10 best men’s waterproof jackets to keep you dry and stylish

Craghoppers’ dynamic pro III is one of those rare waterproof jackets that feels “right” the moment you put it on. The fabric is durable yet breathable, the cut moves beautifully, and the overall build quality far outperforms the price. Even the small details are properly executed here. The Velcro cuffs, for example, cinch tightly and genuinely keep rain out. And with a 20,000mm waterproof rating, it’s more than capable for serious outdoor use, not just park laps and pub runs.

It’s so well-rounded, in fact, that it could give the far pricier Montane a scare. The only real drawback is the hood, which doesn’t sit quite as flush at the back as we’d like. Otherwise, this is one of the best-value technical jackets on the market.

Pac-a-macs are never going to rival the big hitters of the waterproof world, and we’d be lying if we said Next’s packable jacket could. There’s no waterproof or breathability rating, the sleeves ride up high leaving room for rain to creep in, and the hood feels flimsy. Even the velcro pockets let a few drops through on a damp walk. But for £35, this little jacket still surprises.

The subtle chequered ripstop fabric looks good and feels tougher than you’d expect at this price, while its packable design makes it ideal for holidays or unexpected showers. You’re not buying this for mountain hikes, but as an affordable, good-looking layer to stash in your bag “just in case”, it does the job nicely.

Dare 2b may often be associated with ski gear, but the torrek blazen insulated waterproof jacket proves it can hold its own well beyond the slopes. The fit is slim and flattering, with sleeves that fall just beyond the wrist. The green shade stands out without being bold, and the fabric – surprisingly cotton-like to the touch – feels soft yet durable. The waterproof rating here is seriously impressive (30,000 mm) and the breathability high (30,000 g/m²/24h), surpassing far pricier outdoor brands like Montane (28,000 mm). The insulation hits that ideal balance too: warm and comfy, but never stifling.

Although it’s sold as a ski jacket (and is the best choice on this list if you’re looking for one), it’s arguably better suited to UK winters than full-on alpine expeditions. The body length is on the shorter side, and hardcore skiers might want something more insulated. Hikers may still find it a touch too warm for longer treks. But for most, this is a stylish, high-performing winter jacket that delivers real value - the kind of outerwear that’ll keep you dry on the wettest of commutes while still looking good in the pub afterwards.

Jack Wolfskin’s prelight 3-in-1 jacket is all about versatility, and it delivers it in a genuinely useful, well-executed way. The fit is neat and streamlined – smart-looking for a technical jacket – though some may prefer to size up for a roomier feel. When fully zipped, the collar rises over the chin, giving excellent protection in foul weather, even if it won’t suit everyone. The real win, though, is the modular design: pop off the internal layer and you’ve instantly got a fleece-lined vest and a packable waterproof shell, or keep everything attached for a warm, insulated winter jacket.

Performance-wise, the numbers back it up: a 20,000mm waterproof rating and 15,000g/m² breathability make this more than ready for classic UK “all seasons in a day” weather. Yes, it sits at the pricier end of the list, but you’re effectively getting three well-made pieces from a trusted outdoor brand - and that flexibility goes a long way.

Kestin – the Edinburgh menswear label known for its rugged, considered takes on modern workwear – brings that same design DNA to the gullane storm parka, named after the East Lothian coastal town. It’s a beautifully made coat, packed with thoughtful touches: a hand-drawn mountain-top label, multicoloured drawcords, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and an impressive haul of storage, including a huge internal pocket and a hidden chest stash. The two-way zip is smooth and reliable (a clear step up from the Vuori), and the whole jacket feels crafted rather than manufactured.

There’s no official waterproof rating, but the C-0 DWR coating and two-layer canvas weave kept us dry in testing. Tech obsessives may wish for bigger numbers on the spec sheet, but everyone else will find this more than capable. Fit-wise, our usual size worked, though a size up would have given a better shoulder and sleeve fit – worth noting if you’re between sizes. Otherwise, this is a handsome, hard-wearing parka built for real weather, with all the pockets you could ever need.

