Modern waterproofing methods rely on membranes or different types of coatings to provide proper protection. Water repellent treatments are more like a quick protection against light rain than something to rely on long-term.
The water column measures how much pressure a material can withstand before it starts leaking through. It's actually a pretty important metric when comparing garments.
Waterproof garments use special materials that completely stop water from penetrating. Either a membrane is laminated to the fabric, or a coating is applied directly to the surface.
Membrane-based garments are often three-part: an outer layer for durability, a membrane in the middle that keeps water out but lets steam through, and an inner lining for comfort.
Coating technology, where a plastic-like mass is applied to the back or front of the fabric, provides total waterproofness but often less breathability than membranes.
Critical factors for waterproofness:
Waterproof materials use membranes or coatings that completely block water. They resist rain and wet weather without giving way.
Water-repellent treatments such as DWR (Durable Water Repellent) make water bead up and run off. But it only lasts against light rain and for a short time.
| Technology | Level of protection | Durability | Breathability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof membrane | Fully waterproof | High | Good to excellent |
| Coating | Fully | Medium to high | Limited |
| DWR treatment | Limited | Low to medium | Excellent |
Water-repellent treatments wear off and need to be renewed occasionally. Membranes last longer, but can still take a beating from heavy use or chemicals.
Water column is measured in millimeters and shows how much pressure the fabric can withstand before it starts to leak. Higher values mean better protection.
A simple rain jacket can cope with 5 000-10 000 mm, but really tough outdoor workwear needs 15 000-20 000 mm.
Factors that influence waterproofness:
If you're working actively, the material will wear more, so it's important to maintain the waterproofing to keep the garment tight.
There are three main ways to make garments waterproof: membranes, coatings and sealed seams.
Membranes are the most advanced technology. They are placed between the outer and inner fabric and act as a smart barrier - letting out steam but stopping raindrops.
Gore-Tex is probably the best known membrane, with tiny pores that are much smaller than water droplets but still let water vapor through.
eVent and Pertex Shield are other examples, with slightly different constructions but similar functionality. The thickness varies between 10 and 25 micrometers, and they need careful treatment to last.
Membrane garments need to be maintained. The DWR treatment on the outer fabric needs to be freshened up occasionally, otherwise the breathability deteriorates when the surface gets wet.
Coatings are applied directly to the back of the fabric and form a tight barrier. PU (polyurethane) coating is most common in cheaper rainwear - waterproof but not very breathable.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)laminate is attached with heat and pressure. It is more durable than regular PU and retains its pliability when cold.
PVC coatings are used where waterproofing is more important than comfort, for example in really tough workwear. They don't let any vapor through at all but resist chemicals.
Laminated garments can be two- or three-layer. Three-layer constructions integrate the lining with the membrane, making the garment thinner and more durable.
Seams are often the weak point of a garment. Seam taping involves placing a thermoplastic tape over the seam and fusing it.
Ultrasonic welding fuses the fabric without using thread, resulting in really tight seams. It is most common in more expensive rainwear.
Blind seams are sewn from the inside without going straight through the outer fabric. With a sealant it will be tight, but not quite as good as fully taped seams.
How carefully the seams are sealed affects how long the garment stays tight. Higher quality workwear often has double taping in exposed areas like shoulders and knees.
Portwest
Portwest
Portwest
Sealtex Classic Winter Trousers
Portwest
Portwest
Portwest
Portwest
The performance of different technologies depends a lot on the working environment, the weather and what the user needs in terms of movement and comfort.
Membranes like Gore-Tex deliver reliable protection even in really bad weather. The microporous membranes let out steam but keep out the rain.
In light rain, both the membrane and water-repellent treatments work well. The water runs off without soaking into the fabric.
But in heavy rain and prolonged exposure, membranes are the way to go. Water-repellent treatments give up after a while - they're mostly for short periods and light rain.
| Technology | Light rain | Heavy rain | Long-term exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membrane | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Water repellent | Good | Moderate | Inadequate |
Wind can also play a role. Membrane systems hold tight even when rain blows in, while water-repellent treatments can give way when water is pressed against the fabric.
