Living on the Suffolk coast, we know a thing or two about unpredictable weather. A bright morning can turn into sideways rain remarkably quickly, which makes a good coat less of an occasional purchase and more of a wardrobe essential.

But shopping for one isn’t always straightforward. Waterproof, water-resistant, showerproof, waxed... they all sound as though they should do roughly the same job, but there are some important differences. And then there are technical terms such as water columns and hydrostatic head ratings to get your head around too.

So, before the autumn weather really gets going, here’s our guide to finding the right raincoat for you.

Waterproof: when staying dry really matters

If you’re looking for the greatest protection from persistent rain, look for a coat specifically described as waterproof.

A waterproof jacket uses a fabric or membrane designed to stop water passing through it, but construction matters too. Features such as sealed or welded seams and protected zips help prevent rain finding its way through the joins in the garment.

This is where brands such as Rains and Ilse Jacobsen really come into their own, combining proper wet-weather protection with coats that you’ll also want to wear when it isn’t pouring.

But waterproof doesn’t have to mean an obviously technical raincoat. Barbour has some excellent waterproof options alongside its famous wax jackets, including the men’s Bromfield Waterproof Jacket, which combines classic Barbour country styling with a waterproof membrane.

Another favourite in store is the men’s Schöffel Egleton Lightweight Jacket. It’s a brilliant year-round option: lightweight and uninsulated, but fully waterproof, windproof and breathable, with a hood that neatly stows away in the collar.

What does a 10,000mm waterproof rating actually mean?

If you’ve ever looked at the technical details of a waterproof jacket, you may have come across numbers such as 5,000mm, 10,000mm or 20,000mm. This is the garment’s hydrostatic head, sometimes described as its water column.

Put simply, it’s a laboratory measurement of how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before water begins to penetrate it. The higher the number, the greater the level of waterproof protection.

As a rough guide, something around 2,000mm can be suitable for lighter rain and shorter periods outdoors, while around 10,000mm offers considerably greater protection for sustained rain. The Schöffel Egleton, for example, has a 10,000mm water column, making it a properly waterproof jacket despite its lightweight feel.

It’s a useful number when comparing technical jackets, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you look at. Seams, zips, hood design and breathability all contribute to how well a jacket actually performs when you’re wearing it.

Water-resistant & showerproof: everyday protection

You’ll often see the terms water-resistant and showerproof, and in practice there can be quite a bit of overlap between the two. Both generally mean a coat will cope with drizzle, light rain or a passing shower, but isn’t designed to keep you dry through prolonged or heavy rain.

They’re a great choice when you want an everyday coat rather than full wet-weather protection - for popping into town, the school run, a short dog walk or those days when there’s a chance of a shower.

The exact level of protection varies from garment to garment, so it’s always worth checking the individual product description if staying dry is particularly important.

Waxed jackets: a different approach to the weather

The wax jacket deserves a category of its own.

Rather than relying on a waterproof membrane, traditional waxed cotton is treated with wax to help repel water. The result is durable, wind-resistant outerwear with a completely different look and feel from a technical raincoat.

And, of course, nobody is more closely associated with it than Barbour.

Barbour’s waxed jackets are water-repellent rather than fully waterproof, making them particularly well suited to everyday British weather. One of their great advantages is longevity: as the wax finish gradually wears, a jacket can be rewaxed to restore its protection and keep a much-loved coat going for years. Find out how to re-wax your Barbour Jacket here.

A wax jacket therefore makes a brilliant everyday autumn coat, particularly for country walks, weekends away and life on the Suffolk coast. However, it wouldn’t necessarily be our first choice for spending hours out in heavy rain.

What about Fjällräven?

Fjällräven is particularly interesting because it offers several different approaches to weather protection rather than one particular type of raincoat.

Its G-1000 fabric is naturally resistant to wind and water and can be treated with Greenland Wax to increase its weather resistance. It makes Fjällräven a great option for walking, travelling and spending plenty of time outdoors, with different levels of weather protection depending on what you need your jacket to do.

The Fjällräven Nuuk Lite Parka is our most waterproof, windproof and insulating jacket in stock. With its longer cut, it offers excellent coverage for cold, wet and windy autumn days. The synthetic insulation helps retain warmth in damp conditions, while the protective hood, adjustable waist and generous pockets make it a practical everyday choice.

Don’t forget about breathability

Keeping water out is only half the story. It’s also worth thinking about how comfortable your coat will be to wear.

If you’re walking any distance, travelling or wearing your coat all day, breathability becomes important. A coat that does a brilliant job of keeping rain out isn’t much fun if you get hot and clammy inside it.

You may even see breathability expressed as another number in the technical specifications. The Schöffel Egleton, for example, has 10K MVTR breathability as well as its 10K waterproof rating. In simple terms, this measures the fabric’s ability to allow moisture vapour from inside the jacket to escape.

Again, you don’t necessarily need to get too caught up in the numbers. The important thing is to think about what you’ll actually be doing in your coat. Someone walking for several hours has very different requirements from someone looking for a smart waterproof jacket to wear around town.

So, which raincoat should you choose?

There isn’t one type of raincoat that’s right for everyone. The best place to start is by thinking about where you’re going to wear it and what sort of weather you realistically need it to handle.

For proper wet-weather protection, look for a fully waterproof jacket and consider the technical specification if you’re going to be outside for longer periods. Rains, Ilse Jacobsen, Fjällräven and Schöffel all offer excellent waterproof options, while styles such as the Barbour Bromfield prove that practical waterproofing doesn’t necessarily have to look technical.

For a classic everyday coat with character, a Barbour wax jacket is hard to beat and will happily see you through years of changeable British weather with a little care along the way. Furthermore, there are hooded versions, as well as Barbour wax caps and hats.

But if what you really need is simply a good-looking everyday coat that will cope with the occasional shower, showerproof may be all the protection you need.  Or a good umbrella will also do the job - take a look at our latest umbrella collection here. 

At O&C, we’ve always believed a good coat is worth investing in – particularly when you live somewhere the weather can change before you’ve reached the end of the High Street. If you'd like some advice, come and see us in Aldeburgh or call us on 01728 452229. Tell us whether you’re dressing for dog walks, downpours, weekends away or simply getting caught out on the school run, and we’ll help you find the right raincoat.

Browse our RAINWEAR collection at O&C Butcher