Don’t take a rain check on these standouts.
You know what they say: April showers bring… well, soggy grass, puddles of mud and a certain nasty chill in the air – oh, and hopefully May flowers. For some of us, the nasty rain has us hiding in our shelters at home, locking ourselves in blankets, sipping hot apple cider and gorging on Netflix. For those of us who commute to work, exercise outdoors, or are just too restless to be cooped up all day, we need the right gear to get through the wet months.
As a quick refresher, there are waterproof and water-resistant rainwear, both of which are good to have in your closet for different uses. Water-resistant items are made of material that keeps water out to some degree, but won’t keep you dry if, say, you’re standing under a drainpipe like Gene Kelly in Sing in the rain. Waterproof jackets are perfect for days when the weather is nice, but there is a chance of rain at some point. They tend to be lightweight, packable and good for layering, making them ideal for hiking and training.
On the other hand, waterproof jackets do not let water in, period. They are coated or made of a waterproof material, which can also make them less breathable. They’re often less flexible and thicker than waterproof jackets, but they certainly do a better job of keeping you dry. Our recommendation is to have one – or more – of each to match different occasions, and buy them in sizes you can layer over sweaters or other bulky garments as the seasons go by.
We’ve rounded up some of the best waterproof and water-resistant clothing and accessories that will be your best friends on the wettest rainy days, whether you’re wading through a park, going for a run or taking a brisk walk. groceries, this rain suit will keep you dry from point A to point B.
The best waterproof and water-resistant rain gear
Anorak Everlane ReNew
It goes without saying, but investing in a rain parka with year-round functionality should be a top priority. We love this water-resistant design from Everlane, which is long enough to cover your thighs and oversized enough to layer over comfy fall clothes. It features a roomy hood to fit over your favorite hoodie and an adjustable waistband for an adjustable fit.
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The North Face City Breeze Waterproof Rain Jacket
Next on the list is a waterproof jacket for heavier rainy days. This one from The North Face is lined for extra warmth and it has adjustable cuffs to keep water out. With a curve-hugging silhouette and sleeves long enough to slip your hands through, you might even find yourself reaching for this jacket on days when the forecast is clear.
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Weatherman Stick Umbrella
Investing in an umbrella might seem silly if you constantly misplace yours, but if you live in a rainy region, it’s a must. If you want to go all out, this large umbrella will keep you dry even in heavy rain. The cup-shaped shape gives you more coverage, but it also helps it withstand winds of up to 55 mph.
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Allbirds Yarn Dasher Mizzles
If you’re dedicated enough to run your daily errands no matter the weather, we salute you. These Allbirds waterproof runners will keep your feet dry, that way you won’t crash every time your feet hit the ground. A slightly higher ankle area prevents water splashing on your legs from seeping into your socks, and added traction prevents you from slipping in slippery conditions.
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TenTree Nimbus Short Rain Jacket
Sometimes all you need is a light layer to protect you from a light downpour. A cropped rain jacket hits just above the hip, accentuating your waist and making your legs look super long. This one’s made from recycled water bottles, has a stowable hood and reflective cuffs to protect you if you’re walking in the dark.
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Vessi CityScape Waterproof Trainers
Wearing clunky rain boots for running errands isn’t ideal, but there’s no need to get things done in soggy sneakers either. Vessi shoes are 100% waterproof thanks to their tightly woven fabric. Although they don’t let water in, they are stretchy and breathable, so you can easily wear them on hot, rainy days without getting swampy feet.
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Lululemon Cross Chill Jacket
The Lululemon Cross Chill Jacket is everything you’ve been looking for in a transition weather running jacket. It’s made with a waterproof fabric that’s still four-way stretch, allowing you to move despite its flattering fit and top-tier protection. We give it extra points for the cozy fleece lining.
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Lululemon Break a Trail Jacket
If reading “fleece-lined” already makes you sweat, fear not: Lululemon has the perfect jacket for anyone who’s warm. It’s still waterproof for full coverage, but its looser fit lets you decide how many layers you need. The stand-up collar and the hood are big pluses for us.
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LL Bean Mountain Classic Anorak
If you’re craving one of those funky windbreakers that were big in the ’90s but you’d actually like a bit of wind protection, opt for this cheerful jacket from LL Bean. It’s breathable and water-resistant for lightweight protection, and it stuffs into its own pocket so you can easily toss it in your backpack. It’s the perfect color combination to add some sparkle to your outfit.
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Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots
Everyone needs a good rain boot, and there’s a reason Hunter has been the go-to brand for years. Their hand-assembled boots come with a two-year warranty to ensure your satisfaction, and I’ve had my Hunters – plus the sheepskin soles – for over a decade of Midwestern climate: If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is. We love the classic tall boot, but the short boots and thin calf trims are also great options.
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The original LL Bean boot
Lace up your New England with LL Bean’s iconic all-weather boot. Made-in-Maine boots have been around since 1912 and are ready for fall as it comes. Pair them with thick woolen socks or, for anyone with chronic cold feet, choose the Thinsulate or lined with shearling versions for more warmth.
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LL Bean Rugged Rubber Chelsea Boots
If you’ve been a lifelong Bean Boot fan but are looking for a slightly more polished look, opt for this Chelsea style instead. They’re protective and tough, but aren’t as clumsy as duck boots or a full-length rain boot, making them easy to walk on on days when it’s not really raining. We love the white stripe on the navy boots, but the green and black options will suit any fall outfit as well.
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One Touch Auto Open Mini Umbrella
Say goodbye to soggy backpacks and errands with this mini umbrella, which is the perfect size to slip into your purse or the side pocket of your backpack. It has a special coating that helps water run off, rather than soaking into the material and leaving you with an annoying dripping umbrella that takes hours to dry out. It comes with a matching pouch with a handle for easy storage and transport.
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Ariza Waterproof Case
Few scenarios match the stress of desperately trying to keep your phone dry as you rush home during a downpour or the desperation to pull a soaked phone out of your backpack pocket. If you’ve wasted several bags of rice resurrecting your phone, it’s time to buy a waterproof pouch. This one will protect your phone even when it’s completely submerged, so you can get home in the rain without having to worry.
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