A raincoat in the summer months
At 20 degrees Celsius or more, that might not immediately sound like something to get excited about.
Because raincoat = warm. Right?
Not necessarily.
A good summer raincoat is specifically designed to keep you dry without making you feel like you're walking around in a sauna.
And with Dutch summers, where sun and a heavy downpour sometimes alternate within an hour, that's actually quite practical.
Why does a raincoat sometimes feel so warm?
That's not just about the outside temperature.
A thick lining retains heat. A material that doesn't breathe well can have difficulty wicking away perspiration. And if you wear multiple layers under your raincoat, you'll naturally get warm quickly.
That's why a raincoat that's perfect for a cold autumn day isn't automatically the jacket you want to pull out of the closet on a rainy summer day.
In the summer, you're looking for something different.
What makes a raincoat suitable for summer?
A nice summer raincoat is primarily light and unlined.
In July or August, you usually don't need a jacket to keep you warm. You mainly want an extra layer that keeps wind and rain out.
In addition, breathability plays an important role.
While walking or cycling, your body produces heat and perspiration. A breathable fabric helps to wick some of that moisture away.
That makes a raincoat a lot more comfortable when it's not cold outside.
Also read: Why do you sometimes still feel clammy in a waterproof raincoat?
Waterproof doesn't have to be thick at all
This is perhaps the biggest misconception.
Waterproofness and warmth are two different things.
A jacket doesn't have to be thick, heavy, or lined to keep out rain.
How well a raincoat repels water depends on, among other things, the fabric used, the coating or membrane, the construction, and the finish of the seams.
So, a thin raincoat can be perfectly waterproof.
Conversely, a warm jacket may not be suitable at all for prolonged rain.
More information about Water-repellent or waterproof? Find it here.
And what about sweating?
Even in a good breathable raincoat, you can sweat.
Especially when it's warm and humid outside and you're cycling or walking briskly.
A raincoat is simply an extra layer around your body. No waterproof jacket can immediately wick away all body heat and perspiration.
That's why it's smart on warm days to also consider what you're wearing under your raincoat.
A T-shirt or thin blouse is often more than enough.
And when it stops raining?
Then unzip your jacket a bit further or take it off.
Sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference.
A 2-way zipper is extra nice in the summer
Especially when cycling, a 2-way zipper is a nice addition.
You can unzip the jacket a bit from the bottom. This gives more freedom of movement and extra ventilation, while your upper body remains protected from a shower.
This is especially pleasant with longer raincoats.
Light, waterproof, and ready for the Dutch summer ☀️🌧️
Discover our raincoats for days when you don't know what the weather will do in the afternoon.
What raincoat do you wear in the summer?
Mainly consider how you want to use the jacket.
Are you looking for a raincoat to take with you on a day trip or holiday? Then a lightweight model that doesn't take up too much space is handy.
Do you cycle daily? Then pay attention to freedom of movement, length, and, for example, a 2-way zipper.
Do you walk a lot? Then low weight and good breathability become more important.
And do you want a jacket that you not only wear during a downpour but also as a regular summer jacket? Then fit, color, and style play an equally important role.
Because practical can also be fun. 😉
But what if it's really hot?
At 25 or 30 degrees Celsius, every jacket is warm.
Even a summer raincoat.
On such days, you naturally don't need to wear a raincoat zipped up for hours. See it primarily as protection for when that summer shower actually breaks out.
And especially in warm summer weather, these showers can be quite sudden and intense.
Why are summer downpours often so intense?
That makes a light raincoat handy to have with you, without having to walk around in a jacket all day.
Typical Dutch summer
In the morning, the sun shines.
In the afternoon, dark clouds suddenly appear.
Ten minutes later, it's raining.
And before dinner, you're back outside.
Perhaps we don't have to choose between a summer jacket OR a raincoat.
With the right raincoat, you can have both.
Which summer raincoat suits you?
At Hipinderegen, you'll find light, unlined raincoats designed for unpredictable days.
Waterproof when needed, but without the thick lining of a winter coat.
Exactly what you want during a Dutch summer.
Let that summer shower come 🌦️
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Can you smell rain before it starts to rain? 🌧️
Why do you sometimes still get clammy in a waterproof rain jacket?