Here are the top 5 criteria to consider when buying a poncho.

1. Waterproof fabric

The first and most obvious feature you'd expect from any raincoat worthy of the name is the use of waterproof fabric - and not just water-repellent fabric/treatment. At Flotte, we use high-quality waterproof fabric. Waterproof fabrics differ from water-repellent fabrics - a waterproof fabric has been tested in the laboratory using the hydrostatic head or water column test, which assesses the height of the water column (measured in mm) 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 on your fabric), but this coating only lasts a few washes before ceasing to be effective and needing to be reapplied. In general, a fabric is considered waterproof if it can withstand a leakage of 3000 mm of water in the hydrostatic load test. Fabrics can increase their level of impermeability up to 20,000 mm; however, some critics have stated that anything above 10,000 mm can then interfere with the fabric's breathability. But more on that later... All Flotte coats are waterproof to at least 5000 mm, and go up to a level of 10,000 mm because we don't want breathability to be compromised.

2. Waterproof seams

You can have a great waterproof jacket up to 20,000 mm, but it can still leak if the seams haven't been heat-bonded in some way. Seams are an area of weakness where water finds a way in, leaving you wet even under very high-quality fabric. That's why it's crucial to heat-seal all seams with a special waterproof tape, internally, after sewing. If your raincoat isn't completely waterproof, it isn't completely waterproof, and you risk getting wet through the seams in a heavy downpour. All Flotte waterproof coats, whether 2-layer or with a 3-layer membrane, are fully sealed at the seams, making them truly waterproof.

3. A good hood

So the sky's overcast and you've put on your raincoat - the next key element is a good hood to slip over your head. But what makes one hood better than another? During a thunderstorm, it's usually a bit windy, but you may need to run for cover or pedal your bike, so to prevent the hood from flying off your head, it's essential to be able to adjust it. To prevent the hood from flying off your head, it's essential to be able to adjust it. Buttons you can quickly pull to tighten the hood around your face are something you only think about when you're in a downpour! The presence of a small visor at the front is also a major plus, as it protects your eyes and lets you see ahead - have you ever tried running in the rain and wind? The visor can also help protect glasses or make-up from the rain! :) At Flotte, all our hoods are adjustable and our rain cape has a visor, so you're well protected in a storm!

4. Breathability

You put on your hooded, seam-sealed raincoat and start walking fast or running to get to safety or 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 forget. They know they need to protect themselves from the rain, but they forget that they also need to let out the water vapor and sweat 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 jacket is also something to consider, because where the raincoat covers, you'll be dry, but where it doesn't, you'll be wet! It's always a good idea to have a slightly longer length at the back, especially if you're bending over or working outdoors. A longer length provides better protection from the rain, but one that's too long can restrict movement and pose a tripping hazard. Again, this depends on how you will be using your coat most of the time. Flotte coats all have longer backs for better coverage, and we also have different cuts to suit different uses and situations.