The long term forecast for the UK is we could have a milder, wetter autumn than usual in 2026. The rain will be welcome on farms after such a hot, dry summer. But, farmers will need to ensure they have the right clothing for the conditions. We want to have a closer look at this today, focusing on movement. Then, if you need waterproofs, we have a fantastic range.

Busy autumn

Farming is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. Autumn is no different, with plenty of tasks to do. There can be different crops to harvest (potatoes and sugar beet) before the weather gets too wet. Plus, this is a busy time for moving animals, especially later in the season when it starts to get cold. In addition, there is a huge amount of work to prepare fields, including ploughing and cultivating.

All of the jobs here mean farmers are very active throughout autumn. It can be hectic, with supplies to carry, seeds to sow, produce to move, animals to take care of, and winter prep. So, there can be a lot of kneeling, squatting, stretching, pulling, pushing, and other movements. The last thing you want here is your clothing to restrict you, pinch, or rub. You also need to ensure you can move without allowing water to get in.

Key things to look at

The single most important thing with waterproofs is to get the right balance of protection and freedom of movement. On top of that, you need to think about durability and the various features to help keep you dry even when moving around.

There are a few features you need to prioritise here. Adjustable waists, braces, cuffs, and hoods are all important. They will make it easier to move while also giving you the ability to secure them to keep water out. Jackets or smocks with longer backs are ideal to allow reaching and leaning without exposing your underlayers. The knees and seat should be reinforced to reduce the chance of rips and tears when you kneel or squat.

Articulated knees are also a really useful feature for waterproof trousers. They better fit the shape of the knee, providing more room and ensuring there is no pulling or tension. Therefore, it makes it much easier and safer to work.

Taped seams are another must for waterproofs. Movements like stretching and pulling can put a lot of pressure on the seams of your clothes. If it’s raining, this can easily allow water to get in. Taped seams prevent it, so you stay dry.

It’s not just your own movements you need to think about either. Autumn can get incredibly windy. In fact, the forecast is 2026 will be windier and stormier than usual. You need to make sure your garments are ready for it. Jackets or smocks with high collars are a must to protect against rain driven by the wind. Hoods you can adjust to keep rain out and prevent them from blowing off are great too.

Don’t restrict yourself with poor quality waterproofs

Cheap, low quality garments may lack some of the key features above. Even worse, the materials and construction may be poor. You could end up with garments that don’t keep you dry, make it difficult to move, and rip or tear after a few heavy days.

If you want waterproofs you can rely on, we have some great ones. JS Hubbuck Ltd knows how hard farming is, so we work to ensure farmers have everything you need for every time of the year. Contact us today to learn more about waterproof jackets, trousers, and more.