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Waterproof Raincoat Guide

Our first shop sold raincoats to local sailors and fishermen who relied on their rainwear to keep them dry in wild Cornish storms. Over 40 years later, the design principles that made our coats a popular choice then are still fundamental to our collections today.

From fit to function, every detail is carefully considered. Developed using high-performance, responsibly sourced materials, the Seasalt Rain collection is engineered to repel rain while remaining breathable and comfortable to wear. ​

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How to Choose the Right Waterproof 

A well-made raincoat is an investment piece; something you’ll reach for every time the weather turns. It’s likely to become a staple part of your wardrobe for seasons to come, so when choosing your waterproof jacket, it's worth taking the time to make a considered and informed choice. ​

1Understanding Technical Ratings

Waterproof Ratings

5000mm waterproof rating

The majority of coats in our Rain collection have a waterproof rating of 5000mm, meaning they are fully waterproof and ready to keep you dry on wet, windy days in moderate rain.

3000mm waterproof rating

A small number of our Rain jackets have a 3000mm waterproof rating. These are lightweight jackets, like the Pack-It Jacket, and are suitable for lighter showers and changeable weather days.

Breathability Ratings

High-quality, breathable raincoats are designed to let water vapour from heat and perspiration escape the fabric, helping reduce condensation and overheating.​

Breathability ratings are expressed in gm², which relates to how much moisture in grams can pass through a square meter of the jacket’s fabric over the course of a day. The higher the rating, the more breathable the fabric is.

5000gm² breathability rating

The majority of coats in our Rain collection have a breathability rating of 5000gm². Making them a good choice for everyday use or longer walks that require a little more exertion.

3000gm² breathability rating

A few of our lightweight Seasalt raincoats, like the Reversible Raincoat, have a breathability rating of 3000gm². These raincoats are ideal for lighter activities. 

2Choosing a Waterproof Fabric

Our high-performance innovative waterproof outer fabrics are engineered by us and developed using exclusively recycled fibres or traceable organic materials. They’re tested thoroughly and made with care for their impact on the environment.

Tin Cloth®

An innovative fabric inspired by traditional sailors’ waterproofs. Engineered to combine the qualities of natural fabrics with the reliability of our high-performance waterproof technology.

Tide Cycle®

A high-performance fabric woven using recycled fibres. Finished with our specially developed waterproof, breathable coating.

Every piece in our Rain collection is carefully designed and made, with consideration for its effect on people and the planet.

3Finding the Right Weight and Warmth

The type of coat you choose will depend on how and when you plan on using it. Getting the right balance of weight and warmth ensures optimal comfort without unnecessary bulk or insufficient protection, helping you invest in a coat that suits your specific needs.

Lightweight Waterproofs
Lightweight waterproof jackets are often uninsulated. Ideal in wet, mild weather where breathability and packability are priorities.

Mid/Heavyweight Waterproofs
Insulated, padded and often finished with an additional lining. A warmer choice that keeps out the cold.

4Picking Key Waterproof Jacket Features

Size and Fit 

The cut, shape and fit of our raincoats are wearer-tested across the full size range, including Petite, Tall and up to size 28. We gather feedback then make careful adjustments to ensure that each coat fits just as it should. ​

Adjustable Features 

Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, adjustable features such as cuffs with poppers, waist tabs, drawcord hoods and opening vents make your raincoat work harder for you. 

Fully Taped Seams 

To keep you warm and dry, we seal the seams of our raincoats with a waterproof tape that stops water seeping through tiny stitch holes created during the sewing process.

Two-way Zips 

Perfect for longer coats, a two-way zip means you can unzip your coat from the top or bottom. Meaning you can sit and move comfortably, plus access trouser pockets while staying dry.

Internal Pockets 

Hidden internal pockets keep valuables, like your mobile phone, dry and secure in even the wettest of weather. 

Peaked Hoods 

A standard waterproof hood, designed to have slightly extra coverage around the top of the face to keep wind and rain out of your eyes. 

Raincoat Care FAQs

How to wash a waterproof jacket?

You’ll find specific washing instructions for your garment on the care label, however all Seasalt Rain coats and jackets are machine washable at 30°C.  ​
Wash occasionally using Nikwax Tech Wash® - a waterproof-specific detergent that will clean your raincoat while revitalising the water repellence and breathability of the fabric.  ​
We recommend using Nikwax TX Direct® every few washes to restore the waterproofing of your raincoat. 

How to dry a waterproof jacket after washing? 

Let your waterproof air dry naturally after washing, ideally on a flat surface to avoid any misshaping.  ​
Avoid wringing excess water out of the garment as this could damage the fabric. Instead, let it drip dry over a towel or in the bathroom. 

How to re-waterproof a jacket or raincoat?

Over time, the waterproof finish on your raincoat may wear off and need revitalising. To prolong the life of your coats and jackets, you can use Nikwax TX Direct® to re-waterproof the garment.  ​
Put your coat through the washing machine on a 30°C cycle with some Nikwax TX Direct® in the detergent drawer. The Nikwax wash-in waterproofing treatment renews and restores the water repellent layer of your coat to keep your warm and dry.

How to fold a Pack-It Waterproof Jacket away?

The Seasalt Pack-It Jacket folds away into its own pocket. Follow these steps for a neat and compact fold:  ​

  1. Do up the buttons of the jacket and lay it out flat, facing down ​
  2. Fold the jacket to match the width of the right pocket (hidden underneath) ​
  3. Fold the hood down  ​
  4. Fold the sleeves in ​
  5. Turn the coat over carefully ​
  6. Reach into the pocket and grab the bottom of the coat ​
  7. Pull the pocket inside out ​
  8. Fold and push the rest of the jacket into the pocket 

Shop Raincare

Protect and prolong the life of your raincoat with easy-to-use wash-in rain care.

Our favourite Raincoats

Janelle Waterproof Raincoat
Janelle Waterproof Raincoat
£170.00 £170.00
Neap Tide Waterproof Jacket
Neap Tide Waterproof Jacket
£150.00 £150.00
Penweathers Waterproof Trench Coat
Penweathers Waterproof Trench Coat
£170.00 £170.00
Plant Hunter Waterproof Parka Coat
Plant Hunter Waterproof Parka Coat
£165.00 £165.00
Mistborne Waterproof Coat
Mistborne Waterproof Coat
£120.00 £120.00