For most people who spend their working lives outdoors, waterproof fabric is an absolute essential. Helping to keep out the worst of the rain, sleet and splashes, waterproof fabric can help to make even the toughest working conditions bearable.
Although it is incredibly important for many professionals and outdoor lovers, most of us never really take the time to give waterproof fabric the appreciation it deserves. All too often this innovative material is overlooked or taken for granted. But have you ever thought about what outdoor work and leisure would be like without a waterproof jacket, waterproof bib or coverall? For many of us, it doesn’t bear thinking about.
So, to give our waterproofs the praise they deserve, we’re taking a closer look at what makes fabric waterproof, how waterproof fabrics work and even how to make your own waterproof clothes.
What is Waterproof Fabric?
Waterproof fabric is any material that repels water. Though some materials are naturally resistant to damp, most need to be treated in some way to boost their water repelling powers.
People have been experimenting with making fabrics waterproof for centuries. There’s some evidence that aboriginal Americans used naturally occurring latex to cover their garments in order to make them waterproof. When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they soon saw the advantages of waterproof clothing and began putting latex on everything they could.
Another common waterproofing technique was oiling. Rubbing linseed oil into fabric repelled water and kept the wearer largely dry. Although this technique wasn’t perfect, it definitely helped centuries of fishermen and outdoor workers to protect themselves from the worst of the elements.
In the early 19th century, inventor Charles MacIntosh filed a patent for the first commercial waterproof fabric. Made by squeezing liquid rubber between two layers of material, the technique kickstarted a whole new era in waterproofing.
Today, we’re lucky enough to have a choice of waterproof fabrics available. Most of these materials are incredibly effective at keeping water out while allowing the skin to breathe, something that’s essential if you want to prevent sweat building up beneath your waterproof layer.
What is Waterproof Breathable Fabric?
One of the biggest problems faced by early pioneers of waterproof fabric was the lack of breathability offered by materials treated with rubber, oil and latex. These substances were very good at keeping water out, but they didn’t allow sweat to escape. This meant that the wearer would often become hot, wet and begin to smell pretty badly after a short time wearing a waterproof garment.
The question of how to make fabric waterproof but breathable wasn’t answered until advances were made in the production of synthetic polymers in the 20th century. These specially developed materials provided manufacturers with the microporous surface they needed to make waterproof, breathable clothing commercially viable.
How Does Waterproof Fabric Work?
Waterproof fabric is generally made up of a few different layers. The outer layer is called the ‘face fabric’. This is the part of a garment that gives it its color, style and aesthetic. This layer is not normally made from waterproof material but is commonly treated with a durable water repellent to boost the protective powers of the outerwear.
Under the ‘face fabric’ is where the real magic happens. This is where you’ll find a coated or laminated membrane that’s designed to keep the water out while allowing your skin to breathe. This works because the membrane is dotted with tiny holes. The holes are small enough to prevent liquid water (rain) from passing through but large enough to allow liquid vapour (sweat) to escape.
Beneath the waterproof layer you’ll often find an inner lining. Although this element isn’t essential for waterproofing, it does help to make the garment more comfortable to wear, often providing thermal insulation for colder environments or simply as a barrier to prevent chafing.
Some of the most common materials now used to waterproof fabric are rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers and wax. However, almost everyone will have heard of Gore-Tex , a proprietary blend of expanded PTFE (ePTFE). In fact, many of the most popular waterproof garments today will be manufactured with this material that was developed way back in 1969.
What is the Most Breathable Waterproof Fabric?
If you carry out active tasks when outside in your waterproof gear, breathability is going to be important. If your jacket, bib or coveralls aren’t breathable, you’ll soon get hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. This has the potential to make your working day unbearable, particularly in changeable weather where frequent downpours punctuate otherwise mild or sunny conditions.
When looking for breathable waterproof garments, make sure you select items that are made with high-tech waterproof membranes. These allow sweat to evaporate from your body while keeping the rain out.
This type of waterproof technology is constantly improving. In recent years, innovative manufacturers have been experimenting with ‘nanospinning’ processes. This makes it even easier for sweat to escape from your body and helps to keep you comfortable when you’re out and about.
When moving around outside in wet conditions, it’s a good idea to wear relatively lightweight t-shirts and tops under your rainwear. Lighter fabrics allow air to circulate more freely and will help you to stay comfortable when you’re hard at work.
How to Waterproof Fabric
Although professionally made waterproof fabric will offer the best protection from the elements, it is possible to waterproof fabric yourself. The easiest way to repel rain from your garments is to treat them with a water-resistant spray. These are normally made of non-toxic materials like silicone and can be purchased from online retailers.
Most of these sprays are designed to be used on coats, trousers and shoes that are made from waterproof materials. The sprays act more like a top-up, or extra line of defence, than a full waterproofing treatment. A benefit of waterproofing sprays is that they’re designed to be breathable. This is a real bonus if you’re going to use your newly protected clothes when carrying out active jobs outdoors.
Alternatively, if you want to go a little more old school, or waterproof fabric from scratch, you can mix up a potion yourself using beeswax, boiled linseed oil and turpentine. There are various waterproofing recipes available online, some use only oil and turpentine, some just wax and turpentine. By combining all three ingredients, you can benefit from their various protective qualities.
In order to make your own waterproof treatment, you’ll need to mix your beeswax, boiled linseed oil and turpentine in a ratio of 2:1:1. You can then heat it gently in a bain-marie until all the ingredients are combined. Let it cool a little before using a sponge to apply it to your clean, dry garment. Wipe off any access using a clean cloth. Once the oil and wax mixture has dried, your newly treated garment should be waterproof.
To find the perfect waterproof jackets and rainwear for your profession, then browse the All Seasons Uniforms store today. Additionally, for more information on workwear designed for a broad range of professions, stay tuned to the blog or contact us today. Here at All Seasons Uniforms, we’re committed to keeping you dry and comfortable whatever the weather.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.