Water-resistant < water repellent < waterproof
Jul 21, 2021
Water-resistatn < water repellent < waterproof
We all see references to the function of waterproof, water-resistant and water-repellant being thrown around on premium outdoor function clothing. The key question is: What’s the difference? There are a lot of outer wear written on this topic, but we figured we would throw in our two-cents as well and take a closer look at the differences between all three terms, with a specific focus on all professional outdoor rash guard wear, such as rain wear, ski wear and also other outdoor wear.
First of all, let’s start with some quick dictionary definitions of waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent, as given by the Oxford English Dictionary:
Water-resistant: able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely
Water-repellent: not easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating
Waterproof: impervious to water
What Does Water-Resistant Mean?
Water-resistant is the lowest level of water protection of the three. If a garment is labeled as water-resistant it means that the shell’s construction makes it more difficult for water to get inside of it, or possibly that it is coated with a very light substance that helps improve for water not easy come in. Water-resistant qualities are great for products such as watches because they help those products withstand light rain or washing your hands. This term normally used for casual cotton nylon woven wear.
What Does Water-Repellent Mean?
Water-repellent coatings are the next step up from water-resistant coatings. The clothing labeled as water-repellent have properties that repel water from them, which makes them hydrophobic. Many companies claim water-repellency, but the term is heavily debated because a durable water repellent is rare and because of all the questions and unpredictable elements associated with it.
It is usually seen at the clothing, like active stretchy jogger pants with quick dry.
What Does Waterproof Mean?
Defining “waterproof” is simple, but the durable using time for normal life or extreme place or activities, will be very very different.
To make a garment in completely waterproof, the shell need to be seam-taping or welding for all seam, to protect all water won’t come in.
At usual, the waterproof clothing are saying about rain wear with seam taping or functional ski 2 layers or 3 layers clothing for pants or jackets.
