we didn't experience any leakage in our tests, this coat is probably better suited to a lightly rainy 24-hour interval than to a torrential downpour, and it lacks the warmth for cooler months.
Colors: green, blackness, navy, white, light blue/grayness, pink
Materials: nylon shell, polyester lining
A utilitarian men's pelting jacket: Columbia Men's Watertight Two Jacket
Budget selection
Who this is for: People who prioritize sizing and affordability and who don't mind a sporty wait.
Why information technology's slap-up: All of the hip-length men'southward rain jackets we tried were sufficiently waterproof and had streamlined, simple designs—i tester called this category "well-made, normal raincoats." The Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket stands out because it has a improve size and color range than other jackets we considered. Information technology'southward also the best value of whatever jacket we recommend, at a fraction of the toll of other coats we tested.
The Watertight II was the most size-inclusive men'southward glaze we plant, with options for regular, plus, and tall sizes that extended to 6X. It comes in over a dozen colors, more than whatever of our other picks, and we think there are choices hither to cover a neutral, workweek fashion or a bright, sporty weekend await. Testers appreciated that the Watertight II had the least-boxy fit compared with similarly cutting jackets (most preferred a slim cut), but they yet had enough of room to add layers. Because it's a shorter coat, the Watertight 2 is compact enough to keep in your machine for surprise rain showers or to toss into your work pocketbook on those iffy-weather condition days. It's as well i of the nearly affordable men's coats nosotros considered.
The Watertight 2's seams are taped on the inside for actress protection against leaks, as on the Hunter men's glaze on our listing, and the hood was deep enough to shield testers' faces from the pelting. Testers said the pockets were well sized and comfortably placed for easy access to things like phones and wallets. This is the thinnest men's raincoat we recommend, simply the nylon fabric feels the softest and the most fluid, so it'southward easy to motility your arms effectually without that potent, constrained feeling that ofttimes comes with wearing a synthetic coat. With its light fabric and mesh lining, the Watertight II is more breathable than our other picks—none of the testers worried near overheating.
My husband has been wearing the Columbia Men's Watertight 2 Jacket for virtually 2 years. The Watertight 2 has been perfect for outdoor activities like mowing the lawn and fixing things—I fifty-fifty saw him wear the Columbia Watertight 2 to cut downward a fallen tree with a chainsaw.
He tells me that it's his favorite jacket to wear because he feels comfortable throwing it on everyday; its pockets are roomy and at a comfortable angle to keep his hands within, and the hood covers his head without falling into his eyes. Plus, it's not too heavy or warm.
My husband wears an XXL in the Columbia Watertight Ii Jacket, and he often comments positively on the cutting and the coverage: He says the shape is great because he tin can throw it on even without zipping it upwardly, and the hood will practice its task without getting in his face up. With other rain jackets, he has to spike all the way up to get the hood to function properly.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Watertight II's pockets are fabricated of mesh, which could cause keys or minor objects to go tangled, and one tester wasn't certain whether they would stay dry out. Another tester wished for an inside pocket, besides. Some of our testers thought the hood was mayhap too deep, and one tester wanted a tab on the peak to assist conform information technology. Testers also noted that the zippers were a little small to grab hold of and that they occasionally caught in the textile.
Sizes: S–XXL, plus 1X–6X, tall L–4X
Colors: 19 colors, plus more currently unavailable
An outdoorsy raincoat for men and women: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Our pick
Patagonia Men'due south Torrentshell 3L
For hiking and backpacking
The Torrentshell 3L is designed with outdoor adventure in mind. The deep hood and extra-long sleeves go along rain off your face and out of your pilus, and the generous cutting makes information technology ideal for layering over other clothing.
Buying Options
Who this is for: Someone who wants a raincoat specifically for outdoor activities such as solar day hiking or backpacking, or fifty-fifty the occasional ski trip.
