Protect children from the rain this spring with these practical and great-looking raincoats.
Consider whether you want it to be warm – even in summer – and make sure it’s rainproof not just showerproof. The words “quick drying” are ones to look out for and if the material is watertight, better still.
Don’t spend more than you need to, though – if you want something for the occasional downpour, you won’t need the kind of highly technical coat families who spend every Sunday walking or playing sports will.
We’ve got our young testers out in all weathers to make sure we bring you the best this season has to offer.
1. Boden Jersey Lined Anorak (2-12 years): £35, Boden
Boden is known for its fun and vibrant prints and this lightweight anorak with jersey lining is available in three different dazzling designs, our favourite of which is this floral one. It’s soft and comfortable, yet toasty and warm, and it washes like a dream.
2. Jack Wolfskin Topaz 3-in-1 Boys’ Raincoat (18 months to 14 years): £65, Jock Wolfskin
There’s plenty of science behind this one, but the bottom line is it’s windproof, waterproof, breathable and suitable for all weathers, thanks to the removable fleece inner jacket, which can also be worn on its own. It looks good too.
3. Joules Cloudy Clear Raincoat (1 – 8 years): £29.95, Joules
No need to keep your little one’s outfit hidden with this transparent raincoat. It has pretty pink detail and faint metallic spots. Quite different to most waterproof coats on the market, it manages to combine fun and practically and is true to size.
4. Frugi Puddlebuster Packaway Jacket (2 – 10 years): £25, We Love Frugi
Fed up of the kids getting caught short without a coat in unexpected showers? This entirely waterproof yet incredibly lightweight jacket packs away into its own pocket, which you can keep in your bag (or in their school bag) at all times. Made from recycled polyester, it ticks all the boxes for comfort and practicality and is also available in a floral print.
5. John Lewis Double Breasted Raincoat (2 – 12 years): From £30, John Lewis
You won’t have any trouble spotting them in the crowd in this bright yellow number that will cheer up the grimmest of wet days. The classic cut with belted waist and double breasted front keeps it both traditional and timeless.
6. Helly Hansen JR Seven J Jacket (8-16 years): £80, Helly Hansen
This is a lot to pay out on a child’s raincoat, but it’s ideal if your family lives an outdoorsy lifestyle. It keeps kids protected from both wind and rain, with watertight detailing around cuffs and bottom, which means there’s no chance of stray drips getting inside. All this and yet it doesn’t leave little ones getting hot and sweaty. It’s cosy inside and will do as a hand-me-down several times over.
7. Toggi Girls Chantilly Waterproof Coat (4 – 8 years): £31.50, Millbry Hill
Kids will love this dog print design set against a navy background, while parents will like the fact that it’s fully waterproof and breathable with taped seams. There’s also a generous hood and elasticated cuffs, so that rain is well and truly kept at bay. The fleece-lined pockets are handy too.
8. Minoti Heart Print PU Raincoat (6 months to 3 years): £23, Minoti
Available in either red or navy, this is a sweet little machine-washable coat for tiny tots that has a particularly pleasing price-tag, especially for the quality. Handy features include the hood, pockets and front poppers and there’s attractive gathered detailing at the front.
9. Next Fisherman Jacket (3-16 years): From £36, Next
This is cleverly designed to suit pre-schoolers as well as teenagers – no mean feat. It’s available in a ditsy print or just plain red or navy and its warm lining means it’s better suited to chillier days. We found it washed really well too.
10. JoJo Maman Bébé Children’s Fisherman’s Jacket (1-6 years): £36, JoJo Maman Bébé
This is one of the brands bestsellers. The soft, striped lining makes it both comfy and breathable, while the outer finish protects littluns not just against rain but wind too. Shame the navy isn’t currently available, but it’s back this autumn and there are plenty of other colours and designs to choose from in the meantime.
11. Karrimor 3-in-1 Jacket Kids (7 – 13 years): £31, Sports Direct
If you’re on a tighter budget, this is a great option. It’s a waterproof, breathable jacket with great sealing and a particularly cosy fleece inner coat that can be zipped out quickly and easily for warmer days. It washes well in the machine too.
The Verdict: Kids’ raincoats
Boden is famous for its bright, patterned clothing, which is also highly practical and long-lasting. Its Jersey Lined Anorak is no exception, with our little testers instantly falling for all three fabric designs. For something more technical, our vote goes to Helly Hansen JR Seven J Jacket, while for tiny tots our top recommendation is the JoJo Maman Bébé Children’s Fisherman’s Jacket.
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