Water-proof Fabric

There is actually a third type of fabric that repels water. We call it water-repellent fabric. We treat this type of fabric with a special coating that repels water.

Examples of water-repellent outdoors fabrics include PUL (polyurethane laminated) fabric and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) fabric. We choose PUL fabric for pads that we use for quilting and to handle waterproof mattresses, while TPU fabric is lighter and softer, so we use it to make fabric bed sheets and babies' nappies.

These are the most popular fabrics we use per metre wide for various home furnishings and clothing:

ELS (Extra-Long-Staple) Cotton
This type of cotton fabric comes mainly from California in the US. We make this very dense fabric from specially cultivated extra-long fibres that we weave together. This is an excellent waterproof fabric and people use this cotton fabric to make outerwear during extreme weather conditions. They also use these cotton fabrics for quilting waterproof bed protectors and for sheets. People often use these cotton fabrics as part of a fabric blend to create other list waterproof items of clothing, such as pants and shirts.

Nylon and polyester
As we already mentioned, one creates these 2 fabrics with a tight weave so that they are water-resistant fabrics. If treated as well, polyester fabric is the ideal waterproof fabric for all sorts of outdoor products, including outdoor umbrellas, outdoor patio furniture and raincoats. Before one treats polyester fabrics, they are not completely waterproof: but when one weaves the polymer fibres into the fabric, water can soak through the gaps in the fabric's weave. So manufacturers treat these outdoor fabrics to make them waterproof and more hard wearing.

Microfibre
We often use this soft fabric as a cloth for cleaning mobile phones, computer screens and glasses. We make the fabric out of polyester. It's water-resistant, but then we coat the fabric to make it 100% waterproof. We also use this fabric for jackets and bed sheets.

Oilcloth
We initially made this type of fabric from tightly woven linen or duck cloth. We also call this fabric 'enamelled cloth'. People used to treat them by coating the fabric in boiled linseed oil.

This stiffened the fabric and made it waterproof and more durable. We rarely use this fabric for clothing, although in the past people used these fabrics for sailor's coats as well as boat sails.

These days, we coat oilcloth with clear vinyl. This fabric, which comes in both matte and shiny textures, is very hard wearing and easy to clean. We mainly use the fabrics for luggage and as a waterproof mattress cover in hospitals, etc.

Wool
Wool is a most interesting natural fibre. Not only is it naturally water-resistant, but the fabric also absorbs water: in fact, it can soak up to 30% of its natural weight in water!

To make the fabric more water-resistant, we coat wool fabric with a thin layer of lanolin oil. However, you need to regularly re-apply this coating, or the fabric won't remain as water-resistant. Before we make wool fabric garments, we usually boil the fabric in hot water to make it even more water-resistant.

Latex and natural rubber
We make latex fabric products re made from either synthetic rubber or natural rubber (the natural sap from the rubber tree). The natural version is hardwearing and biodegradable, too, so it's an extremely eco friendly fabric. Both these fabrics are extremely water resistant; we use the water resistant fabric to make a variety of products, from rubber gloves to clothing and seat covers.

Gore-tex®
Manufacturers created this very hard-wearing, waterproof synthetic fabric from stretched Teflon threads (polytetrafluoroethylene). We often use the fabric for camping equipment, luggage, fabric army uniforms as well as in various countries' space programmes. What sets Gore-tex® fabrics apart from other waterproof fabric is that it's also breathable.

Vinyl
Made from PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, this fabric is extremely hard wearing, long lasting and waterproof. We used to produce music records from vinyl. We've also used the fabric to make some iconic garments of clothing, especially in the punk rock era (1970s). We call it 'pleather' or 'faux leather'. We use vinyl fabric to make rain jackets, handbags and other water-resistant clothing and accessories.

Ever wonder how those raincoats and umbrellas keep you so dry? The key is in the fabric, which is specially treated to repel water. In this article, we'll take a look at how waterproof fabric is made and what goes into making it.

The first step in making waterproof fabric is to choose the right material. Materials like nylon and polyester are commonly used because they're lightweight and durable. Once the material is chosen, it's time to add the waterproof coating.

There are several different ways to do this, but the most common method is to coat the fabric with a polymer substance. This substance forms a barrier that water can't penetrate. Other methods include adding a waterproof laminate or coating the fabric with wax or oils.