Why it's great: A simple, no-frills pelting shell is one of the key pieces of an outdoors wardrobe. If yous want to stay dry, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L for men and women works meliorate than the other nine outdoorsy options we tried, thanks to a big hood that handsomely covers your head and a stiff skirt that moves water away from your olfactory organ and chin.
This used to be a two-and-a-one-half-layer jacket, but the 2019 redesign introduced a full textile lining to the interior, making it a three-layer glaze. This means the inside printed layer that can sometimes scrap off—the Achilles' heel of this sort of calorie-free, packable hiking coat—is now covered in a breathable fabric that protects it, giving you a much more durable coat. The trade-off is that it's at present more than expensive and a little bit heavier, but the boosted ounce or so won't make much of a departure for full general outdoor use.
This is still a waterproof/breathable jacket, meaning that water stays out and vapor trapped in the glaze is pushed out, also. For a long fourth dimension, the household name for this type of fabric was Gore-Tex, but there are at present at least a dozen other options. This one is made out of Patagonia's in-firm H2No waterproof/breathable fabric.
All the same, if you're being agile in this jacket and getting sweaty, open it upwardly and air it out. The membrane solitary won't transfer all your heat. For that reason, all skillful outdoor coats have vents under the armpits; the Torrentshell 3L is no exception. Yous can also disengage the zipper when the rain lets upwardly and dump all the heat in 1 get.
There are some details that make the Torrentshell actress-watertight that we didn't find on any other hiking jacket. Its pockets are fully lined, an culling to more common mesh pockets, which can allow moisture in and transfer it to your clothes. Information technology has a double storm flap over the zipper that stays shut without the use of Velcro, so you lot tin naught your coat while wearing gloves and they won't snag. And zip rubberband on the gage ways h2o slides off the coat instead of onto your wrist.
The fit is generous, which makes this coat platonic for layering when it gets cold. It comes in several colors, including a few eye scorchers, and so yous tin be easily seen on the trail on a cloudy day. Nosotros also think Patagonia provides i of the best warranties in the industry.
Staff writer Dorie Chevlen and Wirecutter's Justin Krajeski accept both been wearing the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (for women and men, respectively) for a few months. Neither of them have noticed any issues so far: The zippers on their jackets still pull smoothly, and there has been no tearing. And they accept noticed that they remain especially dry in their jackets, even when it'due south storming outside.
"The Patagonia is super calorie-free," said Justin. "It hardly feels like I'm wearing a rain jacket at all, and the fit is roomy, then layering underneath to stay warm is welcome and appreciated." Neither staff writer has been able to take the Patagonia on a ski trip—yet.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The front pockets on this coat don't work well with a backpack; the straps cover them. Unfortunately, that was the instance for every single hiking jacket we tried—we wore a backpack over all of them—with the exception of the Montbell Thunder Pass, which is at present discontinued.
Women'due south sizes: XXS–XXL
Men's sizes: XS–XXL
Colors: dozens of colors for men and women
Materials: recycled nylon, polycarbonate membrane, tricot backer, durable water-repellent stop
Returns/warranty: Patagonia has no set time limit for returns, request merely that "returns for fit or color be made in a timely manner and that items exist kept in new condition with tags fastened." If y'all return something more than a yr after yous've bought it, you'll go a credit instead of cash. The "ironclad guarantee" promises repair, replacement, or refund at any time if you're not happy with an particular; the visitor charges a "reasonable" fee to repair damage due to normal wear.
The most stylish raincoat for men: Hunter Men'due south Original Waterproof Cotton Hunting Coat
Our option
Who this is for: People who are willing to pay more for luxurious-feeling fabric and stylish details from an iconic English brand.
Why information technology'southward smashing: We love the classic but updated expect of the Hunter Men's Original Waterproof Cotton Hunting Coat. It'southward handsome and volition keep you dry in the rain, with happiness-inducing details like lots of pockets and great colors. It's made from a smooth treated cotton that makes it feel like a regular coat, versus the shiny, wrinkly synthetic materials of sportier options. We think information technology works best in chillier weather. It'south the least-inclusive coat we recommend in this guide, and nosotros wish information technology came in more sizes, but it all the same offers more options than fashion-frontward brands such as Stutterheim or Everlane.
