My Hunt for a Stylish, Non-Gorpy Raincoat

A good idea in theory — two coats in one — but disappointing in practice. The dual-sided belt snatches the waist and angled side pockets are appreciated. (So many raincoats have front pockets, not true side pockets, which is a design miss in my opinion. Side pockets feel ergonomic while front pockets are clunky to slip your hands into.) I loved the 100 percent cotton construction, but my excitement ended there. The solid, water-resistant side is rough while the plaid side has a slickness that borders on agarbage-bagfeeling. The sleeves fit very snugly — in a restrictive way — and the fabric felt slightly damp after 15 seconds under a full-blast faucet. Rating: 2/10

I had high hopes for this Boden rain jacket — or “rain mac,” as the Brits say. I’ll start with the good: The contrast of the hot-pink lining against the muted army green gives it a fashion-y edge that feels more elevated than your average utilitarian shell. The silhouette is clean and slightly tailored, thanks to a hidden drawstring waist that creates shape without feeling fussy, and the matte finish keeps it from veering into overly sporty territory. But the fabric was thick and stiff, making a distracting rustling sound every time I moved. My arm circle test was a challenge due to tight sleeves and chest. I’m petite with a medium build and generally size up for the bust and shoulders if I’m between sizes. Rating: 3/10

Out of the gate, this coat had a lot going for it. The fabric is lightweight and soft with a brushed handfeel. The rounded hem adds a little bit of pizazz and the drawstring waist brings structure to the drapey fabric. The color (a dusty sage) felt fresh, too — I wasn’t necessarily looking for something colorful, but always welcome something other than the usual neutrals I gravitate toward. But what kept this coat from being a winner had to do with the sleeves. The elasticized cuffs make it feel a bit cheap. They weren’t tight enough to provide function (read: blocked raindrops), but weren’t wide enough to add visual interest like a kimono or dolman sleeve would. In my water test, there was slight dampness in the lining, which all around made it a no for me. Rating: 4/10

This jacket is similar to the classic Beadnell but more fashion-forward: a slightly oversize fit, a more exaggerated corduroy collar, and shiny brass buttons (versus the more muted ones used onBarbour’s traditional styles). Upon first wear, its craftsmanship is notable. The waxed canvas is substantial, but not so stiff that arm circles are difficult. The corduroy collar is supremely velvety (I actually gasped at how plush it felt), with an attractive medium wale, and like most Barbour coats, you can add a hood. But surprisingly, what kept this coat from scoring higher was the zipper pull. It’s large — the size of an egg — and feels gaudy for a coat from such a heritage brand. It did hold up to the water test — which,thank goodness, because it’s the most expensive one on this list. Rating: 6/10

Out of the box, this jacket didn’t look like much. The collar is prominent and stands up smartly if you like a popped-collar look, and the back vent features a snap — a small but noticeable detail. While the fabric is more structured than free-flowing, it just feels nicely crisp rather than stiff. No arm or shoulder constriction to speak of. The waterproofing held up, and the hood is removable — although I personally wouldn’t remove it if I was wearing the coat in the rain. This style genuinely adds a little polish to your outfit. Solid choice … if only the pockets were on the side and not patch pockets, which are cumbersome to access. Rating: 7/10

The fabric is luxurious — smooth and buttery — so I wasn’t surprised to learn it’s Italian cotton twill. One of the longest coats I tested, its length felt Olsen-twin-ish. Adjustable belts at the wrist and waist made for a polished silhouette, although they were hard to adjust with one hand. The collar can stand up on its own and feels like something Eddie Redmayne would approve of. But despite all of its strengths, it lacks a hood, which I think is key for a true raincoat. And if I’m getting picky, the jacket’s many buttons and panels made for a slow buttoning and unbuttoning experience. Still, I’ll be wearing this for many seasons to come. Rating: 7/10

I know I said nothing that looked too technical, but I wanted to try this pullover because (1) I didn’t have any others in the lineup and (2) becauseFP Movement — even its technical pieces — leans more boho than serious hiker. While I learned I’m not a pullover fan (too hard to avoid makeup smears), I actually loved this one. Because of its traditional raincoat features (boxy silhouette, lots of zippers, front pouch pocket!), it can hold its own even with a dressier outfit — in an ironic, juxtaposed sort of way. The crisp white is fresh, the side pockets are deep, and it packs itself into a sling, which feels like a clever party trick — perfect for the raincoat-averse. Rating: 7/10

Who knew a $90 coat would be the hidden gem of this hunt? First, let’s talk about the length. I loved that it falls below the calf because you know what’s worse than a wet sweater? Wet pants. The internal bungee cords created an hourglass shape that felt feminine and fashion-y without trying too hard. The pockets are slanted which makes it a cinch to slip your hands into, but what really makes this coat stand apart is how lightweight it is, without feeling cheap. Made from recycled polyester, I was surprised by how buttery and airy it felt, and how soft the lining was — almost like your favorite vintage tee! It swished nicely as I walked, held up easily under water, and the Dark Spruce color is richly saturated. Rating: 8/10

I’ve had this Barbour number on my mind for a while because I liked the idea of a rain layer that felt more intentional than practical — less “technical shell,” more polished outerwear. A cape has a bit of drama to it, and I imagined it making even a rainy-day outfit feel pulled together. (It’s worth noting that while Barbour calls it a cape, it’s actually a jacket with a detachable cape.) The fabric feels substantial without any stiffness. It’s heavy enough that the cape looks structured (and therefore, adds impact to your outfit), and the deep olive hue is really tasteful. The pockets are perfect — slanted and deep — the lining is smooth and luxe, and it easily passed the waterproof test. The only downsides are the lack of hood and the roomy fit; I could have easily gone down two sizes from my regular size. Rating: 8/10

London-based Damson Madder has been on my radar for a while, mostly because its pieces feel playful without trying too hard. This was easily the most fashion-forward coat I tried, but not in an over-the-top way. The plaid feels classic rather than trendy, and the colors are vibrant and rich. Its unconventional silhouette (balloon sleeves, peplum waist) brings a flair rarely found in a raincoat, and the front zipped pocket is perfect for stashing a card holder or phone. The one thing it could improve is the hood. It just barely covers my head, with no extra room to pull it forward (and I’m fairly sure my head is average in size). I’m not one to seek out logos, but the red embroidered “DM” is a nice, hand-touched detail. Lastly, the weatherproofing is impressive. It repelled the water so well, it didn’t even bead. The water literally bounced off, even at my faucet’s highest pressure. Rating: 9/10

Yes, it’s spring, but I had to try out this waterproof down coat. Let me cut to the chase: It’s incredible. With fabric sourced from a Japanese mill that specializes in performance fabrics, the coat is matte and exceptionally soft. The premium down kept me incredibly warm while watching two of my kids’ lacrosse games in a downpour recently, but more importantly, it kept me dry. The brand says it’s engineered to keep you warm in temperatures up to minus-four-degrees Fahrenheit, and honestly, I’d fully support this being turned into a full-on rain suit. Not exactly seasonal right now, but your future winter self will thank you. Rating: 9/10