Besides keeping you dry, the best rain jackets for women are breathable, stylish and suitable for different climates and conditions. After testing many, I chose Outdoor Research’s Aspire II as my top pick overall because is offers excellent protection, whether you’re commuting to work or spending the day outdoors. My colleagues also rounded up additional recommendations, depending on if you want a fashionable rain parka for city days or a rugged option you can truly weather a storm in.
The best rain jackets for women can handle a light storm or a heavy downpour, depending on which ... [+]
When researching the contenders, I relied on my extensive experience as an outdoor gear tester and I also spoke with several experts, including Preeti Arya, an assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) who teaches courses on performance textiles, and Sara Ellis, a product specialist in the fabrics division at Gore-Tex. Here, the winners that emerged from my testing and the Vetted team’s separate review process.
Our Team’s Top Picks
- Best Rain Jacket For Women Overall: Outdoor Research Aspire II Gore-Tex Jacket
- Best Value Rain Jacket For Women: Helly Hansen Moss Raincoat
- Best Casual Rain Jacket For Women: Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket
- Best Breathable Rain Jacket For Women: Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Trench
- Best Performance Rain Jacket For Women: The North Face Antora Jacket
- Best Rain Parka For Women: Everlane The ReNew Anorak
- Best Warm Rain Jacket For Women: Finisterre Solus Waterproof Jacket
- Best Lightweight Rain Jacket For Women: Columbia Arcadia II Rain Jacket
- Best Rain Jacket With Removable Hood: Bernardo Rain Coat
Fabric: 100% polyester | Waterproofing: Two-layer Gore-Tex with Paclite technology | Size range: XS to 4X | Colors: 10 | Sustainability attributes: Bluesign-approved Gore-Tex | Warranty: Limited lifetime
Best for
- Everyday use, traveling and most outdoor adventures
- An active person on the go who needs a high level of breathability
- Someone who wants a comfortable lightweight shell that accommodates layers underneath
Skip if
- You need a rain jacket that will provide warmth in cold climates
If you want to own only one rain jacket, the Aspire II, is a versatile shell suitable for most climates and activities. The lightweight and packable jacket can withstand heavy precipitation, protects against the wind and is ultra breathable. It’s moderately priced for Gore-Tex and comes in a wide range of colors, and it is the most size-inclusive jacket I tested (women’s sizes are available from XS to 4X). While there are certainly more fashionable water-resistant jackets, none are likely to function as well and suit as many lifestyles as this one.
I wore the Aspire II while hiking, walking the dog, running errands and playing with my kid outside, and I stayed dry every time—even in an hourlong downpour. A handful of features keep the jacket watertight: seam tape, an internal storm flap, a drawcord hem, hook-and-loop cuffs and a brimmed hood. The hood’s double adjustment points (elastic drawcords on the chin and back of the head) allow for a customized fit that moves side to side with your head and doesn’t impede your peripheral vision.
Outdoor Research's Aspire II is a lightweight and packable jacket that can withstand heavy ... [+]
The Aspire II jacket also ranked high in breathability. The lightweight Paclite does its job of letting water vapor escape, and even after a 10-minute indoor rowing session, I didn’t feel overly clammy. Additionally, the jacket features zippered torso venting—two-way side zippers that run from the bottom hem to the underarm—and you don’t have to be a dedicated hiker or an outdoors person to appreciate the added functionality. This is a great travel feature, as the jacket can be tossed on over a backpack poncho-style when you get caught in a sudden shower, or it can fit over bulky layers. —Tested by Ebony Roberts
Fabric: Polyurethane | Waterproofing: Polyurethane (PU) coating | Size range: Women’s XS to XL | Colors: 3 | Sustainability attributes: Bluesign product | Warranty: Limited one-year
Best for
- Heavy rain and colder temperatures
- People looking for a classic fisherman-style rain jacket
- Urban commuting and light outdoor activities
Skip if
- You don’t like the rubbery feel of polyurethane, or if breathability is a top priority
If you need a great value rain jacket for colder climates that see a lot of precipitation, the Helly Hansen Moss can withstand heavy showers and is comfortable to wear. It’s one of the most rainproof and wind-protective jackets I tested. The Moss retails for about $100, and you can sometimes find it through various retailers on sale for as low as $60—a huge step down in price from many jackets similar in design. It’s not as breathable and packable as my top pick, but for casual everyday use, it looks good and will keep you dry.
