Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?: Understanding the differences between outerwear’s different levels of protection from water is essential to appreciate the waterproofing potential of wool fully.
Often, the terms “waterproof,” water resistant,” and “water repellent” are used interchangeably despite their very different characteristics.
Waterproof clothing provides the best protection against water penetration. It forms an impermeable layer that prevents the water from penetrating the fabric.
These coats perform well in heavy rain and snow and feature reinforced seams. Some waterproof jackets have thermal membranes to provide extra warmth and are coated with Durable Water-repellent coatings (DWRs) for moisture resistance.
Water-repellent materials resist water penetration but are not completely impervious to moisture.
Water-repellent fabrics may perform well in light rain but fail in more extreme conditions. They can be treated with DWR to increase protection, but the lack of sealed seams makes them vulnerable to seepage during heavy rain.
Water-resistant fabrics, the least protective among the three, are designed to protect the wearer against mild moisture.
DWR can be applied to these materials, causing water to roll off the surface rather than soak through. The protective properties of these materials will be overwhelmed by prolonged exposure to rain or snow. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
7 best overcoats that you can wear in the rain
- Trench Coat
- Mac Coat
- Rain Parka
- Rubberized Raincoat
- Wool-Blend Overcoat with Water-Repellent Treatment
- Peacoat with Water-Resistant Finish
- Technical Overcoat
1. Trench Coat
Trench coat comes from World War I trenches when soldiers wore trench coats to protect themselves against harsh conditions.
The trench coat, as we have already mentioned, is a raincoat. These jackets are lightweight but can be layered to create a stylish look. They are perfect for wearing in the fall and spring.
The trench coat is suitable for a variety of occasions. The trench coat is sophisticated enough to look good with formal clothes and suits.
It’s also long enough to cover suit jackets comfortably. It’s also simple enough to look great with casual clothing like jeans and hoodies. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
2. Mac Coat
Original ‘Cheeky Jean’ is one of Everlane’s most popular denim designs. This is my second time wearing the Cheeky Jean. I bought a pair of Cheeky Jeans when they were first released.
But I returned them because they didn’t fit me well. Since then, they’ve been upgraded slightly, so I decided to try them again.
I’ve been wearing the Everlane Rain Boots for quite a while (you can check out my initial Review on this page), which is why I love these boots!
I’m always greeted with compliments, and since I’m on the East Coast, I can wear them more often! I wear a size 8 and typically 8.5 to 9 inches in Everlane shoes. So these are large. I’m still able to put on large socks when I wear them. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
Read Also: Is it okay to wear a leather jacket in the rain?
3. Rain Parka
The ultimate for running can be found in one of them, the Patagonia Houdini ($109), which is extremely simple to pack and carry. The company recently made the switch towards a non-PFC DWR.
The Houdini is basic, elegant, and classic. It’s a classic, and everybody has one. However, it gets rusty. It’s uncomfortable, and I’m uncomfortable as if I’m wearing an old plastic bag.
I’ve used one of the North Face’s Futurelight rain jackets ($290), made of North the company’s spider-woven Futurelight material, which is extremely lightweight.
They held up well when I ran through the winter snow. I haven’t encountered any issues; however, certain reviews suggest the product isn’t as durable in the long run. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
4. Rubberized Raincoat
If you are a frequent cyclist on the roads, you’ll need a stretchy, high-visibility bicycle jacket. Showers Pass is also a great choice for this.
Likewise, the Cloudburst jacket can be worn while cycling (without the hood since it is likely that you’ll wear a helmet).
The Japanese brand known for its outdoor brands, Snow Peak, recently introduced its first-ever GoreTex line.
I’m currently testing their raincoat ($500). It’s a jacket made of two layers that features a PFC-free DWR layer that is layered over the fabric backing with a Gore-Tex nylon as well as; like all the clothing from Snow Peak, it’s a gender-neutral item and extremely trendy.
It is, however, much stiffer and heavier than the Arc’teryx version, and therefore, it is more flexible and can pack down more easily. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
5. Wool-Blend Overcoat with Water-Repellent Treatment
Similar to everything we’ve dealt with in this guide to Cloth (and the corresponding guide about Shirt Material), If you begin to look at this subject, you will discover a variety of elements at play, such as the weave, fiber and weight.
It’s a good idea to ask a close friend or someone who’s been a customer of a custom-made or custom-made coat to measure – what they think is a suitable weight for your area of residence. In other words, 20-25 oz is an excellent guideline.
Cifonelli cashmere weighs 22 oz, and I’ve found it suitable for most British winters. The Sexton (above) has 21oz, however it’s larger due to its length, and has been able to withstand New York winters. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
6. Peacoat with Water-Resistant Finish
An essential winter piece: The overcoat is made to keep you warm, usually made of thick wool that extends to below the knee. The structured style of the overcoat is great with formal outfits, but it can also be a stylish addition to casual outfits.
A coat is an ideal choice for formal business settings designed to be worn with suits and tailored separates. The most important thing is the fit.
A well-cut overcoat will enhance the look that you wear in your dress without adding weight.
Select a single or double-breasted design that sits below the knee in neutral shades such as navy charcoal, navy, and black. These shades are versatile and can be worn with a variety of outfits. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
7. Technical Overcoat
In the past, I had just one coat, the 1940s raglan sleeves, to handle the elements. The style is lovely, but I wouldn’t say I like wearing wool coats from the past because they become musty when immersed in the water.
It also becomes like a blanket soaked in heavy rain, and the wool can hold in the water rather than repel it.
Even in that case, it might not suffice to keep the water out, as I discovered when I purchased a trench coat and it was torrential rain.
Spencer’s inspiration for rain is less casual than mine, drawing his inspiration from ivy, workwear and militaria. Unlike long-length coats, Spencer’s style is more of the “jacket” variety, meant to be worn with denim and chinos than suits. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
Conclusion:
You can wear wool coats during light rain since wool naturally has water resistance. But, it’s not waterproof, which means that long exposure to rain can cause damage to the material.
Consider a water-repellent spray, umbrella, or a waterproof layer to ensure your coat is protected.
To ensure complete protection during rainy weather, it’s recommended to choose an overcoat or raincoat that is made for rainy weather. [Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?]
Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?: FAQ
1. Can you wear a wool overcoat in the rain?
Ans: You can wear wool coats and overcoats during moderate drizzle or light rain. But wool isn’t completely waterproof and, therefore, is unsuitable for heavy downpours without further protection.
2. Is wool naturally water-resistant?
Ans: Wool does have natural properties that protect against water, since it can ward off any moisture that is not very strong. However, it’s not waterproof and can absorb water after a long exposure.
3. How can I protect my wool overcoat from rain?
Ans: To keep your wool overcoat safe during rainy weather, consider using an umbrella or layering it with a waterproof outer shell, such as a trench coat or raincoat. Also, you can make use of a spray that is waterproof and specially designed for wool garments.