Best Waterproof Jackets: Men's and Women's Buying Guide for 2026
Expert guide to finding the right waterproof jacket for every occasion
What to know
- A reliable waterproof jacket is an everyday essential — the right one comes down to your conditions and how you use it.
- Look for taped seams, a waterproof membrane and a DWR coating as the baseline for any genuinely waterproof jacket.
- Fit matters as much as spec: check for freedom of movement, sleeve length, adjustability and room to layer underneath.
- From commuting to coastal walks and offshore sailing — there's a Musto waterproof jacket built for your activity.
Whether you're the outdoorsy type or not, a reliable waterproof jacket is a wardrobe essential. Soggy commutes, damp dog walks and braving the elements are all part of daily life. To stay warm, dry and comfortable all year round, only the right waterproof jacket will do. Our experts have put together this 2026 guide to the best waterproof jackets for men and women — starting with the fundamentals.
What features should you look for in a waterproof jacket?
There are certain features that all waterproof jackets should have, regardless of your intended use:
- Waterproof membrane — A reliable jacket will use a membrane that guarantees a minimum waterproof rating. At Musto, all waterproof jackets are tested against stringent criteria to meet our Ocean Tech™ or Ocean Tech™ Pro standard.
- Taped seams — To guarantee a jacket as waterproof, look for taped (sometimes known as sealed) seams. These are heat-sealed to avoid stitching holes that water could seep through.
- DWR coating — A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating forces water droplets to bead up and roll off the fabric. This 'proofing' diverts water away from the surface without compromising breathability.
- Adjustable hoods, cuffs and hems — These allow a comfortable, customised fit and prevent water from flushing up the sleeves or dripping down the collar.
How should a waterproof jacket fit?
Personal preference will always play a part, but these are the key things to bear in mind when thinking about the right fit:
- Range of motion — Check you can move your arms, shoulders, and torso freely.
- Sleeve length — Will the sleeves be long enough to cover your wrists when your arms are fully extended?
- Hem length — Do you want to cover your lower back only, or extend the length for added protection?
- Collar fit — Consider whether you want a high or low collar, fleece or mesh-lined, with space for your own mid-layer.
- Adjustability — Look for drawcord hems, adjustable cuffs and customisable hoods. Think about whether a packable solution would be useful.
- Layering — How much room do you need for base layers or a mid-layer underneath?
The top waterproof jackets from Musto for 2026
We've collated a guide to the best waterproof jackets for every occasion. Whilst all of our jackets are versatile, meet stringent waterproof breathability standards and offer exceptional performance, here's the top use case for each jacket:
BR1 Solent Jacket — Best general wet weather jacket
The BR1 Solent earns its place as the best general wet weather jacket by offering dependable waterproof protection in a versatile design. Meeting Musto's Ocean Tech™ standard, it handles steady rain and wind with ease while remaining comfortable enough for everyday wear. The practical hood and breathable lining make it suitable for everything from school runs to coastal outings — a reliable go-to option when rain is forecast.
What are the top features?
- Mesh-lined — Designed for comfort against the skin.
- Adjustable cuffs and packable hood — Customised fit with the option to roll the hood away into the collar on dry days.
- High-visibility hood and reflective design details — Ensures visibility in low-light conditions.
- Junior jacket available — Kit the whole family out in BR1 Solent Jackets.
Snug Blouson Jacket — Best for casual outdoor wear
The Snug Blouson is best for casual outdoor wear in spring and autumn months, with its lightweight waterproof protection and everyday warmth. The fleece lining makes it cosy in cool temperatures, while ribbed cuffs and a flattering, relaxed cut make it easy and comfortable to wear throughout the day. The clean, modern styling allows it to transition easily from countryside walks to running errands in town.
What are the top features?
- Lightweight 2-layer construction — Meets our Ocean Tech™ standard for reliable protection against showers while maintaining a casual look.
- Polartec® fleece lining — Provides warmth and extra comfort for cooler weather.
- Secure zipped pockets — Keeps your essential belongings safe.
Men's EVO Lite Rain Jacket — Best for commuting
The EVO Lite Rain Jacket is perfectly suited to commuting thanks to its lightweight, no-fuss waterproof construction. It slips easily over workwear and packs down neatly when the rain clears, making it practical for daily travel. The mesh lining provides next-to-skin comfort, while secure pockets keep essentials safe and dry. It offers straightforward waterproof protection without bulk — which matters during crowded journeys or when cycling to work.
What are the top features?
- Fully seam-sealed 2-layer construction — Meets our Ocean Tech™ standard to keep rain and wind out while remaining light and packable.
- Snug fit hood — Streamlined protection in rainy conditions with no adjustment needed.
- Multiple zipped exterior and internal stash pockets — Keeps essentials secure as you travel.
BR1 PrimaLoft® Mid-Layer Jacket — Best for layering in low temperatures
Initially designed as a sailing mid-layer, this jacket is intentionally lightweight so it can be worn underneath a bulkier outer shell when required. Despite its mid-layer status, it is still completely waterproof and provides exceptional protection as a stand-alone jacket. Its body-mapped PrimaLoft® insulation traps warmth efficiently to offer temperature control as conditions shift — ideal for cold mornings, winter walks or active outdoor days.
What are the top features?
- Body-mapped PrimaLoft® insulation — Delivers targeted warmth where it's needed, without bulk.
- Fully seam-sealed waterproof construction — Can be worn as a standalone jacket in moderate rain or as a mid-layer under an outer shell in heavier conditions.
