The 9 Best Women’s Rain Jackets We Tested That Are Waterproof, Stylish, and Comfortable

Woman in rain jacket — Photo: People/Joy Kim

Whether you're a fan of the rain or not, having a good rain jacket in your wardrobe will make things a little more enjoyable; however, like finding the ideal pair of jeans, finding the right rain jacket can take some trial and error.

We tested 23 women's rain jackets to find out which ones are comfortable, well-designed, and most importantly, waterproof. These are the best women's rain jackets.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Columbia Switchback III Jacket at Amazon ~~$60~~ $45

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Best Overall (Cheaper):

Little Donkey Andy Waterproof Rain Jacket at Amazon $70

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Best Breathable:

Kari Traa Women's Voss Jacket at Amazon $210

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Best Packable:

33,000ft Packable Rain Jacket at Amazon

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Best Long:

Helly Hansen Long Belfast Jacket at Amazon $160

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Best Lightweight:

SALE

Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket at Zappos ~~$150~~ $112

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Best Waterproof:

Outdoor Research Aspire II Gore-Tex Jacket at Outdoorresearch.com

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Best Investment:

Outdoor Research Aspire Super Stretch Jacket at Amazon $210

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Best Active:

Kühl Women's Stretch Voyager Jacket at Kuhl.com $179

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Best Overall

Columbia Switchback III Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

$45 at Amazon $38 at Zappos View on Zappos

Star Qualities

Wide size range includes plus sizes
Folds into its own hand pocket, making it easy to travel with
Length, cut, and style are great for everyday

Red Flags

Could appear bulky with multiple layers underneath

The Columbia Women's Switchback III Jacket passed each of our tests with flying colors, winning best overall for how it repels water as well as its breathability, sturdy construction, and comfort. It’s also just the right length, cut, and style to make it a great everyday rain jacket, though if you have multiple layers underneath, it could appear bulky. The jacket comes in over 25 shades and several sizes (including plus sizes) and has several unique features, like adjustable cuffs and the ability to fold and pack into itself for easy traveling.

The jacket is made of a nylon shell that did not make us feel overly warm or humid during testing. Once the jacket was exposed to water, the droplets beaded immediately and slid right off without compromising the fabric's shape or coloring. We were also impressed with the jacket's fit — it didn't restrict movement at all, which is a notable feature, particularly for those with larger chests.

Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 27 | Material: Polyester, nylon

PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall (Cheaper)

Little Donkey Andy Waterproof Rain Jacket

Little Donkey Andy Women's Waterproof Rain Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

$64 at Amazon $57 at Littledonkeyandy.com

Our Ratings

Water Resistance

5/5
Design

4.5/5
Comfort

5/5
Breathability

3/5
Value

5/5

Star Qualities

Hood has a structured bill to keep water off your face
Drawstrings on the hood and waist keep the jacket securely closed

Red Flags

Shorter than others we tried, so it offers less protection from the rain

Women’s rain jackets can be pricey, but the Little Donkey Andy Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket proves you don't have to put a dent in your wallet to stay dry and protected. The jacket displayed impressive durable water repellency, with the water beading up immediately and remaining that way for the full five minutes of the water test. No water reached the interior of the jacket, allowing us to stay completely dry throughout our tests.

A slanted chest pocket makes it easy to store and reach your personal belongings, while the drawstrings on the hood and waist, as well as the adjustable cuffs, offer a more personalized fit. While the jacket lacks coverage past the hips, it's a great option for quick errands around town.

Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 11 | Material: Polyester

PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Breathable

Kari Traa Women's Voss Jacket

PHOTO: Kari Traa

$210 at Amazon $300 at Karitraa.com $210 at Backcountry.com

Our Ratings

Water Resistance

5/5
Design

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Breathability

5/5
Value

5/5

Star Qualities

Longer cut covers more of the body
Soft stretch makes it great for layering
Armpit vents allow proper airflow, so it’s great for activities like hiking or running

Red Flags

Limited size and color options
Pricier than others we've tried

The Voss Jacket from Kari Traa offers plenty of protection from the rain. Water rolls right off the fabric, and the hood does a good job at keeping the head and face dry. Most impressive, during testing we noted that despite being lightweight, it still kept us warm.

We loved the armpit zippers, which allowed for air circulation and kept things breathable. Adding to its thoughtful design are the roomy front pockets, which we discovered were large enough to fit a water bottle. And, attached to the pocket of the jacket is a bag that you can use to wrap the jacket in for easy storage and travel. The jacket had a smooth-as-butter feel, and we were able to move freely without feeling restricted, even with layers underneath. We could have easily been wearing a thick hoodie underneath the jacket and still had plenty of room and range of motion.