The Moss aced my test where I stood in the shower wearing it, and handled heavy Pacific Northwest rain just fine. The thick rubbery fabric, welded seams, wrist snaps and storm flap over the front zipper make it nearly impossible for water to find a way in. The hood design isn’t as roomy as others, but it does cinch around the face well. I also preferred the longer length of the Moss as it kept more of my body dry during everyday errands. Unlike the other longer jackets I tested, the front zipper isn’t two-way adjustable, so mobility is slightly hindered when doing things that require you to bend or stretch your legs. If you like the style of the jacket but want something shorter, the Moss is also available in hip-length and stylish women’s trench.
The Helly Hansen Moss can withstand heavy showers and is one of the rainproof and wind protective ... [+]
The trade-off for such stellar water protection is that the Moss doesn’t excel at breathability, which is fine on a chilly morning, but if it’s warm outside or you’re doing something active, there’s nowhere for that heat to escape but through the perforated holes under the back yoke, which offer little ventilation. The care instructions say to avoid putting it in the dryer (heat can damage the rubbery polyurethane material), so it needs to air-dry, but the slick fabric is wipeable, so spot cleaning will extend the time between launderings. Helly Hansen offers a 1-year warranty on manufacturing defects, and the Moss comes with its own repair patch that you can use to fix small tears or holes at home. —Tested by Ebony Roberts
The Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Trench is a mid-thigh-length version of my top pick. It retains the everyday features that make the Aspire II a great jacket, but in a longer silhouette that’s especially suited to people who want a more stylish option, thanks to the cinchable waist and drop-tail hem. It’s great for urban settings, where you’re sitting on park benches and commuting on public transit, and it’s equally capable for general outdoor activities. If you plan to travel, the highly packable Aspire Trench takes up little room in a suitcase and can transition from city sightseeing to hiking in the rain.
The added length doesn’t feel restrictive around the legs because the two-way front zipper can be unzipped at the bottom for added movement. The side snaps can also be opened, which makes sitting down and bending your knees easier. I appreciated the extra leg protection the trench provides, and I did not miss the side-zip ventilation of the shorter version because the Gore-Tex material is already plenty breathable. During the rowing-machine test, I was able to move freely and didn’t overheat. The adjustable hood is large enough to fit most hairstyles and can be snugged up using the drawcord on the back (although it doesn’t stow, should you want to keep it completely out of the way or remove it).
The Aspire Trench's length doesn’t feel restrictive around the legs because the two-way front zipper ... [+]
The Aspire Trench also has watertight front-pocket zippers and a storm flap over the main zipper. In an extended downpour, I was completely dry, and the jacket itself dries quickly after being hung up wet. It’s not as warm as others I tested, like the Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket, but it does have a slightly looser fit that allows layers to fit well underneath. The Aspire Trench also has a protected external chest pocket, which fits my smartphone. I preferred this pocket over the internal pocket on the Lululemon jacket because you don’t have to unzip your jacket to access your items in the rain. It can be machine washed and tumble dried, so caring for the Aspire Trench is as easy as the shorter version. —Tested by Ebony Roberts
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we are passionate about all kinds of clothing and accessories, including outerwear. We understand that there are endless options for every category, and that’s why we’ve tested, evaluated and analyzed everything from women’s ski pants to winter coats. As editors and writers, we put in hours of critical research to find the best, high-quality products at a variety of price points so you can make smart shopping decisions. Whether it’s rain jackets, shoes or even eyeglasses, readers trust us to provide honest recommendations and accurate information. We also regularly update our articles to ensure we’re sharing the most current products. This rain jacket article was most recently updated in January 2024.
How I Tested The Best Rain Jackets
A rain jacket needs to perform well under wet conditions while also keeping you comfortable, so I established testing criteria to determine which ones would serve you best for everyday use, whether you’re walking the dog, commuting to work or chasing your kid on the playground.