The first step in manufacturing waterproof fabric is to treat the fabric with a waterproofing agent. This agent can be either a chemical or a polymer. Next, the fabric is placed on a rollers and passed through a heated chamber. The heat activates the waterproofing agent and bonds it to the fabric. Finally, the fabric is cooled and then treated with a water repellent. The water repellent helps keep the fabric from becoming saturated with water.

Once the fabric has been treated, it's time to test it to make sure it's truly waterproof. The most common way to do this is by placing a sample of the fabric in a container of water and seeing if any water seeps through. If it does, the treatment process will have to be repeated until the fabric is completely waterproof.

Waterproof fabrics are an essential component of many different types of clothing, from raincoats to umbrellas. The key to their effectiveness is in the manufacturing process, which involves treating the fabric with a special coating that repels water. With proper care, your waterproof garments should keep you dry for many years to come.

Whether you are hiking through a torrential downpour, skiing in the mountains, or navigating a rainy urban commute, having the right outerwear can make all the difference. Waterproof breathable fabric is the unsung hero in outerwear, offering protection from the elements while keeping you comfortable. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about waterproof breathable fabric, from its construction to care. 

Waterproof breathable fabric is a specially engineerted textile designed to repel water while allowign moisture vapor (like sweat) to escape from inside, keeping you dry and comfortable in various weather conditions. This type of fabric is commonly used in outdoor clothing, including rain jackets, ski pants, hiking gear, and in various industrial and military applications.

What makes fabric waterproof?
A fabric's waterproof rating is determind by its ability to resist the penetration of water. This resistance is achieved through the combination of the outer shell material, DWR finish, and waterproof membrane. The key factor that make fabric waterproof include:

DWR Coating: DWR causes water to bead up on the fabric's surface, preventing it from saturating the outer shell. Regular reapplication of DWR is essential to maintain this property.
Waterproof Membrane: The waterproof membrane forms the primary barrier against water penetration.
Taped Seams: Properly sealed seams prevent water from seeping through the stitched areas of the fabric. Untaped seams are a common point in waterproofing.
Fabric Quality: The quality of the outer shell material can affect waterproofness. High-quality fabrics are often more durable and better at repelling water.

What is DWR (Durable Water Repellent)?
A durable water repellent (DWR) coating is a treatment applied to the outer shell of waterproof fabric. It works by reducing the surface tension of water droplets, causing them to bead up and roll off the fabric rather than being absorbed like when raindrops hit the finish on a car or a plant leaf. Over time, DWR treatments can wear off dur to regular wear, exposure to dirt and oils, and repeated washing. To maintain optimal performance, it is essential to regularly wash your outerwear and periodically reapply DWR using products specfically designed for this purpose.

How do waterproof membranes work?
Hydrophobic membranes
Hydrophobic membranes play a crucial role in the functionality of outerwear by providing waterproof and breathable properties. These membranes are typically made of polymers or synthetic materials with hydrophobic characteristics, meaning they repel water. When integrated into outerwear, these membranes function as a barrier that prevents external moisture, like rain or snow, from penetrating while allowing internal moisture, such as sweat vapor, to escape. The hydrophobic nature of these membranes ensures that water droplets bead up on the fabric's surface and slide off, rather than being absorbed.

This dual-action mechanism maintains the wearer's comfort by keeping them dry from external elements and allowing their body heat and moisture to dissipate, resulting in a more breathable and comfortable outdoor experience. Additionally, advanced hydrophobic membranes often include microscopic pores that facilitate water vapor molecules' movement while blocking larger liquid water molecules, further enhancing the breathability and waterproofing of the outerwear.

Hydrophilic membranes
Hydrophilic membranes in outerwear function by utilizing a specialized material that exhibits inherently affinity for water. These membranes are typically integrated into the fabric layers of outdoor garments to provide waterproof and breathable properties. The hydrophilic membrane is engineered to have microscopic pores that are smaller than a water droplet but larger than water vapor molecules. When snow, rain, water, or any liquid contacts the outer surface of the garment, the hydrophilic membrane actively attracts and absorbs the water, preventing it from penetrating the inner layers.

