Ultimate Guide to Waterproof Jackets: Style, Materials, Best Brands (UK & USA)
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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A waterproof jacket is one of the most practical investments in any wardrobe—but it doesn’t have to sacrifice style. With the UK’s famously rainy climate and increasing demand for technical outerwear in the US, knowing what to look for in materials, cut, and fit is essential.
This guide will help you:
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Understand the different types of waterproof jackets
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Learn what materials offer the best protection and style
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Explore the best UK and US brands, high street and designer
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Discover how Tellar.co.uk ensures your waterproof jacket actually fits
☔ 1. What Counts as a Waterproof Jacket?
Not all “water-resistant” jackets are waterproof. Here's the breakdown:
Term |
Meaning |
|---|---|
Waterproof |
Fully sealed seams, often 10,000mm+ hydrostatic head |
Water-resistant |
Can handle light rain, but will soak through eventually |
Showerproof |
Short bursts of rain only—limited protection |
For fashion-forward styling, look for waterproof overcoats or parkas with taped seams, breathable membranes, and wind resistance.
🧵 2. Best Materials for Waterproof Jackets
Material |
Best For |
|---|---|
GORE‑TEX |
Breathable, lightweight, premium waterproofing |
Polyurethane (PU) Coated Nylon |
Inexpensive, durable, non-breathable |
eVent or H2No |
Designer-level waterproof tech fabrics |
Waxed Cotton |
Classic UK styling, water-repellent, not fully waterproof |
Recycled Polyesters |
Eco-forward options (used by brands like Rains, Everlane) |
→ Tip: The best waterproofs combine a waterproof shell with breathability (no sweating) and tailored fit for layering.
👚 3. Styles to Look For
1. Belted Trench Coats – Waterproof + waist definition
2. Oversized Rain Mac – COS-style modernist design
3. Lightweight Technical Parkas – Ideal for layering
4. Packable Rain Shells – For travel or sport
5. Tailored Waterproof Blazers or Capes – Ideal for city dressing
→ See smart layering advice here: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Casual Blazers for Women’s Body Types Instruction on Posts
🛍️ 4. Best UK High-Street Waterproof Jacket Brands
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M&S – Affordable waterproof trenches and macs in neutral colours
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COS – Technical waterproof fabrics with sculptural cuts
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Uniqlo – Lightweight block-colour waterproof shells
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Rains – Danish outerwear brand now stocked in the UK—minimalist waterproofs
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Whistles – Smart parkas with waterproof finishes
→ See your size across M&S, COS, or Whistles:
What Size Am I in Next? The Ultimate Guide to Next Clothing Sizing Instruction on Posts
🇺🇸 5. Best US & Designer Brands for Waterproof Outerwear
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Everlane – Clean silhouettes in recycled water-resistant fabrics
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Patagonia – Technical rainwear with sustainability focus
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Canada Goose (lightweight line) – Luxury rain jackets with sealed seams
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Stutterheim – Swedish brand favoured for sleek waterproof coats
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The North Face – High-performance rain shells & urban style hybrids
→ Check conversion sizing: UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes: The Ultimate Guide Instruction on Posts
💡 6. Styling Advice for Waterproof Jackets
✔ Pair oversized waterproof coats with fitted jeans or leggings for balance
✔ For workwear, choose belted or tailored raincoats in beige, navy, or charcoal
✔ Add visual structure with collars, drawstring waists, and contrast linings
✔ Layer over tuxedo-style blazers or wool jumpers for cold, wet days
→ Browse jacket layering fits:
The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Tuxedo Suits Instruction on Posts
→ Explore flattering silhouettes for layering bottoms:
The Ultimate Guide to Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape Instruction on Posts
📏 7. Fit First: Why Tellar.co.uk Matters
A waterproof jacket that doesn’t fit is more than annoying—it’s ineffective. Rain seeps through gaps, bunching kills the look, and sleeves too short? Instant regret.
Tellar.co.uk solves all of this.
🔧 How Tellar.co.uk Works
Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s #1 free fit platform, matching your real body shape to sizing from over 1,500 fashion brands, including COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket & more.
Step-by-step:
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Measure once — bust, waist, hip or use your best-fitting brand
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Use Tellar’s Store Size Lookup Tool
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Instantly match your correct size across multiple brands
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Shop confidently knowing what fits
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Always free, no app or sign-up required
➡️ Create your free Tellar.co.uk profile
➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup Tool
➡️ Download your printable measuring tape Instruction on Posts
🔗 Related Posts From the Tellar Fashion Hub
📏 Sizing Help:
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The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide Instruction on Posts
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Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide Instruction on Posts
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UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes Instruction on Posts
👖 Garment Fit Guides:
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Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape Instruction on Posts
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Jeans for Petite Women – HighStreet, Designer, Boutique & Independent Brands Instruction on Posts
👚 Tailoring & Layers:
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Smart Casual Blazers for Women’s Body Types Instruction on Posts
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Women’s Tuxedo Suits – Styles, Brands & Fit Instruction on Posts
📲 Follow Tellar for Fit Tips and Real-Time Style Guides
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
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Facebook: Tellar Sizing
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Pinterest: TellarSizing
✅ Final Takeaway
Your waterproof jacket should fit your life, your body, and your wardrobe. Whether you're investing in technical GORE-TEX or shopping high-street fashion rainwear, the right shape and size is key to comfort and performance.
Tellar.co.uk gives you the tools to shop confidently—matched to 1,500+ brands, powered by real sizing, and backed by the UK’s largest independent fashion fit hub.
→ Start now: https://tellar.co.uk
Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Always Free.