Best Waterproof Jackets for Men: What to Look for Before You Buy

The rain does not choose the time to put on an outfit, and a truly waterproof jacket must be able to deal with that. It is not always true that a jacket called waterproof is indeed waterproof. Men’s jackets that claim waterproofing qualities vary greatly in quality, from those that are resistant to light rain until they become soaked very quickly to others that are too good at retaining sweat for you to get soaked on the inside.

In this guide, we will discuss what makes your jacket waterproof. The fabric, the seams, the zippers, and the fit all matter. We have designed outerwear for many years and understand what works. We will also give some examples of our nylon and waterproof products along the way.

What Does Waterproof Actually Mean?

There is a difference between waterproof and water resistant. Waterproof clothing will resist rain for hours. It is made of a coated or laminated material, with taped seams. Water resistant clothing just delays moisture. You wear it during a heavy shower, and it will become wet sooner or later. Water repellent coating is a less resistant one, used for light rain showers.

The product page usually has the figure known as hydrostatic head. It is measured in millimeters. It represents the water column resistance of the fabric. 10,000 mm of hydrostatic head is sufficient for steady rain. More than 20,000 mm ensures your protection against any storms. Below 5,000 mm, it is closer to water resistance than waterproofing.

Term	What It Means	Real World Use
Waterproof	Blocks water fully, sealed seams	Heavy rain, all day wear
Water-resistant	Slows water, no sealed seams	Light showers, short trips
Water-repellent	Surface finish only	Mist, dry snow, wind

Shell Fabric and Coatings to Check

The construction of most of the current waterproof jackets for men includes a nylon fabric layer. Nylon is durable, lightweight, and resistant to coatings. The ripstop nylon has a unique grid weave, which prevents the tear propagation in case of damage. Under this layer, you should find the polyurethane, or PU, coating inside that will prevent the water from passing through fibers.

Another feature of many of these coats includes the application of a DWR finishing on the outer layer. The DWR is an abbreviation for durable water repellent, and this coating allows raindrops to roll off rather than being absorbed. Another feature to consider is fabric weight, and it is measured in denier. The bigger the number is, the stronger and heavier the fabric is. Light denier coats compress easily but wear out faster.

Our Tri Color Nylon Jacket from our new arrivals collection has this construction.

Seams Are Where Most Jackets Actually Leak

Waterproofing can be great in the material, but very poor when it comes to leaking from a jacket. In fact, almost all leaks come through the seams.

Taped and Sealed Seams

Top quality waterproof jackets feature taped seams on the inside. The tapes are narrow strips that seal every seam by means of heat treatment. This prevents water from getting into the jacket through needle holes. Make sure you check the shoulders, hood, and pocket flaps first. These are the places where water will get in straight away.

Stress Points and Stitching

Check the underarms and cuffs of the jacket too. These parts bend and stretch most during wearing. Poor or loose stitches fail faster than any other part of the jacket. A good quality jacket reinforces these parts with additional stitching.

Zippers, Closures, and Hardware That Keep Water Out

Another weakness of jackets is their zippers. The water finds its way through any gap no matter how small it is. Check that the zippers are those of a reputable company such as YKK. Most waterproof jackets have an additional protection in the form of a storm flap over the zipper.

The cuffs should not be overlooked either. The presence of adjustable Velcro or elastic cuffs will prevent any water getting into your sleeve. Drawcord at the bottom edge of the jacket prevents the wind or rain from entering through the waist.

How to Spot Solid Craftsmanship

A waterproof designation does not mean much if the garment starts falling apart after some use. Start by checking the stitchings across the shoulder and side seams. They should be straight, evenly spaced, and close together. Bar tacks add reinforcement to high stress areas such as pockets and zipper ends.

Metal snap buttons and rivets should have no play or rattle. Zipper sliders should move smoothly, not catch on the material. Low quality zippers tend to stick and are especially difficult once they become wet or cold. Lining material should be smooth and not irritate the skin. These small tests are more informative than any marketing slogans ever were.

Waterproof vs Breathable: Finding the Right Balance

An entirely sealed jacket will keep water out, but also it locks in warmth. Put it on for a long hike, and you’ll sweat just the same. Improved versions feature a membrane that will allow vapor to escape while preventing rain from getting through. That is the essence of breathability grades.

