If there were an item of clothing we deem most essential to every British wardrobe, it would be the raincoat. Like fish and chips. Strawberries and cream. Roast dinner and a sunday. British weather and a raincoat make a winning combination. Our Right as Rain collection has raincoats for town, country and coast, so no matter where you are when the heavens open, and whatever you’re doing, we’ll make sure you stay dry in style. 

But with practicality, level of protection and style to consider, finding your perfect raincoat can be a little tricky. So, we’ve put together a guide on how to choose the right raincoat and shed light on some of the technical terms you might come across on your search.

How to style a raincoat

A raincoat is a seasonless essential that can be worn and loved all year round. But just how do you style one in a way that keeps you dry but looks good too? Luckily our Right as Rain collection has a well-considered range of coats and women’s waterproof jackets which have been designed to effortlessly fit into your everyday wardrobe. And with a few styling ideas, you’ll be staying dry in style in no time.

Tick off exactly what to wear on a rainy day by going for a classic and timeless layered look. Opt for one of our well-fitting women's shirts under a knitted vest to ensure every layer is well-considered. Finish with your ladies raincoat of choice and a pair of women’s wellies on those days when it’s really chucking it down. Zip up and head out!

If the forecast is heavy rain with gail-force winds, then a few simple additions to your outfit will ensure you are dry and warm. Many of our raincoats have enough room to build layers beneath, so wearing a bodywarmer or even one of our quilted jackets under your ladies’ raincoat is always an option. It will add extra warmth and allow you to add or take away layers as the weather changes throughout the day. Finish with a silk scarf in a statement colour to brighten up grey days.

A raincoat isn’t just for wet days. Many of our styles are versatile enough to be worn during spring and summer days too. Create a preppy look fit for the warmer months by sporting one of our women’s rugby shirts underneath and teaming with a pair of chino shorts. Simply drape your raincoat over your shoulders and you’ll be ready if a shower makes a surprise appearance. Finally, a packable coat or even a waterproof poncho is a great choice for the warmer months of the year when festivals, family BBQs and picnics take place. 

How do I choose the right raincoat?

We love giving you a choice when it comes to rainwear. From bright colours you won’t find anywhere else, to quality fabrics and attention to detail, we’ve got it all. But we know that can sometimes leave you wondering which style is the right one for you. So, before starting your search, you should factor in a few key things. 

LEVEL OF PROTECTION

With water resistant and waterproof options to choose from, you first need to decide on the level of protection you require from your raincoat. If you’re looking for a coat that you can throw on for dashing around town then a water resistant coat ticks the box. But if you’re planning day-long walks in the country, then a waterproof coat with fully taped seams should be top of the list.  
 
PRACTICAL FEATURES

Look out for the practical details of a coat. These could include a detachable hood, storm flaps, storm cuffs, pockets, an adjustable hem, a breathable mesh lining and many more. The more of these that have been included in a coat the better. It demonstrates that great care and consideration has been taken to create the best possible garment.

HOW IT LOOKS

While the functionality of a waterproof raincoat is important, the way it makes you look and feel should be a consideration when choosing a style too. Details such as the colour, adjustable waistlines, adjustable cuffs and the overall shape of the coat all contribute towards making a coat fit well and look great.

Our Favourites

Nobody knows how to stay both dry and stylish quite like we do. So we’ve hand-picked a few of our favourite coats and jackets from our Right as Rain collection to help kick-start your search for the perfect raincoat. 

Edinburgh

With a raincoat that is this reliable, you can confidently leave the brolly behind. The Edinburgh is a new addition to our Right as Rain collection and blends superior style with unrivalled practicality. The fabric is waterproof and the seams of the coat have been taped to ensure you stay dry in the most torrential of downpours.

The hood, which features two drawcords with metal stoppers, can be detached via poppers, so you can wear it for all weather, not just rainy days. Elevating its appearance are its relaxed a-line shape (which leaves room for layering), the fixed cape extending from the shoulders to the back and its pleated back vent with a popper tab.

Other functional features include eyelets under the arms for breathability, a concealed zip and popper fastening, dual entry bellow pockets and adjustable cuffs with popper fastenings. For a distinctive Joules touch there's hidden embroidery to the internal zip placket and striped lining to the top half.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Waterproof with taped seams

• Relaxed A-Line shape

• Concealed zip and popper fastening

• Detachable hood with poppers and drawcords

• Fixed cape covering the shoulders and back

• Pleated back vent with exposed popper tab

• Dual entry bellow pockets with popper flaps and side access

• Adjustable cuffs with popper fastenings

• Eyelets under the arms for breathability

• Joules branded embroidery to the inside zip placket

SHOP THE EDINBURGH

Holkham

We've perfected the pack away by combining practicality and style. The Holkham packs away into its own pocket (hidden at the back) that can easily be stashed away until you need it.

