1. Common Raincoat Materials and Their Advantages and Disadvantages
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | – Excellent waterproofing- Very low cost- Durable and easy to clean | – Zero breathability (can feel clammy)- Stiff and less flexible- Not environmentally friendly- Can be heavy |
| Polyester (with coating) | – Lightweight and flexible- Dries very quickly- Durable and abrasion-resistant- Cost-effective | – Waterproof coating can wear off over time (requires re-treatment)- Breathability varies with coating quality |
| Nylon | – Very lightweight and packable- Strong and abrasion-resistant- Often has a softer feel | – Requires a waterproof coating (like PU) to be fully waterproof- Coating can degrade with UV exposure |
| Gore-Tex (ePTFE Membrane) | – Completely waterproof yet highly breathable- Durable and high-performance- Excellent for high-exertion activities | – Very expensive- Requires proper care and cleaning to maintain performance |
| TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | – Good balance of waterproofness and breathability- More flexible and softer than PVC- More eco-friendly than PVC | – Generally more expensive than basic PVC or polyester |
| Waxed Cotton | – Classic, timeless aesthetic- Naturally breathable- Durable and develops a patina over time | – Requires regular re-waxing to maintain waterproofing- Heavy and not as packable- Can be stiff when cold |
2. Common Raincoat Colors
- High-Visibility: Fluorescent Yellow, Bright Orange, Signal Red (for safety in low light)
- Practical & Classic: Navy Blue, Black, Dark Gray (hides dirt, more formal)
- Natural/Tactical: Olive Green, Khaki, Beige (blends with outdoor environments)
- Light/Fashion: Light Blue, Pink, White, Pastels (popular for fashion-focused styles)
3. Common Raincoat Styles
- Trench Coat: Knee-length, belted, classic style. Often features a storm flap, epaulets, and gun flap. Good for urban and formal settings.
- Anorak / Pullover: Pull-over style with a half-zip or no zip. Lightweight and simple, often with a large front pocket.
- Packaway / Packable: Ultra-lightweight jacket designed to fold into its own pocket for easy carrying.
- Long Raincoat / Parka: Ankle-length or mid-calf length coat. Provides maximum coverage and protection from heavy rain.
- Rain Jacket: Standard hip-length jacket with a full front zipper. The most common and versatile style.
- Cape / Poncho: A single piece of material with a head opening. Offers great ventilation and coverage for packs.
4. International Raincoat Standards
These standards define a garment’s level of waterproofing and breathability.
- Waterproofness: Measured in millimetres (mm) using a Hydrostatic Head test.
- 1,500 – 5,000 mm: Suitable for light rain and everyday use.
- 5,000 – 10,000 mm: Suitable for moderate rain and general outdoor activities.
- 10,000 mm+: Suitable for heavy rain, alpine conditions, and prolonged exposure.
- Breathability: Measured in grams (g) of moisture vapor per square meter over 24 hours (MVTR).
- 5,000 g/m²/24h+: Good breathability for active use.
- Key Standards:
- ISO 811 (Water resistance)
- ISO 10996 (Rainwear – requirements for jackets)
- EN 343 (European standard for protective clothing against rain)
5. Raincoat Selection by Location and Style
| Location / Climate | Recommended Style & Features |
|---|---|
| Urban / City | Trench coat or stylish rain jacket. Look for a mid-range waterproof rating (e.g., 3,000-5,000mm) and a breathable lining. |
| Hiking / Trekking | Technical rain jacket with high waterproof rating (10,000mm+), high breathability, underarm vents, adjustable cuffs and hood. |
| Warm & Humid Rain | Lightweight, packable, and highly breathable shell. Ventilation (pit zips) is more critical than extreme waterproofing. |
| Cold & Wet Conditions | Insulated or 3-layer waterproof jacket. Longer length for more coverage. High waterproof and breathability ratings are essential. |
6. When Should Reflective Strips Be Added to a Raincoat?
Reflective strips should be added when visibility is compromised and safety is a concern. Specifically:
- Commuting by bike or foot: If you are walking, running, or cycling near traffic, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.
- Working near traffic: For road workers, construction crews, or emergency responders.
- Outdoor activities in low light: For hiking, fishing, or hunting when starting early or finishing late.
- For children: To make them more visible to drivers while walking to school or playing.
In short: If you will be near moving vehicles in low-light or rainy conditions, reflective strips are a critical safety feature. Many technical and urban raincoats now include subtle reflective details for this reason.