Hunter is an iconic British brand, and if anyone knows how to brand everyday rainwear that'south functional, comfortable, and fashionable, it's the Brits. They spend a lot of time being damp and looking good regardless. Not only did our testers love the look of this coat, but they as well found it to exist significantly more breathable and better-fitting than coats from Stutterheim, another well-known brand from a rainy land, Sweden. Nosotros establish that the Hunter left more room for layers than the Stutterheim Stockholm and Ekeby coats, which were tight around the middle for several of our testers.
True to its name, the Cotton Hunting Glaze is made from cotton fiber treated with durable water repellent, or DWR, simply it repelled water but every bit effectively as the nylon Columbia Watertight Two and the polyurethane Helly Hansen Moss. With a magnifier, we noticed some fibers sticking up from the coat's surface afterward a few washes, which is normal with cotton wool, but it gave the coat a fuzzier look than our other men'due south picks. It also meant water didn't bead up and roll off as quickly as on our other picks, simply we didn't find whatever moisture inside the coat.
The Cotton wool Hunting Coat has taped seams to help prevent leaks, similar the Columbia Watertight 2. Our testers found the hood to be a comfortable depth, and the zipper was like shooting fish in a barrel to employ and didn't catch the coat's fabric. Because it'due south cotton, the fabric itself feels more high-end than the fabric of the Columbia and Helly Hansen coats; it's softer and doesn't have the shine of a synthetic fabric. The Cotton wool Hunting Coat felt a scrap heavier than our other men'south picks, but it was notwithstanding light enough that nosotros were able to motility effectually in it comfortably. Our testers agreed that it was probably best for colder temperatures, just information technology did have a mesh lining and a back flap to assistance proceed it breathable. When we tested the coat, it came in vi colors, including crossing-guard yellow and bright carmine, only every bit of winter 2022, it's available merely in blackness. This glaze has more pockets than whatever other men'south option, and they're roomy, too: There are double pockets on either side and a stealthy inside pocket right backside the zipper.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Nosotros tried the Cotton fiber Hunting Coat in a range of sizes, including the XXL, which one tester found to be so tight in the arms that it was hard to move effectually. This wasn't a problem with the equivalent size on our other men's picks. Information technology'south a beautiful coat, but the sizing won't piece of work for anybody.
Materials: cotton wool shell, polyester and nylon lining
Returns/warranty: 60-mean solar day returns and 2-year warranty
An insulated women's raincoat: Eddie Bauer Girl On The Go Insulated Trench Glaze
Our pick
Why it'south great: The Eddie Bauer Daughter On The Go Insulated Trench Coat is the most versatile women'south coat we tested. With a detachable insulation layer, the Girl On The Go works as a comfy raincoat or winter coat. All of our testers thought the style was flattering, and the Daughter On The Go comes in more sizes than any other women's coat on our list. There's also a non-insulated version bachelor if you don't demand the extra warmth.
We love the idea of a single coat that can carry you through rainy days and moderate winter atmospheric condition. Eddie Bauer says this coat will keep you warm downwardly to 35-caste temperatures for everyday activities, and even lower if you lot're more active. With the liner, the Girl On The Become coat feels toasty and snug without having the bulk of a winter parka. Without the liner, this trench is roomy but still stylish. We likewise tried the Lands' Stop 3 in 1 Squall Pelting Jacket, another coat with a removable insulated layer, and the Girl On The Become looked smoother and was less restrictive in the sleeves, and the insulation was easier to remove. The Girl On The Go has uncomplicated lines and a slightly nipped waist that were flattering on every tester's trunk shape, and most of our testers agreed that the fit was true to size (our petite tester institute it a fiddling too snug). The Daughter On The Become comes in more sizes than any of our other women's picks; the iv neutral colors should work for most tastes.
