Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket: How to Choose the Right One for Your Business?

Windbreakers and rain jackets serve different purposes. For clothing brands, choosing the one that suits your target market may increase your sales. Conversely, choosing the wrong one may affect your business. This article will tell you the difference between them and help you make the right choice.

What Is a Windbreaker?

A windbreaker is a jacket designed to protect against cold winds. It’s a great choice for outdoor activities on windy days.

Windbreakers are windproof because their fabric is woven with a very tight weave, which makes it difficult for wind to penetrate the garment. Typically, loose cuffs and hems may lead to cold air seeping in, but windbreakers usually feature elastic cuffs or velcro adjustments. Their hems often have drawstrings to adjust the fit.

Windbreakers sell very well in the spring and fall. If you want to increase your seasonal sales, you can opt for bulk custom orders of windbreakers.

What Is a Rain Jacket?

A rain jacket is used to keep you dry on rainy days. It is ideal for customers who need to work outdoors in the rain.

What makes a rain jacket waterproof? It is related to its special material, such as PU coating, TPU, or ePTFE. The needle holes at the seams can easily let water in during heavy rain, whereas rain jackets feature a waterproof tape along the seams to prevent this from happening. Additionally, just like windbreakers, rain jackets have sealed cuffs and hems that may effectively prevent rain from entering through these areas.

Rain jackets account for about 50% of the rainwear market. In rainy regions or seasons, you won’t miss out on this product.

Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket: Key Differences

Water Resistance

Because windbreakers have a DWR coating on the surface, they can resist light rain for a short time, but they will eventually get wet if exposed for too long.

Rain jackets, with their waterproof coating and seam sealing, can truly keep you dry in heavy rain.

Wind Protection

Both of them have good wind protection. The rain jacket’s waterproof membrane makes it completely windproof, while the windbreaker is windproof because of its high-density fabric. However, in extreme weather conditions with strong winds, a windbreaker may let in a slight breeze. Therefore, the rain jacket provides better wind protection.

Breathability

The woven construction of a windbreaker makes it windproof while still breathable, whereas the waterproof membrane in a rain jacket makes it completely non-breathable, which can feel stuffy after wearing it for a while.

Weight & Packability

Windbreakers are lighter than rain jackets. Windbreakers are made of a single layer of fabric and typically weigh only 80–200 grams. So, they can be folded down to a very small size, which makes them easy to carry. Rain jackets, on the other hand, feature a waterproof membrane and taped seams, and generally weigh 200–500 grams, so they take up more space when folded.

Cost

Because of the differences in manufacturing complexity, windbreakers are normally less expensive than rain jackets. The wholesale price for windbreakers ranges from $7 to $16, while the wholesale price for rain jackets ranges from $16 to $50.

Use Case

Windbreakers are suitable for windy, dry weather, while rain jackets are best for rainy or extremely windy conditions.

How to Choose the Right Jacket for Your Brand?

Based on Climate

Rainfall Conditions

For regions with frequent rainfall, such as Seattle and Portland in the U.S. Northwest, you can position rain jackets as your flagship products. Rain jackets include both basic and high-performance styles. If your target market experiences consistent, moderate rainfall, basic rain jackets are a suitable choice; conversely, if your target market frequently experiences heavy rain, high-performance rain jackets are better suited for your business.

In regions like California, Arizona, and Nevada, where the climate is dry and rainfall is infrequent, you can choose windbreakers as your primary product. If your target market is in areas like Los Angeles, where rainfall is light and brief, then selecting windbreakers with a DWR coating as your main product is generally enough.

Wind Conditions

In areas with lighter winds, you can simply choose windbreakers as your main product, as they provide sufficient wind protection. Also, they better meet your consumers’ everyday fashion needs.

In some coastal areas with stronger winds, the fabric of a standard windbreaker may not be sturdy enough to cope with such strong winds. In this case, you can choose high-density windbreakers or rain jackets. If the strong winds are accompanied by rain, then you should prioritize rain jackets.

