Your Clothing Guide for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season can wreak havoc along the eastern seaboard, Caribbean and Gulf Coast. With strong winds, heavy rains and potential flooding looming, your skinny jeans and t-shirts just won't offer you much protection. Learn which fabrics and garments to look for that will have you prepared, fashion-wise, for storm season.

Which Fabrics Are Ideal?

When looking for a raincoat or rain boots, you often look for those that will keep you dry while out in the rain. Water-absorbent fabrics like cotton or wool won't cut it. Contrary to popular belief, water-resistant fabrics are not very useful either as they are suited more for light rain. The heavy rains that occur with a hurricane or tropical storm will soak through water-resistant fabrics.

You should look for garments made from water-repellent or waterproof fabrics (best choice). Water-repellent fabrics are usually tightly woven fabrics coated with a water-repellent finish that will cause water to bead on the surface, rather than soak through right away. However, lengthy exposure to heavy rain may result in the some water passing through. Waterproof fabrics do what the name implies; prevent water from penetrating through the fabric. Such fabrics are either tightly woven synthetic fiber blends with a waterproof coating, or non-woven synthetics like rubber, vinyl or some other plastic fabric.

What Garments Work?

A waterproof jacket, preferably a breathable one, is ideal. Breathable waterproof jackets protect you during heavy rains but also allow air to pass through so you don't sweat bullets. Dickies makes waterproof breathable jackets for both men and women, with different styles to choose from.

Since many waterproof jackets are not maxi length, you will need a pair of waterproof pants to wear. Yes ladies, skirts will not do, as they do not provide sufficient covering for your legs. As with the jacket, breathable pants are ideal--like the North Face Women's Waterproof Breathable Venture Rain Pants and North Face Men's Freedom Waterproof Breathable Insulated Ski Pants. You won't need a waterproof top, since your waterproof jacket will adequately cover your torso.

Ideal Footwear for Hurricane Season

Obviously your dress shoes and animal-skin boots are not ideal for the heavy rains of hurricane season. Quite frankly, the only type of shoes useful during this time of year are waterproof boots. It is best to wear boots that are high enough to cover your ankles. If the ankle hole is wide enough, tuck your pants inside the boots to prevent any rainwater from splashing up inside your pant legs.

These clothing items will help keep you dry and protected during hurricane and tropical storm season. Remember to look for items labeled waterproof. While style is important, when it comes to storm gear, function should trump style. Besides, you can always change into your stylin' clothing once you are out of the stormy weather and in someplace dry and safe.

Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own shopping guides.