Professional rain & weatherproof workwear EN 343: waterproofness and breathability classes
Working outdoors in the rain should never compromise your safety or your productivity. A professional rain & weatherproof garment certified to EN 343 guarantees real, measured protection — well beyond a simple windbreaker. The standard covers rain, snow, fog and ground moisture. Browse our full range of certified PPE and professional workwear to see where this protection fits within the Cepovett Safety range.
What does the EN 343 standard guarantee on a professional waterproof garment?
The EN 343 standard guarantees two essential performance levels: resistance to water penetration, expressed as a class from 1 to 4, and breathability — i.e. the fabric's ability to allow water vapour produced by the body (perspiration) to pass from the inside out, while maintaining a certain level of protection, also expressed as a class from 1 to 4. In practical terms, the higher the class, the drier you stay inside, even in prolonged rain and during sustained physical effort.
A non-certified professional waterproof garment may appear watertight at first glance, but it guarantees nothing over time or in terms of real on-the-job comfort. Every Cepovett Safety reference clearly states its EN 343 class, enabling objective comparison before purchase. To explore the regulatory framework further, read our article on the weather protection standard.
Waterproofness classes 1 to 4: which level for which use
- Class 1: protection against light to moderate rain, suitable for short interventions or semi-sheltered activities.
- Class 2: a solid all-round choice for regular use on site or outdoors, covering the majority of jackets and parkas in the collection.
- Classes 3 and 4: maximum waterproofness, recommended for prolonged exposure to heavy weather in construction, road maintenance, green spaces or agriculture.
Base your choice on your actual level of exposure: a local authority worker spending the entire day outdoors should target the higher classes, whereas a technician called out for occasional interventions may be well served by class 1 or 2.
Breathability classes 1 to 4: the key criterion for lasting comfort
- Class 1: basic breathability, with possible condensation during physical effort.
- Class 2: intermediate level suited to moderate use.
- Classes 3 and 4: optimal moisture vapour transfer, recommended for physically demanding trades such as handling, construction or logistics.
A high breathability class prevents you from getting wet from the inside as much as from the outside. A PPE outfit poorly matched to this criterion quickly becomes a hindrance rather than a protection, especially during a physically demanding day.
Which rain & weatherproof garment should you choose based on your trade and use?
The right garment depends first and foremost on your level of exposure and your position. Here are the main product families in this category and who they are designed for:
- Rain jacket: for daily use, can be layered over an existing work outfit, ideal for occasional or moderate protection needs.
- Rain trousers or overtrousers: to be paired with a jacket for full lower-body coverage, essential for trades involving prolonged ground-level work such as agriculture, green spaces or road maintenance.
- Rain suit: full waterproofness recommended for intensive exposure to bad weather, in industrial cleaning, outdoor construction or professional fishing.
- Lined parka: for professionals facing both cold and rain, with added thermal protection.
For trades exposed to traffic in construction, road maintenance or outdoor logistics, high visibility becomes an additional safety requirement. Our references are available in extended sizes, from XS to 5-6XL depending on the model, so everyone can find a comfortable cut suited to their body type.
The quality criteria that guarantee the durability of your rain garment
A professional rain garment is judged by its technical details, which directly determine its long-term performance and your actual level of protection:
- Welded or reinforced seams: they prevent water infiltration at weak points, ensuring long-term durability.
- Zip fasteners covered by a storm flap and press studs: they block water ingress at the closure — a decisive detail on a worksite.
- Fixed or detachable hood with drawcord: it maintains your field of vision and your protection even in strong winds.
- Ventilation zones: they prevent heat build-up and complement the EN 343 breathability class.
The choice of material also shapes the use case. PVC offers maximum waterproofness for intensive use, coated polyester delivers the best weight-to-flexibility ratio, while softshell suits light weather conditions and everyday comfort. For positions exposed to multiple hazards, consider our ATEX multi-risk jackets.
Tip : Always check the condition of the seams and the integrity of the storm flap before each wet season. A water-repellent treatment must be reapplied at every wash by a qualified professional laundry service to maintain the garment's durability and effectiveness.
Equipping your team with certified professional waterproof workwear
A rain garment correctly selected according to its EN 343 class protects your employees' health, keeps them alert and prevents work stoppages caused by cold or damp. It is a direct investment in the continuity of your projects and the comfort of your teams. The entire collection is certified compliant with European standards, with controlled manufacturing quality and a supplied PPE information leaflet.
For extreme cold exposure below -5 °C, complete the outfit with our cold protection workwear EN 342; for cool climates down to -5 °C, with our EN 14058 garments.
Equipping your teams
Outfitting several employees means managing a variety of sizes and, often, custom branding. Cepovett Safety offers a 360° solution to meet these needs with a comprehensive and adaptable service. For your equipment project, feel free to submit a quote request — an advisor will get back to you promptly.
