Galvin Green is well-known for its range of premium waterproof and windproof gear, and new for 2025, the Andrea jacket is part of the DRYVR (pronounced ‘driver’) range, the brand’s collection of 100% waterproof rainwear.
Gore-Tex often features in Galvin Green waterproofs, but Andrea is made in a Pertex Shield fabric, a recycled polyester with a PFC-free water repellent treatment. The first thing I noticed was the weight, it’s incredibly light, and made me wonder how it can possibly protect against the elements to form part of the best women's golf rain gear.
I tested this in navy, it’s also available in plain black, so there's nothing really to dislike about the colors for wet weather golf, unless you are particularly fond of splashes of color. Unlike Galvin Green’s popular Amy jacket, which has color contrasting panels and an obvious ‘golf’ look, Andrea is more versatile to wear for everyday outdoor activities, and I like the bright silver double zip, as it does lift the colour and adds a touch of class.
The length is good, it covers most of my backside and I used the toggles at the hem to tighten slightly for an even better fit. I’m pleased that Galvin Green has introduced a hooded jacket, like Ping’s Milli and Adidas' Rain.Rdy.
I’m pleased to report that the hood fitted snug around my head and provided excellent protection. Hidden away inside the hood at the top are toggles to adjust the fit and this allowed me to swing the club without it moving and catching sight of it out of my left eye on my backswing, which I know is what some women find really annoying about hoods.
None of us like having to play in waterproofs, but the lightweight seam-sealed stretch fabric adds to the overall comfort. It didn’t feel bulky at all over a long-sleeve shirt and sweater, and there’s plenty of room for easy movement in the arms.
When the rain came, I adjusted the cuffs using the Velcro tabs, I like the way you can zip up to a high neck for added protection and the two zipped side pockets are concealed - neither me nor my accessories were going to get wet. All-in-all, Andrea did a highly commendable job!
