Tested: The Best Cycling Rain Jackets for Women

On rainy days in the saddle, the Rapha Rain Jacket is a great choice for staying dry. This jacket combines a flattering fit and understated style with high performance—even in the late-fall downpours that have become rather common in my area this season. On one test ride, I returned to my office with shoes, shorts, and helmet completely drenched. But one part of me was totally, impressively dry: my arms and torso, which were protected by the Rain Jacket.

The sleeves use soft, lightweight Neoprene fabric around the cuffs to keep out wind and wet, which I found much more comfortable and effective than the Velcro wrist closures on some other rain jackets. A high collar and asymmetrical, waterproofed zipper keep out the rain and add to the jacket’s classic aesthetic. The Rain Jacket’s back is covered in a fun polka dot print, which is more than just a style choice—the dots are reflective too, helping you stay visible on dark, grey days. Elastic around the waist can be cinched down to keep out road spray, while taped seams on the shoulders and upper arms make sure rain won’t find its way inside. Also worth noting: Even as I worked hard on tough climbs, fighting wind and feeling my bike buffeted around underneath me, I didn’t overheat or find myself drenched in sweat—a testament to this jacket’s breathability.

Related: Rapha's Bomber Jacket Is Cool Enough to Wear Casually

There’s one thing this jacket doesn’t have: rear pockets. There's one small zipper pocket on the left hip that's big enough to fit my iPhone 5, but nothing else. Rapha says that the lack of pockets is designed to both make the jacket even more waterproof and easier to pack down (there are fewer zippers and less extra fabric to get in the way). I appreciate those features, but it also made grabbing a mid-ride snack or my phone a bit more complicated than I would like. —Taylor Rojek

Rapha Rain Jacket, $285.00