The Girl On The Go's fabric is softer than the cloth of our other women's picks, and it has a slightly brushed texture. The pockets are lined in a soft, fleecy material that feels wonderful on the easily, and the two-mode zippers feel sturdy and durable. One tester did have a coat with a sticky zipper, but we call back it was a fluke. The seams are taped to keep water from leaking through as on the Fifty.L.Bean coats, and the Girl On The Go is our only pick with a removable hood, if you prefer a trench style.
Flaws just not dealbreakers: Considering the fabric is brushed, the fibers don't prevarication as flat as on other coats we recommend. We observed this with a magnifier—the coat had fiddling fibers sticking up from the surface of the weave, and the more than nosotros washed it, the more fuzzy fibers nosotros saw. We recollect this affects how rapidly information technology repels h2o. It kept our testers dry out and never looked or felt saturated, but without a polish surface for h2o to roll off of, some h2o soaked into the coat. Nosotros'll long-term test it and go on washing it to see if this has whatever effect on its waterproofing over time.
The Girl On The Go is the but coat we recommend that didn't take adjustable cuffs, which made the sleeve lengths feel awkward for some testers. The cuffs too won't continue rain abroad if you lift your arms up, simply we didn't notice a trouble with wet arms in our testing (and we weren't practicing our heighten-the-roof moves during downpours). Also, our testers disagreed on the hood—1 found it too deep, one found information technology likewise shallow, and another found information technology only right.
Sizes: XS–XXL, petite XS–Twoscore, plus 1X–3X, alpine S–XXL
Colors: charcoal gray, black, eggplant, night dark-green
Returns/warranty: one-yr returns
Why yous should trust usa
I'k Wirecutter's staff textiles writer on the slumber team—I've written our guides on everything from sheets to pajamas to coma curtains. I know a lot about testing fabric after my years hither at Wirecutter, and then I left the cozy condolement of my usual bedding testing to venture out into the cold, wet earth of raincoats. Over the years I've walked the streets of New York Metropolis in torrential downpours and I've endured a hurricane and a superstorm at the Jersey Shore, and at present I live in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, where a sturdy raincoat is as essential as sunscreen is in Florida.
I'm too plus-size, and then I know that it tin take a niggling more work to find clothes that offer fashion and a good fit. For this guide, I prioritized coats with inclusive sizing. Our picks won't work for every body, but I researched more than than 100 coats to find a range of size diversity.
I built on senior staff writer Eve O'Neill'southward extensive knowledge and research for the precursor to this guide (she also contributed the section on the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L in autumn 2020), too as on staff writer Anna Perling's inquiry (she wrote our pelting pants guide). I also emailed Kate Borgia, senior designer for outerwear at Eddie Bauer, and Dan Simon, outerwear merchant manager at L.L.Bean, to ask about the fabrics and features people really demand in an everyday raincoat.
Who these are for
The raincoats in this guide are meant for day-to-solar day life. They're the raincoats we wear to the office or to brunch, that we throw in the auto only in instance, or that nosotros grab when heading to the stadium to watch a rainy-day game. These jackets will all repel water equally well, so consider the ones that come up in styles, sizes, lengths, and prices that match your needs.
Because these coats don't need to withstand farthermost backcountry weather condition, we didn't weigh their technical specs and performance features heavily. Nosotros focused on finding coats that came in inclusive sizes and versatile colors, and in a range of lengths, styles, and warmths that would work for different urban lifestyles. Nosotros besides considered coats to suit a range of budgets.
How we picked and tested
At that place are then many raincoats in the world. We researched past skimming articles from Forbes, The Strategist, and GQ; past checking outerwear brands that we've either tested or know by reputation; and by searching Instagram hashtags such equally #raincoats to observe styles we may have otherwise missed. Nosotros likewise went on a shopping trip in New York City so that several staffers could check coats for sizing, fit, and style. Our initial list consisted of 134 jackets and coats in men's and women'southward styles. After consulting with Kate Borgia, who at the time of our interview was Eddie Bauer's senior designer for outerwear, and Dan Simon, 50.L.Bean's outerwear merchant manager, we settled on this listing of essential features:
Lots of sizes: Finding the all-time-quality raincoats in the about sizes was our elevation priority. We considered some coats with more-express sizing if we couldn't find similar well-made options with more-inclusive sizing.
