15 Best Rain Jackets for Women to Weather the Elements in Style
Updated: May 10, 2023
Whether you need a polished trench for the office or a hard-working shell for a hike, these raincoats have you covered.
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The best rain jackets for women
A great rain jacket is a warm-weather essential. From early spring showers to late-summer downpours, these toppers keep you dry, warm, and safe from the elements. But raincoats sometimes get a bad rap. While certainly practical, they can look drab and feel hot and clammy on the skin. Fortunately, modern brands are revolutionizing the raincoat space. The best rain jackets for women are lightweight, breathable, and fashion-friendly.
Just as you would when shopping for the best umbrellas and women’s rain boots, you’ll first want to consider a rain jacket’s waterproofing and durability. A 2.5 or 3-layer construction will be best in this department, as will an adjustable hood and hem to keep water out.
Consider, too, its breathability. These aren’t winter coats, so you won’t necessarily want to keep heat in. If you plan to do heavy hikes or workouts in your jacket, look for vents under the armpits to release sweat and moisture. Other factors to take into account are a raincoat’s weight, pockets, hood, color, and silhouette.
How we chose the best rain jackets
We scoured the Internet’s best shopping sites and combed through thousands of user reviews to find raincoats that were on-trend and lived up to the marketing hype. (It’s a tough job, but some shopaholic has to do it.) Each of the items on this list is highly regarded by outdoors experts, online reviewers, or both. So skip the endless scrolling and head straight to our vetted list of the best rain jackets for women.
Best overall rain jacket
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
The Torrentshell 3L Jacket from the outdoor experts at Patagonia is the quintessential rain jacket for women. It has all the high-tech features required for hiking, but it’s also perfectly appropriate for the office or grocery store. The hip-length piece has three layers for pristine waterproofing and durability, and zippers under the armpits allow you to vent hot air for better breathability. The entire jacket rolls up into the left-hand pocket, so you can tote it anywhere. Patagonia is one of the most sustainable clothing brands, so it should come as no surprise that this jacket is Bluesign approved, meaning the company took steps to reduce negative impacts on the environment and workers.
Pros:
- Available in size XXS to XXL
- 11 colorways
- High-tech features
- Bluesign approved for sustainability
Cons:
- Somewhat bulky, non-detachable hood
Best rain jacket on Amazon
Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket
Columbia is another reliable outdoor apparel brand, and more than 10,000 five-star reviewers on Amazon agree the lightweight Arcadia II jacket is top tier. The coat is fully waterproof and breathable, thanks to a nylon exterior and polyester mesh lining. There’s an adjustable storm hood, drawstring hem, and zip pockets for protecting your essentials. Plus, this Amazon bestseller is available in 43 hues, so you can live out all your brightly colored raincoat dreams.
Pros:
- Available in sizes XS to 3X
- Adjustable hood and hem
- 43 colorways
Cons:
- No armpit zips
Best splurge rain jacket
Helly Hansen Welsey II Trench Coat
Helly Hansen—a Norwegian label that creates clothes specifically for the world’s harshest environments—is a top brand to splurge on for one of the best rain jackets for women. The Welsey II comes in a classic double-breasted trench silhouette and features the company’s proprietary waterproofing. It’s fully seam-sealed for durability and lined for comfort, and it has a back ventilation system. In other words, you’ll be both comfortable and stylish. We suggest wearing it over your business casual favorites.
Pros:
- Fashion-forward classic trench silhouette
- Bluesign approved for sustainability
- Waterproof and windproof
Cons:
- Pricey
Best affordable rain jacket
Sunday Rose Women’s Rain Jacket
It’s perfectly acceptable to want to save money on your rain jacket. Fortunately, Sunday Rose has created an under-$25 option that doesn’t skimp on quality. The Sunday Rose rain jacket is versatile too: Its waist-length silhouette looks polished for both hikes and everyday wear. This Amazon wardrobe staple has an adjustable drawstring hood and hem, and it can fold into its pocket for portability during travel. “I bought this for a backpacking trip,” writes one five-star reviewer. “It did rain on our three-day trip, and I stayed dry underneath this jacket. A great purchase that has been with me on several trips since.”
Pros:
- Under $25
- Adjustable hood and hem
- Folds into pocket
Cons:
- No lining
Best lightweight rain jacket
L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket
A cool, lightweight jacket is essential for spring and summer, and this one fits the bill. The L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket is made with Tek technology for waterproofing and breathability. It has an adjustable hood, is made from 100 percent recycled nylon, comes in six colorways, and rolls up into one of its three pockets. The style is casual enough to wear with your best sandals and jeans, making it a no-fuss solution for rainy days. “The jacket is packable and light—just what I was looking for,” writes one reviewer.
Pros:
- Available in standard, petite, and plus sizes
- Machine wash and dry
- Lightweight for all weather conditions
- Made with sustainable fabric
Cons:
- Requires additional lightweight layer in cooler temperatures
Best rain jacket for travel
Garnet Hill Longline Modern Trench
The best rain jackets for women who love to travel are lightweight, can fold without becoming wrinkled, and can match a range of outfits. Garnet Hill’s Longline Modern Trench is a triple threat. It’s made of a soft and comfortable cotton-blend twill and has a two-way front zip and zip vents for breathability. A relaxed fit and below-knee hem add major style points, and a hidden hood provides practicality. “It’s my go-to travel jacket,” writes one reviewer. “[It’s] light, takes up no space, and does not wrinkle.”
