Roses are red. Violets are blue. Matching Harlequin Shorts? It'd be rude not to! This limited time offer includes our bestselling power duo: Cronulla/Navy and Pink/Navy Harlequin Shorts from Canterbury of New Zealand at a special bundle price of £69.99.
When you work long hours outdoors, especially on farms or in the good old British weather, a good waterproof bib and brace quickly moves from "nice to have" to absolute non-negotiable. Hours spent in wet fields, handling livestock, or repairing fences can test even the sturdiest gear. Choosing the right waterproof bib and brace impacts your comfort, mobility, and protection, while poor-quality options leave you soggy, cold, and calling it a day by lunchtime.
With so many premium brands on the market, choosing the right one isn't always straightforward. We stock and work closely with waterproof farm gear used daily by working farmers across the UK, so this guide is based on real-world performance - not spec sheets alone.
Quick Answer:
The best waterproof bib and brace depends on your workload. Heavy-duty options like Kaiwaka Founders46 and Betacraft ISO940 suit extreme weather and constant exposure, while lighter choices like Line 7 Territory Storm Pro20 or Swazi Torrent are ideal for higher-mobility farm work and milder conditions.
With several premium brands now offering specialist agricultural waterproofs, choosing the right bib and brace isn’t always straightforward. In this guide, we compare the leading waterproof bib and brace overtrousers we stock, weighing up durability, breathability, climate suitability, and real-world applications use so you can choose with confidence.
Why Investing in a Quality Waterproof Bib and Brace Matters
Before we dive into the comparisons, not all waterproof overalls are created equal. Key factors to consider include:
-
Waterproofing & Breathability
You want reliable rain protection without trapping heat during physical work. -
Durability
Ripstop fabrics, reinforced panels, and strong seams determine how well gear survives repeated agricultural use. -
Fit & Mobility
Elastic braces, articulated knees, and gusseted construction help you move freely when bending, lifting, or walking distances. -
Climate Adaptation
Heavy layered waterproofs suit winter livestock work, while lightweight agricultural waterproofs are better for year-round wear. -
Practical Features
Adjustable waists, ankle closures, pockets, and storm flaps add everyday usability in the yard or field.
Bamboozled by waterproof and breathability ratings? Check out our guide here.
Waterproof Bib and Brace Comparison Table
We'll get into the details shortly. In the meantime, here is a simplified, side-by-side comparison of the leading models we stock:
| Brand | Model | Waterproof Rating | Breathability Rating | Weight Classification | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiwaka | Founders46 | 20,000mm+ | 15,000g/m²/24hr | Heavyweight | Cold climates (-15.8°C to 9.8°C) |
| Kaiwaka | Stormforce | 20,000mm | 15,000g/m²/24hr | Heavyweight | Mild to cold climates (-10°C to 15°C) |
| Kaiwaka | Agtex | 10,000mm | 6,000g/m²/24hr | Midweight | All-year use, flexible for general farming conditions |
| Line 7 | Territory Storm Pro20 | 20,000mm | 20,000g/m²/24hr | Lightweight | Warmer weather / layered for cold |
| Betacraft | ISO940 | 25,000mm | 5,000g/m²/24hr | Heavyweight | All-weather, harsh farming conditions |
| Swazi | Torrent | 20,000mm | 10,000g/m²/24hr | Midweight | Everyday farm and outdoor work |
Brand Breakdown and Key Features
Kaiwaka: Built by Farmers, Proven in Harsh Weather
Kaiwaka has built a reputation for premium wet-weather gear designed by farmers, for farmers. Originating in New Zealand, their gear is built to handle relentless wind, rain, and mud while staying comfortable through long working days.
One standout benefit across the range is Kaiwaka’s Lifetime Free Repair Service, which adds long-term value for serious users.
Kaiwaka Founders46: For Extreme Environments
Founders46 sits right at the top of the Kaiwaka lineup and feels purpose-built for extreme conditions. It combines a 500D rip-stop outer with stretch CORDURA® panels and Kaiwaka’s Twin Skin construction, effectively giving you a double-layer waterproof barrier. That structure makes it ideal for exposed farms, upland livestock work, or any one regularly facing driving rain and wind chill. It’s heavier than most options, but the trade-off is exceptional durability, abrasion resistance, and all-day protection in near-freezing conditions.
Kaiwaka Stormforce: The Proven All-Rounder
Stormforce is one of the most trusted waterproof bib and brace ranges in agriculture. It uses the same Twin Skin waterproof system as Founders46 but in a slightly more forgiving, everyday format. The 500D rip-stop fabric gives strong abrasion resistance, while the bonded waterproof liner keeps performance consistent even after heavy use. For year-round farming in wet climates, feeding rounds, yard work, calving season, Stormforce hits a sweet spot between ruggedness and comfort.
Kaiwaka Agtex: Lightweight, Flexible and Chemical Resistant
Agtex takes a different approach, focusing on flexibility and freedom of movement. It uses a lighter European technical fabric with high-frequency welded seams, delivering full waterproofing without the bulk of multi-layer storm gear.
Where it really stands out is chemical resistance. The outer fabric is designed to handle oil, fat, and agricultural contaminants. That makes it particularly popular in dairy environments or mixed farms where you want waterproof protection that moves easily and doesn’t feel restrictive.
Line 7 Territory Storm Pro20: Lightweight Technical Performance
Line 7 brings something slightly different to the table. Unlike many farm-first brands, their waterproof pedigree comes from high-performance marine environments, where gear has to handle relentless wind, spray, and exposure. That sailing DNA still shows in the Territory Storm Pro20 range, which feels noticeably lighter and more technical than traditional agricultural waterproofs.