Thoughtful pattern:Eddie Bauer's Borgia told us that the best everyday raincoat designs should exist versatile plenty for a wide variety of people. Nosotros aimed for a range of picks, from the simplest shapes to more modern options that were flattering on different bodies. Fifty.Fifty.Bean's Simon mentioned that everyday raincoats are frequently longer than outdoors-focused coats (the length helps protect wearing apparel underneath) and come in more "city-friendly" colors. We looked at hip-length, mid-thigh, and ankle-length coats, and searched for coats in neutrals as well equally some brighter colors to add together personality to your cupboard.
Reliable availability: Since clothes are seasonal, we stuck with coats that had customer reviews going back at least a year.
Versatility: Eddie Bauer's Borgia told us that everyday raincoats should have room for lighter or heavier layers underneath to adapt different types of commutes. She as well noted that breathability is less of a concern than with outdoor raincoats because people tend to wear them for shorter periods of fourth dimension. We looked for coats that worked for nigh seasons and wouldn't cause intense overheating on a summertime commute. (We did, of form, have breathability into business relationship when testing our hiking choice.)
H2o resistant: All of the jackets we tested were water resistant in our testing. They will keep someone dry in virtually conditions—short of hiking through a full-on storm. The experts we spoke with told us that everyday raincoats don't need to be as thoroughly waterproof equally performance raincoats for extended outdoor utilise. The jackets needed to keep our testers dry during their normal routines, but nosotros didn't await them to withstand the same conditions that we would if they were sailing during a squall. We did expect the coats to keep repelling h2o perfectly afterwards several washes, and all of the coats we tested did that.
A roomy hood: A hood should be deep enough to keep water off the face, whether y'all have no hair or the thickest, curliest mane. We also looked for coats with removable hoods, although we didn't find many.
Extra details: We looked for features that help keep water out and make raincoats easier to wear and utilize. Eddie Bauer's Borgia told usa to expect for seams that were taped on the inside to keep backlog water out. Simon told us that ii-fashion zippers are often a nice characteristic on non-operation raincoats: They allow yous unzip the bottom of your coat to make the fit more comfortable when you're sitting downwardly, and they allow you to merely let some air in if you're hot. Nosotros also wanted roomy pockets that protected hands and items from the rain.
For testing, we narrowed our contenders down to 11 women's styles and 10 men'south styles. We sent all of the coats to a panel of 6 staff testers (including me), one-half in New York Urban center and half in the Pacific Northwest. Three testers wore women's styles (one petite, 1 tall, i plus-size) and three wore men's styles (one regular, one tall, one plus-size). Testers spent a few weeks with these coats, trying them on and wearing them in the rain when they could. I tried all 21 coats in the rain and also ran dribbles of water down the sleeves over a sink to see how the water beaded and repelled from each i. I hung the coats on hangers to see if they looked moisture or dripped excessively while air-drying. I too done and dried the coats three times, checking for shrinkage, damage, or changes to their h2o repellency. I establish that most of the coats barely shrank (some even stretched out a chip), and all of them completely maintained their water resistance. I besides examined each with a magnifying glass to run into how the fabrics held up afterwards washing and constitute just a handful—typically those with cotton fiber in them—that had signs of loose or fuzzy fibers. I compiled all of the testers' feedback with my notes, and we settled on our seven picks. In summer 2020, Eve O'Neill tested the new version of Patagonia'south Torrentshell jacket, and we've added that as a pick in this guide.
