Here are the 5 main criteria to consider when buying a rain cape.

1. Waterproof fabric

The first and most obvious feature expected of any decent raincoat is the use of a waterproof fabric - not just a water-repellent fabric/treatment. At the house of Flotte, high quality waterproof fabric is used. Waterproof fabrics differ from water-repellent fabrics - waterproof fabric has been laboratory tested using the hydrostatic head or water column test, which assesses the height of the water column (measured in mm) that a fabric can hold before water begins to seep through it. Water-repellent fabrics have a coating that repels water (you can see the water beading off your fabric), but this coating only lasts a few washes before it stops working and needs to be reapplied. In general, a fabric is considered waterproof if it can withstand a leak of 3000mm of water in the hydrostatic load test. Fabrics can increase their level of waterproofness up to 20mm; however, some reviewers have said that anything over 000mm can then interfere with the breathability of the fabric. But we'll talk about that later... All coats Flotte are waterproof to at least 5000mm, and go up to a level of 10mm as we don't want breathability to be compromised.

2. Taped seams

You can have a great waterproof jacket up to 20mm, but it can still leak if the seams haven't been heat sealed somehow. The seams are an area of ​​weakness where water finds a way to seep in, leaving you wet even under very high quality fabric. This is why it is crucial to heat seal all the seams with a special waterproof tape, internally, after having sewn them. If your raincoat isn't fully waterproof, it isn't fully waterproof and you risk getting wet through the seams in a heavy downpour. All waterproof coats Flotte, whether they are of the 2-layer type or with a 3-layer membrane, are fully sealed at the seams, which makes them truly waterproof.

3. A good hood

So the sky has clouded over and you've put on your raincoat - the next key thing is a good hood to pull over your head. But what makes one hoodie better than another? During a thunderstorm, there is usually a little wind, but you may need to run for shelter or pedal your bike, so to prevent the hood from blowing off your head, it is essential to be able to adjust it. To prevent the hood from flying off your head, being able to adjust it is essential. Tightening buttons that you can quickly pull to tighten the hood around your face are something you only think of when you're in a downpour! The presence of a small visor in the front is also a big plus as it protects your eyes and allows you to see ahead - have you ever tried running in the rain and in the wind? The visor can also help protect glasses or makeup from the rain! :) At the house of Flotte, all our hoods are adjustable and our rain cape has a visor, so that you are well protected in the event of a storm!

4. Breathability

You've put on your hooded, seam-sealed raincoat and you start walking fast or running to get to safety or get home as fast as possible, but your raincoat is rubber or not breathable and now you're sweating and feeling like you're in your own sauna! Breathable fabric is another key element that many people overlook. They know they have to protect themselves from the rain, but they forget that they also have to let out the water vapor and perspiration that we all produce! The breathability of a fabric indicates the ability of the fabric to absorb moisture and release it.

5. Length

The length of a raincoat or rain jacket is also something to consider, because where the raincoat covers, you'll be dry, but where it doesn't, you'll get wet! It's always good to have a bit more length in the back, especially if you bend over, if you work outdoors. A longer length provides better protection from the rain, but too long can limit movement and constitute a tripping hazard. Again, this depends on how you will be using your coat most of the time. The coats Flotte all have a longer back for better coverage and we also have different cuts depending on usage and situations.