Difference Between Windcheater Windbreaker Rain Jacket and Raincoat

Key Difference – Windcheater vs Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket vs Raincoat
 

Windcheater, Windbreaker, Rain Jacket and Raincoat are outer coats that provide protection against elements. The key difference between windcheater, windbreaker, rain jacket and raincoat is that windbreakers and windcheaters provide protection against the wind whereas rain jackets and raincoats provide protection against rain.

Windcheater and windbreaker refer to the same garment whereas rain jacket and raincoat refer to similar garments whose only difference lies in their length; rain jackets extend to the waist whereas raincoats are longer.

CONTENTS
1. Overview
2. What is a Windcheater/Windbreaker
3. What is a Raincoat
4. What is a Rain Jacket
5. Side by Side Comparison – Windcheater vs Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket vs Raincoat

What is a Windcheater/Windbreaker?

Windcheaters or windbreakers are light, close-fitting wind-resistant outer jackets. This is a lighter version of a jacket.  Although windcheater and windbreaker refer to the same garments, there is a difference between these words depending on the usage. The word windcheater is mainly used in British English whereas windbreaker is used in American English. However, these garments are basically the same. Note the definitions from British English and American English given below.

Windcheater: A wind-resistant jacket with a close-fitting neck, waistband, and cuffs. (Oxford Dictionary)

Windbreaker: A light, wind-resistant outer jacket with close-fitting, often elasticized cuffs and waistband. (American Heritage Dictionary)

However, it is important to note that the term windcheater preceded windbreaker. Windbreaker is a generic trademark, i.e., the term windbreaker is derived from the trademark windbreaker.

Windbreakers/ windcheaters are typically made from a synthetic material and often include elastic waistbands and armbands. Most windbreakers/windcheaters have hoods to protect the head of the wearer from the elements. Some windbreakers also have large pockets on the inside or outside so that the wearer can keep his belongings safe.

What is a Raincoat?

Raincoat, as the name suggest, is a waterproof coat that protects the wearer from the rain. They usually extend below the knees and have hoods to protect the head of the wearer from rain. Raincoats are often made with breathable material so that perspiration of the wearer can pass through the garment. This material is always waterproof and water resistant. Gore-Tex, Tyvek and coated nylon are some materials that are used to make raincoats. Raincoats also have long sleeves. Some of them have front openings with buttons or zips, collars, pockets and strings attached to the hood. Raincoats can come in different materials.

What is a Rain Jacket?

The difference between raincoat and rain jacket is in the length. Raincoats typically extend below the knees. Rain jackets, however, are waist length. Rain jackets are made from similar materials as raincoats and are used for similar purposes. Both these jackets are more of practical garments than fashion statements.

What is the difference between Windcheater Windbreaker Rain Jacket and Raincoat?

Windcheater / Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket /  Raincoat
Windcheater/Windbreakers are close-fitting wind-resistant outer jackets.	Rain jacket is a raincoat that is of waist length. Raincoat is a waterproof coat that provides protection from the rain.
Length
Windcheater/Windbreakers extends to the hip.	Rain jackets are waist length. Raincoats extend below the knee.
Resistance to Water
Windcheater/Windbreakers are water resistant, not water proof.	Rain jackets/Raincoats are water resistant and water proof.
Lightness
Windcheater/Windbreakers are lightweight.	Rain jackets/Raincoats may not be light as windbreakers.
Breathability
Windcheater/Windbreakers are extremely breathable.	Rain jackets/Raincoats are not as breathable as windbreakers.
Weather Resistance
Windcheaters/windbreakers are resistant to the wind.	Rain jackets/Raincoats are resistant to water.

Image Courtesy:

“Polo Sport Windbreaker / Vintage Jacket” by RobertSheie (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

“Rainy Night” Jan Tik (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr