Windbreakers and rain jackets both look like a thin hooded shell, so it is easy to mix them up. The short answer: a windbreaker is built to stop wind and handle light weather, a rain jacket is built to keep heavy rain out. Here is the difference and when each one makes sense.
Is a windbreaker waterproof?
Usually not. Most windbreakers are made from a thin, tightly woven nylon or polyester shell. That weave blocks wind well and shrugs off a light drizzle, but in steady rain water gets through the fabric and the seams. If a jacket is waterproof, the label will say so, and it will usually have taped seams.
What a rain jacket does differently
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Waterproof fabric or coating that stops water getting through, not just slowing it down.
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Taped or sealed seams, because stitching holes let water in.
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A stiffer, heavier feel, and often less breathable on a warm day.
Windbreaker vs rain jacket vs softshell
|
Windbreaker |
Rain jacket |
Softshell |
| Wind |
Blocks it |
Blocks it |
Blocks most of it |
| Rain |
Drizzle only |
Heavy rain |
Light rain |
| Weight |
Lightest |
Light to medium |
Medium, stretchy |
| Breathes |
Well |
Less |
Well |
| Look |
Streetwear, sporty |
Outdoor, technical |
Outdoor, fitted |
When a windbreaker is the better pick
For everyday wear a windbreaker wins most days: it is light, it packs down small, it does not feel sweaty on a walk, and it looks like an outfit instead of hiking gear. That is why it became a streetwear staple. It is also the only one of the three that comes as a full matching set with pants.
When you want a rain jacket instead
If you are out for hours in real rain, wear a proper rain jacket. On a cold wet day you can also wear a rain shell over a hoodie and keep the windbreaker pants on; the shell pants dry fast.
What about the Orbit Set?
Our Orbit Set is a lightweight shell windbreaker: a hooded full-zip jacket with an adjustable drawcord hood, and relaxed straight-leg pants with an elastic drawstring waist. Think of it as a windbreaker, not a raincoat: great for wind, cool days and the odd shower. It comes in seven colors, from Redline and Black Stone to Arctic White. Shop all windbreaker sets.
Questions people ask
Can you wear a windbreaker in the rain?
In a light shower, yes: the tight weave sheds a drizzle. In steady or heavy rain, water gets through, so wear a rain jacket.
Is a windbreaker warm?
Not on its own; it is a light shell. It feels warmer than it is because it blocks the wind, and it gets properly warm with a hoodie underneath.
What is the difference between a windbreaker and a track jacket?
A windbreaker is a light woven shell, usually with a hood. A track jacket is usually a knit fabric with a collar.
Keep reading
Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket: Is a Windbreaker Waterproof?
Windbreakers and rain jackets both look like a thin hooded shell, so it is easy to mix them up. The short answer: a windbreaker is built to stop wind and handle light weather, a rain jacket is built to keep heavy rain out. Here is the difference and when each one makes sense.
Is a windbreaker waterproof?
Usually not. Most windbreakers are made from a thin, tightly woven nylon or polyester shell. That weave blocks wind well and shrugs off a light drizzle, but in steady rain water gets through the fabric and the seams. If a jacket is waterproof, the label will say so, and it will usually have taped seams.
What a rain jacket does differently
Windbreaker vs rain jacket vs softshell
When a windbreaker is the better pick
For everyday wear a windbreaker wins most days: it is light, it packs down small, it does not feel sweaty on a walk, and it looks like an outfit instead of hiking gear. That is why it became a streetwear staple. It is also the only one of the three that comes as a full matching set with pants.
When you want a rain jacket instead
If you are out for hours in real rain, wear a proper rain jacket. On a cold wet day you can also wear a rain shell over a hoodie and keep the windbreaker pants on; the shell pants dry fast.
What about the Orbit Set?
Our Orbit Set is a lightweight shell windbreaker: a hooded full-zip jacket with an adjustable drawcord hood, and relaxed straight-leg pants with an elastic drawstring waist. Think of it as a windbreaker, not a raincoat: great for wind, cool days and the odd shower. It comes in seven colors, from Redline and Black Stone to Arctic White. Shop all windbreaker sets.
Questions people ask
Can you wear a windbreaker in the rain?
In a light shower, yes: the tight weave sheds a drizzle. In steady or heavy rain, water gets through, so wear a rain jacket.
Is a windbreaker warm?
Not on its own; it is a light shell. It feels warmer than it is because it blocks the wind, and it gets properly warm with a hoodie underneath.
What is the difference between a windbreaker and a track jacket?
A windbreaker is a light woven shell, usually with a hood. A track jacket is usually a knit fabric with a collar.
Keep reading