Last updated: 25 October 2026.
The short answer: water-resistant kit copes with a shower; waterproof kit keeps out sustained rain because the fabric has a waterproof rating and the seams are sealed. For everyday UK use, a waterproof jacket with taped seams and a proper hood, plus waterproof boots, is what keeps you dry. Water-resistant is fine for trousers, casual shoes and short dashes between the car and the door.
Our Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket on a drizzly cobbled street.
Waterproof, water-resistant and water-repellent: the difference
| Term | What it means | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Water-repellent | A surface coating makes water bead and roll off, but the fabric itself isn't sealed. | Light drizzle, wind |
| Water-resistant | Tightly woven or coated fabric that slows water down. It will eventually soak through, usually at the seams first. | Showers, short walks, trousers and casual shoes |
| Waterproof | A waterproof fabric or membrane plus sealed (taped or welded) seams, so water can't get in under pressure. | Proper rain, commuting, dog walks, hills |
What do waterproof ratings (mm) mean?
Waterproofing is measured as hydrostatic head: how tall a column of water, in millimetres, the fabric can hold back before it leaks. The higher the number, the more pressure it withstands, which matters when you sit on wet ground, kneel, or carry a rucksack that presses the jacket into your shoulders.
| Rating | Real-world use |
|---|---|
| Under 1,500mm | Shower-resistant. Fine for a quick dash, not for a wet walk. |
| 1,500 to 5,000mm | Light to moderate rain. Town use and commuting. |
| 5,000 to 10,000mm | Heavy rain for an hour or two. Everyday walking and dog walks. |
| 10,000 to 20,000mm | Prolonged heavy rain and wind. Hillwalking and long days out. |
| 20,000mm+ | Mountains and extreme conditions. |
For waterproofs that you'll be moving in, also look at breathability (usually given in g/m²/24h). A non-breathable jacket keeps rain out but traps sweat, so you can end up damp from the inside on a brisk walk.
Three things that matter more than the number
- Sealed seams. Every stitch is a tiny hole. Taped or welded seams are what turn a water-resistant fabric into a waterproof garment or bag. No sealed seams, no real waterproofing.
- A proper hood. In British wind, a hood with a drawcord and a peak keeps rain off your face far better than an umbrella.
- A fresh DWR finish. The durable water-repellent coating makes rain bead off. When it wears off, the outer fabric "wets out" and feels clammy even though the membrane is still doing its job. It can be refreshed (see care tips below).
Waterproof jackets, ponchos or an umbrella?
A waterproof jacket is the all-rounder: hands free, works in wind, and layers over a jumper. Our Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket and the Unisex Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket are both lightweight shells with drawstring hoods, made for wet commutes and walks.
The Unisex Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket in black and blue.
A rain poncho is underrated for walking with a rucksack, festivals and days out: it covers you and your bag, and folds into its own pouch. The Foldable Waterproof Rain Poncho lives happily in a glovebox or bag for the day the forecast is wrong.
A poncho covers both you and your rucksack.
An umbrella is best in town, in light wind, when you're dressed for the office. A compact one that opens and closes with one hand, like our Compact Auto-Lock Umbrella, is the one you'll actually carry.
Waterproof boots and shoes
Wet feet make you cold faster than almost anything else. For winter, look for boots with a waterproof upper, a gusseted (closed) tongue so water can't seep in through the laces, and a deep, grippy sole for wet leaves and icy pavements.
- Snow, ice and countryside: Women's Waterproof Non-Slip Snow Boots, Women's Plush-Lined Waterproof Snow Boots and Insulated Waterproof Snow Boots.
- Smart everyday: Women's Wide Fit Waterproof Chelsea Boots look like ordinary Chelseas but handle puddles.
- Walking and trails: Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes.
- Protect the shoes you already own: Waterproof Shoe Covers zip over trainers or work shoes.
Waterproof Non-Slip Snow Boots in the Cairngorms.
Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes on a Peak District stream crossing.
Waterproof bags: why roll-tops win
Most rucksacks are only water-resistant: rain gets in through the zips and seams. A roll-top dry bag with welded seams has no zip on the main compartment at all; you fold the top over three times and clip it, which seals it. It's the simplest way to keep a laptop, spare layers or a camera dry on a bike or a wet walk. See our Waterproof 30L Roll-Top Backpack.
The Roll-Top Backpack on a wet commute.
When water-resistant is enough
You don't need full waterproofing everywhere. Trousers under a long coat, garden clogs and gloves for the school run are fine as water-resistant, and they're usually more comfortable and breathable. Our Fleece-Lined Quilted Water-Resistant Trousers and Water-Resistant Clogs are good examples. If your hands get cold and wet, the Waterproof Touchscreen Heated Gloves solve both problems.
Don't forget the dog
A wet dog in a cold wind chills quickly, especially small and short-haired breeds. A waterproof coat with a built-in harness means one less thing to fiddle with on a rainy walk. See our Waterproof Fleece-Lined Dog Coat, the 2-in-1 Waterproof Dog Coat and Waterproof Dog Boots, or read our guide: Does my dog need a coat in winter?
How to keep waterproofs waterproof
- Wash them. Dirt and body oils clog breathable fabrics. Use a technical cleaner or a little non-biological liquid, never fabric softener.
- Refresh the DWR with a spray-on or wash-in reproofer once water stops beading. Some fabrics reactivate with gentle heat; follow the care label.
- Dry boots slowly, stuffed with newspaper and away from radiators, which can crack leather and weaken glue.
- Store dry and loose, not crushed in a bag, so seams and coatings last longer.
FAQ
Is water-resistant the same as waterproof?
No. Water-resistant fabric slows water down but will soak through in steady rain. Waterproof kit uses a waterproof fabric or membrane and sealed seams so water can't get in.
What waterproof rating do I need for the UK?
For town and commuting, 1,500 to 5,000mm is enough. For regular walks in heavy rain, aim for 5,000 to 10,000mm. For hills and long wet days, 10,000mm or more.
Why does my waterproof jacket feel wet inside?
Usually it's sweat (condensation) or the outer fabric wetting out because the DWR coating has worn off. Wash and reproof it, and open the vents or zip when you're working hard.
Are ponchos better than rain jackets?
For walking with a rucksack or at festivals, often yes, because they cover your bag too. In strong wind, a fitted jacket is better.
How do I make boots waterproof again?
Clean them, let them dry naturally, then apply a waterproofing spray or wax suited to the material (leather, suede or fabric).
Browse everything in our Waterproof collection.