Fashion

13 Plus Size Rain Coats For April Shower Survival

by Alysse Dalessandro

Depending on where you live, a plus size rain coat can be a pretty essential wardrobe item. The weather has been unpredictable this year throughout different parts of the States. Where I live in the Midwest, it seems like we can expect snowfall one day followed by 70 degree and sunny weather in the same week. But rain is that one trusty stand-by weather condition that tends to come whether or not I would personally prefer to skip right into summer's hot temps.

Before I realized that finding a rain coat in my size was something I needed to do, I spent one unexpected rainy day ruining my faux fur winter coat. Rather than risk murdering any more clothes, I took to the Internet for a solution, quickly finding lightweight jackets and trenches in extended sizes, but struggling to find anything that was actually waterproof.

My guess is that because there's a level of functionality to a rain coat, there's something about the style aspect that's often lacking in more than a few of the options. But my search was not completely fruitless. In fact, there are a few retailers that have succeeded in combining fashion and practicality when it comes to plus size rain coats. These are my 13 favorites currently on the market.

1. Classic Rain Slicker

PU Rain Jacket, $82, Simplybe

Although this PU rain jacket is also available in lilac, I had to go for the classic yellow. There's always something fun about putting your own modern take on a standard style.

2. Pretty In Pastel

Women's Plus Size Anoraks With Mesh Overlay Jacket, $55, Target

This jacket is not only wind and rain resistant, but it's available in three color options to fit your spring style sensibilities. I'm partial to this peach hue, which would pair impeccably with some light-wash denim.

3. '90s Vibes Pac-A-Trench

ASOS Curve Pac-A-Trench In Floral, $43, ASOS

The black and white floral print of this trench reminds me of a babydoll dress I probably wore with a choker and platforms in the '90s. But in addition to the cute pattern, it folds up into its own easy to transport pouch.

4. The Iconic Trench

London Fog Plus Size Hooded Trench, $100, Macys

The London Fog stone-colored trench is probably one of the most recognizable rain coats out there for any size or gender, and you can totally get it in plus sizes. Score!

5. Printed With Pockets

Plus Size Printed Rain Jacket, $32, Dress Barn

The print of this rain jacket is mesmerizing and the drawstring at the waist combined with the front pockets and hood makes this totally functional, too.

6. Shower Resistant Parka

Magenta Shower Resistant Parka Jacket With Hood, $36, Yours Clothing

The vibrant hue of this jacket will make it one to stand out on a dreary spring day. As a bonus, the long sleeves can be rolled up with a popper tab to be made short.

7. Floral Functionality

Women's Plus Size Coastal Rain Parka, $119, Lands End

The pattern of this coat screams May flowers, but the waterproof sealed seams and snap closure pockets really say April showers.

8. '80s And Oversized

Pink PVC Denim Look Shiny Coat, $89, Etsy

If this coat brings you back to your childhood, it totally should! It's a vintage '80s rain coat in size 2X — something pretty difficult to find.

9. Short And Spotted

Short Raincoat, $85+, Full Beauty

This polka dot-printed rain coat features a set of double buttons and a matching belt. It hits right above the knee so you can wear it for a business casual look or an evening out.

10. For The Birds

ASOS Curve Pac-A-Trench In Bird Print, $43, ASOS

The pattern of this bird print pac-a-trench coat would be adorable alongside some red rain boots. The hood and the split hem in the back make this double up on the functionality as well.

11. An Artistic Original

Rain On My Watermelon, $145, Paom

This all-over print rain coat features an original graphic pattern by artist and blogger Cozy Reverie. It makes me simultaneously want to plan a picnic while hoping for rain: A combination I never expected to desire.

12. Animal Print Parka

Pac-A-Parka, $50, Simplybe

This lightweight rain coat not only features a stellar animal print pattern, but it also includes drawstrings at the hood, waist, and hem to make it adjustable to your rain needs.

13. Cyber Rain Ready

Plus Size Holographic Rain Coat Lilac, $24, Missguided

For plus size cyber babes, this is the rain coat to have. The shiny holographic fabric lends itself to getting you festival-ready, rain or shine.

While I may have initially thought there was a drought in plus size rain coats, I've realized that there are options that keep you looking cute and prevent the rain from ruining your outfit at the same time.

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Images: Courtesy Brands