Industrial Rain Gear — Waterproof Jackets, Bibs & Rain Suits

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rain gear provides strong, fully waterproof protection and is naturally resistant to oils and chemicals — a durable, economical choice for industrial and marine environments, pressure washing, and sanitation work. PVC is generally less breathable and can feel stiffer or heavier than PU, especially in cold temperatures.

PU (polyurethane) coated fabrics are more flexible and offer better moisture vapor transmission (MVTR) — meaning sweat and body heat can escape more effectively, improving comfort during active work over a full shift. PU is often preferred for jackets and rain gear worn during physical tasks like carpentry, electrical work, and general labor where mobility matters most.

Both materials are fully waterproof when properly constructed with sealed or welded seams; the choice often comes down to the balance between durability/chemical resistance (PVC) and breathability/comfort (PU) for your specific application.

A rain jacket protects the upper body and offers the most mobility, ideal for tasks requiring flexibility such as carpentry, electrical work, and general labor. Rain pants protect the lower body from splashing and ground moisture. Bib rain pants extend higher on the torso with suspenders, providing a more secure seal that prevents water entry when bending, kneeling, or climbing — popular for excavation, roadwork, and utility repair. A rain suit combines a jacket with pants or bibs as a matched set, offering full-body protection ideal for prolonged exposure to heavy rain.

For most active outdoor work, a rain jacket paired with bib rain pants offers the best combination of coverage and mobility. For workers facing sustained heavy rain with less physical activity (e.g., traffic control, flagging), a full rain suit provides maximum protection.

Most standard rain gear is designed to shed falling rain but may not withstand direct pressure washing, which forces water at high pressure into seams and closures that aren't designed for that level of stress. For pressure washing — common in food processing, sanitation, fleet washing, and municipal cleaning operations — look specifically for rain gear described as having welded seams rated for pressure washing or "all-direction" waterproofing, rather than standard stitched-and-taped seams. These constructions use heat-welded PVC technology to withstand water pressure from any direction, not just gravity-fed rainfall.

If your work takes place near roadways, traffic, or heavy equipment — and rain or low-light conditions reduce visibility — hi-vis rain gear certified to ANSI/ISEA 107 is strongly recommended or may be required by your employer's safety program. Class 2 is the standard for most roadway and construction work in moderate traffic conditions; Class 3 provides greater visibility (larger background and reflective tape area, including sleeves and legs) for higher-speed roadways and higher-risk environments. Hi-vis rain gear typically comes in fluorescent yellow-green or orange with silver reflective tape that remains visible in low-light and nighttime conditions.

No. Standard industrial rain gear made from PVC or PU-coated fabrics is not flame resistant and is not designed for arc flash (NFPA 70E) or flash fire (NFPA 2112) environments. These materials can ignite or melt when exposed to arc flash temperatures, creating a serious additional burn hazard even if the FR clothing worn underneath is fully compliant.

If you work around energized electrical equipment, in oil and gas, petrochemical, or any environment requiring NFPA 70E or NFPA 2112 compliance, choose rain gear from our dedicated FR Rain Gear collection — those garments are certified to ASTM F1891 (arc and flame resistant rainwear) and/or ASTM F2733 (flash fire resistant rainwear) specifically for hazardous wet-weather protection.

Rinse off mud, dirt, and contaminants with water and mild soap as needed — avoid harsh solvents or strong chemicals that can degrade PVC or PU coatings over time. Allow rain gear to fully air dry before storage; folding or storing wet gear in a sealed bag can lead to mold, mildew, and odor. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight or high-heat storage (such as a hot vehicle interior), as UV exposure and heat can cause PVC to become brittle and crack over time. Inspect seams, snaps, and zippers periodically — small tears or seam separations are often repairable with seam sealant if caught early, before they compromise waterproofing.