What makes a rain jacket lightweight
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With record-breaking high temperatures in the Pacific Northwest, which is normally known for its milder climate, and the year’s first heat wave arriving ahead of the official start of summer, jackets might be the last thing you’re thinking about — swimsuits and sweat shorts could be top of mind instead. But the season didn’t start off as a scorcher — Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial beginning of summer, was a washout. Google searches for rain jackets have even been trending upwards despite the warm weather.
SKIP AHEAD Best lightweight men’s rain jackets | Best lightweight women’s rain jackets
When shopping for rain jackets or coats, you’ll probably come across ones with fur-trimmed hoods, including Marmot’s Chelsea Coat, or others lined with fleece like this option from L.L.Bean — features that aren’t exactly ideal for when the sun is searing. And traditionally, rain jackets tend to be less lightweight. “The classic yellow rain slicker is not breathable — but very waterproof,” explained Margaret Frey, a fiber science and apparel design professor at Cornell University. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a rain jacket that’s wearable during sudden summer deluges or drizzles, though. For that, we consulted experts about what to consider before buying a rain jacket and compiled a few men’s and women’s coats from brands like Everlane, Hunter and more.
Waterproof versus water-resistant versus water-repellent
You might assume that a rain jacket will withstand any water thrown its way. This isn’t always the case.
There are three terms you’ll usually see when searching for the right rain jacket: waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent. While they might seem synonymous, they actually aren’t. “Many manufacturers will use these terms and the consumer does not know or understand the difference,” said Ashlee Rzyczycki, a visiting assistant professor at St. Thomas University in Florida who specializes in sustainability in fashion. There are slight but significant distinctions between the three — and knowing which does what can help you when deciding between one over the other.
To understand both water resistance and repellency, it could be helpful to first know what waterproof really means when it comes to rain jackets. The word waterproof denotes that water can’t penetrate through the fabric — these textiles can be coated or laminated with layers of materials like PVC, rubber or silicone and tend to be stiffer and less breathable than water-resistant fabrics, mentioned Preethi Gopinath, an associate professor of textiles at Parsons School of Design.
Though a traditional raincoat can be water-resistant or waterproof, a waterproof jacket is literally designed to “offer much greater resistance to water penetration especially in a downpour,” said Thomas Jefferson University materials technology professor Janet Brady. So, depending on how much protection you need, one might be better over the other.
A water-resistant jacket isn’t as foolproof, so to speak, but is still very similar. “Technically speaking, one could say that water-resistant and waterproof are similar — these fabrics are made to resist wetting and water penetration,” Brady said. Both types typically have a durable water repellency finish, or DWR for short, on the outermost fabric — which will offer a “line of defense” to stop water from saturating the jacket and maintaining breathability, explained Mike Kreis, a sales specialist at outdoor gear company REI.
“The key differences are that waterproof materials will not let water through even in a hard driving rain while water-resistant materials will prevent water from getting through for a while, but eventually if used in the rain for long enough or if the rain is very hard, it will get through,” Frey told us. It’s the same sentiment Kreis shared, suggesting that water-resistant jackets “excel in light rain for a brief time.” Likewise, if you’re looking for a lighter jacket to wear, Rzyczycki recommended those that are water-resistant.
On the other hand, water repellency refers to “the ability of a fabric to resist wetting (minus the penetration aspect),” Brady said. This is what windbreakers from “way back” feature, and some fabrics — including polyester and nylon — already don’t absorb water — it just falls off their surfaces, Brady noted. In a sense, water-repellent jackets are somewhat similar to raindrops in a windowpane — the rain just rolls off.
“If one is caught in a heavy downpour, though — the water can penetrate through a fabric by moving between fibers and yarns,” Brady explained. This is similar to the way Preeti Arya, a textile development and marketing professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), described what water-repellent means: “In contact with water, water-repellent materials form drops that can be easily removed from the fabric surface but for longer contact with water or with a higher-pressure difference, the material will absorb water.”
Best lightweight rain jackets of 2021
Given the expert guidance above, we gathered men’s and women’s rain jackets that are designed to be lightweight for rainy days that are hot and humid.
Best men’s rain jackets
Nike Windrunner Running Jacket
This packable rain jacket can be folded into the back panel pocket and then carried around with an included over-the-shoulder strap. It features a back vent to help with ventilation on hotter days. Nike claims this windrunner is partially made with recycled polyester — the materials used are made to be water-repellent and have some stretch. The jacket also comes with an adjustable hood and offers UVA and UVB protection, according to the brand. It’s available in sizes S to 4XL.
