How is waterproof clothing made

We recommend the following guidelines for MVTR:. MVTR is a tricky measurement: there are multiple methods for testing it and each method favours different fabrics. Manufacturers usually just quote the most flattering results for their garments, which can make comparisons difficult.

Humidity Breathability in waterproof jackets depends on 'solid state diffusion': water vapour is absorbed through the fabric and passed to the other side. The water vapour will always try to move to the least humid side of the fabric to maintain an equilibrium. In most conditions this means the water passes from the inside to the outside of the jacket.

Air permeability Air permeability is the measurement of how much air a fabric allows to pass through it. Not all waterproofs have an air permeability rating, but jackets with this rating will probably have a lower MVTR than jackets without. Features Pockets in your jacket can affect the breathability because they add another layer of fabric to your jacket.

Some jackets have crafty mesh pockets to reduce fabric and allow you to dump excess heat and sweat too. Dirt and abrasion: Dirt and abrasion could be stopping your DWR from working , reducing breathability.

Which brings us to A Durable Water Repellent DWR is a fabric coating that stops water from soaking into your jacket, causing it to bead up and roll off instead. When this happens your jacket loses its breathability, becomes heavier and feels colder because wet fabric conducts heat away from your skin.

Regular cleaning and reproofing maintain the DWR coating so your jacket continues to repel water. Your DWR makes water bead up into droplets and roll off the surface of your waterproof so that it maintains its breathability.

The only thing you really need to know about the DWR is what affect it has on the environment. Historically, the outdoor industry exclusively used C8 DWRs for their incredible durability.

As a result, the industry shifted to using C6 DWRs. These were less durable and required more maintenance than C8, but they didn't accumulate as much or produce toxic by-products. However, all PFCs, even the less harmful C6 chemicals, build up in the environment. Hopefully, you should now have a better idea of what all that complicated spec on your waterproof jacket means.

To source our technical fabrics, we work directly with our own fabric mills, factories and suppliers. The fabric we used for our high performance mountaineering jacket, the Definition , is completely unique, developed especially for us. Our missions as designers to produce gear that costs less and works harder. Mountain sports waterproof for moving fast, whether hiking, biking or scrambling. Hiking in say Tully Northern Queensland, Or in Litchfield south of Darwin or PNG Jungles Kokoda — will significantly slow the noticeable breathability of a garment, whereas if you are at the ski fields of the Snowy Mountains, or deep in the Wolgan Valley of the Blue Mountains during August or scrambling up to Mt Ossa in September, then your shell will breathe a lot better.

Other factors than can affect the breathability of a fabric are how clean the garment is. If your jacket is dirty, and contaminated with dirt, grime, oils, etc.

Then the pores that the vapour is trying to escape through will be blocked. Also, one of the most important aspects of breathability is how good the DWR Durable Water Repellent coating is on a garment.

Below is a list of waterproof and breathability ratings of various fabrics:. Breathability is heavily influenced by the environment, activity levels, cleanliness of the garment and its DWR. Ratings are only a guide and should not be the sole factor in choosing which garment to buy. In order to maintain breathability, the garment must be cleaned and reproofed regularly.

A jackets breathability has limitations: nothing will work in extremely humid, wet environments. There are many types of waterproof breathable jackets on the market. The following are just a few types available. Each have their own merit, and will perform depending on the conditions the garment is used in and for. Gore has continued to pave the way as a market leader and now produces a number of different fabrics to cater to the outdoor market. Even though Gore is the most well known of the WPB manufacturers, what continues to be seen in the outdoor market is that the absolute top brands in outdoor garments continue to use Gore products as their mainstay of WPB garments.

The smooth texture of the knit backing is soft to the touch, and makes the garment easier to slide on and off over other layers. Designed for sustained use in severe environments and for those that abuse their jackets. It is made up of multiple layers of ePTFE bonded to the face fabric — usually a high abrasion resistant denier fabric and a gridded backing textile.

Jackets made from this fabric are ultimately very durable and reliable in the most severe conditions.

The 2 layer fabric has a separate mesh style liner which drapes nice against the body and breathes well. The 3 layer is similar to the older well known XCR fabric that was around for a few years. This version is the tried and tested laminate. It is used in everyday outdoor garments and is usually found in the more affordable range of Gore shellwear.