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester

PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Packable

33,000ft Packable Rain Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Amazon

Our Ratings

Water Resistance

4.5/5
Design

4.5/5
Comfort

5/5
Breathability

5/5
Value

5/5

Star Qualities

Three adjustable drawstrings on the hood offer maximum rain protection
Inner lining has ample ventilation
Allows for a full range of motion

Red Flags

Hand wash only

This jacket was designed to tackle all types of downpours, from light drizzles to rain storms. During our testing, we were impressed with how waterproof the jacket was. We felt completely dry during each test and noticed that water rolled right off the jacket once shaken. If you need some more breathability, the jacket has two mesh-lined air vents underneath the arms and an excellent range of motion.

While most women’s rain jackets feature an adjustable drawstring at the front of the hood, this one features two, plus an additional drawstring on the back of the hood to provide even better coverage. We also appreciated how packable this jacket is; it comes with a drawstring packing bag that it easily folds into.

Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 14 | Material: Polyester

PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Long

Helly Hansen Long Belfast Jacket

Helly Hansen Women's Long Belfast Jacket

PHOTO: Helly Hansen

$160 at Amazon $195 at Zappos View on Hellyhansen.com

Our Ratings

Water Resistance

5/5
Design

4.5/5
Comfort

5/5
Breathability

5/5
Value

5/5

Star Qualities

Maintains warmth and has room for layering
Repelled water well, and the hood did a good job protecting the face from water

Red Flags

Oversized logo on the hood may not appeal to everyone

The Helly Hansen jacket will keep you dry while looking fashionable. Its long, structured silhouette frames the body so well it looks custom-made. You won't find any fancy bells and whistles with this jacket, but its simple design is what makes it so appealing for everyday wear.

In terms of performance, the jacket ranked high. We loved how well the rain jacket repelled water, keeping us dry during testing. The water didn't absorb into the exterior fabric — it looked like it was sitting on top of the jacket. The hood was also noteworthy: It did a good job at covering our face and is adjustable with two fasteners located on either side.

Sizes: XS-5XL | Colors: 4 | Material: Polyester

PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Lightweight

Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

$112 at Zappos $100 at Marmot.com $100 at Backcountry.com

Our Ratings

Water Resistance

5/5
Design

4/5
Comfort

5/5
Breathability

4/5
Value

4.5/5

Star Qualities

Can be machine washed
Hood can be stored inside the collar when not needed
Easy to fold and pack into itself, which makes it convenient for traveling

Red Flags

Zippers can be finicky

When the Marmot Women's Precip Waterproof Rain Jacket is involved, there's no chance rain will seep in. During testing, water rolled right off the jacket's surface rather than soaking through the fabric. There are several protective features in place, such as an extended collar that guards the chin, taped seams that seal out the rain, and an adjustable hood that can easily be tucked away when not in use. The jacket itself can also be folded and packed into itself so it’s easy to pack in a smaller bag.

The jacket overall has a lightweight, comfortable, and flexible construction. While it's not super warm in and of itself, there's plenty of space to add additional layers underneath. It’s also machine washable so you can easily keep it fresh and clean. One thing to note is that the zippers can become finicky and stick at times.

Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 15 | Material: 100% nylon

PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Waterproof

Outdoor Research Aspire II Gore-Tex Jacket

$Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket$

PHOTO: Outdoor Research

View on Outdoorresearch.com $90 at REI $90 at Backcountry.com

Our Ratings

Water Resistance

5/5
Design

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Breathability

5/5
Value

4/5

Star Qualities

Hood and collar are very protective
Lightweight, second-skin feel
Side zippers offer ample ventilation

Red Flags

Pricier than others we've tried

This jacket is ideal for drizzles and torrential downpours alike. Water slid right off the jacket during our tests, whether it was sprayed, dropped, or showered on. Every inch of this raincoat is waterproof, so no water reached the inside of the jacket at any point throughout the test.

The jacket displayed a strong and well-shaped design but with a comfortable, soft texture. It has a protective hood and collar as well as side zippers for breathability. We love that it is fitting for all seasons, yet doesn’t feel constricting. It was also lightweight and easy to fold. It is on the pricey side, but we think it's worth it for the impressive quality.

Sizes: XS-4X | Colors: 13 | Material: 2-layer GORE-TEX PACLITE textile

$A person gets sprayed with water while wearing the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket.$

PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
$A person drops water on the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket.$

PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
$A close-up of the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket's phone pocket.$

PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
$A person unzips the side of the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket.$

PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
$The Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket laying on grass.$

PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

$A person gets sprayed with water while wearing the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket.$
$A person drops water on the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket.$
$A close-up of the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket's phone pocket.$
$A person unzips the side of the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket.$
$The Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket laying on grass.$

Best Investment

Outdoor Research Aspire Super Stretch Jacket

Outdoor Research Women's Aspire Super Stretch Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

$210 at Amazon View on Outdoorresearch.com $210 at Backcountry.com

Our Ratings

Water Resistance

5/5
Design

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Breathability

5/5
Value

5/5

Star Qualities

Long side vents offer ample ventilation
Pocket has a hidden clip for your keys
Great for athletic use thanks to stretch panels, adjustable cuffs, and a full-coverage hood

Red Flags

Color selection is limited

The Outdoor Research Women's Aspire Super Stretch Jacket is a piece worth investing in if you're a hiker, climber, or otherwise outdoor enthusiast. For one, it proved its waterproofing capability during the water test. We were impressed to see the water beads essentially remain unchanged as they hit the jacket — the water beads fell along the jacket, looking as though none of the water was absorbed.

