Best Kids Waterproofs Buying Guide
In this guide, we’ll help you find the best kids’ waterproofs for every age, season, and adventure, from durable puddle suits and rain jackets to waterproof trousers and wellies. Discover what makes a great waterproof for kids, what technical features to look out for, and how to pick sustainable, high-quality outdoor gear that is built to last (and pass on).
Ready to keep your growing explorers dry, whatever the weather? Let’s dive in!
What are the waterproof features to look for?
The best kids’ waterproofs do more than just keep the rain out, they keep children comfortable, happy, and ready to explore whatever the weather. A great raincoat or puddle suit should be fully waterproof yet breathable (no sweaty, clammy layers here!), lightweight enough for active play, and fun enough in design that little adventurers actually want to wear it. After all, getting ready for a rainy day should be about excitement, not negotiation - so choosing the right features makes all the difference.
When you’re choosing outerwear for your little one, it’s easy to get lost in the terminology: waterproof, showerproof, water-resistant. These words make a big difference when it comes to keeping kids dry.
Water-resistant fabrics offer basic protection from light rain or drizzle, perfect for short trips outside or when you’re caught in a quick shower. However, they won’t hold up in heavy or prolonged rain.
Showerproof means a step up; these materials can handle moderate rain for a while, but eventually, water will start to soak through, especially at the seams or after long exposure.
Waterproof, on the other hand, means complete protection. True waterproofs are designed to withstand heavy downpours, often featuring taped seams and a durable waterproof coating. Look out for the waterproof rating, measured in millimetres (mm) — this tells you how much water pressure the fabric can handle before it starts to leak.
| Waterproof Rating (mm) | Level of Protection | Suitable For | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000mm | Basic Protection | Light rain, drizzles, short outdoor play | Keeps kids dry in light showers but may soak through in heavier or prolonged rain. |
| 5,000mm | Moderate Protection | Everyday wear, school runs, moderate rain | Good protection for most daily adventures. Fine for playground time or forest school in mild wet weather. |
| 10,000mm | High Protection | Heavy rain, muddy play, outdoor learning | Fully waterproof for serious downpours. Ideal for forest school, puddle-jumping, or hiking in all-day rain. |
All Muddy Puddles waterproofs (with very few exceptions) are rated 10,000mm, ensuring children stay completely dry no matter how wild the weather gets.
What other technical features to look for in the best children's waterproofs?
A great kids’ waterproof isn’t just about keeping the rain out. It’s about comfort, durability, and practicality for everyday adventures. From clever design details that stop leaks to thoughtful touches that make getting dressed easier, the best waterproofs balance performance with child-friendly design.
Here are the key features to look out for when choosing outerwear that will truly stand up to the great British weather (and your child’s endless energy).
| Feature | Why It’s Important in Heavy UK Rain |
|---|---|
| Taped or Welded Seams | Seams are one of the weakest points. If they’re only stitched (not sealed), water will seep through. Taped or welded seams stop leaks and keep little adventurers dry even in downpours. |
| Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Coating | A quality outer coating helps water bead and roll off rather than soak in. Over time it can wear off, so look for long-lasting, fluorine-free coatings like BIONIC-FINISH®ECO used by us at Muddy Puddles. |
| Good Hood Design | A secure hood keeps rain off faces and prevents wind-driven water sneaking in. It should fit safely without restricting movement or visibility. |
| Adjustable Cuffs, Ankles, Waist & Stirrups | Adjustable features stop rain running up sleeves or down legs. Elastic or Velcro cuffs and underfoot stirrups help keep everything sealed and comfortable for active play. |
| Full-Length Zip with Storm Flap | Zips can let water in unless they’re protected. A storm flap or waterproof zip guard keeps the chest dry and adds comfort by preventing water from dripping down inside. |
| Reflective Details or Bright Colours | Rainy days are dark days. Reflective patches or bright colours make your child easier to spot during school runs or forest school adventures. |
| Breathability | A breathable waterproof lets moisture from inside escape, so kids stay dry on the inside too. Essential for active play in heavy rain to avoid that clammy, sweaty feeling. |
| Inner Lining or Insulation | For cold, wet days, a soft lining or light insulation helps keep kids warm without overheating. Look for quick-dry or fleece-lined options that can be layered as needed. |
| Durability & Reinforced Fabric | Kids play hard — choose waterproofs with reinforced knees or made from durable materials so they last through every adventure (and can be passed down too). |
| Easy to wash or clean | Kids love mud - and that’s exactly how it should be! That’s why it’s important that their waterproofs are easy to wash or wipe clean, so parents can quickly get them ready for the next adventure. Durable, machine-washable fabrics mean less stress, less scrubbing, and more time spent outdoors. |
At Muddy Puddles, every detail of our waterproofs is designed with real British weather (and real children) in mind. All our jackets, puddle suits, and trousers feature fully taped seams and a BIONIC-FINISH®ECO fluorine-free waterproof coating, so rain simply rolls off. Most of our outerwear is tested to 10,000mm waterproof rating and is breathable to 3,000 to 5,000gm, keeping little adventurers dry but never clammy.
You’ll find storm flaps over zips, elasticated cuffs, and underfoot stirrups on our kids' outerwear, while we also add reflective details for visibility. We offer different levels of warmth in our products using recycled fleece linings, removable inner jackets or suits and super warm insulation for extra warmth. Every piece is made from recycled, durable fabric: built to last, wash after wash, adventure after adventure.
All Muddy Puddles outerwear can be washed at 30 degrees or wiped clean.
Practical habits so they don’t get soaked in the rain
- Layer underneath: On really cold, wet days, it’s important to layer up properly. Choose wool or thermal base layers (avoid cotton, which holds moisture) to keep warmth in even if the outer layer gets damp. Dry layers make all the difference to staying warm and comfortable outdoors.
- Choose full coverage: For children under 6, choose puddle suits or snowsuits that cover the entire body, which is great for kids who are constantly on the move. The full-body coverage minimizes the chance of water seeping in at the waist or cuffs. For older children a jacket and trouser or dungaree set works well.
- Wear good wellies: Kids' wellies that are tall and do not leak. Pull puddle suit or trouser legs over the wellies and secure using the stirrups.
- Check the hood during windy rain: Rain driven sideways will get in if the hood is loose or shallow. A good adjustable hood helps.
- Make sure cuffs and ankles are closed / sealed: Loose cuffs let rain in. Elastic or Velcro is better. Also, overlap your gloves or boot tops properly.
- Care for the waterproofing: Dirt, grime, and repeated washing degrade the DWR finish. Wash with a tech‑wash (non‑detergent), avoid fabric softeners. Occasionally reapply water‑repellent spray / wash‑in reproofing. That helps keep that water beading effect so water rolls off instead of soaking in. Find out more about caring for your waterproofs.
- Dry waterproofs properly after use: Don’t leave waterproofs balled up wet in a bag. Hang them, so they dry fully; moisture left in can damage materials, cause mildew, and reduce waterproof performance.
