Waterproof Jackets
Waterproof jackets stop a wet day turning into a wasted day on site, keeping rain and wind off you so you can keep working safely.
When you're out in it all day, a proper waterproof work jacket isn't a nice-to-have, it's the difference between cracking on and packing up. Go for trade waterproof jackets with taped seams, a hood that actually stays put, and cuffs that seal over gloves. If you're moving all day, pick breathable waterproof jackets; if you're standing around, insulated waterproof jackets earn their keep.
What Jobs Are Waterproof Jackets Best At?
- Working external builds in driving rain, where a fully waterproof jacket with taped seams keeps water out at the shoulders, zip and pockets.
- Groundworks and drainage runs in wind and spray, where windproof waterproof jackets stop the chill cutting through when you are bent over trenches all day.
- Scaffold, roofing and cladding jobs where a stormproof work jacket with a peaked, adjustable hood keeps your vision clear and the rain off your neck.
- Refurbs and snagging in mixed conditions, where breathable waterproof workwear jackets stop you sweating out when you are in and out of buildings all shift.
- Cold morning starts and winter maintenance, where insulated waterproof jackets keep your core warm without needing three layers that snag on tools and fixings.
Choosing the Right Waterproof Jackets
Pick your waterproof jacket for the weather you actually work in, not the forecast you wish you had.
1. Fully waterproof vs "showerproof"
If you are out in proper rain for hours, only go for fully waterproof jackets with taped seams and a storm flap or water resistant zip. If it is just light drizzle between buildings, a lighter rainproof work jacket can be enough and will pack down smaller.
2. Breathable vs insulated
If you are shifting materials, climbing scaffold, or walking big sites, breathable waterproof jackets stop you getting soaked from the inside. If you are static on gates, setting out, or doing long outdoor checks, insulated waterproof jackets keep you warmer with fewer layers.
3. Fit for layering and movement
If you wear a hoodie or fleece underneath, size your waterproof work jacket so you can reach overhead without the hem riding up. For tool belt work, a slightly longer back helps, but do not go so long it catches on pockets, holsters, or harnesses.
4. Hood, cuffs, and high wear areas
If you work in wind and sideways rain, prioritise a hood with proper adjusters and a stiffened peak, plus cuffs that seal over gloves. For heavy duty waterproof jackets, look for reinforced shoulders and elbows because that is where site jackets fail first.
Waterproof Jackets FAQs
Are these fully waterproof jackets, or just showerproof?
It depends on the jacket, so check the spec, but for proper site use you want taped seams and a proper zip set up that stops water pushing through in heavy rain. If it does not mention sealed seams, expect it to cope with light showers rather than a full day in it.
Will a waterproof work jacket make me sweat when I am active?
Some will, especially cheaper, non breathable shells. If you are on the move all day, go for breathable waterproof jackets and look for venting and a lining that does not cling when damp, because that is what keeps you comfortable on long shifts.
Do waterproof jackets hold up to proper site abuse?
Trade waterproof jackets are built tougher than casual outdoor coats, but they are not indestructible. If you are constantly carrying boards, rubbing on scaffold, or working around sharp edges, prioritise reinforced high wear areas like shoulders and elbows and do not expect a lightweight shell to last forever.
What is the best choice for cold weather waterproof jackets?
If you are standing around or working slow and steady outdoors, insulated waterproof jackets are the easy answer. If you are active, a breathable waterproof work jacket with a warm mid layer underneath usually works better because you can strip layers off without losing your waterproof outer.
Do you stock mens waterproof jackets and womens waterproof jackets, or is it one fit?
Ranges typically include mens and womens waterproof jackets, plus different fits depending on brand. If you are layering underneath, size for movement in the shoulders and arms, and make sure the hem does not ride up when you reach overhead.
How do I stop a waterproof jacket wetting out and feeling heavy?
Keep it clean and follow the care label, because ground in dust and site muck kills water beading on the outer fabric. If the face fabric is holding water, the jacket can feel cold and clammy even if it is not leaking, so regular washing and proper drying makes a big difference.
Who Uses Waterproof Jackets on Site?
- Brickies and labourers who are outside all day and need builders waterproof jackets that take abrasion from blocks, muck and constant lifting.
- Groundworkers and civils crews who want construction waterproof jackets that handle mud, kneeling, and heavy rain without wetting through at the knees and cuffs.
- Sparks and plumbers doing externals and first fix, who need waterproof work jackets that are breathable and easy to move in when you are up ladders or in lifts.
- Site managers and supervisors who need professional waterproof workwear that stays smart enough for walkarounds but still stands up to site weather.
The Basics: Understanding Waterproof Jackets
Not all waterproof work jackets keep you dry the same way. These are the bits that matter when you are buying for site use.
1. Seams are where most jackets leak
A jacket can have waterproof fabric and still wet through if the seams are not sealed. For site waterproof jackets, taped seams are what stop water tracking in at the shoulders, hood, and around the zip.
2. Waterproof and breathable is a balance
Breathable waterproof jackets are built to let heat and sweat escape while keeping rain out, which matters when you are active all day. If you are sweating buckets, you will feel damp either way, so vents and a breathable lining make a real difference.
3. Windproofing is what keeps you warm
A weatherproof work jacket that blocks wind stops the cold cutting through your mid layers. That is why a decent stormproof work jacket often feels warmer than a thicker, cheaper coat that lets draughts in at the zip and cuffs.
Waterproof Jacket Add Ons That Make Site Life Easier
Get the layers right and your waterproof jacket works harder, stays comfortable, and keeps you on the tools longer.
1. Mid layers and fleeces
A decent fleece or softshell under waterproof work jackets lets you adjust to the day without buying an overly bulky coat that restricts movement when you are lifting, drilling, or working overhead.
2. Waterproof overtrousers
A jacket on its own is pointless if your thighs are soaked by 10am. Overtrousers stop water wicking up into your base layers when you are kneeling, carrying boards, or walking wet sites all day.
3. Waterproof gloves
Wet hands kill productivity fast, especially on fixings and small parts. Waterproof gloves pair with sealed cuffs so water does not run down your sleeves and pool at the wrist.
4. Beanies and neck warmers
On cold weather waterproof jacket days, heat loss is mostly head and neck. A thin beanie and neck warmer keep you warmer than doubling up jumpers, and they do not snag when you are turning your head in a hood.
Shop Waterproof Jackets at ITS
From lightweight breathable waterproof jackets to heavy duty waterproof workwear jackets for winter, we stock the full range in mens and womens fits, with options for everyday site wear and proper stormproof work. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get kitted out before the weather turns.