The jacket also features stretch panels that allow you to move, walk, and climb without feeling constricted, as well as long side vents that run from the top of the underarm to the jacket's hem for times you need to let in some air.

Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 4 | Material: Gore-Tex with stretch technology 2L, 37% nylon, 44% polyester, 19% elastane panels

PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Active

Kühl Women's Stretch Voyager Jacket

PHOTO: Kuhl

$179 at Kuhl.com $179 at Scheels.com

Our Ratings

Water Resistance

4.5/5
Design

5/5
Comfort

4.5/5
Breathability

5/5
Value

5/5

Star Qualities

Reflective trim adds nighttime visibility
Substantial brimmed hood protects the head and face from rain
Drawstring in the interior offers a better fit

Red Flags

Doesn't add much warmth

The Kühl Stretch Voyager Jacket offers a fitted look but has the stretch for performance wear, making it great for active wearers. It has a reflective trim (helpful during times of compromised visibility) along with a watertight two-way zipper for full enclosure. It also features a substantial hood and brim for head and face protection. The jacket passed our water test completely; the water beaded up immediately and rolled off easily.

It also has a comfortable fit, with a drawstring that allows you to cinch it in. It isn’t the warmest rain jacket we tested, but it has ample space to layer on colder days. In any case, we found that it has just the right amount of stretch and doesn't have that sticky, stuck feeling that a lot of rain jackets give you on your bare skin.

Sizes: XS-1X | Colors: 7 | Material: Polyester

PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim
PHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Other Women's Rain Jackets We Tried

Cole Haan Women's Packable Hooded Rain Jacket: If you're looking for a lightweight, everyday rain jacket with a fitted style, this one is a great choice. The longer length offers more coverage, while the hood has an adjustable drawstring on each side to provide ample protection for your head and hair. Though this didn't pass the water test and wouldn't be suitable for considerable rain, it can handle light drizzles. Plus, it comes with a pouch that it easily folds into.
Lomon Raincoat Women Waterproof Long Hooded Trench Coat: This $45 rain jacket felt slightly damp after the water test, but what it lacks in waterproofing it makes up for in design. It comes in several different colors, from blue to yellow, and sits at the thigh to add more warmth. It also has an interior cincher to give it a tighter fit — great for lightly breezy days when you don't plan on layering.
Rains Long Jacket: This $125 jacket did a decent job at keeping water out, save for some flecks of water sitting at the bottom of the coat after shaking. It's considerably lightweight for how heavy-duty it is, plus it features two venting holes on the inner lining of the back of the jacket. Instead of zippers, there are metal buttons to close the jacket, which caused some water to fall in between the gaps during our tests.

What to Know About Women's Rain Jackets

Usage

One thing you should consider when buying a rain jacket is what its intended use will be. "There are rain jackets that are meant to withstand hours of rain, which are, on average, more expensive, heavier, and less packable," says Charlie Berg, Senior Product Manager of Outdoor Research. "If you're going to buy a rain jacket for traveling, it might be more important for the jacket to be lightweight, packable, and provide enough protection for the amount of time that you plan on being in the rain."

We love the 33,000 ft. Packable Rain Jacket for travel, as it’s lightweight, waterproof, and comes with its own drawstring bag. The same goes for outdoor activities like hiking. "If you're hiking in a location that is incredibly wet and you're going to get rained on a lot, then you may prioritize that extreme level of protection as opposed to weight or packability," said Berg. "On the other hand, if you're hiking in a place where you're probably not going to encounter long periods of drenching rain, you might choose a jacket that is lighter, easier to carry around, and less expensive." Our pick for the best active rain jacket, the Kühl Stretch Voyager Jacket, has a good amount of stretch, reflective trim, and a watertight two-way zipper.

Fabric

Women’s rain jackets are offered in three different basic material types, which are described as the number of layers that make up the shell. All-rain fabrics, or true waterproof fabrics, have at least two layers of fabric: an outer shell fabric, which is usually a woven polyester or nylon face that sheds water, and a second layer of a waterproof film or coating, which will always be invisible from the outside, says Berg.

