Unless it's pouring, I prefer to wear a rain jacket with the hood up rather than carry an umbrella for everyday walking around and walking the dog. Because there's no shortage of rain in Pittsburgh, I wear a rain jacket a lot.
And yet, I am currently wearing this: a size XL LL Bean jacket I bought in my heavy days.
So when Lululemon released the Right As Rain Jacket in the gorgeous Bordeaux Drama color, I didn't feel guilty snatching it up.
It rained last week, but the jacket has hung in my closet with the tags on because of late-onset guilt...it cost $198. So when I got the new Athleta catalog and saw their new rain jacket, the Drippity Jacket for $128, I wanted to try it.
I got it last wek in black instead of the taupe that's in this photo. Here's how the jackets compare.
Lululemon
Pros
- Gorgeous color
- Flattering back detail
- Slight a-line shape
- Deep pockets that zip
- Interior pocket
- Cinchable hood
- Soft fabric at the top where it comes to the chin
- Chic style that would look good with everything, from dressy work clothes to tights
- Sleeves are long and come past my hands (a pro in heavy rain); can roll them when it's not raining hard
- Quality zipper
Cons
- Fabric is a bit heavy and would be good mostly for cool and cold weather.
- Fabric is a bit stiff and doesn't drape when you sit down.
- The front doesn't cinch at the waist like the back does (a con for me since silhouettes with a cinched waist are more flattering on me),
- Hood is attached and can't be stashed.
(Note: Sorry for the bad photos. Lighting wasn't great so I had to use flash.)
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| Lululemon Right As Rain Jacket front view. It has a subtle a-line shape. |
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| Back view. Cinched waist adds shape. Back hem is longer. |
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| Side view. Looks a little odd with the waist cinched in back and not in front. |
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| Inside lining and cinch for the waist |
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| Interior pocket for MP3 player and hole for the cord (I probably will never use it). |
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| Nice deep side pockets. Quality zippers with sealed seams. |
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| Drawstring at the back of the hood to adjust the fit. |
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| Drawstring at the sides of the hood to adjust the fit. |
Athleta
Pros
- Entire waist cinches, creating a silhouette that flatters my shape more.
- Hood can be stashed away in a zippered compartment.
- Material is softer and flowing, not stiff.
- Can wear it in all weather, not just cold weather.
Cons
- Pockets zip but aren't as deep.
- Hood doesn't cinch, and the part that comes to the bottom of my chin is loose, which could allow water to get inside.
- Don't love any of the colors, though black is a good basic.
- Style is a little more pedestrian and not chic and wouldn't look good with dressy clothes.
- Zippers are not quality. I tried on four jackets in the store and had a problem with all the zippers. I bought the one I had the least problem with, but I still worry about the durability of the zipper.
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| Athleta Drippity Jacket: front view. Much shorter than the Lulu jacket. |
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| Back view. Back hem is much longer than front. Don't like the drawstring in the back. |
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| Side view. The cinched waist creates a little poof that makes me look pregnant! |
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| Small zippered pocket. Not sealed but covered with a flap. |
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| Vent at the upper back. |
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The zipper--a big problem I had with this jacket. Had a hard time with it on
all four jackets I tried on the store. Seems flimsy. |
The Winner: Lululemon
When I bought the Athleta jacket, I was sure I'd keep it and return the Lululemon jacket. I didn't think the Lululemon jacket warranted paying $70 more. But after trying both on one after the other, the Lululemon jacket is without question a much better jacket. All the materials, including the zipper, are better quality and I think will be more durable. Having a cinchable hood is really important to me so my head can be protected in the rain, and only the Lululemon jacket has that option. I think it's overpriced at $198, but it is a quality jacket. The Athleta jacket in comparison seems flimsy and not quality at all, and I question the durability. It is certainly overpriced at $128.
So while I think both are overpriced, I'm willing to pay more for the Lululemon jacket since I wear rain jackets a lot, and it should last a long time. Labels: athleta, Fit Review, Lululemon, rain jacket
