Rain Gear for Construction Sites: Raincoat, Rain Suit or Breathable Shell?

Autumn on a Finnish site means weeks of rain, sleet and wet ground before the frost arrives. Rain gear decides whether the crew stays productive or spends the afternoon in the site hut. Our EN 343 guide explains the waterproof and breathability classes on the label. This article is about the practical choice: which type of rain gear for which job, how to wear it, and how to make it last.

EN 343 in 30 seconds

Protective rainwear is tested to EN 343. The label shows two classes: water penetration resistance (fabric and seams) and water vapour resistance (breathability). Since the 2019 revision both run from 1 to 4; older garments show 1–3, for example 3:1 X – waterproof class 3, breathability class 1, rain tower test not done. A “waterproof” jacket without EN 343 may be fine for showers, but it has not been tested as protective rainwear.

Three main types of site rain gear

1. Two-piece PU rain suit

Jacket and trousers in PU-coated polyester with taped seams. Fully waterproof, easy to hose off and affordable. The weak point is breathability: during heavy work you get damp from the inside.

Best for: groundworks, excavation, concreting, drainage and any job where you kneel or sit on wet ground. Examples: the Pesso GPUHV3205 rain suit with taped seams, 50 mm reflective bands and a ventilated back, or the heavier COVERGUARD HYDRA in 300D Oxford with ventilation at chest, back and underarms (EN 343, EN ISO 20471).

2. Long raincoat

A coat that reaches the thighs or knees keeps water off the trouser tops and is quick to put on over normal workwear.

Best for: traffic controllers, supervisors, surveyors and anyone who stands or walks more than kneels. The Portwest H445 raincoat is 122 cm long and certified EN 343 3:1 X and EN ISO 20471 Class 3 – one garment covers rain and full hi-vis.

3. Breathable shell jacket

Membrane jackets with higher breathability classes let sweat vapour out, so they are more comfortable for long, active shifts – carpenters, roofers and installers who climb and carry all day. They cost more and are less tolerant of concrete, sharp edges and rough handling. A softshell with a membrane can handle showers, but unless it is certified to EN 343 do not treat it as rainwear for a full wet day; see our softshell vs winter jacket guide.

Special cases

• Welding and hot work: standard PU and PVC rainwear can melt and burn. Choose flame-resistant rain gear such as the Portwest S774 FR rain jacket, and read our guide to flame-resistant workwear.
• Back-up for the van: a light packable rain jacket for visitors, drivers and sudden showers.
• Near traffic and machines: rain gear covers the hi-vis jacket underneath, so the rainwear itself must be hi-vis in the right class. See EN ISO 20471 classes.

How to wear rain gear on site

• Size up. Rainwear goes over a work jacket or winter jacket. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one – check the size guide.
• Trousers over the boots, not inside. Tucked-in legs funnel water straight into the boots.
• Sleeves over the glove cuffs when you work with your hands down; under them when you work overhead.
• Hood and helmet: check whether the hood fits over your helmet. A thick hood under the helmet can change how the helmet sits.
• Close the storm flap – the front zip is where most leaks start.

Fighting condensation

Non-breathable rainwear (breathability class 1) always builds up moisture inside during physical work. The EN 343 standard itself recommends limited continuous wearing time for it. To stay drier:

• Wear a base layer that moves moisture (wool or synthetic, not cotton).
• Choose models with a vented back and mesh lining.
• Open the front during breaks and take the jacket off in the site hut so it can air.
• Plan a second set of base layers for long wet days.

Care and replacement

• Rinse off concrete, lime and mud the same day – they attack coatings and seam tape.
• Hang to dry at room temperature; do not dry PU on a hot radiator or store it folded and wet.
• Follow the care label for washing.
• Check taped seams, the crotch and knees regularly. Peeling tape or cracked coating means it is time to replace.

Equip the crew

Our rainwear collection has raincoats, rain jackets and two-piece rain suits with taped seams and reflective tape. For autumn and winter, combine rain gear with the layering advice in winter workwear for construction crews, or order jacket, trousers and boots together with our ready workwear kits. We ship from our own warehouse in Estonia; companies with an EU VAT number buy without VAT.

FAQ

Is any jacket marked “waterproof” good enough for site work?

Not necessarily. EN 343 tests both the fabric and the seams, also after washing and abrasion. Without it you only have the manufacturer’s claim.

Do I need hi-vis rain gear if my jacket underneath is hi-vis?

Yes, if hi-vis is required on site. The rain gear covers the jacket, so the outer layer must provide the visibility.

Raincoat or rain suit for groundworks?

A two-piece rain suit. When you kneel or work in a trench, the trousers keep your knees and thighs dry; a coat does not.

Why am I wet inside my rain suit?

Usually condensation, not a leak. PU rainwear does not breathe, so sweat stays inside. Ventilation, the right base layer and breaks help.