Buying guide for Best men’s raincoats
Venturing out in rainy weather is never much fun, but if you dress for the elements, you’ll likely be in a better mood. Finding the best men’s raincoat to keep you warm and dry on rainy days can keep you looking polished, no matter what the forecast may bring.
Men’s raincoats vary from traditional, trench coat-inspired styles to sporty jacket options. A formal raincoat can keep your suit or business casual outfit from getting wet if you dress up for work. On the other hand, a rugged jacket-style raincoat is essential for anyone who spends time outdoors for long periods in wet weather.
Before you shop, you'll want to understand key details, like why a raincoat's length matters, how water-resistant it should be, and what size raincoat will fit you best so you wind up with the right style for your needs.
How to choose the best men’s raincoat
Raincoat length
A raincoat’s length is an essential detail to consider because it affects how much coverage it provides, how polished it looks, and how well you can move in it.
A classic trench coat-style raincoat is longer, measuring between 37 and 45 inches and hitting somewhere between the knee and mid-calf. This length has a more formal appearance and covers more of your outfit, so it’s a great option for the office or other occasions when you’re wearing a suit.
Longer raincoats don’t allow for the most range of motion, so they can get in your way if you’re riding a bike, hiking, or engaged in other outdoor activities. For those situations, a shorter raincoat that ends at your waist or the top of your thighs is a much better option. The fabric won’t get in your way when you’re moving, so your raincoat won’t slow you down.
If you’re not sure whether a traditional raincoat that you can wear over a suit or a short, rugged jacket designed for outdoor activities is your best fit, look for a style that offers a mid-length hem and hits at the middle of your thighs or just over the knees. It has a polished look that can work well over business casual outfits or a button-down and jeans for an evening out, but it won’t affect your movement as much as a longer raincoat.
Waterproof vs. water-resistant
A raincoat is designed to protect you from the rain, so you obviously want a coat that offers significant water resistance. There’s a difference between a water-resistant raincoat and a waterproof raincoat. If you’re only running to and from the car in the rain, a water-resistant raincoat is probably enough. However, if you plan to spend longer periods out in the rain, you’ll want a waterproof option.
A raincoat is classified as waterproof if it can successfully prevent driving rain from getting under the coat. You need a waterproof raincoat if you often have to venture out in heavy storms. Conversely, a water-resistant raincoat is only sufficient for light rain, though it may be more comfortable to wear because it’s lighter and more breathable.
Men’s raincoats for heavy rain
If you frequently find yourself out in heavy storms, choose a raincoat that can hold up to those conditions. Finding a waterproof style is crucial, which comes down to the coat’s materials.
Water-resistant men’s raincoats are made of polyester or nylon, which offer some natural water resistance. However, polyester and nylon raincoats are treated with a water-repellent coating to offer additional protection. Still, these men’s raincoats aren’t suitable for prolonged periods in heavy rain.
Look for raincoats made of polyester or nylon and treated with a membrane coating like Gore-Tex, Tyvek, or other proprietary blends. They prevent water from seeping beneath the coat so you can stay dry and comfortable, even in heavy storms.
Men’s raincoat sizing
When you’re trying to choose a size for your raincoat, remember that it should be large enough that you can comfortably wear layers beneath it. For example, if you wear your raincoat to work, you may have a suit jacket and button-down under it. In cooler weather, you may want to wear it over a sweater.
Most brands offer a sizing chart that makes it easy to find the right size for your raincoat. You usually need your chest measurement, holding the tape measure at the widest part of your chest just beneath your arms. You’ll also need to know your sleeve length, which requires measuring from the base of your neck at the top of your shoulder to your wrist.
Avoid wearing a raincoat that’s too tight over a suit. You can wind up with wrinkles when you get to your office or social event.
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What features do men’s raincoats have?
Taped seams
To ensure you stay dry, some men’s raincoats have taped seams. Tape is applied to the inside of the seams and treated with heat and pressure to lock them in place, which prevents water from seeping in through any of the stitched areas.
Men’s raincoats with taped seams are waterproof, so this feature is a must-have if you spend time in heavy rain.
Vents
Raincoats meant for heavy rain are often made of heavier materials that aren’t very breathable. It helps to choose a raincoat with vents to ensure that air circulates through it more easily, so you’re comfortable even if the weather is slightly warmer.
