Londoners Know How to Dress for Rain Better Than Anyone—These 9 Raincoats Are Chosen by Our Editors

The United Kingdom certainly holds up its end of the bargain when it comes to national stereotypes. We’re fiends for an afternoon cuppa, will travel for a pub roast and will chat incessantly about the weather. The latter is certainly a valid concern for a country marked by perennial grey skies, constant threats of showers and a frigid cold that plagues us for nearly half of the year.

In 2026 alone, the Met Office reported that certain parts of England and Wales have seen rain every single day thus far. So, it’s not hyperbolic to say that whenever someone who calls this place home is out and about, some sort of practical jacket trails close behind. The most useful of these functional staples is, undoubtedly, a raincoat. Although not the sexiest style to invest in, it cleans up for its sheer ability to withstand the rain, hail, shine and snow that curses this corner of the globe.

“Practical pieces to protect against the elements have never been more relevant,” says Emma Hill, founder of London-based womenswear label Damson Madder, citing that the modern pressures placed on the daily lives of denizens have resulted in an increased demand for clothes that sit at the intersection of style and utility. (Even if these stressors include rushing to your small plates reservation at some fashionable restaurant on a Lime bike when the TfL is delayed.)

As a result, the best raincoats on the market are those that have evolved to suit contemporary tastes whilst still providing the essential defensive purpose they’ve been built for. “I definitely believe that function and fashion can co-exist,” says Hill. “Throughout our design process, we consider the quality and practicality of our garments, whilst still making things that people are actually excited to wear; combining practical details with exciting prints, silhouettes and additional sign-offs like extra pockets and reversibility that make every garment extra special,” she adds.

Many brands are also seizing the opportunity to shift a sensible garment into something worth coveting. Because if wearing a raincoat is inevitable, why not select the chicest option available?

To celebrate the 170th anniversary of its trademark Gaberdine trench, Burberry tapped tastemakers like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Daisy Edgar-Jones to prove that the former front line uniform has become the wear everywhere. (Daniel Lee later centred the style in the heritage brand’s recent autumn/winter 2026 collection pretended during London Fashion Week.)

A little further afield, Scandinavian brands like Denmark’s Rains and Sweden’s Stutterheins are creating cool raincoats that respond to the environment they’re featured in, not rebel against it. Even in the United States, ready-to-wear brand Roucha is taking a stand on ensuring pragmatism doesn’t come at the expense of polish.

“Most raincoats have been designed like utility jackets, with very little focus on how they actually look,” explains Roucha founder, Jill Wenger. “Too often they’re positioned as just functional—neutral, safe, something you grab at the last minute when it rains—without real consideration for silhouette or style, and they just end up feeling uninspiring.”

But as fashion editors who know all too well the pitfalls of investing in dreary raincoats that make your mood feel as glum as the weather, we’re here to prove that purchasing a stylish raincoat can be an uplifting experience. From the high-street wonders you’ll forget can shield you from torrential downpours to the fit-for-purpose styles you’ll gravitate towards even when there are zero clouds in the sky, uncover the best raincoats for women ahead.

The 9 Best Raincoats for Women, As Tested by Fashion Editors

• The Best Button-Up Raincoat: Sézane Gabrio Coat, £295
• The Best Zip-Up Raincoat: Roucha Janssen Jacket, £286
• The Best Premium Raincoat: Ganni Leopard Nylon Parka Coat, £475
• The Best Technical Raincoat: Rains Suva Hardshell, £289
• The Best Raincoat With Hood: & Other Stories Technical Nylon Hooded Parka, £189

1. & Other Stories Technical Nylon Hooded Parka

Style Notes: "My friend once told me her trick to bringing joy to grey days is to wear happy colours, and I'm taking this advice with me as we near the arrival of spring showers. This season, & Other Stories is bringing a bright infusion to rainy days with this bold rust-coloured jacket. Truthfully, I tend to stick to the neutrals, but bundling up in this capacious jacket, I felt ready for any change in weather in both practicality and style.

"In terms of technical details, & Other Stories has it spot on with a hood, funnel collar, zip and popper buttons to keep you dry underneath. The jacket is fairly lightweight, which is ideal if you want to simply throw it on over your pre-styled outfit, but it wouldn't be the most insulating piece to reach for. The long length also features an elastic hem to enclose the wearer further. Personally, I think this would be a great option for summer festivals, partly due to the excellent shade and also the lightweight form." — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor

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2. Ganni Leopard Nylon Parka Coat

Style Notes: "After a record-breaking amount of rainfall in 2026, it’s fair to say I’ve thought more about my rainy-day wardrobe this year than ever before. And if a shake-up from gorp-girl techy anoraks and dated trench coat shapes is what you’re searching for like me, look no further than this cinched GANNI raincoat.

"I don’t believe in half-arsing things when it comes to dressing for the elements; it’s not a Margot-in-slip-dress-on-the-moors situation, it’s an in-as-many-layers-as-possible situation. Which is why I loved the head-to-toe silhouette of this animal-style jacket, you feel completely protected from the wind and the rain with the maxi length and full coverage hood. Nothing elevates the breakfast run on a Sunday quite like a leopard-print moment!" — Annie Wheatland-Clinch, assistant social media editor

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3. Damson Madder Matilda Raincoat

Style Notes: "Surely the chicest way to endure spring’s sprinkles, Damson Madder’s gingham raincoat offers the utilitarian finish that living in the UK during the spring months calls for, without sacrificing the playful styling energy that so suits London’s streets.

