Buying a waterproof jacket sounds simple until you are faced with fabric ratings, membrane technologies, taped seams, breathability scores, and a dozen silhouettes that all look alike. Whether you are commuting across London, walking the dog between showers, heading to a festival, or catching a train after work, the jacket you choose can make the difference between feeling protected and feeling soggy, clammy, or simply underdressed.

At PUFFIT, we design waterproof outerwear for women who live in cities where the weather changes by the hour. We believe the best waterproof jacket is the one you actually want to wear, not the one you are forced to throw on. This guide explains what separates a great waterproof jacket from an average one, and how to pick the right one for your lifestyle.

What Does “Waterproof” Actually Mean?

Before diving into features, it helps to understand what “waterproof” really means. A fabric is considered waterproof when it prevents water from passing through under sustained pressure. The two most common measurements are the waterproof rating and the hydrostatic head test.

The hydrostatic head test measures how tall a column of water a fabric can hold before water begins to seep through. Results are expressed in millimetres. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric:

• 0–5,000 mm: Water-resistant. Fine for light drizzle and short exposure, but not for heavy or prolonged rain.
• 5,000–10,000 mm: Waterproof under moderate pressure. Suitable for everyday urban use and occasional downpours.
• 10,000–20,000 mm: Highly waterproof. Ideal for heavy rain, extended time outdoors, and changeable conditions.
• 20,000 mm+: Very high waterproofing. Typically used for serious hiking, skiing, and mountain sports.

For everyday life in a city like London, Manchester, Berlin, or Amsterdam, a rating between 5,000 and 10,000 mm is usually sufficient. You are unlikely to be standing in driving rain for hours, but you do need reliable protection while waiting for a bus, walking between meetings, or collecting children from school.

Breathability Matters More Than You Think

A jacket can be completely waterproof and still feel awful to wear if it traps sweat. That is where breathability comes in. Breathability measures how much water vapour can escape from the inside of the fabric to the outside. It is usually expressed as an MVTR rating (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) in grams per square metre over 24 hours.

The challenge is that waterproofing and breathability are in tension. The more effectively a fabric blocks rain, the harder it can be for body heat and moisture to escape. Cheaper jackets often solve this by using a non-breathable coating. You stay dry from rain, but you end up damp from perspiration.

Great waterproof jackets use engineered membranes, venting features, and lining constructions that manage both. Look for:

• Membrane-based fabrics: These have microscopic pores that are small enough to block liquid water but large enough to let water vapour escape.
• Pit zips or underarm vents: Useful for dumping heat quickly when you are walking fast or wearing layers underneath.
• Lined vs. unlined options: A mesh or taffeta liner improves comfort and reduces cling, while an unlined shell is lighter and packable.

Seam Sealing: The Detail Most People Miss

Even the most waterproof fabric will leak if rain gets through the stitching. Every time two pieces of fabric are sewn together, tiny holes are created. Without sealing, those holes become direct channels for water.

Taped seams are strips of waterproof tape applied to the inside of stitched seams. The best jackets have fully taped seams, meaning every seam is sealed. Budget jackets may only tape critical seams, such as across the shoulders and hood, leaving other areas vulnerable.

When reading a product description, look for phrases like “fully seam-sealed,” “taped seams,” or “waterproof seam tape.” If the description only says “waterproof fabric” without mentioning seams, the jacket may not perform as well as it appears.

Hood, Hem, and Cuff Design

A waterproof jacket is only as good as its weakest opening. The hood, hem, and cuffs are where rain most often finds its way in. Here is what to look for in each area.

The Hood

A good hood should be large enough to cover your head and hair without collapsing in front of your eyes, but not so oversized that it blocks your peripheral vision. Useful features include:

• Adjustable drawcords: Let you tighten the hood around your face in strong wind.
• Stiffened or structured brim: Keeps rain away from your face and prevents the hood from flopping down.
• Helmet-compatible or non-helmet design: For urban use, you usually want a streamlined hood, not one sized for a climbing helmet.

The Hem

An adjustable hem with internal drawcords helps seal out wind-driven rain. A slightly longer back hem, often called a drop tail, offers extra coverage when you are leaning forward or cycling.

