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This winter, I decided to make a purchase I’d avoided for more than four decades: it was finally time to buy a waterproof jacket. The recent spell of truly repulsive weather and the demise of yet another umbrella (with three children in tow, they usually enjoy a lifespan of approximately 24 hours in our household) broke my resolve. So with a heavy heart, I began my search.
Traditionally, hard-working outerwear is created for those who need it purely for practical purposes – I was resigned to getting something ugly, designed for the north face of the Eiger, that would make me look dowdy. But how wrong I was.
Dinah wears the Motion Parka, £220, sweatybetty.com
Today’s macs combine serious functionality with genuine style – and the choice is vast. Waterproof jackets are no longer the preserve of the outdoorsy set; the High Street and designer labels alike are delivering high-tech pieces with a fashion-forward aesthetic. I’ve managed to find a jacket that’s both school run and office appropriate, and that I can wear to an event in the evening. Best of all, I can arrive appropriately dry in the face of a surprise downpour, without compromising on style. Here are the best waterproof jackets available now: durable, on-trend, and genuinely wearable….
A classy longline parka with a funnel neck, hood and elasticated cuffs. I’m 5’10”, this sits comfortably below my knees, offering real protection without overwhelming me. It nips in at the waist so I never feel swallowed, and the snug cuffs look elegant while doing a very effective job of keeping the rain out – I stayed completely dry after a long cycle in miserable weather. Practical, flattering and genuinely worth the investment. Windy, torrential or just drizzling, this won’t let you down.
The hood, deep pockets and khaki colour give this a cool, vintage parka feel, but it’s the colourful details that won me over – bold stripes and contrast poppers, particularly the flash of bright fuchsia. It’s cut oversized, with shorter, wide sleeves, but there’s a drawstring waist can be cinched to create shape. It’s a statement piece that doesn’t sacrifice functionality for style. With this in your arsenal you’ll be happy to see rain!
The most substantial of the lot – with a thick jumper underneath, this could even double up as a winter coat (which makes it good value for money). It’s a slightly A-line shape, and the longline cut, which sat well below my knee, offers generous protection from surprise puddle splashes. The Stormwear Ultra Technology, complete with fully taped seams, does exactly what it promises in a downpour, while the mesh lining keeps things breathable. An adjustable hood and cuffs help lock in warmth, while the two front pockets are satisfyingly roomy
I’ve never been a dry-robe devotee (despite loving a cold-water swim), but F&F’s fleece-lined waterproof has converted me. It’s the most comfortable of the lot, hands down, feels like your wearing a warm hug. I could wear it to a meeting, though it definitely skews more casual than the others. It’s perfect for the school run but less acceptable for breakfast at the Ritz (You never know!). Plenty of space for layering clothes underneath but you really don’t need much – fabulously insulated all on its own. Oh, has fabulous inside pockets too – brilliant design.
The best truly waterproof trenchcoat – this felt considerably smarter, certainly office appropriate. Comes with a detachable hood and is available in petite, regular and tall in six different colourways. If this burnt orange (Hazel) isn’t for you the also have brilliant blue (Lake), classic beige (Seed) and a rich burgundy (Merlot). It’s also the most size inclusive available from 8 – 28.
Fabulously lightweight, this is the jacket I can roll up and slip into my handbag, though unsurprisingly, it has more of a festival feel than some of the others. The silhouette can be adjusted at the hem and cuffs for a neater fit that keeps wind and rain firmly out. Easy, unfussy and completely functional. The pale blue colourway is fun, and the cropped style means you don’t feel like you’re wearing a tent.
