Why do you get wet in your rain jacket?

You buy a rain jacket with the idea of staying dry.

Logical.

Yet, we regularly hear stories of people coming home wet after a heavy downpour. Not because the jacket is broken, but because there's a big difference between waterproof and water-repellent.

And that difference is greater than many people think.

In this blog, we explain what to look out for, what a water column exactly means, and why seams and zippers are at least as important as the fabric itself.

Water-repellent: great for a short shower

A water-repellent jacket has a special coating that causes water droplets to roll off the fabric instead of soaking in.

This works excellently during a light rain shower or a short walk to the supermarket.

But as soon as it rains longer or harder, this protection reaches its limit.

Characteristics of water-repellent jackets

✔ suitable for light rain

✔ water column up to approximately 1,000 mm

✔ often lightweight and flexible

✔ usually cheaper than fully waterproof jackets

👉 Important to know:

Many jackets are sold as "rain jackets," while in reality, they are mainly water-repellent. This sometimes leads to the discovery during a heavy downpour that the protection is disappointing.

Waterproof: made for real rainy weather

A waterproof rain jacket keeps water out, even when it rains for hours.

This means not only that the fabric repels water, but also that the seams and zippers are well-finished.

This is often the difference between a jacket that is comfortable during a shower and a jacket you can truly rely on during bad weather.

Characteristics of waterproof rain jackets

✔ suitable for prolonged rain

✔ water column from approximately 1,000 mm

✔ often features taped seams

✔ better protection against wind and rain

✔ ideal for hiking, cycling, and daily use

What does a water column actually mean?

The waterproofness of a fabric is measured by a so-called water column.

The higher this value, the more water pressure a fabric can withstand before moisture penetrates.

Water Column	Property	Suitable for
0 - 1,000 mm	Water-repellent	Light drizzle
1,000 - 5,000 mm	Waterproof	Daily use
5,000 - 10,000 mm	Good waterproofness	Hiking and prolonged rain
10,000 mm +	Very waterproof	Heavy rain and extreme conditions

What about our rain jackets?

At Hipinderegen, we only sell rain jackets with a minimum water column of 3,000 mm.

For daily use, that's more than enough to stay dry during a Dutch rain shower.

Many of our premium models even have a water column of 10,000 to 15,000 mm, combined with fully taped seams and high breathability.

This keeps them comfortable, even when you're outside for longer periods.

Why seams and zippers are at least as important

Even the most waterproof fabric can leak if the seams are not properly finished.

For quality rain jackets, seams are often sealed internally with special tape.

This is what we call taped seams.

Zippers also deserve attention.

A good rain jacket, for example, has:

✔ waterproof zippers

✔ storm flaps over the zipper

✔ extra protection around vulnerable areas

It is precisely these details that ensure you stay dry even during a prolonged rain shower.

Don't forget about breathability

A rain jacket shouldn't just keep rain out.

It should also remain comfortable to wear.

That's why breathability is at least as important as waterproofness.

A breathable rain jacket wicks away heat and perspiration, keeping you comfortable while walking, cycling, or for daily use.

This way, you stay dry from both the outside and the inside.

Which rain jacket suits you?

That depends mainly on what you want to use it for.

Daily use

👉 minimum 3,000 mm water column

Walking or cycling

👉 5,000 mm or more

Often outdoors in bad weather

👉 10,000 mm or higher

Therefore, don't just look at the color or model, but also at the technical properties of a jacket.

This prevents disappointments afterwards.

👉 Dry on the bike? This makes the difference

👉 Why some rain jackets disappoint (and others remain favorites for years)

Conclusion: don't be caught off guard by the first rain shower

Water-repellent and waterproof may seem similar, but in practice, they make a world of difference.

Are you only occasionally outdoors during a light shower? Then a water-repellent jacket may be sufficient.

If you are regularly in the rain, cycle frequently, or simply want to be sure to stay dry, opt for a truly waterproof rain jacket with good seams, reliable zippers, and sufficient breathability.

This way, you'll stay dry, comfortable, and stylish – exactly as a good rain jacket should be.