How to Choose a Waterproof Coat: What Actually Matters Before You Buy
Buying a waterproof coat should be simple.
You want something that keeps you dry.
Then you start looking and suddenly you're comparing:
Waterproof ratings. Breathability. Taped seams. Coat lengths. Hoods. Linings. Two-way zips. Insulation. Lightweight coats. Winter coats.
And that's before you've even decided which colour you like.
The truth is that there isn't one waterproof coat that's right for everybody.
The best choice depends on when you'll wear it, how much time you spend outside, whether you need warmth as well as rain protection and how much coverage you want.
At Armstrong Country Store, we stock waterproof outerwear from brands including Lighthouse, Seasalt and Didriksons, giving you different styles and levels of protection to choose from.
So before you buy, here's what we'd actually look for.
Shop Women's Clothing at Armstrong Country Store
1. Waterproof and Water-Resistant Are Not the Same Thing
Start here.
If you're specifically buying a coat to keep you dry, don't assume water-resistant and waterproof mean the same thing.
A water-resistant garment may be useful for lighter showers and shorter periods outside.
A waterproof coat is designed to provide greater protection from rain.
But don't stop at the word waterproof.
Look at the actual specification of the coat.
For example, the Lighthouse Beachcomber Long II currently listed by Armstrong Country Store specifies a 3,000mm waterproof rating, 3,000gsm breathability, windproof construction and fully taped seams.
Seasalt also publishes waterproof ratings for its Rain range, with most Seasalt Rain products rated at 5,000mm and some lighter jackets at 3,000mm.
Different coats are designed for different jobs.
Read the specification rather than relying on the product name.
2. What Does a Waterproof Rating Mean?
You may see a waterproof coat described as:
3,000mm
5,000mm
10,000mm
15,000mm
But what does that actually mean?
Waterproof ratings measure how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before water penetrates it. Generally, the higher the figure, the greater the fabric's resistance to water pressure. Seasalt describes its waterproof rating as being determined using a hydrostatic-head test, while Didriksons also measures waterproofness through water-pressure testing.
But here's where people make a mistake.
Don't buy a coat based solely on the biggest number.
The complete construction of the garment matters too.
Which brings us to seams.
3. Why Do Taped Seams Matter?
A waterproof fabric can still have vulnerable areas wherever pieces of fabric have been stitched together.
Those tiny needle holes create potential routes for water.
That's why good waterproof garments often use taped or sealed seams.
Didriksons explains that taped seams cover the stitching on the inside of the garment with waterproof tape to help stop water penetrating through the needle holes.
Lighthouse uses the same principle on waterproof styles such as the Beachcomber Long II, which has fully taped seams.
Seasalt waterproof coats such as the Coverack also specify taped seams.
So when comparing two coats, don't just ask:
“Is the fabric waterproof?”
Also ask:
“How is the whole coat constructed?”
4. Is Breathability Important?
If you're active while wearing your coat, yes.
Keeping rain outside is only half the job.
Your body produces heat and moisture while you're moving. A breathable garment is designed to allow some of that moisture vapour to escape.
Without adequate breathability, you can end up feeling hot and clammy inside your coat even though the rain itself isn't getting through.
Seasalt explains that breathability ratings measure the amount of moisture vapour that can pass through the fabric over a given period.
The Lighthouse Beachcomber Long II, for example, specifies 3,000gsm breathability alongside its 3,000mm waterproof rating.
Think about what you're actually going to do.
For relatively gentle everyday use, your priorities may be different from someone spending hours outside and moving continuously.
5. Long Waterproof Coat or Short Waterproof Jacket?
This isn't purely about appearance.
Length changes how much of you is protected from the weather.
Longer Waterproof Coats
A longer coat provides more coverage over your body and upper legs.
That can make a considerable difference when you're outside in prolonged rain or wind.
Longer styles can be particularly appealing for:
Cold wet days
Standing outdoors
Country life
Commuting
Watching outdoor events
or simply anyone who hates rain soaking the tops of their trousers.
Shorter Waterproof Jackets
A shorter jacket can feel lighter and less restrictive.
It may be preferable if you want:
More freedom of movement
Something lightweight
An everyday jacket
Something easy to pack or carry
Neither option is automatically better.
Ask:
Where will I wear it most?
That's far more useful than choosing purely from the photograph.
6. Don't Ignore the Hood
A waterproof coat with a useless hood is frustrating.
Look for practical details.
Can the hood be adjusted?
