A raincoat is a waterproof or water-resistant coat worn to protect the body from rain. The term rain jacket is sometimes used to refer to raincoats that are waist length. A rain jacket may be combined with a pair of rain pants to make a rain suit.

Modern raincoats are often constructed of breathable, waterproof fabrics such as Gore-Tex and coated nylons. These fabrics allow some air to pass through, allowing the garment to 'breathe' so that sweat vapour can escape.

Important styles of raincoat, often associated with particular manufacturers, include:

• Mackintosh, rubberised cloth
• Gannex
• Waxed jacket (e.g. made in UK by Barbour and Burberry)
• Anorak, derived from traditional Inuit designs
• Cagoule, also Cagoul, Kagoule, Kagool
• Poncho
• Sou'wester
• Trench coat
• K-way
• Driza-Bone, Australian oiled cotton

References