
Let’s talk about raincoats. A necessity in almost every climate, they’re often the afterthought of your winter jacket and coat collection. But I'm here to tell you that not only should you invest in a stylish raincoat for 2023, but there are raincoats on the market right now that are perfect for every situation. And if you’re still thinking that raincoats aren’t stylish or special enough to style a rainy day outfit around, I chatted with a trend forecaster to get the scoop on which rain jackets are trending for 2023, as well as the best way to wear yours so that it doesn't just feel like an extra layer.
“If we learned anything about wardrobing through the pandemic, it's that the idea of owning fashion yet functional items no longer feels so foreign,” says Jessica Richards, a trend forecaster and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, about why buying a great raincoat is so important right now. “We really need essentials that are ready for anything, because we've come now to expect the unexpected.”
What Should You Look for in a Raincoat?
It might seem simple, but there are a surprising number of details that make a good raincoat the best raincoat. Raincoats should all be waterproof, obviously, but that’s where the similarities end for many of the jackets on this list. Some rain jackets are designed for working out, while others are designed to be worn in light rain or on your commutes to and from the office. Outdoorsy brands like The North Face, for instance, are designing rain jackets that be worn in three different types of weather, while other brands, like RAINS and Joules, are designing easy-to-style jackets that come in trendy colors and prints. Consider this the perfect reason to coordinate your raincoat and your favorite rain boots (or your new snow boots, if we're being honest).
Shoppers want their raincoats to match their personal style, and brands are taking note. “Unpredictable weather patterns are happening all the time, so designers and brands are becoming more thoughtful in adding significant features like weather-proof finishes, rubberized hardware, packability, and sleek but comfortable silhouettes on offer in a variety of weights that work from warm to chilly seasons,” says Richards.
Shop Deals on Raincoats
OTU Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket, $40 $30 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
We featured the pink version of this coat on our list, but this simple black option is on sale for $10 less right now. No matter the color, this jacket has garnered over 3,000 five-star reviews. One reviewer wrote: that they "wanted a lightweight, waterproof jacket with a hood," and that "this jacket delivered in all categories." Other reviewers recommend sizing up if you're planning to layer bulky sweaters underneath, and to order based on your measurements rather than the size that Amazon recommends.
Columbia Women’s Arcadia™ II Rain Jacket $1 (opens in new tab)00 $75 at Columbia (opens in new tab)
This lightweight and durable raincoat from Columbia comes in 15 different colors including this bright pink shade, an ice blue, white, black, a peachy pink, and more. It has seam-sealed finishings and has a drawstring at the bottom hem to keep the water out, no matter if it's a light drizzle or a heavy downpour. Shop it now for $75 in some colors, and shop it for $70 in others.
Eddie Bauer Glacier Peak Down Hooded Jacket | $259 $181 at Eddie Bauer (opens in new tab)
If you happen to live in a place that gets both frigidly cold and very (very) wet during the winter months, this puffer-jacket-rain-coat hybrid from Eddie Bauer is practically made for you. It’s available to shop in three different neutral colors and is made with bonded seams instead of regular ones that are designed to keep warmth in.
- Best Simple Raincoat: Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket (opens in new tab)
- Best Convertible Raincoat: The North Face Antora Triclimate® Jacket (opens in new tab)
- Best Printed Raincoat: Joules Waybridge Waterproof Raincoat (opens in new tab)
Stylish Raincoats for Women
For the women who work out come rain or shine, here’s this raincoat from Lululemon. Available in three colors—this black shade, a lavender purple, and an olive green—and in sizes 0 through 20, this workout-approved jacket is outfitted with a wind vent at the back for breathability, has a hidden drawstring, and an adjustable hood that won’t budge as you work out. Plus, there’s even a hidden phone sleeve so you can work out without the hassle of having to carry a bag.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Runs true-to-size; Has a hidden drawstring at the waist; Has a hood; Not good for very cold days.
Cons: Costs over $100; Zipper can be hard to maneuver.
Customer Review: "Really comfortable and cute! Super light, but protects you from the elements. I bought true to size and it fits me perfectly." — Lululemon
Yes, this jacket from The North Face is pricey, but it’s worth it because it’s meant for any type of weather—and is basically two jackets in one. It’s a combination of an inner fleece layer and an outer waterproof jacket, which can be worn separately depending on the weather. The fleece jacket is great as a lightweight base layer underneath your parka, while the combination of the two is great for chilly, wet winter days. It’s available in sizes XS through 3X and you can shop it in six colorways.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Lined; Runs true-to-size; Versatile; Good for all weather.
Cons: Costs over $100; Has no inner pockets.
Customer Review: "Highly recommend winter jacket! Highly water resistant, warm and durable. Inner jacket is removable and stylish. It's true to size, but I recommend 1 size up for more comfort." — The North Face
Raincoats don’t need to be boring, and this striped raincoat from Joules is proof. It comes in two prints and has a drawcord-style hood for extra protection from the elements. Plus, it’s made from 100 percent recycled polyester and has a partial mesh lining on the inside that’s made from recycled polyester. This is a great option if you love to stand out at all times, hate carrying an umbrella on quick trips or your commute, or are just tired of wearing all-black.
