Who wants to defy wind and weather, is waterproof with a rain pantssafe for ladies on the way. Depending on the model, it not only reliably stops the rainwater, but is also breathable. But what types of rain pants are there, and what to look for when buying? We’d like to give you some pointers that might be important in your purchase decision. Because rain pants for women there are big differences.

What are the characteristics of women’s rain pants?

A rain pants is designed especially for bad weather and can be worn over your everyday wear. So it reliably protects your outfit against moisture and rain. For rain pants synthetic fabrics are used, which have water-repellent properties. Depending on the material and processing, however, there are major differences in water resistance.

Inside, a water-permeable inner lining often ensures that sweat and water vapor are released to the outside. Polyurethane or Gore Tex are often used here. High-quality rain pants also have special leg ends to prevent water from entering the shoes. For cyclists there are as well Ladies rain pants with reinforced inserts on the buttocks.

In terms of color, there is not much choice in rain pants: most commercially available models are black. However, if you want to be seen in bad weather, make sure that reflective elements are attached to the pants. These increase the visibility in traffic in darkness or heavy rain.

Softshell or Hardshell – the differences

Basically, there are two basic types of rain pants that meet different requirements. Whether it’s softshell or hardshell pants is therefore the most important decision you’ll have to make when buying a new one. We have summarized the characteristics of the two types for you:

Rainshells made of hardshell material are completely wind and waterproof. Most often, the material for this purpose consists of several layers. The inner layer is breathable, the thick middle layer of waterproof polyester. The surface is additionally provided with a thin coating. These rain pants are extremely durable and can withstand wind and weather. The disadvantage of so much material expenditure: The pants rustle when moving. So that she can be pulled over the everyday clothes, the hardshell pants are usually cut wide.

Softshell rain pants, on the other hand, are very soft and flexible. That’s why the material is also very popular in functional and sports clothing. The two layers are permeable to perspiration, which makes the pants very breathable. Who drives a lot of sports, has found an ideal weather protection with the softshell rain pants. But the pleasant wearing comfort has its price: The softshell rain pants are not as waterproof as a hardshell. By the way: In really cold situations, the hardshell pants can also be worn over softshell pants.

How waterproof is a rain pants?

To measure the waterproofness of clothing, the unit of water column was developed. This value indicates how fast a certain substance lets moisture through. The substance to be tested is exposed to the water. It is measured at which pressure the water can penetrate the fabric. The value is given in millimeters of water. Really waterproof is a rain pants with at least 1,500 mm water column or more. In heavy use and extreme weather conditions, the value should be higher and at least 2,000 mm.

The right rain pants for every purpose

The perfect women’s rain pants for all applications does not exist. That is why you should always consider what situations the pants are needed before making a purchase. Anyone who runs to work every now and then in the rain, is optimally equipped with a light softshell pants. Lengthy treks through rough terrain, however, require a high-quality hardshell with leg ends that are protected against moisture. Lucky that there is a suitable rain pants for every purpose!