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Best kids’ raincoats for 2023
There are a few must-haves that you should include in your child’s wardrobe and a decent raincoat is one of them.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Jan 6, 2023
A cold and rainy day should never stop play and, with the right raincoat, your child can splash and splosh until their heart’s content – especially when the inevitable happens and the UK weather takes a turn for the worst.
Whether it’s a lightweight raincoat for those springtime showers or a more heavy-duty ensemble for your more grown-up adventurers, there’s a raincoat out there to suit all your child’s needs.
Here are the best kids’ raincoats to buy in 2023.
1. Muddy Puddles Children's Puddlepac Lightweight Jacket
“DD had a beautiful raincoat from Muddy Puddles. It lasted forever (bought it big) and still had some more life left.”
Designed to pack in its own pocket in a lightweight, super waterproof fabric, the Puddlepac Jacket is breathable and waterproof making it perfect for bold, young adventurers to take out and about wherever they roam.
With a handy carabiner clip, this jacket can be hooked inside a rucksack or attached to a belt loop when the sun comes out and the rain goes away. It’s also machine-washable at 30 degrees.
Suitable for ages: 11-12 years
Price: £14.99
2. JoJo Maman Bébé Children's Fisherman Jacket
“The BEST coat DS has ever had was the JoJo Maman Bébé one. He’s now six so has had almost four winters out of it as it just fits. It still looks great and is waterproof and warm.”
This cotton-lined JoJo Maman Bébé Fisherman's Jacket is classic in style and promises to be brilliant at protecting against the elements.
The waterproof style, with a zip and Velcro flaps, has been designed to keep out wind and rain when out and about and is made from a specialist breathable fabric to keep your child comfortable.
It comes in yellow, red and fuchsia so should cover all bases, and is machine-washable at 30 degrees. The only downside is that it’s quite bulky so may be tricky to stuff into a bag when the sun makes an appearance.
Suitable for ages: 1-6 years
3. Turmin 3D All-In-One Puddle Suit
This all-in-one puddle suit is perfect for keeping your little one warm and dry when the heavens open.
As well as being lightweight, making it easy to pack, it features an inflatable hooded edge to prevent rainwater from seeping in and making clothes damp. It’s made from premium PVC polyester fibres which are anti-corrosion, skin-friendly, eco-friendly and breathable, meaning it won't hurt your child’s skin.
The rubber band closures at the sleeve cuffs and trouser legs also prevent rain seeping into clothes, and the reflective design makes it easy to see your child at night, providing extra safety.
It comes in a variety of 3D animal designs – from giraffe to bunny – and even a raccoon which should greatly cheer your kids' rainy days up. The only potential negative is that, as it’s an all-in-one, it can be tricky to get your little darling out quickly if they suddenly need the toilet!
Suitable for ages: 3-5 years
4. Trespass Boy's Longton Jacket
“I really like Trespass. They're reasonably priced and properly waterproof.”
This Trespass rain jacket is light in weight but packs in the heat. Its detachable hood guarantees your child stays dry and it’s water-resistant up to 2000mm.
The jacket is windproof and lightly padded with a detachable stud-off hood. It has elasticated cuffs to prevent water and wind sneaking inside and has a drawcord at the hem to enable them to tighten and loosen to suit their body shape. While it’s 100% polyester and washes at 30 degrees, it can’t be tumble-dried.
Suitable for ages: 2-12 years
5. Boden's Cosy Sherpa-Lined Anorak
“Boden coats are fab – bright, waterproof, warm and hold their value really well so you can sell them on when outgrown.”
This hooded Boden Anorak makes light work of drizzly days. Super-snug, it has a soft sherpa lining and slouchy side pockets and, as it closes right up to the chin, warmth stays in and raindrops are firmly locked out.
For a splash of brightness, the zip and its pull come in a contrasting shade. The anorak is water-resistant and is 100% polyester which makes it machine-washable. The only negative is that, although it goes up to age 12, the only design that an older child would likely be happy to wear is the all-navy blue — the others are more suited to very little ones.
Suitable for ages: 2-12 years
6. LZH Waterproof Hooded Raincoat and Trouser Suit
Not only does this raincoat and trouser suit come in some very cool designs that should please everyone – from dragons to dinosaurs to outer space – it will keep your child super dry.
