The Best Raincoats for Travel
A reliable raincoat can be a force field around miserable weather. While everyone else is ducking for cover during a drizzle, you can keep sightseeing and exploring in your dry, comfy cocoon. But with so many on the market, you could easily go bonkers trying to figure out which one to bring on a trip. Don’t worry. We’ve vetted eight raincoats in a variety of styles, all of which pack snuggly in a carry-on, so they’re both super-duper convenient and cute.
Best Long Raincoat
Long on height and style, Everlane’s Drape Trench is a full-coverage fave. Puddle-dodgers will appreciate just how super comfy it is, with a longer yet relaxed fit that lets you kick out your leg to hop over soggy street corners. Features such as a storm flap, a cotton-twill exterior, and Cupro lining check off all the practical details, and the style couldn’t be more “Casablanca classic.” Tip: Size down for a more fitted look.
Best Short-and-Sporty Raincoat
Even if it’s raining buckets, you’re not going to sit out a bucket-list trip. But you do need a shorter raincoat that can keep up with you. Columbia Sportswear’s EvaPOURation Jacket fits the bill with waterproof, breathable, wicking fabric in a short, classic fit. The jacket’s attached hood, underarm venting, and adjustable sleeves and hem means it can adapt to your needs as you explore—whether that’s hiking up Machu Picchu or canoeing down the Mekong River. Bonus: This folds into its own pouch for easy packing.
Best Midi-Length Raincoat
Those raincoat Goldilocks that are split between short and long will find this raincoat juuuust right. Cole Haan offers a simple, chic everyday option with its Double Face Packable Rain Jacket. There’s loads to love here: a lightweight construction, protective funnel-neck, removable hood, hidden front zip, and a nifty back bow detail. Even better, there are two front snap-button flap pockets, plus a smaller zipper pocket, perfect for keeping your phone dry. The length—35 inches—is short enough for sashaying in the rain a la Gene Kelly, but long enough to shield you from showers.
Best Retro Raincoat
Score some major hipness points with the Herschel’s Forecast Rain Coat. Part of Herschel Supply Co.’s first clothing collection, this old-school raincoat is made to withstand inclement weather—and look cool while doing it. Details like rainproof fabric with fused seams, a snap-button placket, hood, elastic-cuffed long sleeves, and button-flap pouch pockets keep it durable in a downpour. And its portable weight makes it great for layering over a hoodie or that ironic ugly sweater.
Best Budget Raincoat
Did you bottom out your bank account on your flight? Don’t sweat it. You can still get quality rain gear for under $50 bucks, and this jacket from Target proves it. Available in several colors including an especially beautiful burgundy, this lightweight outerwear doesn’t skimp, despite its mega-cheap price. A fully lined interior, drawstring waistline, and adjustable hood keep you dry without going broke.
Best Patterned Raincoat
Amp up your adorable factor with Kate Spade’s Deco Dot Rain Jacket. A heavy downpour of big white polka dots are scattered across its classic black background. And loads of handy details make this both pretty and practical, from its attached hood and front-snap placket to its notched lapel and deep pockets. The coat is also lined, giving it a bit more buffer from all that bluster, all while keeping you super cute and classy.
Best Luxury Raincoat
Any fashion influencer worth her followers knows that a Burberry trench is the holy grail of raincoats. This preppy little number has all the iconic details that makes the brand luxurious: a tapered waist, notched lapels, and epaulettes, plus belted cuffs, a double-breasted horn-button front, and side welt pockets with button closures. Then again, you’ll have to fork over $1,790 smackers to own this beauty. But for those that want to look first-class fabulous, The Kensington Mid-Length Heritage Cotton Trench can’t be beat.
Best Outdoor Windproof Raincoat
Rain and hard wind are double trouble for travelers exploring the outdoors. But you can block both with the L.L. Bean Sweater Fleece 3-in-1 Jacket. This trifecta of toastiness marries the warmth of fleece with a durable, water-resistant shell for an all-season combo. The fleece can be zipped out if the weather warms up. Or you can ditch the outer layer if the rain lets up. When you need the ultimate weather protection, sandwich them together for delicious rainproof warmth.
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