12 Raincoats Everyone in London Is Obsessed with Right Now

It’s the coat brand mentioned most by the locals Bowie and I chatted with. Walk around London on a rainy afternoon and you’ll see many a Barbour coat. “I feel like everyone here has a Barbour coat,” Annie Fitzsimmons, a travel expert based in London reports. Whitney Richardson, global events manager for The New York Times in Europe, agrees: “Barbour is signature here.”

Bethan Holt, fashion director for The Telegraph shares exactly how to wear this waxy raincoat: “My favorite rainy-day strategy is to go for a really classic country look. They’re warm and waterproof, but still look like proper coats. If I can dress down, I’ll wear mine with leggings and Hunter wellies.” If you absolutely must dress up, I’d suggest wearing it over simple tailored basics like trousers and a crisp button-down in neutral colors. Also unique about Barbour jackets? “The older and more battered, the better in a British person’s eyes. The queen famously prefers to have hers re-waxed rather than replaced,” Holt adds. The snap-flap pockets are a nice touch, too, for keeping your belongings dry.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 0 to 18

This next raincoat comes from the cult-favorite Parisian brand Sézane. It’s not British, but that doesn’t stop the Brits from loving it. I can confidently say that it’s one of the most-worn trench coats in London—seriously, I can’t go a day without running into someone wearing one of the many Clyde colors. Of course, I bought it myself and can attest to its high quality and sleek make. I’ve also put the water-repellent organic cotton to the test and can confirm that it holds up well when it rains.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 00 to 16

While this new arrival from British label COS may not be trending yet, it’s only a matter of time before every Londoner steps out in this verdant green beauty. I tried in on at their King’s Road location and instantly fell head over heels for it—particularly how the fabric is so lightweight and crisp, making it a perfect jacket for spring. Though I wouldn’t wear it when it’s pouring out, I would happily wear it on days when there’s a light sprinkle.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 2 to 14

Boden is so signature to rainy-day style in London. Fitzsimmons explains, “Boden is a lovely, cheerful U.K. brand—and one that’s readily available in the U.S. It has a lot of fun options.” Case in point: the waterproof Wells coat, which comes with a hood and doesn’t stop at functional. From its cinch-able cuffs to its fun colorblock design, this is the type of jacket that'll brighten a gloomy day. Their styles are known to be sturdy and chic. A win-win.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 0 to 20/22

English content creator and fashion broadcaster for SheerLuxe Polly Sayer recently wore this lululemon jacket on a run, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Apart from its impressive quick-drying properties and technical fabric literally created with runners in mind, it has the chicest cinchable waistband that really makes this piece so unique.

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• Size Range: XS to XL

This brand popped up repeatedly, too—it was even dubbed the “most popular raincoat in London” by former PureWow editor Sara Little, who works as a content creator and marketer there. In particular, Little says the extralong version is a stand-out in all colors, but especially Rains’s rich olive, which as she explained “makes it military-esque.” The unisex jacket is a lesson in minimalism, with its elegant and draped design that boasts functional details, like snaps at the sleeves (to adjust the fit) and pockets, as well as back yoke and vents for breathability.

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• Size Range: XS to XL

One thing I noticed on my daily Tube commute, there’s a huge trend of quilted coats right now in the U.K. Case in point, this style from Arket: “Over here, Mango, Arket and COS all have great versions at good prices,” says Holt. The fill combines a blend of down and feathers, giving it a rather warm insulation without any of the bulk or stuffy wool winter fabrics. Plus, it’ll feel oh-so soft and comfy on, thanks to padded quilting.

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• Size Range: XXS to L

In terms of affordability, you can’t go wrong with Joules, says Fitzsimmons. “The styles here are inexpensive, but still great quality,” she says. It came up more than once, with others mentioning that the brand is beloved across the pond. This sleek number is a must-wear during heavy downpours, with its waterproof fabric, taped seams and hooded design. My favorite part is that the waist can cinch in to creates an hourglass shape. It’s such a minute-yet-important detail that makes this more of a fashion statement than anything else.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 4 to 14

This brand—another one that’s synonymous with Britain, according to Holt—also came up several times for its rainwear, which is known for being both luxe and practical. This particular style includes a dry wax finish that boosts its waterproofing power. (It’s also a favorite of the Duchess of Cambridge, who wore it in olive green for a farm visit in 2017.)

Fast Facts

• Size Range: UK 6 to UK 18 or US 2 to US 14

While we’re on the subject of royalty, Seasalt Cornwall was mentioned a few times by locals as a practical and stylish option that often pops up around town. It’s also been worn by both Kate Middleton and the Duchess of Sussex. (#TBT to when Meghan was down under with Prince Harry.) This particular style is waterproofed with a signature blend of organic cotton and linen, and boasts a high-low cut that’ll protect your backside from getting soaked if you ever want to sit on a damp bench.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 4 to 22

No, it’s not British (Stutterheim is Swedish, in fact), but this label came up a handful of times among the locals Bowie consulted. The length of this particular style helps keep anyone who wears it extra dry and the A-line style manages to be figure-flattering while wicking water away.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXXS to XXL

Last, but certainly not least, Burberry is a forever classic and undoubtedly pops up on city streets in London the minute the skies open up, according to Myka Meier—founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette who splits her time between the U.S. and across the pond—Holt, Little and more. Particularly cropped trench coats like this true-to-size polished piece. Inside, you’ll find the brand’s iconic check print while, on the outside, traditional features like notched lapels and a double-breasted collar complete the jacket. A pro tip from Holt to offset the cost of this pricey brand: “Keep your eye out for a vintage Burberry on eBay or Vestiaire Collective and you may luck out.”

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 00 to 12