10 of the best kids' waterproofs: waterproof trousers and raincoats
Keep your little one dry as they make a splash in these cute raincoats, waterproof trousers and dungarees, starting from £12.99
The British weather is certainly not famous for being predictable and we’re almost as likely to encounter a surprise shower in the middle of Summer as we are to expect a winter downpour – that’s where kids’ waterproofs come in.
Children’s waterproof trousers and raincoats which can fold into lightweight pouches are ideal backpack staples for unexpected rainfall. More heavy duty kids’ waterproofs and dungarees are best suited to wetter walks, while slip-on waterproof trousers help protect clothes during puddle splashing activities. There are even waterproof all-in-ones to keep them dry from head to toe while they’re messing about on greyer days.
To help you source the best kids’ waterproofs for your little one, we’ve compiled a varied list of our favourites below. Whether you are looking for some lightweight trousers you can fold up pocket-sized or a fully-fleeced coat to keep kids warm on chilly days, we should have an option for you in our selection.
Plus, if you are on the hunt for more protective outdoor clothing to help keep kids warm and dry, have a look over our list of the best kids’ wellies, best kids’ thermals and best baby and toddler snowsuits for some inspiration.
Here's our pick of the best kids' waterproof trousers and coats
1. Wet Wednesdays Waterproof Jacket and Dungarees set, £57
– Best for durability
Sizes: 1-2 years to 12-14 years | Machine washable: Yes (avoid fabric softener) | Award: MadeForMums Award 2021, Children's outdoor clothing, Gold
This jacket and dungarees set from outdoor kids' clothing brand, Wet Wednesdays, is great for active kids who love to be outdoors no matter the weather. With welded seams to prevent leaks and a roomy fit that allows for layers of clothing underneath, it's a set that'll take you through the whole year. Tester Elisa said: “My son found the zip easy to do up himself, which was possibly why he chose this over other coats, as he could do it all independently. The coat is warm, waterproof and comfy, which a coat should be.”
The jacket has a peaked hood for good visibility – plus, it’s removable. As a genius feature, both the bum and knees of the dungarees have reinforced panels for extra durability, plus the shoulder straps are adjustable to grow with your child. The elasticated waist also offers a good fit and there are stirrups that loop beneath the wellies to keep the dungarees in place, no matter how hard your little one plays. We also like the extra details such as the reflective tapes for visibility in the evenings.
Available from: Wet Wednesdays – get 10% discount with the code MADEFORMUMS10
2. Hippychick Toddler Waterproof all-in-one suit, £24.99
– Best lightweight waterproofs
Sizes: 1-7 years | Machine washable: Yes at 30ºC | Award: MadeForMums Award 2021, Children's outdoor clothing, Gold
All-in-ones are perfect for popping on over your little one’s clothes when it’s wet out, so they can have a great time splashing in puddles! These waterproof overalls are really lightweight, so children can move easily, and you can add layers underneath when it’s a bit colder. Made with breathable fabric, they are waterproof as well windproof making them a versatile option for all types of weather. Plus there’s even a fleece-lined version for winter.
Our testers praised the excellent fit thanks to velcro tabs that can be used to adjust the hood, wrists and waist. MFM tester Victoria said: “It is actually properly waterproof! The fit is baggy around the body, which is perfect for fitting over warm clothes and I think it’ll last my son at least a year, making it good value. The visor on the hood means it’s great while it’s raining too.”
Available from: Amazon and Kidly
3. Kidunk Eco Suit, £64.99
– Best for comfort
Sizes: 1-2 years to 7-8 years | Machine washable: Yes at 40ºC | Award: MadeForMums Award 2021, Children's outdoor clothing, Silver
Made from a 100% recycled plastic called Teflon EcoElite, which is coated with a PFC-free layer to be water resistant (it’s stain-resistant too), this eco brand is extra functional too, as the top and trousers can be worn as separates or zipped together to make an all-in-one suit.
The fabric is stretchy, which is unusual for rain wear and makes it easier for kids to play in. The top and trousers have a soft fleece lining and good quality zips that won’t wear out, no matter how many times they are yanked up and down. Tester Kelly praised how comfortable and practical the Eco Suit was: “The material is durable and they look stylish with the lovely colours and contrasting zip and lining. The fleecy lining is lovely and soft and warm to get into, rather than a plasticky inner on a lot of other options. They have definitely done the job for outside play, keeping my son warm and dry.”
Available from: Kidunk
4. Muddy Puddles 3-in-1 Scampsuit, £75
– Best for all seasons
Sizes: 0-6 years | Machine washable: Yes | Award: MadeForMums Award 2021, Children's outdoor clothing, Bronze
One of the reasons why our testers loved this suit is that it can be used in rain, wind, mud and even snow and ice. The cute unisex Scampsuit, with its adorable pointy hood, can be used in 3 ways; dress your child in the inner fleece suit, the outer waterproof suit or both together. As summed up by our parent tester Frankie: “Great quality and well made; I really like that you can take out the fleece liner out so it can be used all year round.”