Care and maintenance
Unless you lot're wearing your raincoat in dirty atmospheric condition or sweating profusely, you don't need to wash it very ofttimes. Eddie Bauer's Borgia told us that when companies exam raincoats to rate waterproofing and how long it lasts, they wash everyday raincoats for a fraction of the times (v to 10 washes) that they do high-performance raincoats (twenty or sometimes even 50 washes). When you do wash, follow the intendance instructions on the characterization. The labels on most coats we tested said to wash in cold water and tumble dry low.
If you lot commencement to notice a change in how your coat repels water over time—the h2o no longer beads off the surface, but instead is arresting into the summit layer—refresh the DWR (durable water repellent) coating, which is sprayed on almost raincoats to help keep water from arresting into the fabric. This can exist done by tossing the jacket in the dryer, physically reapplying the layer with a product like Nikwax TX.Direct, or even ironing the exterior of information technology. To find out which method is all-time, check the specific intendance instructions for the textile your jacket is made out of. Also, not every coat we tested mentioned having a DWR layer (although it'due south pretty common), so check with the company'due south client service offset.
The competition
Women'south styles
The thinnest, lightest women's coat we recommend, the J.Jill Fit Packable Anorak was flattering on all of our testers and offered the most plus sizes of any jacket we tested. And it folds into a pouch, so it's easy to throw into a pocketbook. However, as of spring 2020, it was no longer on the J.Jill site.
Our testers really liked the hip-length fashion of the Eddie Bauer Charly Jacket, and I thought it was ane of the best-looking raincoats we tried—but it wasn't long enough to cover a rear cease. It was also less breathable than other coats we tried.
Testers said the mid-thigh version of the 50.L.Bean Women's Trail Model Rain Glaze had an inconsistent fit, which is something reviews have too noted (we used to recommend the hip-length version in the precursor to this guide). Testers likewise thought the quality didn't match the price.
The mid-thigh-length REI Co-op Pike Street Trench Glaze performed well in our water and wearable tests, merely none of our testers loved the manner. They found it as well baggy, and one disliked the back, which came to an odd point that didn't wait right on shorter frames. (Since we tested this coat, REI has replaced it with a version that uses a more breathable fabric (at present unavailable); we'll exist looking at it soon.)
The Snap-Forepart Hooded Raincoat Past Ellos is a super-cute mid-thigh-length coat. We were disappointed that the upper artillery were then tight we could barely movement, since this is the merely coat from a plus-size brand that we tested.
The hip-length Lands' End Women'southward iii in 1 Squall Rain Jacket had a beefy fleece insert that made wearing the coat very unpleasant. Without the fleece information technology was still tight in the arms. Nosotros've noticed that Lands' End offers this glaze most years, just it doesn't ever stay in stock.
Our staffers tried the Everlane ReNew Anorak (at present unavailable) jacket on in shop, but it felt surprisingly inexpensive compared with other jackets we tried. Testers idea the textile seemed thinner than that of similarly priced coats, and the sizing was not inclusive.
We visited Macy'south to await at several London Fog raincoats, because it's such a archetype rainwear brand. The fabrics felt cheaper than the fabrics of the upkeep coats we considered, and the styles—we saw a lot of double-layer collars—just didn't feel modern.
Men'due south styles
The REI Co-op Rainier Pelting Jacket is well made and well priced, and it comes in ten colors. It fully repelled water in our tests. Although it comes in fewer sizes than the Columbia Watertight II, information technology was the adjacent-best hip-length jacket we tested. Two of our testers recommended sizing downwardly for a slim fit.
We tried the new hip-length L.Fifty.Bean Men's Trail Model Rain Jacket, a version of a former option in the precursor to this guide. Our testers didn't have any issues with the fit (one recommended sizing downwardly for a slim fit), only it came in fewer sizes than the Columbia and price a trivial more.
The Fifty.L.Edible bean Men's Trail Model Pelting Glaze, the mid-thigh version of the Trail Model Jacket, performed well in our water and wear tests, but the length wasn't popular with our testers, who mostly preferred shorter jackets. Opt for this coat if you lot similar a longer length on a more active style.
