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As autumn begins to roll in here in Australia, it’s well and truly time to prepare for the buckets of torrential rain that are about to tumble. Luckily, there are a few things you can stock up on right away (namely: rain jackets, raincoats, boots, and umbrellas) that might save you from getting caught in a bad storm because no one wants to get out of the socks and wet hair for an entire eight-hour workday – trust me, weI was here.
To prepare you for whatever wild weather you’re currently experiencing or about to experience, we’ve rounded up everything you need to stay dry in the days and months ahead.
The best essentials for rainy days
Rain jackets
Columbia Watertight II Front-Zip Hooded Rain Jacket for Men, from $91.64
This Columbia waterproof hooded zip-front rain jacket is the ultimate rainy day essential when it comes to staying dry (and keeping your work clothes intact). It’s also super lightweight, so it won’t be a pain to lug it around once the rain stops. It’s also available in 14 different colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your personal aesthetic.
You can buy the Columbia Men’s Watertight II Front-Zip Hooded Rain Jacket ($91.64) from Amazon here.
The North Face Men’s Aconcagua, from $185 (was $300)
It’s not every day The North Face rain jackets go on sale, but when they do, you jump on them. Quickly. Not only is the offer over $120, but these jackets feature one of those versatile styles, which makes them a great investment. The chances of you using these babies a lot are extremely high.
You can buy The North Face Men’s Aconcagua ($185) on Amazon here.
The North Face Women’s Venture 2 Jacket, from $123.04 (was $220)
This waterproof, breathable and seam-sealed DryVent The North Face number – which also comes at an epic price, mind you – is designed to keep you totally dry and act as a barrier against the harsh wind on days when the cold is worse than the rain itself.
Another pretty solid investment if you want something lightweight but super effective against the Aussie elements.
You can buy The North Face Women’s Venture 2 Jacket ($123.04) from Amazon here.
Raincoats
BGSD Paula long hooded raincoat, $189.99
If you’re looking for something a little more chic and long, this hooded raincoat doubles as a fashionable trench coat, meaning you can dress for work while being weather conscious.
It’s bButton closure, adjustable hood and detachable tie waist belt only add to its versatility and functionality. The only downside is that it’s a bit heavier than its waterproof counterparts, so keep that in mind before you buy.
You can buy the BGSD Paula Waterproof Hooded Long Raincoat ($189.99) from Amazon here.
Waterproof raincoat, from $28.90
This raincoat offers the other side of the coin. It is super lightweight and made from 100% waterproof and eco-friendly EVA material. So it’s a good idea to keep it rolled up in your bag or work briefcase in case you need it. Unfortunately, however, it offers no additional internal lining, so it won’t protect you from wind or cold – just water. That’s why it may be better to order a size up if you want to wear large jackets underneath.
You can buy the Raincoat Raincoat ($28.90) from Amazon here.
SaphiRose hooded rain poncho, $35.65
If all else fails, a rain poncho will never hurt you. While it’s not the most fashionable thing in the world, it does the trick when it comes to keeping you (and your clothes) dry all day. Many reviewers who work in the rain all day say it was a game changer. A word of warning: it’s also very thin, so you’ll need something bulkier underneath to beat the cold.
You can buy the SaphiRose hooded rain poncho ($35.65) from Amazon here.
Umbrellas
Double-vented, auto-open umbrella, from $41.99
Tired of your pesky umbrellas toppling over in the middle of a windy rainstorm? It’s time to change that with this durable, double-lined canopy umbrella that exclusively fits a hardened steel frame.
You can buy the Dual Vent Auto Open Umbrella ($41.99) from Amazon here.
Totes Signature Clear Bubble Umbrella, $57.59
Likewise, this super-durable umbrella offers a 51-inch canopy, which means you’ll be protected from wind and rain, so your hair and clothes stay dry. We also like that it’s clear, so you can see where you’re going underneath.
You can buy the Signature Clear Bubble Umbrella Totes ($57.59) from Amazon here.
Travel umbrella, $27.55
Everyone needs a lightweight and reliable mini travel umbrella to keep in their bag or car at all times, and we think we just found the one. It also comes in six different colors if you like to ~express yourself~ through your umbrella choices.
You can buy the Travel Umbrella ($27.55) from Amazon here.
Rubber boots
Portwest PVC Wellington Gum Boots, $31.93
Hear us out, but rubber boots aren’t just for kids splashing around in puddles!
If you’re tired of your shoes leaking with water and you never want to spend another day with soaked socks (read: worst feeling ever) again, this is the most comfortable answer and the most practical. These go all the way to the middle of the calf, making them super protective against windy storms. They also have a non-slip outsole to prevent drops on ceramic and steel surfaces.
You can buy the Portwest PVC Wellington Gumboot ($31.93) on Amazon here.
Men’s Crocs All Cast Rain Boot, from $87.84
These iconic Crocs rain boots are exclusively designed for all-day comfort and lightweight support. They also have no seams which means they are completely waterproof and will not succumb to any leaks. These aren’t as high on the calves as the previous option, which means you can slip them on easily under work pants or jeans.
You can buy the Crocs Men’s All Cast Rain Boot ($87.84) from Amazon here.
Cirrus Chelsea rain boots for men, from $59.57
Still not convinced you can make rubber boots work in a professional setting? With a style that looks exactly like classic work boots, no one will know the difference from this iconic pair. They’re also designed with a material that feels virtually weightless, making them 60% lighter than regular wellies, so you won’t even have to. feel like you’re wearing rubber boots either.
Although this pair is specifically for men, you can get similar women’s wellies here.
You can buy the Men’s Cirrus Chelsea Rain Boot ($59.57) from Amazon here.
Waterproof laptop bags
DOMISO 14-inch waterproof and shockproof laptop sleeve with handle, $43
The worst (and probably the most expensive) thing is rain getting into your laptop, so if you haven’t invested in a waterproof bag yet, it’s time to add one to your cart now. We’re Watching You.
Apart from rain cover, it’s also a really handy thing to have on your laptop in case you drop it, or say, your lunch spills in your bag near your laptop.
You can buy the DOMISO 14-inch Shockproof Waterproof Laptop Sleeve with Handle ($43) from Amazon here.
Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Shoulder Bag, $45.99
Unlike the previous option, this one is a little bulkier but compensates in that it offers a shoulder strap if you’re more inclined to use it more that way. It also comes with very good additional compartments, also providing space for chargers, pens and notebooks.
You can buy the Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Shoulder Bag ($45.99) from Amazon here.