Does it provide decent coverage?
Is it lined?
Does it stay reasonably secure when the wind picks up?
Can you still see properly when it's tightened?
The Lighthouse Beachcomber Long II, for example, has a lined adjustable hood, while Seasalt's Plant Hunter has an adjustable fleece-lined hood.
The hood may not be the first thing you notice when browsing online.
It could be one of the things you appreciate most when the weather turns.
7. Do You Need a Warm Waterproof Coat?
Here's an important distinction:
Waterproof doesn't automatically mean warm.
A lightweight waterproof jacket and an insulated winter coat can both protect you from rain but feel completely different in cold weather.
So decide whether you want:
Lightweight Waterproof
Useful for milder temperatures and changeable weather.
Waterproof Outer Layer
Designed primarily for weather protection, allowing you to control warmth through what you wear underneath.
Warm Waterproof Coat
Combines weather protection with insulation or a warmer lining.
For example, Seasalt's Plant Hunter combines its waterproof construction with fleece lining in the upper body and hood and additional wadding elsewhere.
Don't assume every waterproof coat will keep you equally warm in January.
Check the insulation as well as the waterproofing.
8. How Should a Waterproof Coat Fit?
Not skin-tight.
Not enormous.
You need enough room to move comfortably and accommodate the clothing you'll genuinely wear underneath.
When trying one on:
- Fasten the coat completely.
- Move your arms forwards.
- Raise your arms.
- Sit down.
- Check across the shoulders.
- Check the sleeve length.
- Try it with your usual jumper or fleece underneath.
If it pulls badly across the shoulders when you move, it's probably too restrictive.
But don't automatically buy one size larger simply because it's outerwear.
Some coats are already designed with plenty of room.
Check the fit of the individual garment.
9. Think About Layers Before Choosing Your Size
Imagine you're trying the coat on in August over a T-shirt.
It feels perfect.
Then November arrives and you put on a jumper underneath.
Suddenly it's not so perfect.
If you're buying a coat for autumn and winter, think about the clothes you'll realistically wear with it.
That might include:
Tops
Shirts
Jumpers
Cardigans
Fleeces
The answer isn't automatically to size up.
It's to choose a coat with the right fit for the way you'll actually wear it.
10. Why a Two-Way Zip Can Be Useful
This sounds like a tiny detail.
It isn't — particularly on a longer coat.
A two-way zip lets you open the coat from the bottom while keeping the top fastened.
That can make a longer coat more comfortable when:
Walking
Sitting down
Driving
or moving more freely.
The Lighthouse Beachcomber Long II is one example in the Armstrong Country Store range that features a two-way front zip.
It's one of those features you may not think you need until you've used one.
11. Check the Pockets
This is another area where practicality wins.
What do you normally carry?
Phone
Keys
Purse
Gloves
Tissues
A pocket isn't particularly useful if you're afraid everything will fall out of it.
Look at:
How many pockets there are
Where they're positioned
Whether they zip or fasten
Whether there's an internal pocket
For example, the Lighthouse Beachcomber Long II has two front pockets plus a zipped internal pocket.
Small detail.
Big difference in everyday use.
12. Choose a Coat for Your Actual Life
This is where people waste money.
They buy for the photograph.
The model is standing on a dramatic coastline looking fantastic.
But where are you going to wear the coat?
Perhaps it's:
The school run
Going into town
Working outside
Walking across fields
Shopping
Travelling
Standing at an agricultural show
Watching outdoor sport
or simply getting through another wet British autumn.
Choose for that.
If you're outside for long periods, weather protection and comfort become particularly important.
If you mainly need something for short everyday journeys, you might prioritise weight, style and versatility.
Buy for your real life, not somebody else's photograph.
Lighthouse Waterproof Coats
Lighthouse deserves serious consideration when you're comparing waterproof coats at Armstrong Country Store.
In fact, Lighthouse is one of the largest brands represented in our current women's range.
The brand offers practical waterproof outerwear at different lengths and specifications.
For example, the Lighthouse Beachcomber Long II currently listed by ACS combines:
3,000mm waterproofing
3,000gsm breathability
Windproof construction
Fully taped seams
Adjustable lined hood
Two-way front zip
Soft jersey lining
and
Internal zipped storage.
There's also the longer Lighthouse Outback waterproof coat, giving shoppers another option when extra coverage is a priority.
Shop Lighthouse at Armstrong Country Store
Seasalt Waterproof Coats
Seasalt is another strong option if you want practical rainwear with plenty of everyday styling.
