Fashion
12 Summer Jackets For When It's Hot & Rainy
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Just because it's summer doesn't mean the sun is always shining. How many times have you headed out for a hike or were on a tropical beach vacation and were surprised by an unexpected downpour? It sucks, but it happens. Enter: The best summer rainjackets for staying cool and dry during your next outdoor adventure.
Now, the first thing I think of when I hear "summer rain jacket" is "hot." Not only is the idea of putting on any kind of coat when it's 85 degrees outside unpleasant, but waterproof fabric is notoriously unbreathable — and what is the point of a jacket that keeps you dry, if it also makes you sweat?
Luckily, there are alternatives to the stuffy rubber raincoats we are all too familiar with. Featuring mesh linings, breathable fabrics, and even armpit venting, there are rain jackets that are specifically designed with summer weather in mind.
Plus, rain jackets have come a long way from the Gorton's Fisherman look. There are ponchos, windbreakers, trenches — and most of them come in an amazing range of colors and prints. I promise you won't look like you're about to join the cast of the Deadliest Catch. Instead, you'll be dry, comfortable, and as cool as ever.
1A Bestselling Classic Rain Jacket
- Also available on Dicks Sporting Goods, $80
If you're outdoors a lot, this is a great go-to rain jacket. It may look like your average raincoat, but it's actually made with light, breathable fabrics to keep you cool when it's wet and warm. With an adjustable hood and zippered pockets, you will definitely stay dry even in an unexpected storm. Plus, it comes in a huge range of cute colors to brighten up those grey days.
One reviewer wrote: "I wanted a raincoat that fit comfortably and was good for both winter and summer. It has enough room in it for me to wear layers with it but also is comfortable for southern summer rainstorms.”
- Available sizes: X-Small - 3X
2A Color-Blocked Rain Jacket To Brighten Up A Rainy Day
This jacket comes in tons of cute color combos with cute decorative drawstrings that will make a rainy day just a bit brighter. The jacket cinches at the hem and around the hood, and elastic cuffs and a waterproof zipper help keep the rain out. The jacket is unlined, which makes it super lightweight and perfect for warmer weather.
One reviewer wrote: "I work outside and bought this jacket 'just in case.' It has rained every day for months. This jacket is lightweight and breathable enough for Louisiana's hot humid summers. Once dried it can be folded and rolled up tight making it easily packable.”
- Available sizes: Small - XX-Large
3A Rainjacket That Turns Into A Travel Pillow
- Also available on Eddie Bauer, $50
The Eddie Bauer Rainfoil jacket is especially lightweight, so it’s both packable and great for hot weather. (In fact, it folds into the right-hand pocket and then becomes a compact travel pillow, so it’s practical even when you’re not wearing it!) Other noteworthy features include a breathable mesh lining, a stowaway hood, a high collar to keep your shirt dry, and velcro cuffs as well as a drawstring hem to ensure the best fit. Get it in your choice of four colors.
One reviewer wrote: "I have the men's version of this jacket and my wife got this one based on how much I liked the one I had. She likes hers as well. Lightweight and breathable. Finally a rain jacket you can wear and not sweat under the jacket in warm weather.”
- Available sizes: X-Small - X1X
4A Long Polka-Dot Jacket With An A-Line Cut
I'm sometimes hesitant to buy a raincoat because I always think they'll be bulky and matronly looking. But this adorable rain jacket is a dream. The A-line cut and polka dot pattern give it a cute retro feel. It doesn't just have the looks though, the coat is made from extremely waterproof material that dries in a flash. Plus, it comes with its own carrying bag.
One reviewer wrote: "Worked great during my trip to Orlando during the random thunderstorms. Very light weight but had all the features I wanted including zipper, buttons and pockets. Also, its just as cute as I had hoped it'd be. Love the product and recommend to all.”
- Available sizes: One size
5A Coat With A Hood You Can Stow In The Collar
- Also available on Zappos, $70
If you're looking for the latest in raincoat technology, this is the jacket you want. It is totally waterproof, with nylon ripstop DryVent fabric coated in a durable water-repellent finish. A breathable mesh lining keeps you cool. The hood can be stowed away inside the collar when you don't need it.
One reviewer wrote: "Fits well. Rain proof as it says. Very happy with this jacket. Lightweight. Great for summer or fall showers. Need a sweater in cooler weather.”