Crafted from a lightweight yet substantial fabric and complete with taped seams, it's a real waterproof wonder. To keep you cool and comfy on those wet walks, we've added a mesh lining to the upper half of the jacket for breathability.

Durable, high-shine poppers, toggles and zip are a nod to its quality, whilst an internal adjustable waist is a flattering feature. The perfect companion for any trip, whether that be a blustery coastal ramble, a countryside stroll or a dash around the local farmer's market.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Relaxed fit

• Zip and popper fastenings

• Waterproof with taped seams

• Half mesh lining

• Packs into the storm flap pocket (hidden at the back)

• High shine trims

• Hood with adjustable bungee toggles and mesh lining

• Adjustable waist with internal toggles

• Flap pockets with popper fastenings

SHOP THE HOLKHAM

Harpsden

With the Harpsden you'll never complain about the rain again. Our rainwear is designed to encourage everyone to embrace the British weather and the (many) rainy days that come with it.

Waterproof with taped seams and a longline shape, it provides superior protection from light drizzles to downright downpours.

The hood with adjustable toggles adds another shield to the elements but can be detached if the weather is on your side.

As well as keeping you dry, it'll make you feel great too with a curved hem, adjustable waist with external toggles and a stylish heritage checked lining.

Other practical features include a storm flap to the back, dual entry bellow pockets, deep side vents with popper fastenings for freer movement and elasticated cuffs.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Waterproof

• Fully taped seams

• Dual entry bellow pockets

• Detachable hood with adjusters

• Curved hem with popper vents

• Adjustable waist with external toggles

• Elasticated cuffs

• Checked lining

• Storm flap to the back

 SHOP THE HARPSDEN

How to maintain a raincoat

You’ve invested in the right raincoat. And you’re feeling pretty chuffed. Now, how do you keep it looking great and performing its best in wet weather? While all of our raincoats are crafted from quality fabrics and are designed to be part of your wardrobe for a long time, they may still need some TLC along the way. 

From spot washing and checking the care label to air drying, we’ve put together a few tips on how to care for and wash your waterproof raincoat.

How to wash a waterproof coat

You might find yourself pondering ‘can you wash a waterproof coat?’ And while the answer is yes, it’s not quite as straightforward as bunging a load in and leaving it at that. But with a few simple tips you’ll feel confident caring for your raincoat.

READ THE CARE LABEL

It might seem an obvious one, but always check the care label before you attempt to wash or care for your raincoat. As raincoats can be crafted from all kinds of fabrics, their needs may differ.  

SPOT CLEAN

Rather than washing your raincoat every time it encounters a splash of mud or dirt, opt instead for spot washing. If mud is the issue, wait for it to dry then simply brush it off. Then, grab a damp cloth and dab away at any remaining marks and allow to dry. 

DON'T OVER-WASH

While it’s perfectly fine to wash your waterproof coat, it’s important not to become tempted to over-wash it. It’s not like your gym kit that needs to be washed after every wear. We’d suggest once or twice a year with spot cleans when necessary. 

AIR DRY

Most waterproof jackets and coats are tumble dryer friendly - provided it’s on a short cycle and a low heat. But check the care label thoroughly! Despite this, we always recommend air drying after washing your coat as it not only smells fresher but also avoids any damage being made to the waterproof membrane. Now all you need is a break in the rain to hang it outside…

How to wash a waterproof jacket in the washing machine

There’s lots of mixed messaging out there about whether you can wash a waterproof jacket in the washing machine. The good news is, you can. But there are a few things you need to know before you do. 

You cannot wash your raincoat using your usual washing detergent or fabric softeners as they contain harsh chemicals which will damage the waterproof membrane. Instead, either wash on a cold cycle without any detergent or invest in a special waterproof washing liquid and follow the pack instructions. With this in mind, before putting your coat in the machine you should always ensure the drum and detergent drawer are free of any residue detergent. 

Be sure to check all pockets internal and external of your coat and close all zips and flaps to avoid the fabric snagging in the wash. And finally, don’t overload the drum. Only wash one to two waterproof items at a time to ensure your raincoat is getting the attention and thorough cleaning it deserves.

How to pack a waterproof jacket?

If your search for the perfect raincoat has taken you down the packable path - then good choice! A great option for outwitting the weather while you’re on the go, a waterproof packable is both practical and stylish. But how do you pack a waterproof jacket?  

There are many different ways to pack away a waterproof and it entirely depends on the brand. Some come with separate bags, while others pack into themselves. Ours pack away in an easy, fuss-free way into their own pocket or storm flap. As for the technique, there isn’t one. You can neatly fold, carefully roll or simply stuff the coat into the pocket or flap then fasten it closed with a zip or popper depending on the style. They’re designed to pack away small so they can be popped in your handbag ready for the next downpour.