Nike Windrunner Running Jacket
Nike Windrunner Running Jacket $115.00 at Finish Line
Nike Windrunner Running Jacket $115.00 at Nike
Under Armour UA OD Impasse Wind Jacket
This jacket uses Under Armour’s UA Impasse technology, which the company says is designed to lock water while still being breathable. It features elastic details on the hood, hem and cuffs for a more secure fit — there’s even a center front hook that keeps the jacket closed when unzipped. The jacket is completely made from nylon and fully packable with its own bag inside the left chest pocket. It currently comes in sizes S to XL and five colors (a sixth shade is sold out) including Black and Graphite Blue.
Under Armour UA OD Impasse Wind Jacket
Under Armour UA OD Impasse Wind Jacket $110.00 at Under Armour
Vuori Daybreak Windbreaker
For those who are more outdoorsy, this jacket is meant for running, hiking and traveling. It’s also designed to be worn with a light layer — so it’s probably not as practical for much colder temperatures. The jacket offers UPF 50 sun protection and a single toggle cincher at the base of the hood for more coverage during a rainstorm. This water-resistant option has been treated with a DWR finish and is completely made from polyester. It currently comes in sizes S to XXL and four colors: Black, Cognac, Indigo and Palm.
Vuori Daybreak Windbreaker
Vuori Daybreak Windbreaker $112.00 at Vuori
The North Face Cyclone Jacket
Made with a nylon shell that’s supposed to be breathable and offer wind resistance, this jacket features a water-repellent finish. Notably, it also includes UPF 50+ protection. You’ll find elastic binding on the sleeves’ hem and a three-piece hood with this option. It comes in sizes XS to XXL and three colorways: Vintage Indigo/Rococco Red, TNF Black and Utility Brown/Vintage White.
The North Face Cyclone Jacket
The North Face Cyclone Jacket $69.00 at The North Face
The North Face Cyclone Jacket $69.00 at REI
The North Face Cyclone Jacket $68.95 at Amazon
L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Anorak
This colorful coat comes in three shades — Bayside Blue/Warm Gold, Natural/Bold Orange and Spruce/Tuscan Olive — and has a decorative trim at the waist. It’s based on one of the brand’s original anoraks. Like lots of L.L.Bean’s line, this jacket is meant to be used for outdoor activities, like walking on a trail, and can be packed up into its own pocket. The jacket is made from a water- and wind-resistant nylon — it’s recommended that you wear a light layer with it. It currently comes in sizes S to XXL.
L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Anorak
L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Anorak $59.00 at L.L. Bean
Best women’s rain jackets
Lululemon Rain Chaser Jacket
From athleisure brand Lululemon, this jacket is meant for being on the move — it’s designed specifically for running. Notably, the waterproof jacket includes perforated areas for ventilation with pockets that also act as vents to cool you down. There’s a hidden phone sleeve in one of the exterior pockets. The cropped jacket includes a cinchable hem and hood. It’s made with a mix of nylon, polyester and elastane. The jacket is available in sizes 0 to 14 and in two colors, Black and Mystified White Opal Multi.
Lululemon Rain Chaser Jacket
Lululemon Rain Chaser Jacket $198.00 at Lululemon
Hunter Original Cotton Smock
Hunter might be best-known for its rain boots, but the company carries other rainwear as well. Take this cotton raincoat, which is designed to provide waterproof protection through what the brand describes as a durable water-repellent finish and sealed seams. As it’s made from cotton, the jacket is meant to be breathable — there’s a mesh body lining that is also supposed to help with breathability. The hood features an adjustable drawcord. It currently comes in sizes XS to XL and five colors, including Military Red and Dark Olive.
Hunter Original Cotton Smock
Hunter Original Cotton Smock $158.00 at Hunter
Hunter Original Cotton Smock $175.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Everlane The Mac Coat
For a more modern raincoat, this option from Everlane is based on a traditional Mackintosh coat and features a point collar and button closures in the front. The coat is made from cotton that has a water-resistant finish and a lightweight lining on the inside. It comes in two colors, Khaki and Cocoa Brown, and sizes 00 to 14 (16 is out of stock in both shades). It’s a popular pick with Everlane shoppers, boasting an average 4.61-star rating over more than 500 reviews.
Everlane The Mac Coat
Everlane The Mac Coat $130.00 at Everlane
Old Navy Go-H20 Water-Resistant Hooded Utility Jacket
Made from polyester, this jacket has been treated to be water-resistant. Old Navy says the jacket includes a quick-drying shell and a breathable mesh lining. As far as features, the jacket comes with patch pockets in the front, adjustable drawcords at the hem and a built-in hood. It’s available in sizes XS to XXL and three colors: Golden Glow, Black Jack and Ancient Forest.
