ZestVib

A GOOD waterproof jacket is an essential every wardrobe needs: it will keep you dry on the wettest of days, protecting you from the elements whether you're caught in a summery shower or a torrential downpour.

The best women's waterproof jackets will have a hydro-static rating, measured in millimetres, suited to your needs: for light rain, 1,500 is perfect, or you can go for up to 10,000 for heavier rain.

It's also worth looking out for technology such as GORE-TEX, which has long been the gold standard for waterproofing.

Some brands will also have their own specifically designed tech: Mountain Warehouse for example, uses something called 'IsoDry' fabric.

With so many brands out there specialising in waterproof and water-resistant outwear, it's easier than ever to find something stylish and reasonably priced—though you'll want to spend at least £40 on average to find something decent. Take it from us, the cheapest pac-a-mac just doesn't cut it on a wet festival weekend in Wales!

Whether you're looking for an everyday jacket to pack for the commute or something more stylish for weekends away, we've scoured the web and read through the reviews to bring you the best waterproof jackets for women out there right now.

1. Best for everyday style: Peter Storm's Weekend Jacket

• Peter Storm Women's Weekend Jacket, £50 (was £90) from Millets - buy here

There's something to be said for a yellow raincoat: bright and cheery, it makes rainy days that bit more bearable.

This version from Peter Storm is rated 3000mm waterproof so it's ideal for moderate showers, and is a lightweight option for the spring or autumn.

As well as the waterproof construction, it's also finished with a water-resistant coating for extra protection.

2. Best lightweight waterproof jacket: Rab Women's Downpour Jacket

• Rab Women's Downpour Jacket, £100 at Cotswold Outdoors - buy here

When the weather is looking iffy, this lightweight option is perfect to wear over your outfit.

It's not too heavy, is breathable and has zips under the arms for ventilation.

It packs away compactly too, perfect to store in your bag when not in use.

The adjustable hood is ideal for helping you stay dry and zipped pockets are handy for stashing those all-important snacks, maps and phones.

3. Best investment rain jacket: Montane Women's Ajax Jacket

• Montane Women's Ajax Jacket, £290 at Cotswold Outdoor - buy here

This jacket is made to last.

Made from highly waterproof Goretex, it's reinforced in the areas that tend to wear first like elbows and cuffs.

It's got an adjustable hood too, so if you're heading for a bike ride, it'll flex around your helmet.

4. Best ladies cycling rain jacket: Altura Women's Nightvision Twilight Jacket

This jacket is a must-have for cyclists, with its longline flap at the back that won't ride up while leaning forward on your bike like regular jackets would.

It's fully waterproof but is breathable too, so you won't overheat or get sticky while out on the road.

The reflective strips will keep you visible, even when the sun is starting to go down, so it's great if you're hoping to squeeze in a quick post-work ride.

5. Best packaway waterproof coat: Helly Hansen's W Loke Packable Jacket

• W Loke Packable Jacket, £45 at Helly Hansen - buy here

This anorak is perfect when you're heading out on a run - it's a topper to keep you dry but not make you hot.

It's fully waterproof with sealed seams to ensure no rain will seep in and dampen those important training miles and folds away compactly into its own front pocket.

The pink colourway will make sure you're seen while out on the roads too.

• Columbia OutDry Ex ECO Tech Jacket, £108 at Colombia - buy here

This is a jacket that has been designed with the environment in mind.

The drawstring hem, zipped pockets and trims are made completely from recycled materials.

Its outer shell is waterproof, with those seams firmly taped in place - nothing is getting through there - not even the most determined drops of rain.

But it's not a stuffy coat, it's been designed to be breathable so you can ensure you'll be feeling comfy, even on a long hike.

7. Best waterproof design: Musto Women's XVR BR1 Jacket

• Musto Women's XVR BR1 Jacket, £124.45 (was £175) at Wetsuit Outlet - buy here

This design has been tried and tested by its designers to check it surpasses other jackets with how well it withstands water.

The industry standard for a waterproof jacket is that 1500mm water can sit on its surface for 24 hours and not leak, but this clever number can take up to 5000mm - so it's great when it's not just raining, it's pouring.

How's that for waterproof?

8. Best bargain women's waterproof jacket: Mountain Warehouse's Thunderstorm 3 in 1 Jacket

• Mountain Warehouse Storm 3 in 1 Women's Waterproof Jacket, £59.99 at Amazon - buy here

We're big fans of this jacket.

It's a 3-in-1 design, so you get serious bang for your buck as it's warm, waterproof and breathable.

The outer layer will keep you dry, while the inside helps to wick sweat away and keep you comfortable when out hiking.

A flap over the zip means no water can seep in there either - nobody wants soggy snacks.

It also boasts an inner fleece to keep you cosy, which can be removed when it's less nippy out.

Heading out solo? The headphone compatible pocket allows you to feed the wire through an inside pocket - so you can listen to your favourite podcasts and music while you walk.

What should I look for when buying a waterproof jacket?

The first thing to consider is whether you're looking for something lightweight for summer or light exercise, or something heavier duty—and warmer—for the colder months. Features like elasticated cuffs, adjustable hoods and drawcords are also worth looking out for to keep you as dry as possible. Breathable fabrics are crucial too: cheaper jackets tend to get sweaty really easily, so you'll want something moisture absorbant to keep you dry inside the jacket as well as on the outside.

How can I tell if a jacket is waterproof?

Take it out in the rain and see what happens! No, we're joking of course: the best way to ensure your coat is cut out for the unpredictable British weather is to check its waterproof rating in millimetres: the higher the rating, the more water-resistant it will be.

Is Gore-Tex waterproof or water-resistant?

Gore-Tex is a waterproof material. This means it will provide a complete barrier to water, as opposed to water-resistant fabric which will only resist the penetration of water to a certain degree.

More from sun selects fashion

We've designed Sun Selects so you can find the best items at the best prices when shopping around the web.

Enjoyed our roundup of the best waterproof jackets for women? If you want to read more of our fashion recommendations, take a look at Sun Selects fashion section.

If you're looking for the perfect dress, check out our guide to the best dresses on the market.

This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqysp2Wjmrmmr9OsZnFrY22FdIOOm5ysrF2svK6xzaxksJmkmr%2Bxvs6onWaikZi4psDSaA%3D%3D