Group test: Lightweight women’s waterproof cycling jackets

A cycling jacket is an essential addition to a rider’s wardrobe, offering protection from the weather and enhanced visibility, while providing breathability and added comfort to your ride.

The following jackets were tested on rides in the Peak District and all have the ability to provide a shield from the elements but in varying forms.

1. Castelli Squall Shell Women’s Jacket

Price: £130
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colours: Silver grey/black, light black/silver grey
Available from: Saddleback

This jacket is made from an extremely light material making it ideal to stick in a jersey pocket or a saddle bag if the weather changes – a ride essential. It’s breathable so helped regulate temperature without needing to take the jacket off.

The high collar and cuffed sleeves prevented air sneaking in and puffing it up Michelin-Man style. It remained sleek even in the windiest of Peak District rides.

The only downside to the jacket is the stiff single zip, making it quite difficult when riding to zip up or down and no opportunity for added airflow without unzipping completely.

It’s described as silver grey/black but in the light, resembles more of a light subtle pastel purple which adds a soft feminine touch. The jacket is bright and visible for darker days and features a reflective strip down the back for added visibility.

I tested the Medium which fitted perfectly, albeit very snugly with its elasticated material, which is ideal for the aim of the jacket. However, despite the clinginess of the material, there was still freedom of movement, and it didn’t feel restricted.

If you don’t like clothing clinging to you, though, sizing up or opting for an item with a looser fit is recommended.

Verdict: Lightweight, closely fitting jacket that protected against wind and rain but might be a bit snug for some.

2. Sportful Aqua Light Women’s Jacket

Price: £99
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colour: Black
Available from: Saddleback

This lightweight jacket is perfect for windy and drizzly conditions and worthy of its higher end price. The material makes it easy to fold up and barely noticeable in your back pocket, making it a ride must-have.

The stretchy material, although skin-tight, serves its purpose as providing a skin-hugging wind protection and giving a sleek look. The elasticated cuffs of the sleeve and hem and the high neck ensured great wind protection.

If a looser fit is preferred sizing up would be recommended, as although described as a ‘medium’, it fitted more like a size 10/12. The double zip was great as you could keep the jacket on but unzip for added ventilation on those testing hill climbs.

With limited colour choices, I opted for a classic black which, as expected, wasn’t great in poor visibility. This coupled with no reflection patches meant it did lack in the visibility scoring.

Verdict: Light and packable, this worked well in windy, drizzly conditions but is a tight fit.

3. Pearl Izumi Women’s Canyon 2.5L Rain Jacket

Price: £121.50
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XS
Colour: Black
Available from: Pearl Izumi

A definite all-rounder, this jacket is suitable for commuting, nipping to the shops by bike and for general walking, providing good value for money despite the high price.

Its light 2.5L fabric with 10k waterproof and 5k breathability rating is perfect for light showers without getting overheated and sweaty. While advertised as with an extended tail, this isn’t very noticeable. This isn’t a criticism but is worth mentioning as could potentially be a factor that puts someone off buying it as a general rain jacket.

The optional adjustable waist cord and half-cuffed sleeve kept the wind out without being airtight which was great for keeping cool. Despite the jacket being black there are several reflective logos on the front left breast and back hem which provide added visibility.

The jacket also features two small zip side pockets and two inside pockets, wide enough for a phone, allowing for secure and waterproof storage of your valuables.

There is a hood big enough to go over a helmet which, although handy on rainy days, was a bit of a hindrance as a walking/running jacket and for road cycling. An added feature would have been a hood that could be pinned back, or better still, a removable hood to make it more customisable.

Verdict: Great all-rounder that justifies its high price point.

4. dhb Moda Women’s Waterproof Jacket

Price: £150, on sale at £22 at time of writing
Sizes: 6 (2XS), 8 (XS), 10 (S), 12 (M), 14 (L)
Colours: Blue, purple
Available from: Evans Cycles

Ideal for cooler, wetter rides, this is more like a full-on rain jacket than a windbreaker with its fully waterproof thicker material and mildly fleece-lined collar. Its thickness meant, when folded, the jacket isn’t very compact, making it difficult to stuff in a pocket or small bag. This is more of a jacket you would wear for the whole ride.

To prevent overheating, the double zip is a great way to allow more ventilation and also has a long pulley on the zip providing ease of adjusting while on the move. The sleeves are only cuffed at the bottom allowing you to keep cool, although this could be a downfall in colder conditions.

The size 12 provides a comfy fit and its non-stretchy material is ideal for riders who prefer a looser fit. There are two colour options; the purple is quite dark but features average reflectors on arms, chest and tail of jacket.

It’s worth noting there are no pockets on this jacket so I relied on a saddle bag and jersey pockets, which due to the fit of the jacket were not the most easily accessible.

Verdict: Thicker and heavier than the other jackets on test, this one is good for cooler, wetter rides.

5. Madison Roam Women’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket

Price: £69.99
Sizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Colours: Magnesium, lake blue
Available from: Madison

This lightweight, comfy jacket was only showerproof rather than fully waterproof. However, it includes a couple of nifty features, like its ability to fold inside its own pocket for easy storage and the hood that can be rolled away and fastened out the way when not needed.

It comes with a double zip for added ventilation when required, however I found this to be not very easy to adjust on the go.

It’s not the most compact when packed away so wouldn’t be suitable for road cycling but works well on trips with more luggage-carrying ability like a backpack when commuting to the office or train station.

The left breast pocket is great for keeping valuables secure, easily accessible and dry in damp conditions. The dropped hem is handy to protect against those inevitable puddle splashes and the anti-slip band ensures it stays in place.

This would make an ideal commuting jacket in darker months too with its four reflective pieces and light ‘magnesium’ grey giving it some visibility. I went for a size 12 which provided a spacious, relaxed fit keeping you cool but with enough space to add a layer underneath.

Verdict: Lightweight, comfy showerproof jacket with a lower price point which leaves you wondering whether it’s best to pay a little bit more for a fully waterproof jacket.

Overall verdict

All five jackets did their job in adding an extra layer on those less favourable weather days. With varying features, the jackets are each suited to a particular riding style, whether this is nipping to the shops or heading out on an all-day sportive.

Performance based

Two of the slickest jackets for those wanting to become the next QOM were from Castelli and Sportful. Their extremely lightweight material and skin-tight fit ensured full protection from the elements. With only £40 difference in retail price the preference was Castelli with for its offer of a lighter colour and reflectors for added visibility.

General riding/commuter

If you’re looking for value for money and a jacket suitable for general riding and off the bike, the Pearl Izumi wins this one. It has the feel and look of a non-cycling jacket with its side pockets and hood and was used frequently on rainy-day walks.

Similarly, the Madison is an all-rounder suitable for general riding and commuting during winter months thanks to its good visibility and looser fit allowing for extra layers underneath. It also lends itself to general outdoor use.

As one of the cheaper jackets tested, its breathability wasn’t quite as good as Castelli or Sportful but this wouldn’t necessarily be an issue at less intense rides like a commute.

Last but certainly not least, the dhb jacket’s thicker material gives it a raincoat feel as opposed to a wind breaker and would be suitable for cooler wet rides. Although it wasn’t as breathable as the others, for the price, it’s a great option for general riding or a commute.

First published in August 2025. All information correct at time of publishing.