If you’re serious about staying dry when the weather turns nasty, the Montane phase is that rare piece of kit that genuinely delivers. This isn’t a slick city shell pretending to be technical – it’s built from GORE-TEX ePE with a pivot-style helmet-compatible hood that offers full coverage, and clever details like pit zips and bonded pockets that you probably didn’t even notice until you needed them.

The fit is generous, allowing layering underneath without feeling bulky, and the fabric has a robust, purpose-built feel that outlasts many lesser jackets. That said, this jacket asks you to commit. The price is high, so you’d better know you’re going to exploit its capabilities – storm-level protection, mountain conditions or full-on winter terrains. For everyday commuters or casual weekend wear it might feel like overkill, and the length and styling are geared more toward outdoor adventuring than tailoring. But if you live for weather, terrain and long days outside, this is as good as it gets.

Under Armour has always taken a performance-first approach, and the cloudstrike jacket feels purpose-built for runners. While many jackets here lean into hiking-friendly features, this one keeps things clean and streamlined: a 10,000mm waterproof rating that handles showers, an impressively breathable two-layer fabric and a featherweight build that packs away with zero fuss. The chest pocket is useful, and it feels great when you’re picking up the pace.

It’s not perfect – the bottom hem doesn’t cinch tightly enough, letting in a bit of wind and stopping it from competing with the top-tier shells. But for runners wanting a simple, mid-range waterproof that won’t weigh them down or overheat on the move, it’s a solid, practical choice that gets the basics right.

Vuori, the California athleisure brand known for making technical gear you can happily wear to brunch, positions the bering down parka as a heavy hitter – and on paper, it certainly looks the part. The two-layer build and 650-fill-power duck down deliver serious warmth, while neat touches such as moisture-wicking, knitted cuffs add a premium feel. It’s also one of the most stylish coats on this list: clean, minimal and unmistakably ‘Vuori’.

In testing, though, a few issues surfaced. With no stated waterproof rating, it doesn’t handle rain as well as the more technical jackets here, and the fit feels slightly awkward through the midsection, with a zip that snagged more than expected for a £400 coat. Compared with the Kestin Gullane parka – which feels more robust and costs a little less - those flaws stand out. Still, this remains the cosiest and most comfortable option of the lot, the one you’ll reach for on freezing mornings and light drizzly days.

Canterbury has long been intertwined with rugby culture, and the Everest breakdown jacket feels built squarely with that world in mind. It’s a sturdy, no-nonsense bit of kit with a few polished surprises – the gold detailing on the chest and back looks great and lifts what could’ve been a basic black shell. Despite the product page being quiet on it, Canterbury confirmed the jacket is fully waterproof thanks to a polyurethane membrane and taped seams, and the removable hood (rare on this list) adds welcome practicality. It also comes in an inclusive size range up to 4XL, which will appeal to many.

The over-the-head quarter-zip format won’t suit everyone – it’s still a bit of a faff to pull on – and it’s not the most technical or fashion-leaning option here. But for those already loyal to the brand, or anyone wanting a dependable, weatherproof jacket for match days and foul-weather weekends, it’s a solid, good-value choice.

Fabletics, the membership-based activewear brand known for its sharp pricing and fitness-first approach, brings that same ethos to its waterproof rain jacket – a no-frills layer clearly designed with runners and gym-goers in mind. It’s as stripped back as they come: a single, ultra-thin layer that’s lightweight, quick-drying and far more breathable than the Under Armour cloudstrike. If you’re heading out for a run in spring showers or want something you can shove in a gym bag without thinking twice, it fits the brief perfectly.

There are compromises, though. The inside feels a bit plasticky, the hood runs small, and there’s nothing here that offers meaningful warmth – this is not a winter piece by any stretch. But if all you need is a simple, featherweight waterproof to keep you sort of dry while you get the miles in, this is the one we’d pick.