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RAINCOAT

BUYING Guide

Your guide to choosing the perfect raincoat starts here.

If there were an item of clothing we deem most essential to every British wardrobe, it would be the raincoat. Like fish and chips. Strawberries and cream. Roast dinner and a sunday. British weather and a raincoat make a winning combination. Our Right as Rain collection has raincoats for town, country and coast, so no matter where you are when the heavens open, and whatever you’re doing, we’ll make sure you stay dry in style.

But with practicality, level of protection and style to consider, finding your perfect raincoat can be a little tricky. So, we’ve put together a guide on how to choose the right raincoat and shed light on some of the technical terms you might come across on your search.

DOES WATER RESISTANT MEAN WATERPROOF?

The short answer is no. The difference between water resistant and waterproof is determined by how much water a garment can withstand before it penetrates the fabric. Water resistant coats can repel water for a short period of time, but not entirely, while waterproof jackets with taped seams create a complete barrier to water and are able to withstand heavy rainfall.

When it comes to choosing a raincoat, you should consider investing in both. Opt for a lightweight water resistant coat or jacket during those seasons when the weather is unpredictable and a fully waterproof raincoat during the notoriously rainy seasons of winter and early spring.

WHAT ARE TAPED SEAMS?

Taped seams are a necessary step in making a coat fully waterproof. When a coat is sewn together it leaves behind small stitching holes. To stop water sneaking their way through these holes and to ensure the coat remains waterproof, tape is applied to the inside seams which works as a seal.

You might also see the term ‘critically taped seams’ knocking around out there. This means only the main seams of a coat, such as the hood, neck and shoulders, have been sealed. It’s important to note that a garment which only uses critically taped seams, is not fully waterproof.

WHAT IS A STORM FLAP?

The term storm flap refers to the layer of fabric you might find hanging on the back of raincoats. As well as adding structure and style, storm flaps are there to serve a practical purpose. The extra layer acts as a shield, allowing water to run off the flap and away from the back of the coat.

How to style a raincoat

A raincoat is a seasonless essential that can be worn and loved all year round. But just how do you style one in a way that keeps you dry but looks good too? Luckily our Right as Rain collection has a well-considered range of coats and women’s waterproof jackets which have been designed to effortlessly fit into your everyday wardrobe. And with a few styling ideas, you’ll be staying dry in style in no time.

Tick off exactly what to wear on a rainy day by going for a classic and timeless layered look. Opt for one of our well-fitting women's shirts under a knitted vest to ensure every layer is well-considered. Finish with your ladies raincoat of choice and a pair of women’s wellies on those days when it’s really chucking it down. Zip up and head out!

If the forecast is heavy rain with gail-force winds, then a few simple additions to your outfit will ensure you are dry and warm. Many of our raincoats have enough room to build layers beneath, so wearing a bodywarmer or even one of our quilted jackets under your ladies’ raincoat is always an option. It will add extra warmth and allow you to add or take away layers as the weather changes throughout the day. Finish with a silk scarf in a statement colour to brighten up grey days.

A raincoat isn’t just for wet days. Many of our styles are versatile enough to be worn during spring and summer days too. Create a preppy look fit for the warmer months by sporting one of our women’s rugby shirts underneath and teaming with a pair of chino shorts. Simply drape your raincoat over your shoulders and you’ll be ready if a shower makes a surprise appearance. Finally, a packable coat or even a waterproof poncho is a great choice for the warmer months of the year when festivals, family BBQs and picnics take place.

How do I choose the right raincoat?

We love giving you a choice when it comes to rainwear. From bright colours you won’t find anywhere else, to quality fabrics and attention to detail, we’ve got it all. But we know that can sometimes leave you wondering which style is the right one for you. So, before starting your search, you should factor in a few key things.

LEVEL OF PROTECTION

With water resistant and waterproof options to choose from, you first need to decide on the level of protection you require from your raincoat. If you’re looking for a coat that you can throw on for dashing around town then a water resistant coat ticks the box. But if you’re planning day-long walks in the country, then a waterproof coat with fully taped seams should be top of the list.

PRACTICAL FEATURES

Look out for the practical details of a coat. These could include a detachable hood, storm flaps, storm cuffs, pockets, an adjustable hem, a breathable mesh lining and many more. The more of these that have been included in a coat the better. It demonstrates that great care and consideration has been taken to create the best possible garment.

HOW IT LOOKS

While the functionality of a waterproof raincoat is important, the way it makes you look and feel should be a consideration when choosing a style too. Details such as the colour, adjustable waistlines, adjustable cuffs and the overall shape of the coat all contribute towards making a coat fit well and look great.

Our Favourites

Nobody knows how to stay both dry and stylish quite like we do. So we’ve hand-picked a few of our favourite coats and jackets from our Right as Rain collection to help kick-start your search for the perfect raincoat.

Portwell

A practical and stylish addition to our Right as Rain collection, the Portwell raincoat is a true wet-weather essential. To ensure you will stay dry in any downpour, it's waterproof with fully taped seams.

Other weather-beating details include an adjustable hood with storm peak and a storm flap to the back which allows droplets to roll away from the back of the coat.

An adjustable waist with internal toggles allows you to cinch the coat in for a flattering fit, while a concealed zip and popper fastening creates a clean, sleek finish. It's completed with front pockets with popper fastenings, adjustable cuffs and a half-body lining.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Waterproof with taped seams

• Hood with storm peak and drawcords

• Adjustable waist with internal toggles

• Storm flap to the back

• Concealed zip and popper fastening

• Front pockets with popper fastenings

• Adjustable cuffs with poppers

• Half-body lining

SHOP THE PORTWELL

Epwell

The trench coat has long been referred to as a transitional piece taking wearers from winter through to spring. The Epwell is the perfect bridge for those in-between seasons as it's longline, waterproof and is the epitome of functional style.

A slight a-line shape and adjustable belt enhances the fit of the piece, while a throat latch, heritage check under the collar and internal lining draws inspiration from country attire. Faux horn button fastenings to the front and cuffs elevate the coat further and a back vent and side pockets are essential finishing touches. This is a true investment-worthy coat that will be a favourite for a very long time.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Waterproof

• Longline with slight a-line shape

• Functional adjustable belt with D-ring

• Collar with fixed throat latch

• Faux horn button fastenings to the front and cuffs

• Welt pockets

• Raglan sleeves for a relaxed feel

• Checked undercollar with Joules embroidery

• Full heritage checked lining

• Back vent

SHOP THE EPWELL

Holkham

We've perfected the pack away by combining practicality and style. The Holkham packs away into its own pocket (hidden at the back) that can easily be stashed away until you need it.

Crafted from a lightweight yet substantial fabric and complete with taped seams, it's a real waterproof wonder. To keep you cool and comfy on those wet walks, we've added a mesh lining to the upper half of the jacket for breathability.

Durable, high-shine poppers, toggles and zip are a nod to its quality, whilst an internal adjustable waist is a flattering feature. The perfect companion for any trip, whether that be a blustery coastal ramble, a countryside stroll or a dash around the local farmer's market.