Rain jackets

Rain jackets and rainwear for children and youths

Sized for kids from about age 8 to 16, youth rain jackets at MEC are waterproof, windproof and supplied by top outdoor brands. Best sellers from Patagonia, Reima and MEC come in unisex jackets as well as those styled for boys or girls. We also carry waterproof pants for kids who hike, build snow forts and get outside whenever there’s fun to be had.

Features to look for in a quality rain jacket

Jackets designed to be kid-proof need to be well-made and durable enough to last for more than one season, or even more than one kid. A hand-me-down label helps you keep track of your child’s jacket and pass it on to the next kid in line. Look for reflective elements that are easily spotted in murky weather, and elastic cuffs that slide over layers without fiddly adjustments. Welded seams and taped seams keep water from seeping in and detachable hoods add versatility through the seasons. For snow, ski hills and deep winter days, a raincoat with a layer of built-in insulation provides a warmer option that can still be tuned with layers worn underneath.

Waterproof fabrics

Jackets sold at MEC that are described as waterproof can be trusted to keep children dry in heavy rain. Windbreakers and water-resistant jackets are usually treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that makes water bead up and roll off. DWR stands up to light rain, but if it’s pouring out, water will eventually get in and your child will get wet. See our guide to how to choose a rain jacket.

Chemicals used in waterproof fabrics

PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in everyday items from textiles to food packaging. On fabrics, they help repel water and protect surfaces from picking up dirt. PFAS are of particular concern to MEC and to many leading outdoor brands. Through our work with bluesign® technologies, we’ve aligned with textile manufacturers around the world to identify, remove and replace harmful chemicals like PFAS with safer alternatives. By 2025, any material that is bluesign-approved will be free from PFAS.

Since 2005, all MEC-Label waterproof fabrics have been free of PVCs. Any coated waterproof materials we use are made of polyurethane coated nylon or polyester. These materials don’t use chlorine-based chemicals and don’t cause heavy-metal pollution and have a much lower environmental footprint.

Kids’ sizing and fit

A rain protective jacket should fit easily over one or two inner layers. It should let your child move freely, but not be so loose that all their warmth escapes. MEC collects size info whenever members include it in a review. You can see the consensus of whether a product runs small or large based on other parents’ experience. If we have it, you’ll see this information on a product’s detailed description when you select a size.

Washing and drying waterproof garments

If a waterproof-breathable garment starts to leak or wet out, using a washing machine and dryer can help restore its water-shedding powers. Removing dirt and oil with soap or a technical fabric wash and drying at low to medium heat is recommended for GORE-TEX and most waterproof or durable-water-repellant fabrics but check the garment’s washing label first. For more care tips, read or guide to washing your waterproof jackets and pants.

Finally, learn to extend the useful life of rain-protective layers in our guide that covers how to repair a torn waterproof jacket or pants