There are also two-layer rain jackets, which Berg says tend to be a bit more bulky, affordable, and quite comfortable for everyday, basic use when you're not too concerned with packability and weight. Within this category of jackets are two-and-a-half-layer rain jackets, which tend to be lightweight, adequately protective, and a good option for hiking or as a travel rain jacket. "You'll be able to see the interior membrane or coating, but there will be a print on top of it that keeps the waterproof membrane off your skin for a more comfortable wear," says Berg.

Finally, on the more premium side of things is the three-layer rain jacket, which has an additional backer fabric on the inside covering and a waterproof membrane. Most three-layer style jackets are bulky, but they provide maximum coverage and water repellency.

Price

Generally speaking, just like with rain boots and other outdoor gear, women’s rain jackets with the highest levels of protection are going to be more expensive. According to Patrick Kenger, a personal stylist and image consultant, budget options typically won't have the same level of waterproofing and will be less comfortable than a more expensive rain jacket.

"These types of jackets may work short-term if you don't often go out in heavy weather, but otherwise, you'll want to look at a more premium option, as they'll include better materials and sealing, and can be a piece you'll be able to keep around long-term," he says. When purchasing, it helps to think about the frequency of use and use that to gauge price.

A person stands in a pool while water is sprinkled on them and they are wearing the Little Donkey Andy Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket. — People / Joy Kim

Behind the Scenes

Our PEOPLE Tested team put 23 women's rain jackets through extensive testing. For each of them, we looked at durability, comfort, design, and warmth.

Comfort + Design: Our testers evaluated each jacket's comfort, as well as its design features such as zippers, pockets, venting, hood, and any adjustable components. While wearing the rain jacket with the zipper closed, our testers performed 10 jumping jacks to test its breathability, evaluating whether it would be best for high-intensity activities like running or hiking, or only for casual wear.
Durability: To check the jacket's DWR (Durable Water Repellent), our testers took off the rain jacket and laid it completely flat on a table. They sprayed the jacket with a spray bottle three times and used a dropper to pour two milliliters of water onto the jacket. The testers looked for whether or not the water formed beads on the jacket. They let the water beads sit for five minutes, taking note of their shape and whether or not they absorbed into the fabric at any point.
Waterproof Claims: Our testers then put the jacket back on and placed two paper towels under the shoulders of the jacket. They stood under a watering can or portable shower for 30 seconds to test if water reached the inside of the jacket at any point as well as if the hood sufficiently covered and protected their head and face from the water. Finally, our testers were instructed to keep the jacket on for five minutes after the "shower," evaluating whether or not water absorbed into the jacket at any point. After five minutes, they unzipped and opened the rain jacket and looked at the paper towel and T-shirt underneath to note if there were any water spots on either.

People spraying water on the 33,000ft Women's Packable Rain Jacket and another coat — People / Joy Kim

Frequently Asked Questions

Which raincoat is best for heavy rain?

Hardshell jackets are a good option for heavy rain, as they're made with a waterproof membrane bonded to the fabric and typically come with features like taped seams and storm flaps, making them able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Kenger says to also look for special features that'll help keep you dry, like a removable hood to protect your head, elastic cuffs, and a longer length to protect your pants from splashes of water.
What is the best waterproof rating for a jacket?

"The waterproof rating you choose is largely subjective to your needs and frequency of use," says Kenger. Waterproof ratings are measured in millimeters (mm) and indicate how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it starts to leak.

For everyday rain showers, a jacket with a rating of 5,000mm to 10,000mm should suffice. However, if you expect heavy rain or plan to engage in outdoor activities in prolonged downpours, consider a jacket with a rating of 15,000mm or higher. Keep in mind that higher ratings often come with a higher price tag, so it's essential to balance your needs with your budget.
Is Gore-Tex a good rain jacket fabric?

According to Berg, Gore-Tex is a well-known brand in waterproof fabrics and does an excellent job of offering full protection. Specifically, Gore-Tex Paclite fabric is similar to a two-and-a-half layer material in that it's a lightweight but still quite protective fabric, says Berg. Our pick for the best waterproof jacket — the Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II Gore-Tex Jacket — is made with Gore-Tex Paclite. While not an inexpensive option, it's less expensive than three-layer Gore-Tex fabric and some other non-branded three-layer fabrics, making it a good choice for hiking and travel as well as situations where people want both a high level of protection and a non-bulky garment, says Berg.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

This article was written by Michelle Rostamian, a freelance writer for PEOPLE. Michelle consulted lab testing insights where our team put the women’s rain jackets through a series of challenges to see how they held up, as well as tapping experts like senior product manager of Outdoor Research Charlie Berg and personal stylist Patrick Kenger.

Meet Our Experts

Charlie Berg is the Senior Product Manager of Outdoor Research.
Patrick Kenger is a personal stylist and image consultant.

What Is People Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.