The Eddie Bauer Men'due south Rainfoil Packable Jacket performed well in the rain, but it lost points to the Columbia because it was pricier and came in fewer sizes. Testers also suggested sizing down for a slim fit on this hip-length style.
The North Face Men's Resolve 2 Jacket, some other hip-length style, comes in a good range of sizes. But testers wanted an inside pocket, and they thought the fabric wasn't every bit soft equally the cloth on others we tried. The sleeves and body length were likewise on the long side.
We tried the Everlane ReNew All-Weather condition Jacket in store, but we thought the cloth felt cheap. The coat was already sold out in nearly sizes, and information technology didn't come in as many size options as our picks. (The jacket is no longer available as of fall 2020, merely Everlane notes on its website that information technology may return in the time to come.)
Uniqlo makes several versions of its Blocktech raincoats in men's and women's styles. Nosotros tried the Men Blocktech Parka in store and didn't like the fabric plenty to bring information technology in for more testing. We also have institute that Uniqlo'southward size availability, specially in bigger sizes, can exist unreliable.
Unisex styles
Stutterheim's Stockholm Raincoat, fabricated of rubberized cotton, is stylish, but in our tests information technology wasn't breathable. Information technology besides closed with buttons, making it harder to fasten the front. One tester commented, "There is no zipper and I detest it." The largest size was XXL, simply it was significantly tighter than this size in other brands we tested.
The Stutterheim Ekeby Lightweight Raincoat is lighter than the Stockholm, only one tester also said information technology ran hot. Nosotros had the same issues with sizing as we had with the Stockholm, and we noticed some tearing around the button holes (which weren't reinforced with stitching) before we even washed it. (As of fall 2020, the glaze has disappeared from Stutterheim'south website.)
We tried on the Rains Jacket, Long Jacket, and Poncho in store. (The Rains website lists the coats separately as men's and women'due south, but they're really the same.) All of the coats nosotros tried looked very cool, but the sizing was some of the least-inclusive we encountered. Nosotros also had to ask a salesperson for the largest sizes—they stocked them but kept them hidden behind the counter, which we idea was ridiculous.
This article was edited past Catherine Kast, Anna Perling, and Jennifer Hunter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lightweight rain jacket?
At 0.9 pounds, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the lightest rain jacket we recommend. Available in both men and women's sizing, it's a simple, no-frills rain shell, and is lighter than the one.1 pound Columbia Watertight Ii Jacket or the 2 pound Helly Hansen Moss Rain Coat we like. The Torrentshell is constructed from Patagonia's proprietary (and lightweight) H2No fabric—the company'southward have on Gore-Tex-style light and breathable waterproof fabric—which helps keep the jacket's weight downward.
What is the best pelting jacket for backpacking?
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L for men and women is the best pelting jacket for backpacking because it's made from a low-cal and waterproof (yet breathable) fabric. With long sleeves, a large hood, and a generous cut, it covers your body well and can exist easily layered over whatsoever outfit you're hiking in.
What is the best pelting jacket for the coin?
The jackets we recommend from Columbia—the Women's Arcadia Coincidental Jacket, and the Men's Watertight II Jacket—offer a bang-up value. They're only as skilful at keeping water off as jackets that cost 3 times as much, and accept beautiful and flattering cuts. Both are available in a wider diversity of colors than any other pelting jacket nosotros tested (six colors in the women's jacket and x colors in the men's jacket).
Sources
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Kate Borgia, senior designer for outerwear at Eddie Bauer, e-mail interview , May xv, 2019
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Dan Simon, 50.L.Bean outerwear merchant manager, email interview , May xv, 2019
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Alexandra Ilyashov and Dominique Pariso, The Best Rain Jackets for Warm Conditions, According to People Who Work in Way, The Strategist , March 15, 2019
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Amanda Oleri, Best Raincoats For Women, Forbes , March vii, 2019
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Yang-Yi Goh, 15 Raincoats Handsome Enough to Make You Beg for Bad Conditions, GQ , April 19, 2018
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-rain-jacket/
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