- Adjustable, packable hood — Roll the hood away into the collar on dry days.
BR1 Channel Jacket — Best for all-weather protection
The BR1 Channel Jacket is best for all-weather protection because of its robust waterproof build and longer-length coverage. The high collar protects against blustery winds, and the adjustable, high-visibility hood can be packed away for a more streamlined look. This jacket is suited to prolonged time outdoors — whether walking the coast, tackling outdoor tasks or spending the day outside in mixed weather.
What are the top features?
- BR1 waterproof protection with a double storm flap — Fully waterproof to Musto's Ocean Tech™ standard, with a protected 2-way front zip to prevent rain seeping through.
- Double entry pockets with brushed fleece lining — Keep your hands warm and belongings dry and secure.
- Fluorescent packable hood and reflective details — Improves visibility in low light; folds into the collar when not needed.
Sardinia Jacket — Best for coastal walks
The ever-popular Sardinia range is ideal for coastal walks thanks to its lightweight BR1 construction that meets our Ocean Tech™ standard for waterproof protection and breathability. The packable hood offers quick protection against changing winds, while the comfortable mesh lining makes it easy to wear over light layers.
What are the top features?
- 2-layer construction with sealed seams — Lightweight yet reliably waterproof, ideal for everyday wet weather and coastal conditions.
- Mesh lining — Improves next-to-skin feel and reduces friction against base layers for a more comfortable wear.
- Multiple secure pockets — Essential for secure storage and keeping hands warm on the move.
Corsica Jacket — Best jacket for dog walking
The best-selling Corsica is perfectly suited to dog walks and country wanders because it combines reliable waterproof protection with built-in warmth from the fleece lining. Its adjustable hood packs away into the collar in dry weather, making this a great year-round option. Articulated sleeves allow easy movement when bending down or throwing a ball.
What are the top features?
- Lightweight 2-layer construction with fully sealed seams — Meets our Ocean Tech™ standard to reliably keep water out without weighing you down.
- Brushed fleece lining for warmth — Adds comfort and insulation on cool, damp days.
- Reflective details — Increases your visibility during early morning or late evening walks.
BR3 Pertex® Offshore Jacket — Best jacket for demanding wet weather
The BR3 Pertex® Offshore Jacket is built for demanding wet weather where prolonged exposure is expected. Ideal for serious sailors, but equally suitable for those undertaking any adventurous activity where inclement weather is likely. Its advanced 3-layer Pertex® construction provides high waterproof protection while maintaining strong breathability during activity. Adjustable features are designed to enhance safety, whilst details such as brush-lined pockets focus on comfort.
What are the top features?
- 3-layer Pertex® Shield fabric — Exceptional protection for prolonged wet and windy conditions.
- Helmet-compatible adjustable hood with reflective details — Safety and protection for serious sailors or adventurous users.
- Pocket drainage system with double entry — Prevents water from pooling in your pockets.
What makes a waterproof jacket waterproof?
Waterproofing was historically done by applying heavy coats of oils and waxes that repel water. Modern waterproof fabrics now use a thin membrane engineered with microscopic holes that allow moisture to pass through for breathability, but are too small for water droplets to penetrate. These membranes are then coated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) lamination that forces droplets to bead up and slide off the surface without compromising breathability.
Waterproof fabric layer construction
Waterproof fabrics are typically classed by layers — 2-layer, 2.5-layer or 3-layer:
- 2-layer — A fully waterproof outer shell bonded to a breathable waterproof membrane, acting as a 2-way barrier for movement and sweat. A hanging inner lining prevents the waterproof layer from deteriorating.
- 2.5-layer — Similar to 2-layer but with an additional lining, coating or print applied to the inside, protecting breathability from dirt or sweat.
- 3-layer — Suitable for all weather conditions. An external DWR-treated layer, an internal breathable waterproof membrane, and an additional protective lining are all bonded together into a technically efficient single fabric — providing comfort, durability and the highest waterproof protection.
Musto's Ocean Tech™ standard
All Musto garments undergo thorough hydrostatic head and moisture vapour transfer (MVT) testing — a set of simple yet effective tests to measure how much water a fabric can withstand in a 24-hour period before it leaks, and how breathable a material is when worn in active conditions.
Our Ocean Tech™ performance rating system is designed to help you easily understand how well your gear will protect you, whether facing light showers or the harshest ocean conditions. Our standard comes in two ratings — Ocean Tech™ and Ocean Tech™ Pro — both guaranteed to deliver waterproof performance over and above industry standards.
Caring for your waterproof jacket
At Musto, all waterproof jackets are treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Over time, salt, dirt or repeated washing can reduce DWR performance — and your jacket may appear to be leaking as the waterlogged outer fabric creates condensation inside. When this happens, re-treating is needed.
Washing tips:
- Only wash when necessary — overwashing reduces fabric lifespan
- Use a non-biological detergent; avoid fabric softeners and bleaching agents
- Close all zips and fasteners before washing; remove detachable accessories
Maintaining DWR performance:
- Test by sprinkling water on the fabric — if it beads and rolls off, no action is needed
- If water absorbs into the fabric, re-proof the jacket
- Tumble dry on low heat (where permitted by the care label) to reactivate DWR
template--26755910074659__article_choose_path_nDkEfG__img
template--26755910074659__article_choose_path_nDkEfG__img
template--26755910074659__article_choose_path_nDkEfG__img