Waterproof fabric has been around for a long time; so long in fact that most of us never stop to consider what life would be like without it. Take a moment to consider what a boating trip, walking the dog on a drizzly day or working on a construction site in March would be like without some form of waterproof material? In the following
History
Essentially waterproof fabric is any material that has been treated; allowing it to repel water while still letting
Luckily for
How it Works
Today most waterproof fabrics have been treated with a laminate or coating of, for example, PU (polyurethane), rubber or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or wax to make it water repellent, while still allowing water
A fabric’s water resistance i.e. the level to which it repels water, “is measured, in mm, which can be suspended above the fabric before water seeps through”, while it’s breathability (or vapour transmission rate) is “measured by the rate at which water vapour passes through, in grams of water vapour per square meter of fabric per 24 hour period (g/m2/d)”. According to GO Outdoors a garment is judged to be 100% waterproof if it meets the British Standard of 3 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), which can withstand 1500mm of pressure. Today most types of
- Does it have the appropriate waterproof rating for the conditions you want to wear it in?
- Is it durable?
- Do you need a thick coat for
example, or a lightweight one? - Look at the fit – a waterproof item that’s too small will be uncomfortable while one that is too large might let water in
When buying waterproof gear it’s important to look for quality items that will not only meet your specific