London truly is one of the best cities in the world. Brimming with wonderful opportunities, culture and bustling nightlife, it’s also one of the few capitals that can be relied upon for perennial, consistent downpours and chilly breezes no matter the season.
You must have a certain strength of character to get through darkened, wet winters just to experience the tiniest glimpse of sunshine during the apparent summer months. We wouldn’t blame you if you opted for somewhere like Los Angeles or Melbourne instead.
If you’ve stumbled onto our humble shopping pages, chances are you belong to the wonderful yet dreary population of the United Kingdom. That means you’re no stranger to inclement weather, freezing temperatures and slippery tube platforms.
One thing about us Brits, though we may be outwardly polite, is that we’re inherently stubborn. If told to dress for potential storms, we tend to go in the opposite sartorial direction. This likely stems from schooldays spent wearing solely blazers and woolly jumpers in sub-zero temperatures because it simply wasn’t ‘cool’ to dress in a weather-appropriate manner.
Nevertheless, you’ve made it to this article, which means you’re finally willing to take the plunge and invest in a practical piece of outerwear fit for our island’s mercurial climate. We’ve got you covered.
What to consider before investing in a waterproof coat for the winter
- Is it actually waterproof: We don’t mean to sound condescending, it’s just that we’ve made the same mistake ourselves. Down coats, if not coated in a proper weather-resistant material, will absorb water and leave you feeling and looking like a sad, soggy Michelin man. Triple-check that the marvellously puffer jacket you’re after is equipped with sealed seams and a proper PU coating before purchasing.
- Versatility: Ask yourself whether your investment in an expensive piece of outwear will go the distance, and whether it’s suitable for seasons other than the depths of winter. Ideally, the jacket should have adaptable, sweat-wicking insulation that keeps your body temperature regulated at all times. You might also opt for a three-in-one solution that comes with dedicated inner and outer layers.
- Length: Consider whether you’ll need the lower half of your body covered on rainy commutes. There’s nothing worse than having jeans stuck to your legs because the wind and the rain were too much for your waist-length coat to handle.
Shop our curated edit of the best weatherproof winter jackets on the market to keep you warm and dry below.
Women's Suzanne Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket 2.0
As city-based square footage continues to shrink, wardrobe versatility is more important than ever. This 3-in-1 jacket from The North Face is designed to take you through all four seasons with absolute ease. The Suzanne Triclimate comes with a sleek outer jacket which is breathable and waterproof, as well as a quilted inner jacket which is filled with 550-fill of responsibly sourced down. Wear them together or separately depending on the weather.
Buy now £380.00, The North Face
Rains Alta Puffer Jacket
Perfect for those looking for a comfortable and cosy oversized puffer coat this winter, the Alta Puffer by Rains is entirely waterproof – unlike some on the market. It’s offered in an array of fabulous colours to suit your personal aesthetic and features an inside zipped chest pocket and concealed fleece-lined side pockets. Lightweight and durable, it’s crafted with woven chamber technology and cut from Rains’ PU fabric with double welded seams to keep inclement weather out, and total warmth in.
Buy now £319.00, Rains
One-Size Waterproof Coat
Made for countryside dwellers and regular equestrians, this oversized coat offers maximum protection against British weather. It features over-the-knee coverage to keep your favourite trousers dry, has a waterproof outer shell with fully taped waterproof seams, full zip closure and cuff adjustment to prevent the lightest sprinkling of rain from entering your warm haven.
Buy now £249.00, Holland Cooper
66°North Kría Long Shell Coat
If you’re a trench lover, this longline waist-cinched coat from 66°North combines your favourite silhouette with wind-stopping and waterproof fabric. Definitely the chic way to do Gore-Tex.
Buy now £590.00, 66°North
Barbour Women's Beauly Waxed Jacket
The Beauly jacket has a more relaxed A-line fit and a weatherproof 6oz waxed cotton finish. Though more oversized than traditional riding jackets, it offers a wonderfully warming and casual silhouette complete with two handwarmer pockets and an inner storm skirt.
Buy now £289.00, Very
Arc’Teryx Nuclei Parka
Insulation: Synthetic - Coreloft continuous insulation
Designed specifically for severe weather conditions with ice and alpine climbing enthusiasts in mind, it’s safe to say you’ll remain protected from the elements in the Arc’Teryx Nuclei Parka. Though its puffed-up, Michelin Man-esque appearance might make you think that this jacket is filled to the brim with down, it’s actually powered by Arc’Teryx ‘s own Coreloft synthetic insulation. This means that it’s able to repel water and wind while remaining warm and comfortable. Plus, it’s machine washable.
Buy now £350.00, Arc’Teryx
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
Insulation: 700 fill 100 per cent recycled duck and goose down
An extremely versatile piece for those who find themselves in rapidly changing climates, the 3-in-1 parka from Patagonia is equipped with an inner removal hip-length jacket which is insulated with 700 fill recycled down.
Providing all the incredible warmth of down filling without compromising on waterproofness, this is a brilliant choice for severe weather conditions of all types.
Buy now £599.99, Ellis Brigham
Arc’Teryx Ralle Parka
Insulation: Synthetic - Coreloft continuous insulation
Part of Arc’Teryx’s cult-favourite Gore-Tex range, this is one of the only extra-warm winter jackets on the market that is certifiably waterproof thanks to the two-layer Gore-Tex construction.
This, paired with durable, wonderfully insulating Coreloft synthetic insulation makes this jacket a winner in terms of thermal performance, loft and weatherproof-ness.
Buy now £600.00, Arc’Teryx
Canada Goose Rhoda Parka
Insulation: 800 fill down
After being called out for inhumane practices relating to how the brand sourced its fur, Canada Goose has committed to going fur-free. Hurrah! People who experience extreme weather on a regular basis, but are committed to shopping ethically, will be particularly excited as Canada Goose specialises in sub-zero protection.
Field-tested for the coldest places on earth, the Rhoda Parka is equipped to help you survive temperatures beyond -30°C. The outer shell is made from Lumia - a recycled fabric which is water-repellent and wind-resistant.
The one downside? It’s extremely pricey and most definitely an investment, but one that’ll be worth it in the long haul - especially thanks to that lifetime warranty.
Buy now £1695.00, Canada Goose
Craghoppers Toledo GORE-TEX Jacket
For outstanding outdoor performancewear, Craghoppers is the place to go, whether you’re looking for a collection to provide protection against biting insects in hot-climate countries to insulated jackets for alpine conditions.
Designed in a fully waterproof Gore-Tex stretch fabric, this parka will protect you in even the wettest conditions - and has ample space across six pockets for all of your hiking or city-exploring essentials.
Not only is it crafted using recycled bottles, but if you register your purchase with the brand, they’ll guarantee it for life, meaning if anything goes wrong, they’ll replace it with the same or something similar.
Buy now £199.50, Craghoppers
