There are two types of people in London when autumn rain hits.
The first are those who stoically battle through in a trench coat that looks fabulous but soaks through faster than a rich tea biscuit in a hot brew. The second are those swaddled in fluorescent, hiker-grade gear so technical it looks like they’re en route to scale Ben Nevis rather than nip to the office. My mission? Find the middle ground.
Waterproofs shouldn’t be something you begrudgingly throw on when the heavens open, then promptly peel off as soon as you arrive anywhere half-decent.
The best designs on the market should be able to strike a clever balance, remaining storm-ready without sacrificing style, functional yet sleek enough to wear over tailoring, or your thickest piece of knitwear.
But look, we all know that the British forecast doesn’t always play fair. One minute it’s a drizzle, the next you’re trapped under a bus shelter watching your suede boots dissolve before your eyes. A proper waterproof jacket can genuinely save your day (and your dry-cleaning bill).
Look for technical fabrics like recycled polyester shells, sealed seams and breathable membranes that promise to keep you dry without making you feel like you’ve climbed into a greenhouse. Hoods that actually stay up in the wind are also worth their weight in gold.
Why you should trust me
I’ve tested my fair share of raincoats in situations ranging from sprinting across Oxford Circus in a downpour to being caught mid-dog walk in Hampstead Heath. And I can confirm: the right jacket makes the difference between soggy despair and smugly dry satisfaction.
Whether you lean towards sleek Scandi minimalism, utilitarian workwear chic, or a colour-pop parka to brighten the grey, these are the waterproof jackets that prove you don’t need to choose between staying dry and looking good.
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Sweaty Betty Guide Waterproof Parka
Sweaty Betty may be known for its leggings, but their outerwear deserves the same fanfare. The Guide Parka is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester with a water-repellent finish, cut in an oversized fit that layers easily over chunky knits. A drawcord waist means you can cinch for shape, while the roomy hood and storm flap zip keep you genuinely dry when the drizzle turns biblical. It’s the kind of coat that balances gym-to-office practicality with a cool silhouette.
Buy now £175.00, Sweaty Betty
RAINS Suva Vision Softshell A-Line W Jacket
Danish brand RAINS has practically rebranded bad weather into a fashion statement, and the Suva Vision is peak Scandi minimalism. The softshell fabric is water-resistant yet breathable, and the bonded fleece interior makes it surprisingly cosy without bulk. I love the A-line cut, which gives a swingy, feminine shape, and the adjustable hood that actually stays put when the wind picks up. It’s technical, yes, but looks like something you’d happily wear to dinner.
Buy now £289.00, RAINS
Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket
If you want reliable performance without blowing the budget, Columbia has you covered. The Arcadia II uses the brand’s Omni-Tech waterproof membrane, which is a lightweight yet breathable shell with fully sealed seams. It’s packable too, folding down into its own pocket for stashing in your bag when the sky clears.
The fit is classic outdoorsy, but cinch the adjustable cuffs and hem and it suddenly feels less hiking trip, more city-commuter practical. A no-nonsense rain jacket that punches above its price point.
Buy now £90.00, Columbia
Damson Madder Pre-Order Liu Shower Resistant Raincoat
Damson Madder’s cult following comes from its playful designs and sustainable ethos, and the Liu coat is no exception. Made with a shower-resistant finish, it features an oversized check print that adds instant personality to grey days. The relaxed fit is roomy enough for layers, while the detachable hood offers versatility. I love that it sits in the sweet spot between statement and staple – a raincoat that’s practical but refuses to blend into the background.
Buy now £135.00, Damson Madder
Barbour Maude Waterproof Longline Cotton Blend Jacket
Barbour has been synonymous with British weather for over a century, but the Maude proves they’re not just about waxed country coats. Cut in a cotton-blend fabric with a waterproof membrane, it’s a longline silhouette with taped seams and a detachable hood for serious downpour defence. The tailored cut, deep patch pockets and muted colourways make it as polished as it is practical. It’s essentially the raincoat for grown-up wardrobes.
Buy now £319.00, John Lewis
Passenger Campscape Water Resistant Parka
Adventure brand Passenger designs everything with sustainability at the core, and the Campscape is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester with a PFC-free water-repellent coating. The parka silhouette comes with a fishtail hem, storm flap, and adjustable drawcords for both waist and hood – details that keep out the worst of the weather.
At under £130, it’s a wallet-friendly option that still ticks the eco-friendly and practical boxes, all while looking laidback and easy.
Buy now £129.95, John Lewis
Poetry Hooded Trench Coat
Poetry is known for timeless silhouettes and natural fabrics, and their trench coat is no exception.
Crafted from a cotton-nylon blend with a water-resistant finish, it combines the classic trench shape with a generous hood for modern functionality. The warm toffee colour keeps it firmly in autumn territory, and the clean lines mean it layers as easily over tailoring as it does over denim.
Proof that a practical raincoat doesn’t need to feel entirely utilitarian.
Buy now £289.00, Poetry
ReNew Quilted Hooded Liner
Transitional outerwear is all about versatility, which this hooded liner from Everlane practically defines. It’s water-repellent, made from 100 per cent recycled polyester with a recycled fill, wear it solo as the mercury drops, then layer it with your favourite oversized duster coat for an insulating boost.
Buy now £220.00, Everlane
Uniqlo Blocktech Parka
Uniqlo is a go-to for everyday basics - and this coat is no exception. Constructed using the Japanese brand’s trademark Blocktech fabric, it’s windproof and water resistant as well as being lightweight, durable and cut to a contemporary silhouette.
Buy now £59.90, Uniqlo
Salomon Outerpath Pro 2.5L Women's Shell Jacket
If you’re part of the Salomon trainer army it’s a no-brainer to match your jacket. This Gore-Tex style is a light layer with reflective details and ripstop fabric so it’ll keep you warm and dry all-day — even if it’s a washout — and help you stand out at night. The upper layer has a clever hidden pocket and attachment for your keys and phone underneath.
Buy now £200.00, Salomon
Burberry Lightweight Parka
A true heritage piece designed to last generations, this lightweight parka by Burberry is embroidered with the brand’s classic Equestrian Knight design and lined in timeless Burberry check for a pop of fun. Choose between the natural, relaxed fit or cinch at the waist with the integrated draw cord.
Buy now £995.00, Burberry
The North Face Jazzi Gore-Tex jacket
The North Face’s Gore-Tex Jazzi jacket combines a high-performance shell with clever details and a sleek bi-colour design. It has a toggle on the head and retractable velcro cuffs to keep you dry, plus there’s an inside hidden pocket for your phone. Perfect for minimalists.
Buy now £350.00, The North Face