The main function of a rain jacket is to keep you dry, and all the jackets I considered are at minimum water-resistant enough to see you through a light shower or commute to work. At best, they’re fully water-protective, keeping the heaviest downpour at bay.
I wore the rain jackets I tested for two months on the rainy West Coast, mostly around Squamish, ... [+]
I looked for rain jackets in a wide range of sizes and curated my contenders list for the everyday, aiming for versatile jackets that wouldn’t break the bank and would look good transitioning between activities, whether that’s walking outdoors for a while or just heading to the grocery store. Rather than just homing in on technical features (which I did take into account), I also considered those with streetwear appeal, choosing a variety of silhouettes and fabrics.
I also looked at warranties, making note of brands that have stellar return policies or product guarantees. What makes a garment sustainable is largely up for debate, but I checked for PFC-free finishes and third-party certifications like Bluesign or Oeko-Tex, plus I made note of other verifiable attributes.
I wore the rain jackets I tested for 2 months on the rainy West Coast, mostly around Squamish, British Columbia, running daily errands, walking my dog, carting around my son and being active outdoors. I also wore each jacket in the shower for 10 minutes to simulate a heavy downpour and exercised on my indoor rower for 15 minutes to see how breathable each jacket was when I worked up a sweat.
During all this, I paid close attention to:
- Water Resistance: Both in the shower and outdoors, I looked for any signs of water leaking into the jacket, especially along the seams, through zippers and around the wrists and head. I also used a water dropper and spray bottle to evaluate surface repellency up close, doing this before and after laundering.
- Breathability: While walking and rowing, I noted any clamminess or moisture buildup on the inside of the jacket, and I also took note of ventilation features and whether they kept me cool.
Outdoor Research's Aspire II has zippered torso venting—two-way side zippers that run from the ... [+]
- Comfort: I rated each jacket on how it felt to wear, looking at which features added comfort and movement and which ones detracted. I noted whether the fit was restrictive or roomy in the waist, arms, shoulders and hip areas. I paid particular attention to the hood and how well it moved when turning my head.
- Durability: I checked for any signs of wear during typical use, and I laundered each jacket once according to its particular care instructions, evaluating for shrinkage, damage and any changes to water-repellency. For most of the jackets, I used an everyday mild liquid detergent on my front-loading machine’s normal cycle and tumble dried them on low heat. For the slick rubbery jackets, I used the same detergent but turned the water temperature down to cool; these jackets were hung to dry. The waxed cotton jacket didn’t get laundered because the instructions are to spot clean only.
When selecting winners, I also considered each jacket’s intended use, versatility and packability, choosing jackets with universal appeal that should suit most everyday routines.
How To Pick The Best Rain Jacket
Intended Use
A rain jacket should fit your lifestyle and your personal taste, says Rutson. Before investing in one, consider where you live, the types of activities you do and the features that matter most. “It always comes down to the context of your life,” she says. “Make your choice with both style and practicality in mind.”
Construction
Most modern rainwear utilizes a breathable waterproof membrane. While Gore-Tex is the most recognizable name in the waterproof fabric technology game, there are dozens of other proprietary membranes that work similarly. These jackets are constructed in two, two and a half or three layers. In a two-layer jacket, a face fabric, usually polyester or nylon, is laminated to a waterproof and breathable membrane that’s protected by a hanging liner. A two-and-a-half-layer jacket is similar in that it has an outer layer bonded to a waterproof and breathable laminate, but there’s also a porous half layer that gives the jacket added durability. Three-layer jackets are typically the toughest, with the membrane sandwiched between the face fabric and another layer of bonded fabric to add protection. Fabric technology will certainly drive the cost of a jacket up, so for most people, a two- or two-and-a-half-layer jacket will suit their everyday pursuits just fine.
Outside of these types of shells, there’s also waxed cotton jackets and rubbery polyurethane (PU) jackets, which don’t have the breathability but can handle heavy rain well.
