FootJoy HydroLite Women's Jacket Review

Katie Dawkins tests the Women's HydroLite jacket from FootJoy to see if it delivers what the name suggests

FootJoy HydroLite Women's Jacket Review
(Image credit: Tom Miles)
Golf Monthly Verdict

A lightweight, stylish waterproof jacket that delivers on performance and playability. This flattering number from FootJoy has really impressed us in testing and can be used during showers that crop up all year round.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Three year waterproof guarantee

  • +

    Wide size range XS-2XL

  • +

    Flattering cinch waist design

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Although breathable it has a tacky feel if worn on top of bare skin

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FootJoy HydroLite Women's Jacket Review

The Hydrolite Jacket from FootJoy is exactly what the name suggests it should be. It boasts a three-year waterproof guarantee and is extremely lightweight. The Fig color is especially sophisticated and add to that the cinched waist design, this jacket almost has the ability to be customized to every figure. It can add an hourglass silhouette if you want it or remain subtly straight-cut depending on how much you tighten the inner elastic. This ability to fit the wearer means this jacket will suit most body types. A very clever and thoughtful feminine touch from FootJoy. 

The cuffs have a Velcro tab so the sleeve can be adjusted to securely eliminate the chance of any rainwater creeping in. This makes this jacket handy for other activities such as sailing and horse riding. The breathability of what feels like an impenetrable waterproof fabric is impressive, placing it among the best golf waterproofs for ladies. Not once has this jacket felt sweaty and it’s been tested in steamy Summer showers as well as in the depths of winter. That said, if you're wearing it just on top of a polo against your forearms it can have a somewhat sticky feel.

The adjustable cuffs help to keep moisture out and allow a free and easy swing

The adjustable cuffs help to keep moisture out and allow a free and easy swing

(Image credit: Andy Dow)

A DWR coating has been applied to the outer layer of this and all other waterproof FootJoy garments, to bead water away. It’s always tough to know just how waterproof a waterproof jacket actually is.  

Here's a fun fact if you've ever wondered: The tech guys test the waterproof performance of a garment by putting a cylinder with inner dimensions of 1” x 1” over the fabric, they then fill it with water to a height (measured in mm) and mark the number it hits before it begins to leak through. A jacket has to have a rating of a minimum of 5000mm (tube is filled to 5metres) to be rainproof, and this one has handled a column of water that is 20,000mm (that’s 20m!) so trust me - it’s good to go in a torrential downpour. 

Waterproof to the max, FootJoy doing what FooJoy do best with jackets

Waterproof to the max, FootJoy doing what FooJoy do best with jackets

(Image credit: Katie Dawkins)

This jacket folds down to the tiniest bundle and will fit in a pretty small pocket, which makes it even more versatile and adds to the value. When unfurled it isn’t crumpled and looks set to wear down a catwalk if you so wished, something the best women's golf clothes offer in abundance. 

FootJoy HydroLite Women's Jacket in testing

This jacket performs so well when it comes to moving and swinging the club

(Image credit: Andy Dow)

In summary, this jacket is lightweight, playable waterproof jacket that will definitely keep you dry. Because it is so waterproof it feels like it should be a bit sticky to wear in showers on warmer days but in reality, it manages moisture and body temperature really well. If you want something even more breathable but no less waterproof, you could opt for the FootJoy Hydroknit Women’s Jacket.

If you decide to buy one of these FootJoy jackets, first look at one of our FootJoy promo codes

Katie Dawkins
Advanced PGA Professional and freelance contributor

Katie is an Advanced PGA professional with over 20 years of coaching experience. She helps golfers of every age and ability to be the best versions of themselves. In January 2022 she was named as one of Golf Monthly's Top 50 Coaches.

Katie coaches the individual and uses her vast experience in technique, psychology and golf fitness to fix problems in a logical manner that is effective - she makes golf simple. Katie is now based on the edge of the New Forest. An experienced club coach, she developed GardenGOLF during lockdown and as well as coaching at Hamptworth Golf Club she freelances, operating via pop-up clinics and travelling to clients homes to help them use their space to improve. 

She has coached tour pros on both LET tour and the Challenge Tour as well as introduced many a beginner to the game. 

Katie has been writing instructional content for magazines for 20 years. Her creative approach to writing is fuelled by her sideline as an artist.