Frequently asked questions

The terms are often used interchangeably. "Overtrousers" emphasises that they are worn over your normal trousers, so they are cut with extra room and usually have side zips or wide ankles to go over boots. Some waterproof trousers are designed to be worn on their own, with a lining and pockets like ordinary trousers.

For regular UK use, a hydrostatic head of roughly 10,000mm or more with fully taped seams is a sensible target, because legs and seats take pressure from kneeling and sitting. Lighter ratings are fine for occasional showers. The buying guide explains the bands.

Usually it is condensation from sweat, made worse when the outer fabric has "wetted out" because the water repellent finish has worn off. Washing and reproofing often fixes it. See care & reproofing.

Outside, over the boot or welly. If you tuck them in, rain runs down your leg and straight into your boots.

Not always, but they make it possible to get overtrousers on and off without taking your boots off, which is valuable on hills, at work and in muddy fields. 3/4 zips are a good compromise. No zips keeps weight and cost down for emergency pairs.

Usually yes, following the care label. Use a technical cleaner or a small amount of mild non-bio liquid, never fabric softener, and add an extra rinse.

When water stops beading on the fabric after a wash and gentle heat (if the label allows heat). For heavily used pairs that might be every few months; for occasional use, once or twice a year.

It means the water repellent finish does not use fluorinated chemicals (PFCs, part of the PFAS family), which persist in the environment. PFC-free finishes work well but tend to need more regular washing and reproofing.

It depends on your site. Look for EN ISO 20471 on the label and check the class your site requires; Class 3 is usually only achieved with trousers and a jacket worn together. See work & hi-vis.

Most are designed only as waterproof layers over protective riding kit. Protective motorcycle garments are certified to EN 17092 and carry a CE label with a class. See motorcycling.

Measure over the clothes you will wear underneath and check the maker's chart. Make sure the leg covers the top of your boots when standing and does not drag at the heel. See sizing & fit.

Prices change constantly and we don't want to publish ratings for products we haven't tested ourselves. We focus on explaining what to look for, so you can judge any pair you find.