The Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Fabric

Waterproof means that something is impervious to water; however, the meaning becomes less straightforward when you consider waterproof material. Most waterproof fabric or waterproof garments are highly water-resistant and will bead, but they are not genuinely one hundred percent waterproof.

Tight stitching, synthetic fibers, and polyurethane coatings enable waterproof jackets and backpacks to repel water while also remaining breathable and flexible for the wearer.

Water-resistant material will repel light amounts of moisture, but it cannot match the beading efficiency of waterproof products. Water-resistant fabric is typically more lightweight and breathable than waterproof alternatives, so it might be a preferable choice for athletes or outdoor enthusiasts.

A water-resistant jacket will likely hold up to light rain or minor splashes, but a downpour will quickly soak through this layer of outerwear.

Consider these significant areas of difference when comparing waterproof vs. water-resistant materials to better understand their strengths in the field:

• Breathability: Waterproof products will trap body heat and sweat, making them less breathable than water-resistant fabrics.
• Level of protection: Water-resistant materials have less ingress protection (or lower IP ratings) than waterproof products, meaning it’s easier for liquids or solid particles to permeate water-resistant materials. This makes water-resistant materials more susceptible than waterproof materials to water damage. Manufacturers can also test a product’s waterproof capabilities by finding its hydrostatic head, a measurement of how resistant fabric is to a vertical column of water—in other words, the maximum height the water column can reach before the liquid begins to flow through the textile. Waterproof fabric will generally have a higher hydrostatic head than water-resistant fabric.
• Seams: Waterproof clothing is more likely than water-resistant clothing to have noticeable taping or welding at the seams and often some layer of protection underneath zippers. These extra reinforcements protect the weak points where water could otherwise seep into the garment.

Water-repellent fabrics will perform nearly as well as water-resistant fabrics in beading water. Apply a durable water repellent (DWR) or a DWR coating to clothing or footwear to improve the water protection of these items.

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