Some raincoats have zippered vents in the armpits for better ventilation. You can also find some sportier styles with mesh lining in the pockets that double as vents.
Hood
To maintain a more polished, professional silhouette, raincoats with a formal style don’t tend to have a hood. However, you can find many more casual raincoats with a hood so you don’t have to carry an umbrella to keep your head dry.
If you opt for a hooded raincoat, you can choose from several styles. Some raincoats have a detachable hood that you can remove if the weather isn’t severe enough to require it. Others have a pocket in the collar, so you can roll the hood up and tuck it away when you don’t need it.
Look for a raincoat with an adjustable hood so that you can tighten or loosen it depending on the weather.
Pockets
Every coat or jacket should have pockets for your belongings. In a raincoat, it’s important to look for zippered pockets so you can be sure your wallet, phone, keys, and other items stay dry, even in heavy rain. Raincoats with zippered pockets typically cost more.
Color
Formal men’s raincoats come in neutral colors like beige, camel, black, or gray. These shades work with most other colors, so you don’t have to worry about your coat matching your outfit.
If you choose a sportier raincoat, you’ll likely have a wider range of color options. For hiking, biking, or running, it’s a good idea to choose a brighter color like yellow so you can stay visible even in poor weather conditions.
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You can speed up your raincoat’s drying process by shaking it off when you come in from outside. If there’s any dirt or debris on the coat, make sure to brush it away before it dries.
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What do you wear with a raincoat?
Men’s rain boots
In heavy rain, protect your feet with a pair of men’s rain boots. Opt for those with a taller design for added protection all the way to the knee, and with insulation to keep your feet warm in cold weather.
Windproof umbrella
If your raincoat doesn’t have a hood, a windproof umbrella can keep your head dry even on very stormy days. Decide if you need one that closes down to a compact size to make it easy to carry. A double-vented canopy is better suited to withstand heavy gusts.
How much do men’s raincoats cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable men’s raincoats cost between $17 and $60. These coats are usually lightweight styles that aren’t fully waterproof. Most raincoats in this price range also have a shorter hem that hits between the waist and the top of the hips.
Mid-range
Mid-range men’s raincoats cost $60 to $225. These coats are heavier styles that are highly water-resistant. Some feature taped seams for a waterproof design. You can find both shorter, sportier types with a hem that ends at the middle of the thigh and more formal coats that reach the knee or mid-calf.
Expensive
The most expensive men’s raincoats cost $225 to $495. These coats are the most water-resistant styles you can find. You can choose from fully waterproof sportier styles ideal for hiking or other activities in heavier rain and formal raincoats from designer brands.
When you’re cleaning your raincoat, don’t forget to wipe down the buttons, zippers, and other fasteners. They can pick up dirt and oils from your hands very easily.
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Tips
- Clean your raincoat regularly. Allowing stains to set can cause long-term damage, meaning you can’t wear your raincoat as long.
- Dry your raincoat after you come inside. Putting your coat away when it’s still wet can cause mold and mildew to grow. Instead, leave it out on a drying rack or hang it on a clothes hanger in an open area until it dries.
- Take care when storing your raincoat. Make sure it isn’t crowded in your closet with other jackets and coats. Instead, space it out so it won’t get wrinkled.
FAQ
Q. How long do raincoats last?
A. The water-repellent coating on a raincoat can wear out over time, especially if you don’t properly care for the coat. You can tell that your raincoat has seen better days when it starts to let in water.
If your coat doesn’t have any other damage like rips or tears, you don’t necessarily need a new one. Instead, you can treat it with a waterproofing spray or treatment and help restore its water resistance. Try to retreat your raincoat every six months or so to make sure it remains effective.
Q. Are raincoats windproof?
A. In addition to offering water resistance, some raincoats are also windproof. In most cases, fully waterproof coats are also windproof because they’re designed for more extreme weather conditions and are effective at blocking the wind.
Q. Can I clean a raincoat in the washing machine?
A. It depends on the coat. Some are machine washable, so you can throw them in your washer for easy cleaning. Other coats may require dry cleaning or hand washing. Always consult the care label before washing your raincoat so you clean it properly.
