The 9 Best Women’s Raincoats
For drizzle or downpours.
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
In this article
Alongside a windproofumbrellaand your favorite pair ofrain boots, a great raincoat will help you brave the elements and look good doing it. It’s an essential item to own, whether you’re encountering the occasional drizzly day or jumping over puddles for half of the year. And if you live in New York, as I do, you know that unexpected tropical rainstorms are a given throughout spring and summer. It helps to be prepared.
To find the best raincoats for women, I spoke with outerwear experts and stylish folks about their favorite women’s raincoats, then tried out their recommendations myself. Below, find nostalgic anoraks, hardshell hiking jackets, and everything in between. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the best women’sparkasandrain boots.
Updated on October 1, 2025
I refreshed this list for winter 2025, crowning Stutterheim’s Lightweight Stockholm our new best overall pick. It replaces the brand’s original Stockholm, which is heavier yet not significantly more waterproof. Arcteryx’s Beta jacket is our new best packable women’s raincoat, and Finisterre’s Litus jacket is our new best matte women’s raincoat.
Whatwe’relookingfor
Water resistance
In order to be 100 percent waterproof (as opposed to just water-resistant), a raincoat must be constructed from an impenetrable material like vinyl, plastic, or rubber. This style of raincoat is perfectly appropriate for city commutes, but not so much hiking or other athletic activities. For those, I looked for lightweight and packable jackets treated with a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating. A water-resistant jacket should keep you dry in all but the most extreme cases, and it will pack down and breathe much better than a traditional rubber coat.
Up until recently, most DWR garments made use of polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS (or, interchangeably, PFCs). PFAS break down very slowly, which is why you’ll hear them referred to as “forever” chemicals that are difficult to remove from natural ecosystems. They’re increasingly thought to harm both humans and animals, so many outdoor companies have taken the active step of replacing them with less harmful but similarly effective water-resistant tech, especially in light of recent and upcomingPFAS bansin 11 states. None of the raincoats listed here are made with PFAS.
For extra protection against the elements, I favored raincoats featuring reinforced seams, elasticized or velcro wrist cuffs, and covered zippers. For more information about the ins and outs of waterproofing, Strategist associate editor Jeremy Rellosa has written anextensive explaineron the topic.
Comfort
Because your raincoat should keep you comfortable as well as dry, I looked for options with lots of (preferably zippered) pockets, underarm ventilation, and adjustable hoods. Eric Goodwin, outerwear designer and founder ofLathley, advised us to avoid insulated rain jackets for more versatility. “You can always add warm layers underneath your rain jacket,” he points out, “but if it’s awarmrainy day, you can’t take away the insulation built into the jacket.”
Weight and length
I sought out a range of coats, jackets, anoraks and ponchos in varying lengths and weights, from classy trench coats to hard shells with stormproof hoods. The raincoat you choose will depend on its intended use: A mid-length, mid-weight jacket is ideal for dashing between subway stations, but when hiking, you probably just want something lightweight and breathable.
Best women’s raincoat overall
New! You can now save this product for later.
Water resistance:Waterproof shell, welded seams |Comfort:Two pockets, underarm ventilation, drawstring hood |Weight and length:Mid-length, mid-weight
Stutterheim’s very Scandinavian raincoats are constructed from cotton that has been coated in a thick layer of synthetic rubber. Sleek and unusually waterproof, they simply don’t allow rain to penetrate. Water beads against the jacket’s rubbery surface and can be wiped away with the swish of a hand as though it was never there. The brand makes several styles of waterproof jackets, but after spending the past three winters trying them all out, I think this lightweight option is the best for most people. It can be folded or rolled up for travel, and drapes and swishes against the body rather than hanging more stiffly. But the brand’s originalheavyweight Stockholmis also great and comes in afull-body-length versionfor serious storms. Size down, especially if your arms are on the shorter side.
Best less-expensive women’s raincoat
New! You can now save this product for later.
Rains Jacket
Water resistance:Waterproof shell, welded seams |Comfort:Two pockets, underarm ventilation, drawstring hood |Weight and length:Short length, light-weight
Danish brand Rains has become ubiquitous on water-slicked city streets in recent years, and for good reason. It makes some of the most aesthetically pleasing raincoats around, and they’re more affordable than Stutterheim’s, despite being similarly waterproof. Having worn both, I’ve found that Rains jackets are far thinner and swishier in fit. Some more subtle design differences include a shorter length, hidden snap buttons, and colored drawstrings. China-manufactured Rains jackets are completely synthetic, whereas European-manufactured Stutterheims are constructed from waterproof cotton. The standard Rains jacket has the best everyday length, but I also like theA-lineandponchoversions.
Best packable women’s raincoat
New! You can now save this product for later.
Water resistance:DWR triple shell, reinforced zippers, Velcro cuffs |Comfort:Two pockets, underarm ventilation, adjustable hood |Weight and length:Short length, mid-weight, packable
I travel and hike a lot, and this Arc’teryx jacket is the first thing I pack in my suitcase or backpack every time. Yes, $500 is a lot of money to spend, but this thing weighs practically nothing and can be scrunched down and stored very easily; I recently stuffed it into my Baggu crescent bag for a Chappell Roan show at Forrest Hills and still had enough space for my wallet, phone, and a couple of merch-store purchases. It is exceptionally waterproof yet never stifling or sweaty; the fabric has a uniquely light and crisp feel. Strategist senior writer Lauren Ro recently acquired one and raved to me about how it kept her perfectly dry on deck during a particularlyrainy Alaskan cruise. The fit is rather slim, so size up if you know you’ll be wearing several layers.