Made from a high-quality cotton/polyester/nylon mix, the material is breathable and skin-friendly. Because it’s a two piece, it also makes those trips to the toilet a little easier than an all-in-one outfit. It can be machine-washed, but you’ll need to air dry it.
Suitable for ages: 1-6 years
7. Mountain Warehouse Pakka Kids’ Waterproof Jacket
Mountain Warehouse is a popular brand with Mumsnetters who rate them for quality and price. The Amazon bestseller Pakka Kids’ Waterproof Jacket is made from special IsoDry material. It’s waterproof in light to moderate rain and has a breathable membrane which allows moisture out but keeps kids comfortable while they’re out playing.
It’s available in a variety of different colours to suit all ages and can be washed in the machine as normal. It also rolls up into a handy travel pouch when it’s not in use and the hood can be tucked away too. Be warned though that this isn’t a coat for keeping warm – it’s a raincoat for light showers.
Suitable for ages: 2-13 years
8. Regatta Lightweight Waterproof Duck Jacket
“I’ve been really impressed with the coat I got my DD in the Regatta outlet. Excellent quality and not expensive.”
When it’s raining cats and dogs outside, your little adventurer can keep warm and dry in this super cute duck raincoat.
Made from a waterproof fabric with taped seams, this jacket promises to help keep the elements at bay. It has a durable water repellent finish and the hem is shaped in such a way to provide extra coverage from a downpour.
Inside is lined with a soft woven fabric to keep your little ones toasty warm and it’s finished with a reflective trim for early starts and evenings out adventuring. Plus, it can be washed in the machine as normal.
Suitable for ages: 6 months-6 years
Price: From £9.59
9. GudeHome Unisex Waterproof Poncho
If you want something that you can get on and off your toddler without too much fuss, a rain poncho is the solution.
In blue, pink or yellow, the poncho has a hood with cute ears, and comes with a handy little bag that it can be packed into when not in use.
It’s 100% waterproof and breathable, and the popper buttons make it easy and quick to put on when those unexpected showers arrive.
Suitable for ages: 1-8 years
10. Stormwear Animal Print Fisherman Coat
“M&S Stormwear is excellent.”
The M&S Stormwear Fisherman Coat features a cosy faux-fur lining to the body and, as it’s a regular fit, it provides plenty of room for layering.
The all-over animal print, with zip fastening and popper patch pockets, makes it ideal for any little animal lover. Its water-repellent technology helps to keep them dry in a shower and, most importantly, warm at all times. Wash on a delicate setting at 40 degrees.
Suitable for ages: 2-7 years
How to choose the best kids’ raincoat
When looking for the best kids’ raincoat there are a few important things to bear in mind:
- Breathability: Consider how much warmth you’ll need from the coat – is it just a layer of protection against the rain or does it need to help keep them toasty when it turns colder? When trying on, think about how many layers you're going to want to be able to fit underneath.
- Water-resistant/waterproof: If you want something to withstand more than a light shower, make sure your raincoat of choice is fully waterproof, not just showerproof.
- Durability: A raincoat needs to keep up with your child and cope well with mud, lots of running, water and, of course, jumping in puddles.
- Drying time: Let's face it, no one wants a house full of damp coats. It's also more than likely that as soon as your toddler has decided to come in they'll immediately want to go play outside again – so a kids coat that is easy to dry is a must.
- Washability: Can you pop it in the washing machine if it gets caked in mud? Also look at whether or not it can be tumbled-dried.
- Size: How bulky is it? Can you easily pack it away when those inevitable showers make an appearance?
- Price: Do you need something cheap and cheerful for the odd day out or a more technical coat, for example, if you like camping or getting out for walks whatever the weather?
- Safety: Reflective stripes can be great if out and about at night.
What is the best kids’ raincoat?
The Muddy Puddles Puddlepac Lightweight Jacket is the best kids’ raincoat to buy right now. Reasonably priced, easy to pack away and machine-washable, it’s an ideal raincoat for those soggy days.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which raincoats parents were recommending and had bought for their little ones.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at which raincoats had won accolades or been featured in ‘best buy’ lists across websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the top 10 kids’ raincoats on the market.
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