12 Best Raincoats and Jackets for Women, Tested by Experts

The Torrentshell 3L Jacket from Patagonia features technical design elements like pit zips and a breathable membrane that make it great for sporting on the hiking trail, but the look is simple enough for everyday wear, too. When we reviewed the jacket in our Lab, we were impressed by its taped seams, which are sealed on the inside so water stays out. The main zipper is covered in a placket, too, and the ventilating pit zips are welted for even more defense against the rain. Plus, the hood is structured and can be adjusted so it stays in place, and a stiff brim keeps rainy weather out of sight.

One tester who wore this rain jacket in both heavy rain and light showers shared that she stayed dry and comfy inside this style. Another described the jacket as "fashionable and lightweight." Both testers appreciated the adjustable cuffs for a tighter fit and loved that the jacket can be packed down into its own pocket for traveling. We and our testers agree that although the substantial material is ideal for repelling rain, it's quite noisy and crinkles loudly, especially compared to other jackets we evaluated.

With thousands of reviews on Amazon and a price tag of just $60 (and typically on sale for less), this popular rain jacket from Columbia is a total steal. It's still equipped with tons of features like a stowaway hood that can be tucked into the collar when you're not using it, drawstrings at the hem and hood for a better fit, adjustable cuffs to keep wet weather out and zippered pockets for secure, dry storage. It even packs down into its own pocket. However, there's no mesh lining or ventilation incorporated into the jacket, and the zipper isn't covered by a placket to prevent water from seeping in, which makes this pick less ideal to wear in heavier downpours or really hot weather.

Our tester shared that she loves how lightweight and quiet the jacket is and added that she enjoys wearing it even when it's not raining. One analyst who has exclusively worn Columbia's rain jackets for years says the quality of the brand's rain gear is great for the affordable price point, and the jackets continue to perform well in the rain long after purchasing them.

Raincoats with longer hemlines provide extended coverage from wet weather. The thigh-length raincoat from Athleta is cut to have a relaxed fit, but a shirred panel in the back lends the jacket a more defined shape, although still stretchy and comfortable. One tester who tried this jacket was impressed by the overall fit and shared that the shirring was "flattering."

The recycled polyester material is covered in a water-repellent finish, and the seams are sealed to prevent rain from seeping through. We love that the front zipper closure is shielded by a panel of metal snaps for a double layer of protection from the elements. When our tester wore the raincoat in wet conditions, she felt protected from the rain but noted that the jacket is a bit stuffier than others she's worn. Because it doesn't feature a breathable lining or any zippered vents, we don't recommend this for activities like hiking or for wearing in warmer temperatures. Available in sizes XXS to 3X, as well as petite and tall, we do appreciate the more inclusive size range.

Fashionable rainwear brand Rains has put a contemporary spin on the traditional rain jacket. Slouched shoulders, oversized sleeves and a large brim on the hood contribute to a more modern silhouette, and the basic hardware including color-coordinating hood pulls and large, flat snaps create a minimalistic look. We appreciate the back yoke design, which helps move rain away from the body and also conceals the back vents — there to improve air circulation and comfort.

A water-repellent coating covers the material, and the seams are sealed so that wet weather stays out. However, the snap closure on the front and pockets won't provide as much protection from the rain as a more secure zippered closure. The brand also offers coordinating (and equally as stylish) rain pants and other rain jacket styles including capes and parkas.

More than 5,000 Amazon reviewers have been impressed by this raincoat from Charles River Apparel, giving it five-star ratings with several even describing it as "perfect." Users highlight features like its convenient double zipper, drawstring hood and zippered pockets. For ventilation and comfort, there are small grommeted holes in the armpits and a mesh lining inside. Both we and online reviewers appreciate the vibrant color choices and reflective details for increased visibility in rainy conditions, including a large reflective strip across the back.

The brand says the seams are sealed shut to prevent water from seeping inside, and the chest is designed with a fabric yoke so that rain rolls away from the body. Just know that the care instructions recommend hand-washing, and the jacket price changes depending on color and size selection, but we've found most options to be in the $50 to $60 range.

A traditional style with a bit of modern flair, Everlane's take on the Macintosh is good for those looking for something more formal. From afar, it looks like a standard coat, but it's designed to protect you from wet weather. We appreciate the tight cotton twill weave material that's covered in a water-resistant finish that repels water. Large fabric yokes encourage water droplets to roll down the shoulders and away from the body. The thoughtful design helps you to stay drier.

One GH Institute analyst who has worn this raincoat loves the classic look and appreciates the longer hemline for more coverage from the elements. She says the oversized fit leaves plenty of room underneath for layering in colder weather. According to our analyst, rain beads on the fabric's surface and can easily be shaken off or brushed loose once she steps indoors. Note that there is no hood, and the coat has a button front, so it doesn't provide the same level of protection from the rain as other raincoats we've evaluated. If you're looking for a belted style, try Everlane's traditional trench design.

