Top 3 Best Back To School Coats
School coats are one of the most important back-to-school essentials, and with the new academic year just around the corner, now is the perfect time for parents to start preparing for September.
When choosing the best school coat for your child, it's important to think about the unpredictable British weather. A good coat should be fully waterproof, comfortable and warm enough to cope with rainy school runs, windy playtimes and chilly autumn mornings. Ideally, you want a coat that keeps the heat in while keeping the wind and rain out.
As award-winning outerwear experts, we know how important it is for children to stay warm, dry and comfortable throughout the school year. That's why we've put together our top recommendations to help you find the perfect waterproof school coat for your child.
What to consider when buying a school coat?
Children’s school coats need to be durable, long lasting and you want your kids to actually want to wear their school jacket.
Safety Features:
- You should look out for a jacket that has a removable hood for their safety whilst playing, for example if they got their hood caught on a tree branch and could not reach to free themselves, they should be able to pop the hood off easily.
- Reflective features are essential for dark autumn/winter evening in the UK, so make sure your school coat has these!
Eco-Friendly Features:
- You want something durable and sustainable so that it will last your child at least 1 year, even with daily use. Ideally you want something that can be either passed down a generation or given to a friend or family when your little one has outgrown their coat.
- Majority of businesses should be using recycled materials in this day and age; recycled material can perform to the same standard as non-recycled, so we recommend looking out for recycled materials to help the environment!
Functional Features:
- Having a name tag is essential for school, so make sure your coat has space for one.
- A loop inside the coat is important to hang it up on the school peg!
- Having elasticated/Velcro cuffs is handy for when you purchase the next size up, as you can scrunch up the sleeve and tighten the cuffs, allowing the coat to last much longer.
TOP 3 Picks: Best School Coats for Kids!
Best Waterproof School Coat for All Seasons – Fleece Lined Outdoor Rain Jacket
Price: £42
Size range: 1 to 8 years
Colour Options: Blue, Red, Pink & Purple Stripes
(Available in other designs at a higher cost)
Machine Washable: Yes (Do not use fabric softener)
Recycled Material: Yes
Name Tag & Loop: Yes
One of the reasons why parents love this jacket is that it can be used in the rain, wind, mud and even in the snow! This 100% waterproof jacket with a rating of 10,000mm, comes with a layer of soft, warm lining that isn’t overly bulky. This jacket can be used all year round as the fleece is the perfect amount for the Spring & Summer, and there is enough room in the jacket to add an extra layer underneath for the Autumn & Winter. As far as school coats go, this is a top pick!
It is also breathable which makes this coat comfortable to wear over long periods of time. If you are looking for a school jacket, this has safety reflective strips, elasticated cuffs, lined pockets, and a removable hood.
This jacket also won the Made for Mums Gold award for 2 years in a row:
“The jacket has a peaked hood for good visibility – plus it’s removable… My son found the zip easy to do up himself which is possibly why he chose this over other coats, so he could do it all independently”.
-Elisa, Made for Mums Tester
Best Lightweight Waterproof School Coat – Outdoor Rain Jacket
Price: £32
Size range: 1 to 14 years
Colour Options: Blue, Red, Pink & Purple Stripes
(Available in other designs at a higher cost)
Machine Washable: Yes (Do not use fabric softener)
Recycled Material: Yes
Name Tag & Loop: Yes
Designed in Wales our Outdoor Rain Jacket is made from super-soft and supple, robust, fully waterproof, OEKO-TEX® certified and PVC-free PU fabric which has been tried and tested in Forest Schools in Scandinavia where children are educated outdoors. Our jackets and coats are hard-wearing and do not need reproofing over time and as a bonus for all of us mums and dads, they do not require frequent washing - just rinse or wipe off any dirt with a damp cloth and you will be ready for your next adventure. These Jackets are a firm favourite with our customers...a must-have for any parent, school or nursery who don’t allow the weather to stop play!!!
It is also breathable which makes this coat comfortable to wear over long periods of time. If you are looking for a school jacket, this has safety reflective strips, elasticated cuffs, and a removable hood.
Best Waterproof School Coat for High Visibility – Scandi Rain Jacket
Price: Was £50 – Now £29
Size range: 1 to 8 years
Colour Options: 6 Different Designs
(Available in fleece lined at a higher cost)
Machine Washable: Yes (Do not use fabric softener)
Recycled Material: Yes
Name Tag & Loop: Yes
This coat is a firm favourite for its design! Making it highly visibly with the print and the reflective features. This 100% waterproof jacket with a rating of 10,000mm, and is made from polyurethane & recycled materials. This jacket is also available with fleece lining; however, this jacket is great for layering up with underneath – great for all year-round use.
It is also breathable which makes this coat comfortable to wear over long periods of time. If you are looking for a school jacket, this has safety reflective strips, elasticated cuffs, and a removable hood.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best school coat should be fully waterproof, breathable and durable enough for everyday wear. Features such as a removable hood, reflective details and fleece lining can help keep children comfortable during the school year.
Yes. British weather is unpredictable, and a waterproof school coat helps keep uniforms dry during school runs, wet play and outdoor learning activities. Look for a coat with a waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm for reliable protection.
Many parents choose a little extra room so their child can comfortably wear jumpers underneath and have space to grow throughout the school year. Adjustable cuffs are especially useful when sizing up.
Fleece-lined school coats are ideal for autumn and winter, providing warmth without being overly bulky. They are perfect for children who spend lots of time outdoors.
Most families manage with one quality waterproof school coat, although some parents like to keep a spare jacket for muddy adventures, forest school sessions or particularly wet weather.
What To Look For In A School Coat
Before buying a school coat, think about more than just colour and size. A good school coat should be able to cope with rainy school runs, muddy playtimes and chilly mornings throughout the year. Features worth looking out for include:
- Fully waterproof fabric.
- Breathable materials for comfort.
- Reflective details for darker mornings.
- A removable hood for safety.
- Adjustable cuffs for growing room.
- Name labels and hanging loops.
- Durable fabrics that can be passed down to younger siblings.
Choosing the right coat means children can enjoy outdoor play whatever the weather, while parents have peace of mind that school uniforms will stay dry.