Pros: Costs under $100; Comes in several colors; Made using recycled materials; Runs true-to-size; Has a draw-chord hood.
Cons: Only partially lined.
Customer Review: "Good fit, stylish and waterproof…..what more could you want? A really useful raincoat….love the way it folds away too." — Joules
Consider me an Everlane super fan at this point. This lightweight raincoat from the brand is made from 100 percent recycled polyester. It also features a double-zip front and a hidden drawcord at the waist so you can cinch yourself in. Available in three colors (including this chic olive green color) and in sizes XS through XXL, it’s a great addition to your wardrobe this season. Reviewers say that it rights slightly oversized—which is great for layering—but also note that it’s not particularly warm.
Pros: Costs under $100; Comes in several colors; Made using recycled materials; Has a hood.
Cons: Unlined; Runs oversized
Customer Review: "I love this coat so much! It runs slightly large, but looks really nice as slightly oversized. I can dress it up or down." — Everlane
This lightweight and durable raincoat from Columbia comes in 15 different colors including this bright pink shade, an ice blue, white, black, a peachy pink, and more. It has seam-sealed finishings and has a drawstring at the bottom hem to keep the water out, no matter if it's a light drizzle or a heavy downpour. Plus, it packs up small enough to fit into one of the pockets, making it great for taking away on a vacation or camping trip. Oh—and it has over 1,500 five-star reviews on Columbia's website.
Pros: Top-rated; Comes in 15 colors; Lightweight; Packable.
Cons: Runs small.
Customer Review: "I have been looking for a light rain jacket for a long time and I came across this, so glad I did. It’s very light weight and will be great for travel. The fit is great, room enough for a sweater underneath and yet comfortable without feeling too big without or too small with the sweater, the sleeves are adjustable." — Columbia
Are you in the mood for a pink raincoat? This under-$30 pick is perfect if you're indecisive because it's so dang affordable. Plus, it's garnered over 3,000 five-star reviews. One reviewer wrote: that they "wanted a lightweight, waterproof jacket with a hood," and that "this jacket delivered in all categories." Other reviewers recommend sizing up if you're planning to layer bulky sweaters underneath, and to order based on your measurements rather than the size that Amazon recommends.
Pros: Costs under $100; Comes in several colors; Top-rated on Amazon; Has a hood.
Cons: Runs small.
Customer Review: "It is very light and comfortable, fit is great! I really like the fact that it has a draw string at the waist for better fit and also helps keep the cold air out lol. The hood covers my head and fits over a hoodie sweatshirt hood, the velcro at the neck keeps it nicely formed around my face and again helps keep wind and rain out" — Amazon
“I know, I know, I'm a British stereotype, but during the cold-but-not-too-cold months—in New York, that's October through January—I live in my Barbour wax jacket. While this is not the jacket for below-freezing temperatures—that's the Aritzia Super Puff, in my opinion—the Barbour is the jacket for a light rainstorm or cool fall or winter day with a chance of showers. The rain rolls off the waxed finish to leave your outfit untouched—this was designed in the U.K. for U.K. weather, so you know it's meant for rain—but, again, I will caution that this is not the jacket for snow days. Just, you know, most others.” — Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy
Pros: Lined; Runs true-to-size; Editor-approved.
Cons: Costs over $100; Only comes in one color; Doesn't have a hood; Not warm enough for snow days.
Customer Review: "Lovely jacket, fits perfectly I went up a size as I want to wear jumpers etc underneath but it still fits well with just a t-shirt. Pockets spacious and collar fits tight around the neck to keep drafts out!" — Bloomingdale's
If you want a simple raincoat that does what it promises and goes with everything in your wardrobe, allow me to introduce you to this great one from The North Face. It comes in either black or gray, in sizes XS through XXL, and a hood. It’s also both waterproof and windproof, has a lining for warmth, and is made from 100 percent recycled polyester. Reviewers say that it’s great for warm rainy days and that it fits true to size.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Made using recycled materials; Windproof; Lined; Runs true-to-size; Has a hood.
Cons: Costs over $100; Not good for very cold days.
Customer Review: "Perfect fit, waterproof and lightweight." — Nordstrom
If you happen to live in a place that gets both frigidly cold and very (very) wet during the winter months, this puffer-jacket-rain-coat hybrid from Eddie Bauer is practically made for you. It’s available to shop in three different neutral colors and is made with bonded seams instead of regular ones that are designed to keep warmth in. It's designed with a comfortable, ever-so-slightly oversized fit that's ideal for layering, comes in four size ranges; and comes complete with an adjustable hood for extra protection.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Has an adjustable hood; Insulated for warmth; Comes in four size ranges.
Cons: Costs over $100; Runs slightly oversized.
Meet The Expert
Jessica Richards is a trend forecaster, style storyteller, and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, whose synergistic focus inspires what is now and next. With an extensive background in forecasting, concepts, and design for major North American retailers, she brings a forward-thinking yet commercially and brand-right viability to projects across the fashion and wellness industries.
Julia Marzovilla is the E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and STYLECASTER. In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen.
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