Rainwear suits for wet days and active play

A rainwear suit is a practical choice for children who love playing outside, even when the rain is falling and the ground is wet and muddy. These suits are typically made from PU or a soft, rubber-like material that keeps water out and is easy to wipe clean. This makes them ideal for nursery, preschool and everyday adventures where there should still be plenty of room for play despite wet weather.

Unlike a classic, insulated snowsuit, a rainwear suit is primarily designed to protect against rain and water. When choosing a style, it can therefore be helpful to consider how waterproof the material is, whether the suit has a lining and how much room there is for clothes underneath. This makes it easier to find a suit that suits your child’s age, activity level and the season in which it will be used.

When is a rainwear suit the best choice?

A rainwear suit is particularly useful in autumn, early spring and on mild winter days when the weather is wet without being truly cold. It covers the whole body and protects against rain, wet play areas and puddles. At the same time, it prevents water from getting in between a jacket and trousers. This is especially useful for little ones who crawl, sit on the ground or quickly end up with mud and water close to their bodies.

When temperatures drop, the warmth provided by the suit itself becomes an important consideration. An unlined style can be worn with several layers underneath, while a lined rainwear suit provides extra warmth with fewer layers. On the coldest winter days, a traditional snowsuit with winter insulation will often be a better choice. The most important thing is that the clothing suits both the weather and the way your child likes to play.

Material, waterproofing and breathability

PU is a soft, rubber-like material that keeps water out and feels comfortable to wear. This makes a difference when your child is playing in the rain and wants to stay outside without getting wet through the suit. The material is also easy to keep clean – often, all you need to do is wipe off dirt and mud with a damp cloth. Always follow the care instructions so that the surface and any taped seams remain neat and waterproof.

A waterproof material is not necessarily as breathable as fabrics designed to move moisture away from the body. It is therefore a good idea to consider what your child is wearing underneath the suit. On cool days, a thin layer of wool can be comfortable, while fewer layers underneath may feel better when your child is very active. You can also explore our selection of wool clothing for layering.

Rainwear suits with practical everyday features

It is often the small details that make a rainwear suit easy to use from morning until afternoon. Look especially for features that provide good freedom of movement and help keep the rain out:

• Hood: A detachable hood protects the head when it rains and can be removed when it is not needed.
• Reflective details: Reflective details make it easier to spot your child on dark afternoons and on the way to and from nursery or preschool.
• Foot straps: Straps under the feet keep the trouser legs in place over boots, helping to prevent water and cold air from getting in.
• Lining: The lining affects how warm the suit is and whether it is best suited to mild rainy days or cooler weather.

For wet weather, a rainwear suit is an obvious choice to wear with a pair of wellies. Make sure the boots have enough room for the socks or booties your child will be wearing, so their feet are not cramped.

How to choose the right size and fit

There should be plenty of room to move in a rainwear suit, but it should not be so large that your child trips over the legs or finds it difficult to play. Also consider the clothes that will be worn underneath – especially if the style is unlined and will be used with several layers. It is always worth checking the size guide, as measurements and fit can vary from one brand to another.

For smaller children, a simple opening, soft materials and a good fit around the wrists and ankles can make everyday dressing easier. As children get older, freedom of movement, durability and adjustable details may become more important. If your needs change from wet transitional days to true winter cold, you can compare the selection with snowsuits for girls or snowsuits for boys and find a style that is better suited to the season.

House of Kids has put together a selection of outerwear focused on materials, functionality and comfort for children’s everyday lives. This allows you to choose a rainwear suit based on the weather your child will actually be playing in and the needs the suit must meet.