"Intentionally designed to be oversized—shop a smaller size if you’d like a neater fit—the various toggle fastenings allow for size customisation, whilst the hood detail, taped seams and zip detailing bring a functional finish. Worn with capri pants or a pencil skirt, the pairing cuts a city-ready silhouette, but when worn with heavyweight trousers or comfortable leggings, this jacket will add personality in droves. Whilst the beige jacket feels a little more wearable for daily drizzle, the bright pink style will lift your mood no matter the forecast.

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4. H&M Rain Parka

Style Notes: "I have to admit, before H&M’s rain parka, I hadn’t owned a raincoat since my school days. With bright yellow nylon coming to mind, I just didn’t think they could look chic. This midi black raincoat, however, is right up my street.

"It’s sleek enough to wear with my tailored trousers for the office, as well as relaxed enough to work well for casual days out as well. Not to mention that the black will very predictably pair well with my muted wardrobe. And at under £100, you can’t go wrong with this timeless style that will last in your wardrobe for years to come. My only note would be to size down as this coat has a significantly oversized fit." – Brittany Davy, junior writer

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5. Sézane Gabrio Coat

Style Notes: "When I first tried Sézane's Gabrio coat, what struck me most was how different it felt from a traditional trench or jacket. Instead of the usual structured silhouette, it’s designed almost like a cape, which immediately gives it a relaxed, slightly Parisian feel. The loose fit makes it incredibly easy to layer over chunky knits or tailoring, and the length adds just enough drama without feeling heavy. I particularly enjoyed the removable scarf detail—it’s a small touch, but it gives the coat a slightly more styled feel when you want it.

"Because the coat is unlined and made from a water-repellent organic cotton fabric, it feels light enough for spring but still protective when the weather turns unpredictable. It possesses that quiet, understated elegance Sézane does so well, and feels like exactly the sort of piece you end up reaching for again and again." — Marina Avraam, senior shopping editor

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6. Roucha Janssen Jacket

Style Notes: "Despite growing up in Sydney’s beachy suburbs, you’d be surprised to learn that the city does encounter its fair share of rain. But rather than it being pithy downpours, it’s quite common to receive torrential storms that stop everything in its tracks. So, whilst England is always misty and damp, I know that I don’t have to completely bundle up in layers of nylon to avoid getting wet.

"This funnel-neck Roucha style proves that in spades. The material is lightweight but completely water-resistant, and I adore how complementary it is to whatever you’re wearing with it. I chalk this up to the trend-forward shape and shade. The poppy red colour certainly sparks joy on miserable days, and the funnel-neck silhouette helps you feel both secure and contemporary." —Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer

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7. Rains Suva Hardshell

Style Notes: "Chic and raincoat aren’t two words that normally go hand in hand. However, the Rains Suva Coat might have changed the game. The trench coat shape moves away from the deeply unflattering anorak-meets-bin-bag silhouette you'd see on traditional raincoats and feels perfect for days in the office. I also loved the practical length and sizeable hood, which were ready to keep me dry on the commute in." — Megan Storey, social media editor

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8. Free People Singin' in the Rain Packable Pullover

Style Notes: "It’s often hard to find the line between fashion and practicality when shopping for raincoats, but this Free People one can do both. I love the funnel-neck silhouette and the boxy shape. The off-white colour makes it super versatile with any outfit, and the yellow piping is a cool extra detailing, giving it that ‘gorp-core’ aesthetic. I picture myself wearing this with a pair of Solomons and slouchy jeans." — Natasha Wilson, video editor

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9. Sister Jane Soren Check Anorak

Style Notes: "Since moving to London, I’ve come to realise how integral a storm jacket is to the uniform of the city’s coolest men; Liam Gallagher in his Stoney Island number, Fontaine DC’s Grian Chatten and every guy you’ll find hanging at Hackney’s Moth Club on a Saturday night. So, when I came across this Sister Jane style (which is technically a men’s piece), I was intrigued as it felt so antithetical to the gorp-core, all-black styles I’ve become accustomed to.

"With a sweet check print—a pattern adopted by brands like Friends With Frank, Barbour and Damson Madder—and scalloped-edge ribbon piped along the edges, I instantly gravitated towards it for the way the silhouette subverts traditionally masculine codes. This piece felt girlish, sweet, and like a subtle way to add some escapism into my everyday wardrobe. I did find it slightly challenging to style, just as it’s not a piece I really ever wear outside of wet-weather days, but I also enjoyed how seamless it was to layer. Plus, the wax-effect exterior and made sure I was well covered in case there was any chance of a shower, while still adding a touch of whimsy to my look." — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer

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What are Some Key Considerations When Buying a Raincoat?

According to Hill, the main factors to consider when buying a raincoat are weight and waterproofing. "You’ll want something that is breathable for warmer months, and something heavier-weight and more durable for the winter." However, if you're looking for something that you can wear year-round, opt for a style that strikes a balance between both. Wenger echoes this statement: "Opt for a lighter shell in warmer months and ensure there’s room for knitwear in winter. The silhouette should stay strong regardless of season and move with you throughout the year."

How We Tested

Who What Wear UK's editorial team rigorously tested the best raincoats to find styles that sit at the intersection of utility and elegance. Moving beyond basic functionality, the testing process focused on real-world factors like water resistance, weight (for portability), and layer-ability, which are crucial for navigating unpredictable weather conditions. After looking at the most popular styles, we whittled it down based ease, functionality and usefulness, assessing how each piece could withstand constant showers.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.