The Cuffs

Adjustable cuffs with Velcro tabs or elasticated inner cuffs prevent water from running down your sleeves. This is especially important if you carry a bag, push a pram, or walk a dog with your hands extended.

Fit and Silhouette: Protection Without Compromise

Waterproof jackets have traditionally fallen into two categories: tight technical shells designed for mountaineering, and shapeless plastic-feeling coats sold at the supermarket. Neither works particularly well for everyday style.

A great everyday waterproof jacket should give you enough room to layer comfortably over a knit, hoodie, or blazer, but not so much volume that you look overwhelmed. Details that improve both fit and function include:

• Adjustable waist or drawcord: Lets you define your shape and seal out drafts.
• Oversized but structured cut: Modern rainwear uses intentional volume with dropped shoulders, pleated hems, or shaped seams.
• Length that matches your routine: Cropped jackets are easy to move in and pair well with high-waisted trousers; longer parkas offer more coverage for cycling or country walks.

PUFFIT’s oversized waterproof jackets are designed around this principle. They offer the protective features you would expect from technical rainwear, cut with silhouettes that belong in a city wardrobe.

Fabric Weight and Packability

Think about how and where you will carry the jacket. If you commute by car and leave your coat on a hook all day, weight matters less. If you travel by train, walk between meetings, or need to stuff the jacket into a tote bag, packability becomes important.

• Lightweight shells (under 300g): Easy to pack but often less durable and less insulating.
• Midweight jackets (300–600g): A good balance for daily use in spring, autumn, and mild winter.
• Heavyweight jackets (600g+): Best for cold, wet climates or prolonged exposure.

If you want one jacket for transitional weather, a midweight option is usually the most versatile.

Additional Features Worth Considering

Beyond the basics, small design details can make a jacket much more practical:

• Waterproof zips: Standard zips can leak in heavy rain. YKK Aquaguard or coated zips add protection.
• Storm flaps: A fabric flap covering the main zip adds another barrier against water and wind.
• Pockets with flaps or waterproof openings: Keep your phone, keys, and travel card dry.
• Two-way zip: Useful if you want to unzip from the bottom for more movement or ventilation.
• Reflective details: Helpful if you walk or cycle after dark.

How to Care for a Waterproof Jacket

Waterproof jackets need occasional maintenance to keep performing. Over time, dirt, body oils, and repeated washing can degrade the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. When water stops beading on the surface and starts soaking in, it is time to re-treat the fabric.

General care tips:

• Wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C using a technical wash or pure soap. Avoid fabric softener and standard detergent when possible.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
• Air dry or tumble dry on low if the care label allows. Heat can help reactivate some DWR coatings.
• Reapply a DWR treatment when water no longer beads on the surface.

Always follow the specific care instructions on your jacket’s label, as different membranes and coatings have different requirements.

Matching the Jacket to Your Lifestyle

The best waterproof jacket for you depends on how you actually spend your time. Here is a quick breakdown:

• Urban commuter: Look for a midweight, breathable jacket with clean styling, adjustable hood, and pockets that fit your daily essentials.
• Dog walker / school-run parent: Prioritise freedom of movement, a brimmed hood, adjustable cuffs, and easy-to-clean fabric.
• Festival-goer: Choose something lightweight, packable, and quick-drying, with room for layering.
• Weekend rambler: Opt for a longer cut, higher waterproof rating, and sturdy construction.
• Style-conscious shopper: Focus on silhouette, colour, and details like pleated hems, oversized cuts, and muted tones that work with your existing wardrobe.

Why PUFFIT Jackets Are Built Differently

PUFFIT was founded with a simple belief: women should not have to choose between looking good and staying dry. Our waterproof jackets combine engineered fabrics like STM-TEX™ with oversized, fashion-forward silhouettes designed for real urban routines.

Every jacket is designed with the details that matter for daily life: wide-brim hoods that stay in place, adjustable cuffs that seal out rain, waterproof zips, and breathable linings that keep you comfortable when you move from the street to the train to the office. The result is outerwear that performs in the rain and looks right the rest of the day.

If you are looking for a waterproof jacket that works as hard as you do, explore the PUFFIT rain jacket collection and find the style that fits your weather, your routine, and your wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions