PU or softshell? What rainwear does my child need?
Not all rainwear is created equal. PU or softshell, lined or unlined – what is best for kindergarten, forest days, and splashing in puddles?
We explain the most important differences and what to look for in good rainwear for children.
PU rainwear: the classic for rainy days
PU rainwear is often recognizable by its smooth, slightly rubbery surface. It is waterproof, durable, and easy to wipe clean after an outing in the mud and rain.
This makes it a practical choice especially for kindergarten, forest days, and extended puddle splashing.
In addition to the material, the water column and seam construction are also crucial to how reliably rainwear keeps you dry.
Lined or unlined?
Unlined rainwear is particularly versatile. On milder days, it can simply be pulled over normal clothing, while an additional layer of wool or fleece can be worn underneath on cooler days.
Lined rainwear is particularly suitable for cold, wet autumn and winter days. A fleece lining provides extra warmth and can make additional layers of clothing unnecessary.
Which option is best therefore depends less on the rain and more on the temperature and intended use.
And what about softshell?
With softshell, it pays to take a closer look at the technical specifications. This is because softshell does not automatically mean that a jacket is only water-resistant.
The Pedia and Manu rainwear by Liewood combines the soft, flexible feel of softshell with highly effective rain protection: a 20,000 mm water column and sealed seams. This makes it suitable for proper rainy days and extended outdoor play.
For us, the main advantage of softshell is its comfort and breathability. This is particularly pleasant for children who are very active outdoors.
What does the water column mean?
The water column is measured in millimetres (mm) and describes the amount of water pressure a material can withstand before water penetrates it.
Generally, the higher the number, the greater the protection against wetness and water pressure. This is particularly relevant for children: sitting on a wet bench, kneeling on damp ground, or splashing in puddles creates additional pressure on the material.
| Water column | Rain protection | In everyday children's activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500–3,000 mm | light protection | short distances and light rain |
| 5,000 mm | good protection | everyday use, playgrounds, and normal rainy days |
| 10,000 mm | very high protection | kindergarten, forest days, puddles, and extended play in the rain |
| 20,000 mm | exceptionally high protection | long rainy days, lots of activity, and situations with additional pressure on the material |
However, a high water column alone does not make good rainwear. Sealed or welded seams, zippers, and overall construction are also important.
In short: Water column = rain protection. Lining = warmth. Breathability = moisture and heat can escape more easily.
PU or softshell – which is better?
Both can offer very good rain protection. The decision therefore depends primarily on when and how the rainwear is worn.
| PU | Softshell | |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | ✓ | ✓ – depending on the model |
| Easy to wipe clean | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Breathable | rather low | ✓✓ |
| Soft & flexible | ✓ | ✓✓ |
| Lined options | ✓ | depending on the model |
| Particularly practical for | mud, rain & forest | rain & active children |
What would we choose?
For milder rainy days and maximum flexibility, we would opt for an unlined version and wear wool or fleece underneath if needed.
For cold and wet autumn and winter days, lined PU rainwear is wonderfully practical.
And anyone who wants to combine very high rain protection with a soft, flexible, and breathable material will find a waterproof softshell such as Pedia or Manu by Liewood to be a great alternative to classic PU rainwear.
Ultimately, there is no single right type of rainwear. What matters is when, where, and at what temperatures it is worn.