The outer is breathable, which makes it comfortable to wear over longer periods. It also has elastic at the wrists and a fold-over feature to keep little feet and hands warm in the birth to 12 months size, plus extra fabric at the ankle to fit over snow boots for the larger sizes. It also comes in 3 bright colour prints so you can easily keep track of your children as they play outside.
Available from: Muddy Puddles
5. JoJo Maman Bebe Pack-Away Waterproof Dungarees, £29
– Best for weather emergencies
Sizes: 12-18 months to 5-6 years | Machine washable: Yes at 30°C
Great for heading out on a changeable day, this suit folds up into its own little travel bag and can be pulled out at a moment’s notice in case of a downpour.
It’s made from 100% recycled polyester, helping tackle consumer waste, and is waterproof with fully taped seams and adjustable elasticated shoulder straps to help you get the perfect fit. We also like the addition of neat foot stirrups that stretch over your little one’s welly boots to stop the legs from riding up.
Available from: JoJo Maman Bebe
6. Liva Casa Kids Waterproof Breathable Rainsuit All in One, from £16.79
– Best value kids' all-in-one suit
Sizes: 3 to 10 years | Machine washable: Yes
This all-in-one rainsuit will keep kids dry from head to toe, so they can splash in puddles as much as they like without needing a change of clothes. The suits come in 4 fun animal themes and colours; pink bunny, yellow giraffe, green frog and blue koala and the character’s face sits on the hood. After a messy day splashing about, the suit can easily be machine washed too.
Available from: Amazon
7. Mountain Warehouse Torrent II Kids Waterproof Jacket, £24.99
– Best for a trusted brand
Sizes: 2-3 years to 13 years | Machine washable: Yes
This lightweight, well-made jacket ensures your child stays dry on rainy days, with a wide range of colours and sizes from tots to teens. It lived up to its name impressively in our tests, thanks to the waterproof outer made from tear-resistant rip-stop fabric, which has taped seams and adjustable cuffs to prevent leaks.
With breathable fabric and mesh lining, it’s a great lightweight option for spring and late summer, when it’s too warm for heavy winter coats but still prone to showers. Our tester also felt it was a great length for decent protection without hampering her daughter’s active play.
MFM Consumer & Reviews Editor Christy tested the jacket with her 7-year-old daughter, Audrey. She says: “Audrey loved the pretty colour combination, and the zipped pockets for keeping her treasures safe. As a parent, I love how lightweight it is (easier to stash in my bag if she decides she doesn’t want it mid-walk), and was really impressed with how waterproof it is. On two occasions we’ve been caught out in very heavy rain for around 50 minutes, and each time she’s remained completely dry.”
Available from: Mountain Warehouse
8. Hatley Yellow Fleece Lined Raincoat, from £32
– Best for a bright colour
Sizes: 4 to 12 years | Machine washable: Yes at 30ºC
This classic yellow raincoat has a fleece-lined hood in a jolly stripe to keep your little one cosy on cooler days. The bright colour should help the day feel sunnier – and make it easier to spot your child in the playground! There are several other lovely shades too, including red, pink and navy.
The outer coating of the coat is waterproof, so it’s a great choice for every day and it will perform well during showers. It has 2 handy front pockets to hold a tissue or a snack and the front closes with a neat zip. Best of all, it’s machine washable at 30°, making it straightforward to keep shiny and clean.
Available from: Alex and Alexa
9. Regatta Kids’ Stormbreak Waterproof Overtrousers, £12.99
– Best value waterproof trousers
Sizes: 2-10 years
A good pair of waterproof trousers are a great addition to your kid’s wardrobe and these Stormbreak models from outdoor retailer Regatta are ideal. They are made from waterproof and windproof polyester with taped seams and have an elasticated waistband for comfort. With side pockets to store toys and gloves, they have a stud fastening at the cuff to fit smaller children and there is also a matching jacket that you can add to complete the look.
Available from: Amazon and Regatta
10. Spotty Otter Adventure III Waterproof Dungarees, £65
– Best for luxury quality
Sizes: 6-12 months to 5-6 years | Machine washable: Yes
While these may be pricier than some brand, they do refer to themselves as ‘The Ferrari’ of outdoor clothing, so if you are a family of adventurers, you may think they are worth the price to keep your little one dry and warm.
The outer is highly breathable nylon, the inner Polyester and it’s waterproof even in downpours. The brand's attention to detail is clear with fully taped seams, adjustable braces, good quality YKK clips and a zipped gusset at the side of the ankle to help get it on and off easily. There’s also a handy pocket embellished with the with reflective Spotty Otter logo, with reinforced knee pads for extra durability and an elastic waist for a comfy, snug fit.
Available from: Amazon, Spotty Otter and Little Trekkers
About the author
Parenting journalist, Sally J Hall, has worked on a range of UK baby magazines and websites writing features on pregnancy health, nutrition, fashion and baby product reviews. She is also the author of 2 parenting books – Eco Baby and Plant Based Baby. She lives in North London with her husband and 2 kids.
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Authors
Sally J. Hall has been a parenting and health journalist for over 20 years. She is a former Consumer Editor of Parenting & Birth magazine and former Editor of both Bounty (where she launched the Bounty Baby Product Guide) and Emma’s Diary, as well as contributing to many other parenting magazines and websites.
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