Choosing Rainwears
The rainwear you choose can be just as important as the clothes you wear under it. There are a variety of options available that will allow you to take part in your normal activities just as if the rainwear itself doesn’t exist. Rainwear also serves to keep you warm and dry and can easily be discarded when necessary.
Rain jackets are typically short and are used most commonly when paired with rain pants. This is because they are not very long and, therefore, do not cover your entire body.
Chin guards are another feature of rainwear that may not come immediately to mind. These are usually fleece or knit synthetic fabric linings on the inside of the collar that protect your face from zipper abrasion and the wetness or frost that often builds up when you are outside in the rain or snow for a long period of time. This commonly occurs when it is so cold outside your breath freezes.
Since you are shopping for something that may receive frequent use, depending on where you live and how often it rains, you will probably want products that will last you a long time. That is why it is important to choose rainwear that fits your specific needs. For example, a raincoat purchased for casual use may not withstand the conditions of camping if you plan trips on a regular basis.
Choose the most appropriate fabric for your women’s raincoat or other rainwear. There are three general types: water-resistant/breathable, completely waterproof/breathable and ultralight waterproof/breathable.
Parkas are longer than rain jackets and come down over the hips for added protection. They, too, have front zippers which makes them easier to put on and take off than traditional types of raincoats, but again, the chance of leakage is increased somewhat.
Rain pants are a good idea if you will be spending a lot of time outside. This mostly pertains to those who enjoy sports such as running and hiking, but rain jackets and pants may be paired for an overall look even when you are just trekking about town.
Rain boots are another type of rainwear that should be considered. They go on over regular shoes and serve to keep your shoes and feet warm and dry. They are easy to put and take off and also help protect shoes from wear and tear caused by larger amounts of rain.
Integral hoods are permanently attached and offer the best resistance again leaks. Detachable hoods may be more convenient but are not necessarily conducive to leakage especially in particularly nasty and wet weather conditions.
The most functional hoods feature elastic cords with toggles that can be adjusted around your face for better comfort and protection from the wind and rain. Some hoods also have stiffened visors or brims that can be shaped to fit your head and the area around your face. This also helps with visibility. Tabs on the back of such a hood can be used to adjust both fit and visibility.