Temperature

In warmer regions, such as Southern California,  your consumers tend to prioritize breathability in outerwear, and overly heavy jackets aren’t very popular. So you might want to select lightweight windbreakers.

In regions with a mild climate, there is a temperature difference between day and night, so outerwear should provide basic warmth and also be able to resist occasional wind and rain. Windbreakers and lightweight rain jackets are ideal as your main products.

In cold climates, your consumers tend to focus on windproof and waterproof features in outerwear. Without a doubt, rain jackets are your first choice.

Based on Cost

Material Cost

Windbreakers are made from nylon or polyester. As a single-layer construction, the cost of windbreakers is relatively low.

Rain jackets feature a PU coating on the fabric surface. And some mid- to high-end rain jackets may also add a waterproof membrane between the layers. So, as multi-layered outerwear, rain jackets tend to be more expensive.

Manufacturing Complexity

Windbreakers are made using standard sewing techniques and do not feature seam sealing, so their construction is relatively simple. This is one of the reasons for their low cost.

Rain jackets, on the other hand, feature seam sealing and waterproofing around the zips, which makes their construction more complex. And this makes them more expensive than windbreakers.

When making your choice, you can take other factors into consideration.

Based on Product Positioning

Fashion Brands

If you’re a fashion brand, your products should be designed for everyday wear. In that case, a windbreaker is a better choice. It’s lighter, more comfortable, and breathable, and its woven fabric pairs easily with other everyday outfits.

Outdoor Brands

If your brand focuses on outdoor sports, you should place greater emphasis on functionality. Given the complex and ever-changing outdoor environment, a rain jacket with superior windproof and waterproof features would be a more suitable flagship product for your brand.

Hybrid Brands

If you’re a hybrid brand focused on both fashion and functionality, you should ensure a comprehensive product line. Therefore, you can stock both windbreakers and rain jackets. Then, adjust the proportion of each based on other factors.

FAQ

Can I Add My Brand Logo to a Windbreaker or Rain Jacket?

Yes. Adding your brand logo can make the windbreakers or rain jackets more recognizable. Common logo application methods include heat transfer and embroidery. If you’re concerned about the print quality, we can provide you with some free print samples based on your requirements, and you can choose the one that meets your standards before placing a bulk order.

I’m Planning to Enter the High-end Outdoor Market. What Functional Selling Points Could I Add to a Windbreaker or Rain Jacket?

The high-end outdoor market has higher demands on the performance of windbreakers or rain jackets. In addition to basic features, you can add selling points such as tear resistance, anti-static properties, eco-certifications, reflective strips, and a two-in-one design which features a windproof shell with a removable liner. These features can help differentiate your products and elevate your brand’s prestige.

We Are a New Hybrid Clothing Brand. Should We Prioritize Developing Windbreakers or Rain Jackets?

You can start by developing windbreakers. Since the new brand may have limited funds, the most important thing is to keep costs under control, and windbreakers are more cost-effective. Unlike rain jackets, which are designed for the rainy season and extreme weather, windbreakers are suitable for spring and fall, which offers a longer sales season. You can test the market with windbreakers first and then make adjustments based on actual results.

Do I Need to Have a Windbreaker or Rain Jacket Certified?

If you are a mid-to-high-end apparel brand targeting the European and North American markets, obtaining certifications is essential. For windbreakers, you can pursue standard safety certifications; for rain jackets, you may want to add certifications related to functionality and environmental sustainability.

Common certifications include OEKO-TEX Standard 100, REACH, GRS, and bluesign.

Which is Better Suited As a Loss Leader: a Windbreaker or Rain Jacket?

You can choose a windbreaker as your loss leader. Because it is cost-effective and can be used on more occasions. In everyday life, your customers tend to prefer windbreakers that are easy to coordinate with their outfits and relatively comfortable to wear.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right windbreaker or rain jacket that suits your target market according to climate, cost, and brand positioning can help increase your sales. If you’re looking for an experienced windbreaker or rain jacket manufacturer, Goal Sportswear can meet your needs. We can provide you with professional advice and customized services. Please contact us for more details.