The most used laminate in the Gore range, it still offers the same combination of waterproof and breathable attributes but at a more reasonable price than Pro. Whilst the Marmot Bleeker Component uses a lighter 2-layer fabric. This fabric is a 2. By doing this eVent remains air permeable. Rather than moving moisture out of the garment by means of diffusion, eVent fabric vents moisture directly to the outside of the fabric.

If the user can look past this, eVent fabric has for many years been used in some of the best made garments from the very best brands such as RAB. An example of this is DVstorm. This 3-layer membrane is designed to be lightweight, maintain a solid waterproof rating, but offer exceptional levels of breathability.

Of course a lightweight garment using DVstorm will likely be less durable compared to a traditional tougher eVent alternative. Made in 2, 2. The 2 layer version uses a hanging liner to protect the PU film, whereas the 2. The 2 and 2. This 2. Patagonia H2No: The 3-layer H2No Performance Standard shell fabrics are completely waterproof, windproof, breathable and highly packable.

Lamination is added by bonding the water-resistant layer to the back of the fabric. The drape of the fabric becomes less flexible when adding the lamination. This gives a structure and a crisp hand to the thin cloth.

Laminated cotton is a wonderful fabric suitable for making many things because it is breathable and flexible. It has a laminate layer of about 1-millimeter thickness on the fabric. Laminated poplin is a favourite of many international brands to make protective clothing including jackets.

There are mainly 3 types of laminates — Non-porous laminate , micro porous laminate, viscous coating. Oilcloth, also known as enameled cloth or American cloth, is a close-woven cotton duck or linen cloth with a coating of boiled linseed oil to make it waterproof.

This is the earlier version of the oilcloth. Nowadays Modern oilcloth refers to a cotton or linen material coated with a clear vinyl layer on top. The clear finish can be shiny or matt. This hard wearing, durable and easy to clean just wipe to clean material is great for making tablecloths, coverings, luggage, tote bags, kitchen accessories etc. Check out this post if you would like to make an attempt at making oilcloth.

Fleece can be water resistant depending on its quality not waterproof. Denser the fleece the more it is water repellant. Because of its water repellent quality, it is frequently used to make cloth diaper outer layers. With a specially applied water-repellent coating, you can make fleece more water resistant than it is originally. Wool is naturally water resistant not waterproof and it is a natural fabric which is its USP; if coated with lanolin you can increase its water resistance.

You may have to do this periodically. You can also buy boiled wool which is also very water resistant — this wool is boiled in hot water and made denser so that the waterproof quality is increased. Wool felt is used to make hats which can stand some amount of rain exposure. These artificial materials are waterproof and are usually used in sewing to make cosmetic bags, tote bags, beach bags, placemats etc.

Naugahyde is an American brand name for a vinyl material designed to resemble leather, made from fabric coated with rubber or vinyl resin. It is an upholstery material that is tough, durable, supple, flexible and waterproof. PEVA is acronym for polyethylene vinyl acetate. It is used to make waterproof shower curtain liners. Fabrics made of cotton or synthetic micro denier filament yarns with compacted weave structure are trusted to be water repellent and even water proof because they are made with this purpose — with very little pores between them so that the water will not pass through them.

They may also be given a Durable waterproof repellent DWR coating to make them waterproof. Check out more details of a specialized fabric Ventile here which is a branded cotton fabric with water resisting properties. The densely woven cotton textile gives reasonable protection against typical rain, as claimed by the manufacturers. Gore-tex fabric is said to be the most waterproof windproof fabric available. The best thing is that it is breathable as well. You can read more about the fabric here.

The fabric is water repellent breathable, durable and fast drying. Cordura is a Nylon which is waterproof. You may need to choose a denier Cordura nylon for this — and for abrasion resistance, strength etc the fabric is unbeatable. Water repellent fabric. A Nylon fabric with a matte surface has a durable water-resistant finish to repel moisture. This synthetic rubber is waterproof — it is the material used to make wet suits.

It is a percent expanded vinyl on the outside with a jersey knit backing. This is a favorite for making outdoor upholstery as it looks like leather. Sunbrella water resistant not waterproof. Sunbrella fabric is one of the most popular outdoor fabrics — it is fade resistant, mildew resistant and water resistant — but not waterproof. Coated Oxford Fabric Nylon or Polyester.

This is a Urethane Coated Nylon or Polyester fabric. Frequently used for making tents, bags, flags, banners, outer fabric as well as lining of bags etc. This branded fabric is resistant to all elements including sun and water and even fire. It is a synthetic sunshade fabric made of PVC coated polyester fibers.