Old Navy Go-H20 Water-Resistant Hooded Utility Jacket
Old Navy Go-H20 Water-Resistant Hooded Utility Jacket $39.97 at Old Navy
Girlfriend Collective Hummingbird Half Zip Windbreaker (limited availability)
This water-resistant windbreaker is meant for running around — whether that means running errands or exercising. It features a cropped and boxy fit and comes with waist pockets that are designed to be spacious. Like other Girlfriend Collective clothing, the jacket is made from recycled single-use plastic bottles. This jacket also includes a hideable hood and cinchable waist.
Girlfriend Collective Hummingbird Half Zip Windbreaker (
Girlfriend Collective Hummingbird Half Zip Windbreaker ( $98.00 at Girlfriend
What makes a rain jacket lightweight?
Out of the three types of protection mentioned above, jackets designed to be water-resistant or water-repellent are usually more lightweight to wear in contrast to those that are completely waterproof, experts explained. But what makes a rain jacket lightweight can also depend on the fabric and shell it features.
Fabric
When it comes to rain jackets, you’ll find the same fabrics used over and over again — and you can separate them into two broad categories: synthetic (including nylon and polyester) and natural materials (like cotton).
While natural fabrics “are breathable by default,” synthetics are designed to be breathable as their fibers are treated to allow for the wicking of moisture, Arya added. “Therefore, considering the durability and price point, manufacturers use nylon or polyester fibers to make the fabric for raincoats and eventually treat it to make it repellent.”
Nylon is among the most popular of these fabrics for a reason. “Nylon is a great material for coats because it is tough and resilient. This means it will wear well and can be strained and flexed without losing its shape,” Frey said. Plus, it’s meant to be “extremely hydrophobic,” Gopinath explained. Its popularity additionally rests on its ability to be lightweight — and that’s thanks to its density, which is generally less than other fibers, Brady told us.
One of the relatively newer fabrics in rainwear is Gore-Tex, which has been around for a couple of decades now. It’s used in waterproof jackets and is designed to be breathable, almost all the experts we spoke to said. The “layman’s description” of breathability when it comes to clothing means the moisture from our skin’s surface moves to the outside and evaporates, making you feel more comfortable, Brady mentioned.
“So, the key to how Gore-Tex and similar materials work is first being a hydrophobic (water hating) material chemically – this means that water would form beads on the material and roll off rather than spreading out and soaking in,” Frey explained. “Second, the material has very small pores — small enough that a water droplet cannot fit through, but water vapor can escape — so raindrops cannot get in, but moisture evaporating from your body can get out.”
Packability also plays a role in how lightweight a rain jacket can be. “Some coats offer the ability to pack down into one of their own pockets, which is a fun feature to have. If it doesn't, you can always roll your jacket up into the hood to keep it contained when it needs to be packed up,” Kreis said.But beyond practicality for traveling, jackets that are marketed as ultralight or packable can be more weightless when you wear them. These jackets tend to be made from polyester and nylon as well, Gopinath told us.
Shell
Oftentimes, rain jackets “may be made of multi-layered fabric” that is stitched, bonded or laminated, and the outermost layer that’s exposed to the elements and the environment is what’s called a shell, Gopinath described.
Shells largely fall into two camps — hard shell and soft shell.
A hard shell jacket’s job is to keep water and wind out, but it offers little in terms of insulation on top — instead, other layers will help with warmth, according to Kreis. A hard shell will “provide the most protection” against the elements but it’s “significantly stiffer and harder to the touch than soft shell,” Rzyczycki said. Many manufacturers use fabrics that're both waterproof and breathable like Gore-Tex with hard shells, she added.
A soft shell tries to combine “the outermost layer with the mid-layer” and prioritizes “breathability over weather protection” as it’s usually water-resistant, Kreis said. These tend to be made from nylon and polyester and are better off used for light rain. “If there is a heavy storm with heavy rain it is likely water will seep through,” Rzyczycki explained. “ It will also likely have some additional insulation, which will keep you warm if needed.”
There’s also a separate category of insulated shells that can be filled with down or down alternatives like you’d find in different duvets, which can create more warmth through an additional layer, according to Rzyczycki. But, for the summer, these might not be the best option.
“In my opinion, the difference between a ‘soft shell’ and a ‘hard shell’ is the packability with soft shells offering a lighter weight, perhaps even thinner material which can be easily folded into a small package easier to carry,” Brady argued.
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