Rainwear for kids – what is a water column, and how do you care for it?

What is a water column? Water column measures how much water pressure a material can withstand before water gets through. The higher the number, the more waterproof. As a rule of thumb:

• 3,000 mm → light rain
• 5,000 mm → moderate rain
• 8,000 mm+ → heavy rain and puddle jumping

Wheat's rainwear has a water column of 8,000 mm – ideal for Danish weather and active play at nursery and on the playground.

 

What are welded seams – and why are they important?

Even the most waterproof material can leak at the seams, as needles leave small holes in the fabric. Welded seams solve that problem by sealing the seams completely so water can't get in. It's one of the most important features to look for when choosing rainwear for kids.

 

 

Which rainwear suits your child?

Not all rainwear styles suit every age and activity. Here's an overview of what works best for whom:

 

Rain suit for the little ones

For babies and small children up to around 3 years, a full-coverage rain suit is the best choice. Children at this age sit a lot, get laid down and crawl, and a rain suit makes sure the whole body is covered. There is no opening at the waist that can ride up and let the cold in.

• Covers the whole body from neck to feet

• No opening at the waist that can gape during play

• Easy to take on and off for nappy changes with the right zips

• Braces keep the suit in place during active play

 

Two-piece rain set for older children

From around 3 to 4 years and up, a two-piece rain set with a rain jacket and rain trousers is often more practical. Older children are more active, can take clothes on and off themselves, and need the flexibility of a two-piece set.

• The rain jacket can be taken off on its own if the child gets too warm

• The rain trousers can stay on during play, even when the jacket is off

• Easier for the child to manage at nursery

• Braces on rain trousers are recommended up to size 98. From size 104, an elasticated waist is more practical. Read more about choosing rain trousers.

 

What's the difference between rainwear, softshell and technical outerwear?

It can be hard to navigate the different types of water-repellent and waterproof clothing. Here's a short overview:

	Classic rainwear	Softshell	Technical outerwear
Water column	8,000 mm	15,000 mm	10,000 mm
Waterproofing	Fully waterproof	Water-repellent	Fully waterproof
Breathability	Limited	High	High
Best for	Heavy and prolonged rain	Light rain and active play	Active use in all weathers

 

In short: classic rainwear is the safe choice for proper rain. Softshell is the flexible everyday choice for light rain and wind. Technical outerwear combines waterproofing with high breathability and is well suited to very active children.

 

Is Wheat's rainwear free from harmful chemicals?

Yes. Wheat's rainwear is PFC-free and treated with a fluorine-free water-repellent finish (BIONIC FINISH ECO). This means the rainwear keeps water out without using the harmful fluorine compounds that used to be widespread in waterproof clothing. The material also consists of 55% GRS-certified recycled polyester.

 

Safety and reflectors

Safety is an integral part of Wheat's rainwear design. It's not something added afterwards, but considered from the start.

 

• Detachable hood. All Wheat rain jackets and rain suits have hoods that click off easily. This is an important safety detail, as a fixed hood can get caught on swings, climbing frames and other play equipment.

• 360-degree reflectors. The rainwear has reflective details all around the suit, so your child is visible from every angle in the dark hours of the morning and afternoon.

• Foot straps. The rain trousers have adjustable rubber straps under the foot that keep the trousers in place during active play and make sure they don't ride up.

• Spare parts. If the foot straps break, you can buy new loose rubber straps as spare parts directly from Wheat, so you don't need to replace the whole set.

 

How do you wash rainwear correctly?

Incorrect washing is the most common reason rainwear stops being waterproof. Here's how to do it right:

• Machine wash at 30°C
• No fabric softener – it breaks down the water-repellent coating
• Wash inside out
• Air dry – do not tumble dry
• Do not iron, dry clean or bleach

Wipe off mud with a damp cloth between washes – the less often you wash, the longer the coating lasts.

 

Find the right rainwear for your child At Wheat, you'll find rainwear for kids from 0 to 12 years – with welded seams, PFC-free coating and reflective details for everyday use in all weathers. See our selection and find the right size for your child.

 

Frequently asked questions about rainwear

How high a water column should rainwear have?

As a rule of thumb, at least 5,000 mm is recommended for active play in the rain. Wheat's rainwear has 8,000 mm, which is ideal for Danish rainy weather and puddle play on the playground.

 

What are welded seams?

Welded seams are seams that are sealed with heat instead of sewn with needle and thread. Sewn seams leave small needle holes where water can get in. Welded seams are completely sealed and keep your child dry even in persistent rain.

 

Is Wheat's rainwear chemical-free?

Yes. Wheat's rainwear is PFC-free and treated with BIONIC FINISH ECO, a fluorine-free water-repellent finish. The material also consists of 55% GRS-certified recycled polyester.

 

Rain suit or two-piece rain set?

For babies and small children up to around 3 to 4 years, a full-coverage rain suit is recommended. For older children, a two-piece rain set with jacket and trousers is more practical, as the child can take it on and off themselves.

 

Should I choose rain trousers with braces or an elasticated waist?

Braces are recommended up to size 98, as they stay in place better during play and cover the back well. From size 104, an elasticated waist is more practical, as the child can more easily take them on and off at nursery.

 

How do you wash rainwear correctly?

Machine wash at 30 degrees, no fabric softener, wash inside out and air dry. Fabric softener breaks down the water-repellent coating over time. Wipe off mud with a damp cloth between washes to avoid unnecessary washing.

 

Can you buy new foot straps for Wheat rainwear?

Yes. Wheat sells loose rubber straps as spare parts, so you can replace worn or broken straps without buying a whole new set.

 

What is Wheat's return policy?

Wheat offers a 30-day full right of return on items bought in the webshop. The return period starts on the day you receive the item. You pay the return shipping yourself, which is deducted from your refund. Create your return via the returns portal. Please note that the right of withdrawal lapses if the item has been used or damaged. Items bought from retailers must be returned to the retailer.

 

Does Wheat offer exchanges?

Wheat does not offer exchanges. If you would like a different item, please place a new order. Read all terms and conditions here.