Simultaneously, the moisture vapor produced by the body's perspiration is allowed to escape through these pores due to the difference in pressure and the membrane's hydrophilic nature, ensuring breathability. This combination of repelling external moisture while permitting internal moisture transfer helps keep the wearer dry and comfortable, making hydrophilic membranes a fundamental technology in waterproof and breathable outdoor apparel.

Waterproof breathable fabric construction
Waterproof breathable fabrics are produced with the construction of layers of fabric and membrane, fused together with heat and glue, creating a fabric laminate. The most common fabric laminates consist of the top fabric (the outer shell fabric), or face fabric, a membrane layer, and a backer (or liner) fabric. The number of layers in a fabric laminate creates the expectation for durability, breathability, and overall function of the laminate. The most common laminate types are:

2-layer laminates are the most basic construction, combining a face fabric with a membrane. These laminates are either paired with insulation and/or drop liner to protect the membrane layer from damage.
2.5-layer laminates are constructed the same as a 2-layer laminate, but the membrane is printed on to protect it from damage.
3-layer laminates are the most common construction found in high-performance waterproof apparel. In this construction, the membrane is sandwiched between a face fabric and a backer fabric, protecting it on both sides.
4-layer laminates are most used in footwear. This construction method is the same as a 3-layer laminate but between the membrane and backer, a layer of foam or felt is inserted to provide added protection.

Waterproof garment components
When waterproof fabric laminates are constructed into garments, footwear, and accessories, different components are used to lock out moisture and help increase breathability. These components help reinforce any potential weak points, while still maintaining the intended structure and design:

Seam sealing or seam taping is used to reseal the holes that were created when seams were sewn together and ensure there are no pinholes in the garment where water can enter.
Zippers and fasteners have dual purposes in waterproof garments. In addition to being used to construct outerwear that is easy to put on and take off, zippers and fasteners can also provide added waterproof protection. Of note, in heavier jackets or garments that have membranes with limited breathability, it is common to find zippers in the armpit area (aka "pit zips") that allow the user to quickly shed body heat.

Waterproofness and Breathability
Even if a garment is constructed using a waterproof membrane with a DWR-treated face fabric, the waterproof and breathability ratings can vary depending on the materials used and how the garment is constructed. By reviewing the waterproof and breathability ratings in waterproof outerwear and footwear, you can find the right piece for your favority activity, lifestyle, or region.

Waterproof Ratings
Waterproofness (or in industry terms water column) measures the level of water pressure that a fabric can withstand before water penetrates it. Waterproofness is measured in millimeters and is tested by putting a 1"x1" cylinder over a piece of fabric and filling it with water until the water leaks through. As the material withstands a greater amount of water presure, illustrating a greater water pressure, the measured water column increases.

Breathability Ratings
Much like how waterproofness keeps you comfortable and dry on the outside, breathability keeps you comfortable and dry on the inside of your garment. By selecting the appropriate level of breathability in your garment, you can help regulate your body's temperature and help prevent overheating. Breathability is measured by the moisture vapor transfer rate, or MVTR. MVTR measures the rate in which moisture permeates through a fabric in grams/meter2 in a 24-hour period. The higher the MVTR is in a fabric, the more breathable the fabric is, helping you stay dry and comfortable.

Waterproof fabric care
Technical outerwear benefits from regular washing to keep it performing at its best. Before washing, carefully review and follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Most waterproof garments can be cleaned with the following instructions:

Secure all zippers and closures on your garment and loosen any elastics
Always wash technical garments separately
Do not overload the washing machine. Aim for half a load for proper washing.
Do not use regular laundry detergent. Use a detergent designed for technical waterproof fabrics. Follow the directions on the label. These can be easily found at outdoor shops or online.
Tumble dry on low heat to rejuvenate the DWR finish
Do not use fabric softeners, bleach, or stain removal products and never dry clean your waterproof garments. This will damage the functionality of the fabric.
Do not use an iron to rejuvenate the DWR finish, an iron that is too hot can irreparably damage the fabric.

Established in 1992, JHQ is a well-experienced Fabric manufacturer based in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. We design, develop, manufacture and sell different types of fabrics , such as water-proof fabric, work-wear fabric, medical fabric, out-door fabric, inflatable fabric, football fabric, etc. Compared to others, we are especially proud for having a strong technical team which can provide support to customers for different requestments, And our annual revenue of 2023 was more than 70 million RMB.