For commuting or running errands, go for a jacket that is waterproof and breathable. When it comes to quick exposure to rain, like walking to the car, a coated nylon jacket will do. A hardshell is not something we’d recommend for hiking and exercising; it gets uncomfortable right away when you start sweating.

Choosing by Climate and Use Case

Not all waterproof jackets can do well in all situations. Consider where you would be wearing this jacket.

City Rain and Daily Commutes

The light nylon jacket is suitable for use on most days in the city. This jacket packs well and layers nicely when worn over a sweater. The Neon Yellow Techwear Cyber Hooded Jacket is one example of this type of jacket. This is a jacket that was designed for quick trips in uncertain weather.

Heavy Winter Weather

Winters that are cold and wet need something better. A parka jacket covers more than the others, with a hood included. The Mens Winter Black Parka Jacket is an example of this type of jacket.

Getting the Fit and Layering Right

To allow for easy layering, a waterproof jacket should not be too snug or too loose.

The shoulder seams should be at the very edge of your shoulder rather than hanging down below it. Your sleeves should be long enough to go all the way to your wrist while still being slightly loose. When you intend to wear many layers underneath, choose a larger size. Our size guide walks you through exact measurements before you order.

A rear and chin adjustable hood is important too. It will keep the rain from your face without obscuring your vision.

Caring for Your Waterproof Jacket

Some maintenance is required to ensure the jacket continues functioning well. Clean the jacket using cool water, and use a special cleaning agent rather than ordinary detergent. The ordinary detergent will leave deposits which hinder the operation of the coating. Do not add the fabric softener because it damages the water repellent coating after some time.

Dry the jacket using low heat, or else hang it to air dry. Low heat is helpful when it comes to rejuvenating an aged DWR coating. Apply the spray waterproofer on the material whenever it fails to bead water. This happens usually once or twice per year. Hang the jacket loosely on a hanger without placing it near sources of heat.

Our Nylon and Waterproof Jacket Line at CelebsJacket

Our outerwear products have been manufactured from 2013 in New Jersey. All of our waterproof and nylon jackets go through the verification processes that have been mentioned above. The Tri Color Nylon Jacket combines color blocking with the ability to endure rain thanks to its shell.

If you are in need of something longer with insulation, then the Mens Winter Electric Blue Parka Coat Jacket will be perfect for you. It is suitable for sleet, snow, and cold rain. In case you want something light, then the Mens Red Crocodile Bomber Leather Jacket is right for you.

If you prefer wearing leather jackets, then a lot of our leather jackets synthetic panels to provide water resistance as well. Check our cowhide vs lambskin guide to learn how the leather jackets will resist rain. Learn more about us on our About Us page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant jackets?

A waterproof jacket will prevent rain from passing at all. A water resistant jacket will just slow it down temporarily. When there is continuous rainfall, the water resistant fabric becomes saturated with water.

What waterproof rating is good enough for heavy rain?

The hydrostatic head should be no less than 10,000mm. For stormy weather and prolonged use, select 20,000mm or more. Lower ratings below 5,000mm would fail in actual rain conditions.

Are nylon jackets actually waterproof?

By itself, nylon material is not waterproof. But when combined with a polyurethane coating and taped seams, it becomes waterproof. Look for the coating and seam information on the item page.

How long does a DWR coating last?

The DWR coating wears out through repeated washing and use. Typically, jackets require reproofing once every year or two. Reproofing products are common and easy to use.

Can a waterproof jacket still be breathable?

Yes, many jackets offer both qualities today. A breathable membrane allows the escape of sweat vapor while preventing rainfall. The breathability of the membrane should be indicated next to its water resistance.

What should I look for in a men’s parka for winter rain and snow?

Search for nylon or coated fabric, taped seams, and a warm lining. The parka should have a long length and a hood adjustment that prevents wind and wet snow from blowing through.

Do waterproof jackets shrink or lose their coating in the wash?

Washing will not cause shrinking of the nylon jacket at cool temperatures. The problem lies in the heat source; there are both hot water and dryer heat concerns. Wash the garment with cool water and low dryer heat.

Is nylon or polyester better for a men’s rain jacket?

Both perform excellently if they are sealed and coated properly. Nylon is usually lighter and stronger than polyester. On the other hand, polyester maintains color better and is more resistant to sun damage.