- Available sizes: 1X - 3X
6A 2-Pack Of Cheap & Cute Raincoats
- Also available on Walmart, $15
Not only are these raincoats stylish and breathable for summer, they are also made from eco-friendly EVA material. They come in two packs in yellow, white, blue, black, and blue and purple, and though they only come in one size, they should fit most people.
One reviewer wrote: "Nice raincoat for summer showers. works well. I liked this purchase.”
- Available Sizes: One size
7A Raincoat With A Hidden Pocket For Your Phone
- Also available on Columbia, $67
This long rain coat is a great casual jacket to take you through transitioning weather. The fabric is light and breathable while being completely waterproof. There's an adjustable hood and hidden zippered pocket so your phone should survive even if you get stuck in a downpour. It comes in a huge range of colors and prints.
One reviewer wrote: "I love this style of rain jacket. It's so hard to find one that fits nicely, and this one comes in XS. It zips up the front and snaps to keep you all dry inside. It covers you from your head and chin down to the mid-thigh region, and the sleeves also have velcro so that you can adjust them to fit you just right. It's lightweight and perfect for wearing on stormy days in Florida, or it's a perfect windbreaker in cooler weather.”
- Available sizes: X-Small - 3X
8A Waterproof Jacket That Comes In Lots Of Colors
- Also available on Dicks Sporting Goods, $99
Just because it's gray outside doesn't mean you have to match the drab settings. This jacket comes in a huge range of colors from pure white to a bright plum and even some prints. The jacket is super waterproof, super windproof, but still great for hot weather — thanks to thoughtful details like pit zips and breathable fabric.
One reviewer wrote: "Love this jacket! It's thin so great for rainy summer days, also fits nicely in my work bag. I have received many compliments on this jacket. I ordered a large which is what size I normally wear and it fits great.”
- Available sizes: X-Small - 3X-Large
9A Pull-Over Rainjacket In Tons Of Sizes & Colors
The half zipper on this Charles River Anorak creates a simplified pull-over design — but it’s still windproof and water-resistant. The Softex polyester material is also especially lightweight for hot weather, and the whole thing packs away in the front pocket for easy travel. This relaxed style is unisex and comes in a huge range of sizes, not to mention ample colors.
One reviewer wrote: "Needed something light for those hot summer days and nights when a sweatshirt was too heavy, but didn't want to get drenched when walking the dogs. This pullover rain jacked works well.”
- Available sizes: XX-Small — 5X-Large
10A Packable Rainjacket In Lots Of Print Options
Yes, it has an overall 4.4-star rating from more than 3,500 reviewers — but that’s not the only thing that sets this raincoat windbreaker apart. It’s also packable, super lightweight, and comes in a huge range of colors and patterns, including color-block, camouflage, tie-dye, clouds, and abstract. The elastic cuffs, roomy side pockets, and drawstring hem add to its practicality.
One reviewer wrote: “I love how light this is! I wore it in a summer thunderstorm to test it out. It’s very water and windproof- BUT still keeps you cool when it’s above 70 degrees outside. I didn’t want something that would make you sweaty when warm [when] active and this was perfect! Rolls up super small for packing. Taking on a backpacking trip.”
- Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
11A Water-Resistant Shell That Packs Into A Fanny Pack
- Also available on The North Face, $47
If there's even a chance of rain, it's easy to bring this light jacket along — it packs into its own fanny pack so you can carry it without wearing it. It's made out of polyester ripstop with a water-repellent finish that blocks wind and light rain. It has a fixed hood and elastic cuffs, plus a super fun retro, color-blocked design. The jacket comes in a handful of punchy color combos. Just note that while it should keep you dry in a drizzle, it's not suited for a heavy downpour.
One reviewer wrote: "Love it. Perfect for summer nights. If you like more wide fit, order a size up.”
- Available sizes: X-Small - Large
12A Breathable Hoodie That Resists Water (& Odors!)
- Also available on Ably, $100
Alternatively, there’s this Ably Apparel lightweight hoodie, which BDG commerce writer Maria Cassano swears by: “I hate wearing a raincoat in the summer because the waterproof material always seems to stick to my skin,” Cassano wrote. “This hoodie is made from sweat-wicking, breathable cotton, but the exterior is Filium-activated to repel liquid, so rain rolls right off. It’s also naturally odor- and stain-resistant, dries 40% faster than average clothing, and has both thumb holes and a hood.”
- Available sizes: X-Small - XX-Large
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