Described as "stylish" and "super flattering" by online reviewers, this simple raincoat from L.L.Bean is a less technical design that's great for everyday use. Reviewers say it's perfect to wear everywhere from a daily work commute to a waterfall hike. We appreciate the breathable mesh lining and the quality polyester microfiber material, which has a softer, more comfortable feel than other slick rain jackets. Plus, a tapered cut combined with a cinchable drawstring waist creates a more defined silhouette.

Online reviewers say the coat's primary flaw is its pockets, which are shallow and have no closures, so your belongings are more susceptible to getting wet. Along with this hip-length style, L.L.Bean also offers a longer version that hits mid-thigh if you prefer a longer fit and a PrimaLoft-lined option that's better for cold weather.

Unique in design, we think this lightweight raincoat from Outdoor Research is ideal for someone who loves to hit the trails — even when the weather is wet. On each side, you'll find two-way zippers running from the armpit to the hem that can be completely opened for ultimate ventilation. This also allows you to wear it over your pack to help keep your gear dry. Some online reviewers complain that the jacket is a bit snug around the hips, but opening the zippered vents just slightly at the hem creates a roomier fit.

The raincoat also implements a Gore-Tex membrane, which is covered in microscopic holes that are too small for water droplets to pass through but large enough for sweat vapor to escape. In turn, it's super breathable, and you'll stay dry from both rain and sweat. One tester who wore the style hiking in a tropical climate raved, "This jacket is a 10 out of 10!" and added that it kept her dry and comfy in humid conditions. When we evaluated the raincoat in our Lab, we appreciated the substantial material that still had nice flexibility and didn't crinkle as much as other jackets we assessed.

One GH Textiles Lab analyst "swears by" this Lululemon running jacket, adding that she wears it everywhere, even when the weather isn't wet. We're regularly impressed by the quality of Lululemon's products (like its top-tested leggings) and love this jacket's durable yet stretchy outer shell that's waterproof to repel rain and acts as a barrier to the wind.

The structured stand collar and hood fit snuggly around the face to keep wet weather out, and a fleece-lined interior means this jacket will help you to stay warm in cooler conditions. On each side of the jacket is a panel of stretch fabric for breathability, and our analyst says the stretch panels help keep her from turning into a sweaty mess while she's exercising. Two zippered pockets protect your belongings while you work out, and in the back, you'll find a hidden phone sleeve for extra security during your workouts.

Modeled after a traditional fisherman's jacket, this raincoat is designed to withstand strong downpours. It's made with a durable polyurethane material, which blocks out water, and the seams are reinforced to keep you dry. Online reviews describe the jacket as "completely waterproof" and "the best jacket ever." We appreciate that both a zipper and snaps line the front of the jacket for added protection from the elements. Although the side pockets aren't zippered, they are covered with fabric flaps and reinforced with rivets for added security.

Adjustable snaps at the cuffs and a drawstrings in the hood are helpful to achieve a better fit and stop wet weather from dripping inside. The brand offers a longer version for even more coverage, as well. Know that the material and design are not very breathable, and there are no zippered vents or mesh panels to allow for airflow, either.

This raincoat from The North Face has a simple design but tons of functional features that make it ideal for everyday wear. The front yoke and pocket flaps are placed at an angle to create a tapered silhouette, and a curved drop-tail hemline hits below the hips and is a bit longer in the back for additional coverage.

We're impressed by the hook and loop closures that cover the jacket zipper, as well as the elastic detailing around the cuffs. Both provide additional defense from the rain. Inside, a mesh material lines the back and shoulders to improve airflow, but the jacket doesn't feature pit zips or additional ventilation, which can make it a bit stuffy. The fitted hood can be adjusted with drawstrings on either side, and the standing collar adds an extra layer of protection from wet weather when the jacket is fully zipped.

Our testers and pros alike were both impressed by this parka that's designed to protect you against wet winter weather. Construction details like a fleece lining and insulation provide warmth, while a waterproof outer shell, sealed seams and structured hood shield you from the elements. There are plenty of pockets — both inside the coat and out — with zipper closures to keep your belongings secure and drawstrings at the waist, wrists and hood for a secure fit.

One tester rated the coat highly for quality and comfort but did note that the thick material is pretty loud in comparison to other coats she's worn. She added that the jacket is perfect for everyday wear when the weather is chilly and wet and that it kept her dry and warm. Available in regular, petite, tall and plus sizes, the size options for this raincoat are more inclusive than most.