In autumn and spring one good jacket covers the whole season. What matters is choosing the right one, because two jackets that look alike can behave completely differently in the rain.
Water resistant or waterproof
Water resistant means the fabric has been treated and drops roll off the surface. That is enough for a five minute walk. In longer rain such a jacket soaks through.
A waterproof jacket has a membrane as well and its seams are sealed. The seams are what separates a good raincoat from a cheap one, because that is where water usually gets in.
For nursery, where a child goes out into the yard twice a day, a water resistant jacket is enough. For longer walks a proper raincoat is better.
What to check before buying
- Whether the zip has a flap over it
- Whether the cuffs fasten so the wind stays out
- Whether the hood adjusts
- Whether the pockets are deep and close
- Whether there are reflective strips, which really do matter on autumn evenings
Size
Go one size up from what you take in a t shirt. A jacket is worn over a jumper and the child needs to move their arms freely. The size chart is in a separate article.
How many jackets are needed
Three cover the whole year: a thin one for spring and autumn, a raincoat for wet days and a warm one for winter. We have a separate article about the winter one.
Where to find them
Use the season filter in the shop: autumn clothing and winter clothing. You will also want hats and shoes, because in the rain it is the head and the feet that get wet first.