Membrane technologies offer controlled breathability thanks to microscopic pores that release moisture from within. Modern membrane technologies often have breathability values between 10 000 and 30 000 g/m²/24h, depending on the quality and manufacturer.
Water repellent treatments tend not to significantly affect the natural breathability of the fabric base. This can be quite useful for lighter work where complete waterproofness is not super important.
Temperature regulation differs between the technologies. Membrane garments can feel warmer because the system is completely closed.
Water repellent-treated fabrics often retain more of the original temperature properties of the fabric. This can be an advantage if you want to avoid getting too hot.
Moisture management from within the garment works best with membrane technologies. They wick away body moisture while blocking external moisture.
Water repellent systems rely more on the natural properties of the fabric base to manage moisture. This can work, but is not as effective during intense activity.
Membrane-based systems stand out when it comes to long-term waterproofing. The membrane is built into the fabric and retains its properties even after many washes and a lot of wear.
Water repellent treatments need to be renewed regularly. The effect wears off after washing, friction and UV light, so the treatment needs to be reapplied every three to six months depending on how often the garment is used.
Mechanical stress affects the techniques in different ways. A membrane can be punctured or torn, causing localized loss of waterproofing.
Water repellent treatments wear down over larger areas rather than at a specific point. It is a bit of a perpetual maintenance project.
Maintenance requirements vary a lot. Membrane garments require special detergents that work with the membrane.
Water repellent garments can be washed more like normal clothes, but you need to remember to re-impregnate them quite often. It's easy to forget.
Cost over time often favors membrane technologies, even if they are more expensive in the beginning. Constantly having to re-treat water repellent garments makes them quite expensive in the long run if you use them a lot.
Waterproofing technologies for workwear differ quite a lot in performance, price and applications. Each technology has its distinct strengths and weaknesses depending on the environment and needs.
Membrane technologies such as Gore-Tex and eVent deliver a strong combination of water protection and breathability. They release water vapor from the inside but stop rain on the outside.
This means you can work long hours without getting unnecessarily sweaty. Not bad at all if you ask me.
Coating techniques are cheaper and provide decent protection against rain and moisture. PU coatings work well for shorter exposures and cost a fraction compared to advanced membranes.
Laminated materials are multi-layered and provide extra durability. Three-layer constructions resist wear from tools and rough surfaces.
These garments are often the first choice in construction and industry where clothing takes a lot of punishment.
Waterproof garments keep workers dry and warm, reducing sick leave. Not being cold at work is actually a safety issue.
Waterproof materials can restrict air circulation compared to regular fabrics. This often leads to more sweating, especially during heavy physical work.
It's not always comfortable, especially if you move around a lot.
Cost is a factor for many companies: really good membrane garments can cost three to five times more than basic rainwear.
They also require special care to keep up their performance over time.
Durability issues arise with heavy use. Coatings can peel off after many washes or contact with chemicals.
Membranes can become clogged with dirt and oil from the working environment. This is not always easy to avoid.
Repairs are not always easy. A small hole can cause the whole garment to leak, and sometimes you simply have to buy a new one.
Outdoor work in extreme weather requires advanced membrane technologies. Builders, loggers and offshore workers need maximum performance.
It costs, but safety and productivity come first.
Short-term moisture exposure works well with simpler coatings. Warehouse and transportation workers who spend most of their time indoors often get by with cheaper options.
It saves money, especially if you have many employees.
Chemical environments require special materials. PVC coatings resist acids and solvents better than textile membranes.
Industries with aggressive substances prioritize chemical resistance above all else.
Budget and volume often drive the choice. Smaller companies opt for simpler protection, while larger organizations go for premium solutions.
Paying more in the beginning can still pay off in the long run.
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Regular washing and proper waterproofing are essential to keep membranes working properly. When performance starts to fail, there are specific methods to restore waterproofing.
