We Tested the Cutest, Most Functional Kids’ Raincoats—Here Are Our Favorites

You can never go wrong with anything Reima. In fact, the amount I sing this brand’s praises must somehow qualify me as an informal brand ambassador (if you’re looking for one, I’m available, Reima). 

We’ve tried multiple styles and even their “water resistant” jackets stand up to heavy rainfall. Their new Saarela ReimaTec jacket is my son’s new fave that takes him from puddle jumping to recess to after-school rainy adventures. I love that it’s breathable, waterproof and has adjustable velcro around the wrist and two zippered pockets. The hood is detachable, but what makes this jacket really unique is the double front zipper, which is compatible with Reima’s zip-in layering system. 

And, for parents who don’t want to buy a new coat every single year, Reima specifically designs their jackets with 2-3 inches room for growth in a way that doesn’t feel too roomy or baggy, ensuring your child can wear it through multiple seasons.

Any mom who finds a great product knows not to gatekeep. So when I heard multiple moms talking about the brand, Mon Coeur and their organic premium raincoats, I had to check it out for myself. While wind- and water-resistant, this coat feels more like a light jacket that your kiddo could wear daily. It’s insulated so will keep them warm, made from organic and sustainable materials, and produced responsibly in Portugal. I love that it keeps my kids dry, but is also light weight and breathable. It’s one of those rare finds that feels as good to buy as it does to put on your kid.

Years ago Snapper Rock won me over with their sustainable swimwear collection, so I was especially excited that they now carry recycled waterproof raincoats. Just like their swim line, their raincoats are made of recycled PET bottles saved from the landfill (fun fact: on average 14 bottles are used to make one raincoat). Their raincoats are fully water- and windproof with circle reflectors, concealed zippers and taped seams. These coats, which run slightly big, are fleece-lined, ensuring your littles stay warm and cozy even in a downpour. 

My boys have used Holly & Beau’s color changing raincoats for the last 5 years, and the jackets are unscathed after multiple water fights, being dragged across the playground, and anything else my kids have thrown at it. The coats change color when wet and return to normal when dry, which is totally fascinating for the littles. Beyond the thrill of watching the monsters turn red and blue or unicorns turn green when wet, each jacket is made with recycled PET plastic and soft polyester fabric lining, so you get all the waterproofing without that stiff, plasticky feel some raincoats have (a bonus for kids with sensory sensitivities!).

I naively thought that after the baby stage, my kids would stop growing so drastically month to month. Boy, was I wrong. My son must’ve been going through a growth spurt and on one rainy afternoon, I realized none of his raincoats fit. I bought this Columbia fleece-lined jacket in a pinch, and it quickly became a sleeper hit of the season. Because it’s fleece-lined, I know he’ll stay warm and dry even on very rainy days.

The local moms in my community who sent their kids to a Forest School swear by Polarn O. Pyret’s rain gear. Their Everyday Shell Jacket checks all the boxes of what you’d want in a next-level rain jacket. It’s made of PFC free water proofness to 12,000 mm (their highest level), and is 100% windproof. Add on the full zipper with storm flap, chin guard and removable hood, and this jacket is a true heavy hitter, designed to withstand even the stormiest of days.