Windbreaker vs. Rain Jacket

Main Difference

The main difference between windbreaker and rain jacket is that windbreaker provides resistance against wind whereas rain jacket is the jacket that provides resistance against rain.

Difference Between Windbreaker and Rain Jacket

Comparison Chart

Windbreaker vs. Rain Jacket

To cope with abnormal changings in the environment, we use different elements. There are several options that can shelter us from these harmful changings in the environment, e.g., windbreaker and rain jacket. Windbreaker is the jacket that provides resistance against heavy wind whereas rain jacket is the jacket that protects a person from rain. A windbreaker is a close-fitting outer jacket with length reaching up to the hips and has an elasticized wristbands and waistband. On the other hand, a rain jacket is like a waist-length raincoat. Windbreakers are up made of nylon or polyester whereas a rain jacket is made up of a combination of two or more materials like cotton, wool, nylon, vinyl, polyester, and rayon. A windbreaker is tailored with just a single-layer construction, on the flip side, a rain jacket is made up of multi-layer construction design. A windbreaker is a lightweight and breathable garment while a rain jacket is slightly heavier and is less breathable but important on rainy days.

What is Windbreaker?

A windbreaker (in American English) is also known as windcheater (in British English). It is wind resistant outer jacket used in heavy wind. A windbreaker is a closed fitting jacket with length reaching up to the hips and has an elasticized wristbands and waistband. Its fabric is made up of nylon or polyester, which has the ability to block gusts of wind and resist against water penetration but only to a certain level. That is why they are known as water resistant but not waterproof. A windbreaker is tailored with just a single-layer construction that is lightweight and easily breathable. It is low in price and is easily portable. Some windbreakers also have hoods to protect the head of the wearer from different elements. There are also large pockets on the inside or the outside of the jacket to keep the belongings of the wearer safe. Windbreakers are very useful during camping, mounting climbing or hunting, etc. typically in the fall season.

What is Rain Jacket?

As the name suggests, a rain jacket protects a person from rain. It is like a waist-length raincoat that can come in different materials. It is made up of a combination of two or more materials like cotton, wool, nylon, vinyl, polyester, and rayon. It is a multilayered structure that makes it more water resistant. So, it is both water resistant and waterproof. A rain jacket also has long sleeves. Some of them have front openings with zips or buttons and have collars, pockets, and strings attached to its hood. A rain jacket is slightly heavier and is less breathable as compared to windbreaker due to its multi-layered structure. It is expensive as compared to the windbreaker. Rain jackets are for practical use, i.e., while fishing or when outdoors and during bad weather conditions.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is summarized that windbreaker is a light in weight easily breathable jacket that is used in heavy wind whereas, a rain jacket is a heavy in weight, less breathable, a multi-layered jacket that is both water resistance and waterproof.