Waterproof garments need to be washed regularly to allow the membrane to breathe. Dirt, sweat and salts easily clog the pores and make the garment much worse.
Washing process:
After washing, it's time for impregnation to restore water repellency. There are several ways to do this, depending on your preference.
Impregnation methods:
Workwear in industry and construction is particularly hard-wearing. They need to be washed more often and require stronger impregnation than normal casual wear.
When water repellency deteriorates, you can often restore it with heat and special treatment. If you notice that water is no longer beading on the surface, it's time to take action.
Heat treatment activates the impregnation after washing. Use a tumble dryer on low heat or iron at medium heat with a towel in between.
It usually brings back that fresh water repellency.
Recovery process:
For workwear with membranes, professional repair may sometimes be required. Small holes can be fixed at home with special tape, but larger damages should be taken care of by someone who can.
It's a good idea to check seams and zippers regularly. Small problems quickly become big - and expensive.
Waterproof garments rely on a variety of materials and techniques, from membranes to finishes and sealed seams. How long they last depends a lot on how you look after them.
The most common materials are laminated membranes, PU coatings and specially woven textiles. Membranes consist of thin films with microscopic pores that let steam through but stop water.
PU coatings are applied directly to the inside of the fabric, creating a tight barrier against moisture. They resist washing better than some other materials and are often used in workwear that is washed frequently.
Technical fabrics with a tight weave are sometimes combined with chemical treatments to achieve waterproofing. These materials try to balance durability and functionality for professional use.
Gore-Tex is based on an ePTFE membrane where the pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule. This makes the garment completely waterproof yet breathable.
eVent uses Direct Venting, where the membrane does not need to get wet to release vapor. An oleophobic treatment keeps oils out of the pores.
Other technologies such as Dermizax and H2No have their own chemical solutions but similar results. What you choose depends mostly on your requirements for breathability, durability and budget.
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatments are applied to the surface of the fabric to allow the water droplets to roll off, rather than be sucked in. Fluorocarbon-based treatments have long been the standard, but they are now actually being phased out in favor of alternatives that are kinder to the environment.
Silicone-based treatments provide really good water repellency without fluoride compounds, and they work particularly well on synthetic materials. The downside? They need to be refreshed periodically by re-impregnating them if you want them to last.
There are also more permanent water-repellent treatments that are built into the fiber itself during manufacturing. This gives longer durability, but can sometimes make the fabric a little stiffer or affect the feel.
Waterproofness is measured in water column (mm) and shows how much water pressure a material can withstand before it starts to leak. For workwear, the limit is often at least 5000 mm for it to be considered waterproof in common situations.
Breathability is expressed as MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) and is about how much water vapor can escape through the material per unit time. The higher the MVTR, the better the ability to wick moisture away from the body.
Thin membranes tend to breathe better but are often a bit more sensitive, while thicker materials provide higher waterproofness but can feel denser and less airy.
Taped seams are super important to make fully waterproof garments, as otherwise the holes from the needle can let water in. Therefore, special tape is put over the seams on the inside to seal them.
In some cases, welding techniques are used instead of regular sewing, especially in particularly exposed areas. This fuses the layers of material together without making holes, providing really good waterproofing even when the pressure increases.
Zippers and pockets are a bit of a challenge and often need their own waterproof solutions. How you place and design them actually plays a big role in the overall function of the garment.
Always wash according to the manufacturer's instructions, and use detergents designed for technical garments. Ordinary detergent? No thanks - it can actually damage both membranes and DWR treatments, making the garment less waterproof over time.
Waterproofing is a bit of a necessity if you want your garment to stay waterproof. Apply the waterproofing agent to clean, damp fabric after washing, and make sure to activate it with a little heat.
Make sure the garment is completely dry before putting it away. Storing it in a dry state reduces the risk of mold and bacteria that can otherwise break down the material.
And, yes - avoid folding or pressing the garment too much. It's actually best to hang it in an airy place.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.
