The best waterproof work jacket is built to not only shield you from the elements, but they must also be breathable. Breathability can be measured by how much water vapour passes through them; those rated highest include those featuring fully taped seams as the ideal option.

These jackets typically use tightly woven nylon or polyester with DWR treatment to repel water, then layering a membrane/laminate that seals out liquid water but allows liquid vapor (sweat) escape through small openings in its construction.

High Visibility

High Visibility Watertight work jackets are essential equipment for working outdoors or in poor weather conditions, designed to keep wearers warm and dry on the job while being worn over clothing like shirts and pants. Most are constructed using brightly-colored orange or yellow/lime materials with silver reflective tape for increased visibility on job sites.

Waterproof jackets are typically constructed of durable fabrics with heat-sealed seams to ward off rain from entering through their seams and penetrate their garment. Furthermore, waterproof jackets often include vents to allow hot air and sweat out and maintain comfort throughout extended rainstorms.

Many of the most effective waterproof work jackets are constructed using Gore-Tex, an ultralight fabric featuring billions of tiny pores per square inch that are smaller than any droplet of water, making this jacket fully waterproof. Alternatively, opt for a 3-layer construction which combines a waterproof/breathable membrane and outer shell fabric for extra protection against rainwater ingress.

Breathable

Waterproofness and breathability are often confused. While they seem related, they're two distinct qualities. Breathability refers to how much sweat vapor escapes your jacket when active; its membrane or coating must allow sweat vapor through while at the same time keeping rainwater out through micropores large enough for sweat vapor but too small for rainwater penetration.

There are various methods of making fabrics waterproof and breathable, including membrane laminates like GORE-TEX or eVent, or coating fabrics such as Marmot's proprietary waterproof breathable fabric with PU membrane; coated fabrics tend to be cheaper but don't hold up as well over time, requiring frequent reproofing sessions.

Other fabrics feature breathability features built right in, like mesh areas or venting zippers. A garment's breathability can also be increased through using DWR finishes or waterproofing tape on seams; DWR coating helps water bead off the fabric surface quickly so as to remain breathable for an extended period.

Comfortable

When choosing a rain jacket to wear on the job, it should feel comfortable. That means no stiff or bulky structures; rather it should be flexible and lightweight so as to allow maximum mobility.

Most workwear waterproof jackets are constructed of flexible woven fabrics that allow the wearer to move easily while providing warmth and durability. Some fabrics even feature DWR finishes which help water droplets bead up on their face fabric instead of seeping in and soaking through.

A good work jacket should feature taped seams to seal off rain and wind, without restricting movement too severely. Furthermore, quality jackets should never interfere with movement so you can bend, squat, lift and bend without discomfort - MCR Safety's VT31JH provides hi-vis protection and features a removable polyester quilted lining that can keep you warm when temperatures drop too far below 32F (if applicable).

Durable

Waterproof jackets are essential when working long shifts at work. Gore-Tex membranes offer protection, featuring billions of pores per square inch so water droplets don't seep through yet are still breathable - an important consideration if working outdoors in rainstorms.

Workwear jackets usually include some form of waterproofing protection, typically through sealed seams and seam sealing (sometimes known as seam taping ). Seam sealing (or taping, as it is more commonly known) involves heat-applying tape over jacket seams in order to stop water seeping through; high quality jackets will often feature fully or critically taped seams.

Nylon and polyester fabrics make for highly water-repellant garments when treated with a durable water repellent finish, yet it can be difficult to accurately compare performance across brands due to the absence of an industry test standard for water resistance. Some jackets use coated construction that simply spreads a waterproof film over their shell fabric while other use a 2-layer construction that connects a waterproof/breathable membrane directly onto the underside of their outer jacket, with an inner liner protecting this membrane layer.