We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
11 boring but very useful buys to keep you dry on sweaty, rainy days, from just £11
Team GH share the wet weather gear that doesn't let them down
While we've been enjoying a second summer and temperatures are set to stay in the 20s for the time being, there are rain clouds on the horizon. With sunshine and sudden showers in the forecast, it pays to be prepared. So, we canvassed the GH editors and GHI experts to find the lightweight, waterproof essentials they carry in case of rainy days.
From breathable, waterproof jackets and stylish wellies that can stomp through puddles and double as office shoes, to bags that keep the rain away from your laptop when the heavens open on your commute, these are the rainy day buys we swear by.
Best Deal
If it looks like it might rain, stick this lightweight waterproof jacket in your shopper. The fabric is breathable with Isotex 15000 fabric (which means it can withstand heavy, persistent rain).
It also has taped seams to keep drips out and a hood with drawstring to keep your hair dry. I've worn this one in a heavy downpour and it's kept me completely dry on top. The water just beads off.
Joules Raindance Black EVA Lightweight Ankle Wellies
Joules Raindance Black EVA Lightweight Ankle Wellies
These lightweight ankle wellies look a lot like a regular pair of Chelsea boots, which means you can wear them to the office with your favourite barrel-leg trousers or dress and no one will be any the wiser. Yet, they're made from EVA for a rubber-like, waterproof finish. The also come in a range of six colours – a pair for every day?
If you don't want to worry about your laptop, weekend capsule wardrobe or gym kit getting wet, this is the tote for you. It's made from a waterproof, recycled fabric with zip closure and a large internal pocket with dedicated 16-inch laptop sleeve to make sure your tech is protected from the elements.
There's even an internal bottle pocket for your morning coffee. Plus, there's a detachable shoulder strap so you can go hands-free if you need to carry your brolly.
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Our beauty editors swear by this spray to weatherproof your hair ahead of wet commutes. It does require heat styling, so reach for it after washing and towel drying, and before you blow dry. It essentially covers your strands in an invisible cloak, minimising frizz and adding shine for 3-4 days.
Our editor loves these trousers for walks and cycling on wet days. While the fabric isn't waterproof, it's light and crisp and doesn't soak up water, while the cropped length means they don't trail in puddles. Wear with ankle boots for rainy days.
Our homes writer has loved Blunt umbrellas for years, thanks to the incredibly strong structure (which won't blow inside when it's windy), auto-open button and clever spinning technology, which means it can deal with knocks on busy streets. With a huge range of colours and designs, it looks good, too.
Yes, it's expensive, but so is replacing those cheap umbrellas every time they break.
Protect your leather handbags, jackets and shoes from water damage with this spray before you venture out in the rain. It comes recommended by some of the top luxury fashion houses for their handbags, from Mulberry to Louis Vuitton. As well as safeguarding the fabrics against dust, moisture and dirt, it also contains UV protection to help prevent fading.
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Ankle Length Sock
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Ankle Length Sock
Is there anything more soul destroying on a wet day than accidentally walking through a puddle and giving yourself damp socks? Well, these socks are military-endorsed, thermo-regulating and have a waterproof membrane, all designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable in even the wettest conditions.
Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Detangling Hairbrush
Yes, my hairdresser used to say it looked like a dog brush, but this compact little brush is adept at detangling hair that's been caught in a rain shower. Stick it in your handbag and you can at least start to feel human again in the office loos.
Barbour jacket doesn't come with a hood, or you're mostly worried about keeping your hair dry in a downpour? This wax Barbour head scarf is the stylish solution. It can also be worn tied around your neck when it's not raining.
Russell Hobbs Dehumidifier and Air Purifier
The Good Housekeeping Institute's best small dehumidifier is currently reduced and it's a great buy for removing moisture from small spaces, such as box rooms and cupboards.
In other words, if you have small areas of damp you want to sort this autumn, this little gadget could help. It has an auto shut-off function when it's full and it's easy to use. Plus, it also doubles up as an air purifier.
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