Almost all rainwear is treated with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish, which allows water to bead off and helps keep the breathable membrane working by preventing moisture from saturating the fabric. Some of these treatments contain environmentally harmful PFCs, which is why more brands are moving toward non-PFC DWR alternatives and third-party certifications. When purchasing your rain jacket, look for transparency around what water-repellent finishes a brand is using and choose a product that aligns with your values.
DWR is not permanent, though. When a fabric starts to soak up water, or “wets out,” it’s time to revive the repellency, which is easy to do with at-home products like Nikwax’s waterproofing spray or wash-in solution.
Breathability
All rain jackets need some degree of breathability, whether it’s for light everyday use or robust outdoor activities, because there’s nothing worse than a jacket that feels like a sauna. Casual jackets might have simple solutions like ventilation holes or mesh inserts, while more technical jackets that fall under the waterproof and breathable category will have the layered membrane system described above that allows water vapor—a.k.a. sweat—to escape through micropores without compromising the jacket’s ability to block rainwater from the outside. If you’ll be active or in a warm climate, look for a jacket with a high degree of breathability. For colder climates or short stints in the rain, breathability is probably less of a concern.
Design
Being able to move freely is important in any jacket, so find a style and fit that moves with you, not against you. For most urban settings, a mid-thigh length or longer is appropriate because it’s more useful and stylish, keeping you dry on city benches and your clothes underneath protected. For outdoor pursuits like hiking or working in the garden, a shorter jacket tends to offer more unrestricted movement. However, you may need to wear a pair of rain pants to keep your legs and rear end dry. Some rain-jacket fabrics have a healthy dose of stretch, while others are rigid and unforgiving, so choose a size that has enough room in the shoulders, arms and midsection, especially if you plan to layer up.
Features
There are some staple rain-jacket elements that make sense in almost all circumstances, like hand pockets and simple adjustment features. Add-ons like side zips and welded seams add functionality but cost more (and they’re potential failure points). Prioritize what’s important to you and skip out on what you don’t need, says Arya, advising not to opt for anything overbuilt for casual everyday use if that’s all your jacket is for. At the same time, don’t skimp on features that are going to keep you comfortable.
Most waterproof jackets have a hood, and while some people consider them essential, others can’t stand them. Whether you need a hood depends on how you’ll be using your rain jacket. For quick city transit commuting, you might get by without one; if you’re going to be doing anything outdoors for an extended time, it’s a nice feature to have on standby. Less-technical rain-jacket hoods usually have one drawstring, while more specialized jackets have hoods with multiple adjustment points and a stiff brim. If you do opt for a hood, make sure it can be adjusted to keep the rain off your face and that it moves with you when looking up and down and side to side, especially if you plan to cycle to work.
Packability
Packability won’t be a top consideration for most people, but if you plan to travel with your rain jacket, you’ll want one that rolls up small and takes up little space in your luggage, says Rutson. Heavy lined jackets are good for home but aren’t well suited to life on the road; however, choose a jacket that’s too lightweight, and it might not have enough substance to keep you warm in cooler climates.
My Expertise
As a writer who has covered outdoor gear and apparel for nearly a decade, I’ve written multiple rainwear guides for brands like REI and as gear columnist at Outside. In that time, I’ve tested dozens of rain jackets and spoke with nearly as many experts on the topic. I’m also based in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains about 180 days of the year, so I’m almost always wearing something waterproof.
For this story, I interviewed multiple experts, including Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) assistant professor Preeti Arya, who teaches courses on finishes, fabric development and performance textiles. Arya spoke at length with me about materials, waterproofing and sustainability. I interviewed Sarah Rutson, former vice president of global buying at Net-a-Porter, about what makes a stylish rain jacket and how to find one that fits in with your lifestyle. I also spoke with Sara Ellis, a product specialist in the fabrics division at Gore-Tex, one of the world’s foremost innovators in waterproof garment technologies. Ellis has been with the brand for 15 years and told me how waterproofing systems work and how best to care for them. I also had a chance to virtually tour Gore-Tex’s testing labs, including its rain room, environmental chamber and biophysics lab, and I implemented some of these ideas—such as using a water dropper to make comparative assessments—into my own testing process.
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