Pros:
- Won’t require ironing after travel
- Machine wash and dry
- Stylish design
Cons:
- May fit large on petite sizes
Best rain jacket for petite and plus sizes
Lauren Ralf Lauren Balmacaan Hooded Raincoat
Finding the best rain jackets for women who are petite or plus size can be difficult, but the Balmacaan Hooded Raincoat happily meets the challenge. From the tailoring experts at Lauren Ralf Lauren comes an A-line, mid-thigh silhouette crafted for petite and plus sizes. The black and navy colorways will match any outfit, while the cotton-polyester blend and thick hood will keep you dry. It’s a closet staple that’ll make you look forward to rain showers.
Pros:
- Classic silhouette
- Machine washable
- Available in petite sizes XS to XXL and plus sizes 0X to 3X
Cons:
- Available in only navy and black
Best rain jacket for hiking
Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket
The Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket is highly regarded by experts in the outdoors community. It’s made of a combination of a microporous fabric that’s waterproof and breathable, and a recycled nylon fabric that’s environmentally conscious. The armpit zippers vent extra heat when you work up a sweat, and the drop-tail hem gives extra coverage beneath your backpack. Other features include zippered hand pockets, an adjustable hem, and a hood that can roll into the collar. Until you need it, you can fold the whole coat into its pocket for easy packing. Click “buy” on this spring must-have, lace up your favorite walking shoes, and hit the trails.
Pros:
- Armpit zippers
- Folds into a pocket
- 14 colorways
- Made with sustainable fabric
Cons:
- Athletic design may not suit certain situations
Best short rain jacket
The North Face Venture 2 Jacket
The North Face’s trusted Venture 2 Jacket features a waterproof outer layer and a breathable inner layer that allows water vapor to escape. It’s also 100 percent windproof and ready to face whatever elements come its way. There’s an adjustable hood, hem, and full front zip. “This is an awesome jacket: lightweight, waterproof, and breathable,” writes one reviewer. “I live in California, and I usually bike to work; this jacket is wind-proof.”
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Waterproof and windproof
- 7 colorways
- Available in sizes XS to 3XL
Cons:
- Hood is nondetachable
Best rain jacket for backpacking
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
This 2.5-layer piece will be your companion on any backpacking trip. The lightweight, breathable, and durable topper can fold into its chest pocket for portability. Plus, it’s made with Pertex’s Diamond Fuse technology, which makes it seven times more tear-resistant than Outdoor Research’s previous iteration of the Helium Rain Jacket. That means no matter how many times it rubs against your backpack, it will stay free of holes. “It’s exactly what I wanted for a backpacking jacket—super lightweight and packable,” writes one reviewer. Bonus: It’s available in six gorgeous colors.
Pros:
- Tear-resistant
- 2.5 layers yet lightweight
- Folds into a pocket
Cons:
- No hand pockets
Best long rain jacket
Gallery Full-Length Two-Tone Silk-Look Raincoat
There’s something about a full-length rain jacket that feels extra chic. Gallery’s raincoat comes in a versatile mushroom hue that will match everything in your wardrobe now and for years to come. It has a detachable hood and zip-out lining, so you can wear it during every season. It’s water repellent and machine washable. “The coat is warm, and the hood protects me from cold wind,” writes one reviewer. “The style, color, and two-tone design look great. Looking forward to wearing it sans liner for April showers!”
Pros:
- Removable liner
- Detachable hood
- Machine washable
Cons:
- The 50-inch length might require hemming.
- Available in only one color
Most stylish rain jacket
Trina Turk Vineyard 2 Coat
Further proof that rain jackets don’t have to be drab: Trina Turk’s mid-length Vineyard 2 Coat. The laminated twill jacket comes in a hunter-green hue that will catch everyone’s eye. A notched collar, double-breasted design, and pinky interior offer a finishing touch. Wear it with a stylish top for a day at the office or a night out with pals. You’ll find the elevated neutral much easier to style than you might think.
Pros:
- Unique color
- Classic silhouette
Cons:
- Available in only hunter green
Best size range
L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Coat
L.L. Bean’s Trail Model Rain Coat comes in petite, standard, and plus sizes. The entire range goes from petite XS to plus 3X. But it’s an absolute essential for reasons beyond sizing. Designed in a mid-thigh length, it has an adjustable hood, one chest pocket and two hand pockets, and an adjustable hem. Like our other favorite L.L. Bean pick, it uses Tek waterproof technology and is created from recycled nylon. While you’re shopping, be sure to check out all the warm socks you’ll want to slip on when you come in from the cool, rainy outdoors.
Pros:
- Wide range of sizes
- Folds into a pocket
- Mid-thigh length for extra protection
- Made with sustainable fabric
Cons:
- Available in only navy and black
Best breathable rain jacket
Outdoor Research Women’s Motive AscentShell Jacket
No one likes the feeling of a sticky or clammy raincoat, which is why Outdoor Research developed the Motive AscentShell Jacket. This spring essential is made with a three-layer, waterproof shell for durability and lightness. A robust ventilation system allows heat and sweat to escape no matter how hard you exert yourself. In a testament to its breathability, one five-star reviewer writes, “Although I’ve been wearing it for trail running, I think it will be a great jacket to have for backpacking in the summer.”
Pros:
- Well ventilated
- Available in sizes XS to XXL
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Requires layers, like a warm sweater, for cooler temperatures
Best work-appropriate rain jacket
Banana Republic Essential Trench Coat
A sleek and stylish rain jacket will serve you well for days at the office and nights on the town. The Banana Republic Essential Trench Coat offers impeccable tailoring, colors that swing from classic to beautifully bold, and a stunning interior lining. The knee-length piece is made from water-resistant cotton in a timeless silhouette that will complement everything from office-ready dresses to chic separates and will take you from brunch to the board room easily. One thing’s for sure: This piece will stay in style—and in your wardrobe—for a lifetime.
Pros:
- Available in sizes XXS to XXL, plus petites
- Water-resistant
- Classic silhouette
Cons:
- No hood
- Pricey
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