The majority of Seasalt Rain products have a 5,000mm waterproof rating, while some of its lighter rain jackets have a 3,000mm rating. Most of the Rain collection is also rated at 5,000g/m² for breathability.
Different Seasalt coats also provide different levels of warmth.
So don't just choose:
“a Seasalt waterproof.”
Look at the individual coat and ask whether you want:
Lightweight protection
A longer coat
Additional warmth
A particular fit
or something versatile enough for several seasons.
We also have a separate Seasalt Size Guide to help with choosing the right fit.
Shop Seasalt at Armstrong Country Store
Didriksons Waterproof Coats
Didriksons comes from a strong Scandinavian waterproof-clothing tradition and takes a particularly technical approach to weather protection.
The brand states that its waterproof garments use taped or welded seams, with waterproof ratings varying across different constructions and garments.
That's why we wouldn't simply say:
“Didriksons is more waterproof.”
You need to compare the actual coats.
Didriksons also uses different fit categories, so checking the individual garment's fit is particularly important before choosing your size.
If you're considering the brand, read our Didriksons Size Guide alongside the product information.
Shop Didriksons at Armstrong Country Store
Lighthouse vs Seasalt vs Didriksons: Which Should I Choose?
Don't choose by logo.
Choose by the individual coat.
That's important because each brand produces different styles and specifications.
Rather than asking:
“Which brand makes the best waterproof coat?”
ask:
How much waterproof protection do I need?
Do I want warmth as well?
Do I prefer a longer or shorter coat?
How important is breathability?
What fit do I prefer?
What features will I actually use?
What's my budget?
Then compare the appropriate coats from Lighthouse, Seasalt and Didriksons.
That gives you a far better chance of buying something you'll still be happy wearing several winters from now.
Waterproof Coat Buying Checklist
Before you click Buy, check:
- Is it waterproof or merely water-resistant?
- What waterproof rating is stated?
- Are the seams taped or otherwise waterproofed?
- Is it breathable?
- Is it insulated?
- Do you want a long or short coat?
- Is the hood adjustable?
- Is there room for your normal layers?
- Can you move comfortably?
- Are the pockets practical?
- Would a two-way zip be useful?
- Is it windproof?
- How easy is it to care for?
- Does it suit what you'll actually use it for?
You don't necessarily need every feature.
You need the features that matter to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Coats
What does a 3,000mm waterproof rating mean?
The figure relates to the amount of water pressure the fabric can withstand during waterproof testing. A higher figure generally represents greater resistance to water pressure, although the construction of the complete garment also matters.
Are taped seams important?
Yes, particularly when you're looking for proper waterproof protection. Stitching creates small holes through the fabric, and waterproof tape helps prevent water entering through those seams.
What's the difference between waterproof and breathable?
Waterproofing is about preventing rain from entering the garment.
Breathability is about allowing moisture vapour generated inside the coat to escape.
A good outdoor coat may need to do both.
Is a longer waterproof coat better?
It provides greater coverage, but that doesn't make it universally better. Some people prefer the freedom and lighter feel of a shorter jacket.
Should I size up in a waterproof coat?
Not automatically.
Check the garment's intended fit and make sure you've got sufficient room for your normal layers and comfortable movement.
Are waterproof coats warm?
Some are; some aren't.
Waterproofing and insulation are different characteristics. Check whether the coat is insulated or lined for additional warmth.
Is Lighthouse waterproof?
Lighthouse makes waterproof clothing, but check the individual product specification. For example, the Lighthouse Beachcomber Long II stocked by ACS specifies a 3,000mm waterproof rating, taped seams and windproof construction.
Are Seasalt coats waterproof?
Seasalt has a dedicated Rain range. Most of its Rain products have a 5,000mm waterproof rating, while some lightweight options are rated at 3,000mm.
Are Didriksons coats waterproof?
Didriksons produces waterproof garments using waterproof constructions including taped or welded seams. Specifications vary by garment, so check the individual product.
Find the Waterproof Coat That Works for You
Don't start with:
“Which brand is best?”
Start with:
“What do I need this coat to do?”
Then work through:
Waterproofing → Breathability → Warmth → Length → Fit → Hood → Features → Style
Once you've done that, comparing coats becomes much easier.
At Armstrong Country Store, you can compare waterproof and outdoor clothing from Lighthouse, Seasalt and Didriksons alongside the rest of our women's clothing range.