The malleable fabric is used to make umbrellas, outdoor cushions etc. Real water proof ability starts from mm. For withholding heavy rain you need to get a rating of mm and above. This article in wikihow tells you how to make your own waterproof material by spraying a waterproof sealer on the fabric surface. Usually hardwearing twill weave fabrics like Cotton suede, Wool Covert are used for this.

Do not use pins to keep fabric layers together on visible areas — pin can mark the fabric and leave permanent holes. Use clips to hold the fabric or pin on the seam allowance. You may find that you do not mind the odd pinholes though. Test and use. Keep the plastic side down when you sew, where possible- your pressure foot will move better on the fabric side than on the sticky plastic side. If you have to sew on the plastic side use a tissue paper on top of the material and sew as usual.

The regular metal pressure foot of your sewing machine will stick to the slick plastic material and refuse to go forward. Use a Teflon foot to sew on the sticky side of these fabrics. Walking foot will also be a great aid here, as it feeds fabric smoothly. No drags, glitches or stops. Use ballpoint needle to sew — this will sew without leaving holes. Use polyester thread, because it is stronger than cotton thread.

It is not enough that you have waterproof fabric. All waterproof breathable fabrics may also need to be seam sealed to ensure that the garment is truly waterproof. A fabric is truly waterproof when all seams are so sealed that there are no leakage points. Use waterproof zipper tape to ensure the fastener is also waterproof. Wash by hand if possible. These materials are best not dumped into the washing machine and forgotten. Do not dry clean or bleach or use any of the spot stain remedies you use on normal fabrics or even harsh detergents.

Read the care label on the fabric carefully. Some of these fabrics should only be wiped clean with clean water. Suitability Durability and breath ability are of primary concern when selecting your waterproof fabric. So test the above-given fabrics for your project against these criteria.

More reading material on waterproofing and water repellent fabrics : Durable water repellent finish — Wikipedia. Water Proof fabrics — Fabrics that do not allow any water to penetrate through them. This is the ultimate among all the categories. The finish closes all pores on the fabric and the fabric is completely immune to water. Water repellent fabrics — Fabrics with a special fabric finish on the surface or special tight weave or one with special sprays applied that cause the water to roll off the surface.

When the finish is gone the water repellency is also gone. Water resistant fabrics -Fabrics treated so that it resist water to an extent. A chemical coating is applied on the surface. If you are standing in the rain for some time under some of these fabrics eventually water will get through.

Water repellent finish — A special finish added to the fabric surface to make it repell water — the finish prevents penetration of water droplets to the inside. The advantage is that if applied moderately it does block the pores of the fabric and render it not-breathable. Affiliate disclaimer: When you buy products found in this page I get a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you.

Related posts : Sun protective fabrics ; Best fabrics for making bags ; Best thick materials ; Best thin and lightweight materials ; Best material for sewing shirts ; Best stretchy fabrics. I would like to make a windshield cover that is waterproof and tough for snow and Ice. Thank you. I can give suggestions out of common sense not experience — Merino wool, fleece etc like this one www. The obvious materials is canvas, which is working out to be expensive, I have purchased 2 sets from where I purchased the garden furniture from, but they do not last long, ang suggestions please.

I want to make a lap protector for when I am eating and drinking coffee. I was thinking of a 2 layer protector. One layer of a washable absorbent material and the other layer of a washable fabric that would be liquid resistant esp if I was drinking a hot beverage.

What would you suggest for both layers. Thanks, Marian. My goal is to not having to lug around a wet swimsuit each time my children go swimming. Let me know your thoughts… Thanks, Heather. I do not think any of the coated fabrics are food safe — they are all related to plastic in some form. You can line these waterproof material with cotton washed and clean of all toxins to use with food.

But if you mean to keep lunch boxes inside, oilcloth is perfect. Your site is so informative. My question: I think oilcloth would be easiest to keep clean I have a lot of hummingbirds and they poop all over it but, do you think my old reliable 60 yr old Pfaff up to the task of sewing it?

I read about the glossy side v wrong side good info but does this machine have the Ooomph to go through the oil cloth?

I would like to make a dress or maybe a skirt suitable for hiking in. I need it to be of a similar fabric to walking trousers, so quick drying and water resistant. It would be great if it was wicking too, and wind proof but I know I may be asking too much!

What would you recommend? Best wishes. The kind which is seen on mattress protectors — one side is cotton terry and the other side is laminated. Hi I want to make a waterproof cover for garden furniture.