Autumn and winter are my favourite seasons, snuggling up on the sofa with a cup of tea. But, when it comes to heading outdoors from late October, anyone who lives in the UK knows this means rain – and often lots of it. 

There’s not much worse in my opinion than being caught out in bad weather, coming home in drenched clothing, soggy socks and with flat hair. While carrying an umbrella is an option, it doesn’t protect from the elements anywhere near as good as a top quality raincoat does. 

When the heavens open, I always reach for my Regatta jacket. While I do own a few other pieces of outerwear for wet weather, my Regatta jacket by far the best for several reasons. 

The jacket I have is the Thornbridge II, on sale for £21 down from £80, but currently out of stock in most sizes. However, Regatta’s other similar Thornbridge model is currently avaliable in all sizes. The Thornbridge range is technically part of the menswear collection, but it comes in a wide range of sizes (S to 3XL), so it is suitable for anyone.

I prefer an oversized fit as it means I can comfortably wear thick layers. It typically retails for £70, but can be snapped up for £35 as part of a half price reduction on the Regatta website.

Those wanting an alternative specifically designed for women, might want to consider the Melane Waterproof Insualted Jacket. It’s on sale for £70 down from £100 and boasts the same waterproof fabric and warm insulation as the Thornbridge does.

Arguably one of the most important aspects of a raincoat is that it has to protect the wearer from heavy showers and the Thornbridge jacket exceeds at this. The Thornbridge Waterproof Insulated Jacket is crafted from a waterproof breathable ISOTEX 15000 recycled fabric, made to lock out rain with a water-repellent finish. 

Like water off a duck’s back, rain droplets quite literally roll off my Regatta jacket. I could really see this feature when I tested the coat against my friend who was also wearing a raincoat. The Regatta jacket repelled water and their coat absorbed it.

Fitted with an adjustable hood, when I want to protect my hair and makeup from rain, I simply zip the jacket all the way up and no rain gets in. The hood has an almost cap-like design, giving shelter from the elements and not flying down at any gust of wind. 

I also own this Marks and Spencer Rubber Thermowarmth Padded Duvet Jacket for £60 for another stylish choice. On my wish-list for this season is the PUFFERTECH Short Jacket from Uniqlo priced at £99.90.

Regatta’s Thornbridge II coat comes with two lower pockets and while I appreciate they are zipped so I can put my phone and keys in there without worrying they will fall out, I would prefer if the outer pockets had a fluffy inner to keep my hands warm. The Thornbridge also comes with a zipped inner pocket for security.

I often find myself waiting for a train or a bus and my Regatta coat keeps me incredibly warm. I can instantly notice the difference between how warm my upper body is and my lower legs when wearing the Thornbridge. This is perhaps down to the insulation weight with Thermoguard and windproof membrane technology. 

The Thornbridge jacket comes in nine different colours, including khaki, mustard and red, but I have the navy hue and find it goes with any outfit. It’s a sleek and stylish option that protects me from the elements, without swamping my figure in an unflattering way. 

At half price and under £50, the Regatta Thornridge Waterproof Insulated Jacket is in my opinion an excellent price for the quality and for the amount of times it can be worn, should pay off the initial investment quickly. Regatta jackets are a worthy winter companion and my go-to for bonfire night, Boxing Day walks, and beyond.