The Territory Storm Pro20 Bib and Brace is built using single-layer rip-stop nylon, making it one of the most breathable options in this comparison. In practical terms, that translates to gear that feels less bulky and far more comfortable during high-output work like fencing, milking rounds, or long summer days outdoors.
What we particularly like is how purpose-built it feels for movement. Features like the 7Tech gusset construction, articulated knees, and lightweight structure mean it never feels restrictive, even when climbing gates or covering ground quickly. At under 900g in a size large, it’s significantly lighter than most heavy-duty alternatives.
Another standout detail is the included repair kit and 12-month warranty. It’s a small touch, but a practical one, especially for working environments where small tears are inevitable.
Betacraft ISO940: Built for Brutal Conditions
Betacraft has built its reputation around one core principle: gear that refuses to quit. Their ISO940 Bib and Brace sits firmly in the heavy-duty category, designed for farmers who need waterproofs that can withstand repeated punishment over multiple seasons.
Technically, the ISO940 is one of the most robust garments in the lineup. It uses a Tetratec four-layer fabric system, combining a 420D rip-stop nylon outer with dual PU membranes and backing layers. This multi-layer construction is what gives it its standout 25,000mm waterproof rating, placing it among the most storm-resistant options available in agricultural waterproofs.
But it’s not just about raw waterproofing. Betacraft has clearly designed this range around real-world usability. The magnetic storm flaps are a genuinely practical innovation, easy to fasten with cold or gloved hands, while shaped knees and gusseted movement zones help offset the heavier construction.
One of the biggest differentiators, though, is Betacraft’s Limited Lifetime Guarantee. Few brands back their garments this strongly. While it doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, it reinforces the idea that these are built as long-term tools rather than disposable waterproofs. The trade-off? Breathability is lower than some lighter competitors, which is typical of heavily layered storm gear. But in return, you get serious durability and protection.
Betacraft ISO940 Bib and Braces →
Swazi Torrent: Midweight Everyday Protection
Swazi takes, again, a slightly different approach with the Torrent Bib and Brace, aiming to balance lightweight comfort with reliable waterproof protection. Unlike some heavy-duty gear, the Torrent is designed for everyday agricultural work where mobility and ease of wear are just as important as storm resistance.
The Torrent is crafted from AEGIS® WORX 3-layer Watershield laminate, giving it a 20,000mm waterproof rating and 10,000g/m² breathability, so it keeps rain out while allowing sweat to escape during high-output tasks. At just 600g for a size large, it’s noticeably lighter than the heavier, multi-layered waterproofs, making it ideal for long hours in the paddock, field inspections, or lighter farm chores.
Key functional details include adjustable waist and shoulder straps, storm-flapped chest pocket, and internal bib pockets that can be accessed over base layer trousers. The PU laminate construction and eco-friendly DWR finish help shed water and resist dirt build-up, so it stays cleaner and lighter for longer.
Swazi The Torrent Bib and Brace →
Which Waterproof Bib and Brace is Best for Farming?
The right bib and brace depends less on “which is best” and more on how and where you work. All of these are top-rated waterproof options, but they’re designed with slightly different users in mind.
Here’s how we typically guide customers:
For Extreme Bad Weather
If you’re exposed to driving rain, freezing wind, or long winter livestock shifts, durability and layered waterproof construction matter most.
Best suited options:
Kaiwaka Founders46: Premium storm protection with reinforced stretch zones.
Betacraft ISO940: Built for repeated heavy wear and rough terrain.
Both offer heavyweight structure and long-term reliability. If your waterproofs take abuse daily, these are the safest investments.
For a Proven All-Rounder
For most UK farmers, waterproofs need to handle 80% of the year comfortably, yard work, feeding rounds, general outdoor tasks, without feeling overbuilt.
Best suited option:
Kaiwaka Stormforce. It balances robust rip-stop durability with comfort and breathability, which is why it remains one of the most trusted agricultural waterproof ranges available. If you’re unsure and want a dependable recommendation, Stormforce is often the safest bet.
If you Run Hot or Prefer Lightweight Gear
If you’re constantly on the move, run hot, or prefer layering systems instead of heavy outerwear, lighter technical gear makes more sense.
Best suited option:
Line 7 Territory Storm Pro20. Its high breathability and lighter rip-stop construction make it ideal for spring, summer, and high-output work.
If you Need Flexibility or Chemical Resistance
For dairy units, mixed farms, or environments involving oil and agricultural contaminants, flexibility and fabric resistance become more important than pure storm-proofing bulk.
Best suited option:
Kaiwaka Agtex. It’s lighter, easier to move in, and built to handle agricultural substances without compromising waterproof performance.
For a Versatile Midweight Option
Not everyone needs full storm-grade gear. You may just want dependable waterproof protection without heavyweight bulk.
Best suited option:
Swazi Torrent. It’s a practical everyday performer that works across farming, estate work, and general outdoor roles.
Let's Wrap it Up
Picking the right waterproof bib and brace doesn’t have to feel like deciphering a weather map in the middle of a storm. Kaiwaka keeps you dry and moving when the heavens open, Line 7 lets you glide through milder, damp days without feeling like you’re wearing a suit of armour, Betacraft laughs in the face of heavy-duty farm abuse, and Swazi quietly gets the job done wherever you point it. Each range has its sweet spot — knowing it means fewer soggy socks and less grumbling at the trough.
Still torn between a few options? Explore our full waterproof bib and braces collection or drop our friendly team a message - we promise we won’t send you into the rain unprepared!
