Working outdoors daily presents challenges with the weather: rain, cold, and visibility often determine how safely and efficiently work can be performed. A high-quality rain jacket not only protects against moisture, it also reduces the risk of catching a cold and increases comfort. In this article, we want to show you what matters when choosing rain jackets for everyday work – the differences between models, which standards are important, and which functions rain jackets can offer beyond water protection.
European Standards for Rain/Protective Jackets
To ensure the performance of a rain jacket, certain standards apply in Europe. The most important are:
EN 343 – Protection against Rain / Bad Weather
Covers waterproofing and breathability as well as the combination of outer protection and inner comfort.
EN ISO 20471 – High-Visibility Clothing
Regulates visibility during day and night (fluorescent colors + reflective stripes) – especially important when working in road traffic or around vehicles.
EN ISO 11612 / EN 14116 – Multi-Norm Classifications
Describes protection against heat and flames – important when working with sparks or fire.
EN 14058 / EN 342 – Cold Protection
Ensures lasting warmth even in subzero temperatures and extreme conditions.
These standards are part of European personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and help you select suitable rain jackets for your specific needs.
Our Most Popular Categories
Flame-Resistant Rain Jackets
Specially treated or woven materials resistant to sparks, heat, and flames. Usually combined with additional safety features such as high visibility. Standards such as EN ISO 11612 apply here.
Applications: Welding, metalworking, industries with fire or heat sources, fire service operations, or refineries.
High-Visibility Rain Jackets
Combination of rain protection and high visibility; often in fluorescent colors with reflective strips for better visibility. Important standards include EN ISO 20471 and sometimes EN 343.
Applications: Construction sites, road work, street maintenance, night work, service vehicles, winter work with poor visibility.
Insulated Rain Jackets
Inner lining (e.g., fleece, thermal material) provides additional insulation for use in especially cold, unpleasant weather.
Applications: Cold periods, transitional or winter months, working in low outdoor temperatures, e.g., construction, winter services, outdoor maintenance.
Multi-Norm Rain Jackets
Rain jackets that meet multiple protective standards simultaneously: e.g., rain/weather protection (EN 343), high-visibility (EN ISO 20471), flame/heat protection (EN ISO 11612, EN 14116), anti-static (EN 1149‑5), and possibly chemical protection (EN 13034). These jackets are true all-rounders and reliable even in extreme conditions.
Applications: Perfect for work involving multiple hazards: e.g., where visible high-visibility and weather protection are required alongside risk from sparks or heat; industries, electrical utilities, night outdoor work, complex construction sites, operations under changing conditions.
We have rain jackets ready for every challenge!