Best less-expensive packable women’s raincoat
New! You can now save this product for later.
Patagonia Women’s Houdini Jacket
Water resistance:DWR nylon |Comfort:Elastic cuffs, zippered pocket, adjustable hood |Weight and length:Short length, lightweight
Way cheaper than Arctery’x and often on sale, this Patagonia jacket is literally designed to be as packable as possible, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers, hikers, and backpackers. You could even keep it stashed away in your everyday tote. Camilla Cho, SVP of e-commerce at Vox Media,ownstwo Houdinis and says the fabric is “so light that you forget you have it on” yet still forms a solid barrier against rain. She likes how it packs into its own pocket and can be tossed into any bag, and adds that it is “perfect for exercising outdoors when it’s a bit breezy.”
Best matte women’s raincoat
New! You can now save this product for later.
Water resistance:Two-layer waterproof shell, reinforced zipper, taped seams |Comfort:Large pockets, two-way zipper, adjustable hood |Weight and length:Mid-length, mid-weight
With its big rectangular pockets and flattering oversize fit, this raincoat looks and feels like an everyday parka but is secretly much more rainproof. The exterior cotton-blend fabric is matte and soft to the touch, but a waterproof interior lining prevents water from ever soaking through. If you’re the kind of person who thinks a shiny raincoat ruins their outfit, or who just wants to buy one autumn coat that can be worn in both wet and dry weather, here’s an ideal solution. I feel very put-together when wearing mine with a knitted sweater and jeans.
Best asymmetrical women’s raincoat
New! You can now save this product for later.
Water resistance:Waterproof shell |Comfort:Snap cuffs, removable hood |Weight and length:Long length, light-weight
I first heard about this coat from a Strategist reader based in rainy Portland, who told me that she, alongside “nearly a dozen” friends and family members of all shapes and sizes, are happy wearers. I simply had to try one out for myself, and found the style to be lightweight and swishy yet highly protective. Its dual-length hem (shorter at the front, longer at the back) is flattering and make wearing this coat feel like less of an imposition — sometimes the silhouettes of the Stutterheim and Rains jackets above can be a little blocky. I also recommend this coat to anyone who hates the feeling of their raincoat hood slipping off all the time, as it comes with an adjustable buckle that keeps things more secure than a drawstring. To complete the look, Ilse Jacobsen also makes a greatpair of rain boots.
Best sustainable women’s raincoat
New! You can now save this product for later.
Water resistance:Waterproof recycled plastic shell |Comfort:Drawstring, two side pockets |Weight and length:Mid-length, mid-weight
Based out of Nova Scotia, Fairechild designs matching raincoats and rain pants for both kids and adults, utilizing a unique waterproof fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Yet the style of these raincoats is so nostalgic that you’d never expect their very modern environmental credentials. I heard about the brand’s boxy chore-style raincoat from Midcoast Maine-based photographerBea Helman, who says its recycled fabric is “incredibly lightweight while being so waterproof — and it looks very classic.” She notes that it’s rare to find a vintage-style raincoat “that’s also outdoorsy,” but that this one looks cute and holds its own against the coastal elements. “My husband is an oyster farmer and everything gets covered in mud and salt. So for him, if he can’t have it last for years and years, there’s just no point. It’s useless to us.”
Best women’s waxed jacket
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Water resistance:Water-resistant waxed-cotton shell |Comfort:Cotton lining, handwarmer pockets, optional hood |Weight and length:Short length, mid-weight
With heritage designs favored bySuccessioncharacters and British royals, Barbour’s waxed-cotton jackets have a unique texture that’s shinier than Finisterre’s, above. While these classic olive-green coats aren’t as waterproof as, say, Arctery’x’s , Goodwin notes, “They can definitely stand up to light rain,” and they’ll last forever, developing an attractive patina over time. Plus, “you can rewax them yourself if they start to lose their water resistance.” Unfortunately, you will have to separately purchase the brand’s hood for optimum rain protection — but the extra $55 is well worth it.
Best women’s rain poncho
New! You can now save this product for later.
SOL Heat Reflective Poncho
Water resistance:Waterproof shell, reinforced seams |PFAS:PFAS-free |Comfort:Heat-reflecting |Weight and length:Mid-length, lightweight
If you’re happy to lean into theMaid of the Mistlook, this affordable and reusable poncho is a “lifesaver” according to Matt Young, the head of marketing and e-commerce at Brooklyn-based outdoors storeHatchet Outdoor Supply Co.Weighing just 2.7 ounces, the waterproof, wind-resistant, and heat-reflective poncho can be packed up compactly enough to fit in your pocket, he says. “It’s ideal for unexpected downpours, rainy hikes, outdoor events — and serves as a warm and dry shelter in emergencies.” Plus, unlike plastic or polyester, the material is tear-resistant and quiet, so the poncho won’t rip or rustle while you walk.
Some more women’s rain gear we’ve written about
Ourexperts
• Camilla Cho, SVP of e-commerce at Vox Media
• Eric Goodwin, outerwear designer and founder ofLathley
• Bea Helman,photographer
•Lauren Ro, Strategist senior writer
• Matt Young, head of marketing and e-commerce,Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co.
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links,New Yorkmay earn an affiliate commission.
