Top 10 Best Waterproof Fabric

Waterproof Fabric Explained

If you want to stay completely dry in driving rain or snow, then you must wear waterproof fabric that is breathable and without any openings that water can penetrate from. Waterproof fabric technology works by covering up the pores of the fabric by a layer of polymer or membrane. Two technologies are used to make waterproof fabric: coating technology and laminating technology.

Water Repellent Fabric Explained

Water repellent fabric resists wetting but does not provide complete protection against driving rain. Water repellent fabric technology works by applying a hydrophobic material to the fiber surface. The fabric stays porous as a result of this treatment, allowing air and water vapor to pass through. The cloth leaks under extreme weather conditions, which is a disadvantage. The main advantage is that they are very breathable quality.

Water Resistant Fabric Explained

Rain-resistant fabrics, also known as water-resistant fabrics, are in the middle of the water-repellent and waterproof textiles. In moderate to heavy rain, water-resistant materials and clothing are designed to keep you dry. As a result, they are more resistant to rain and snow than water-repellent materials.

Applications Of Waterproof, Water-Resistant, And Water-Repellent Fabric

Fabrics that are waterproof, water-resistant, or water-repellent are quite popular for making outdoor and interior items. For example, outdoor furniture covers, raincoats, boots, backpacks, tents, sleeping bag covers, umbrellas and fasteners for outdoor items. Also, shower curtains, bed coverings, bed sheets, mattress/pillow protectors, pet blankets, and other household items. Other uses like kites, cloth sanitary pads, diapers, lunch bags, snack pouches, tote bags, tablecloths, picnic cloth, baby bibs, windbreaker jackets, ponchos etc.

10 Best Waterproof/ Water Resistant/ Water Repellent Materials

Laminated Cotton

Laminated Cotton is a very effective material for manufacturing a high quality waterproof fabric. To make the cotton waterproof, it is given a thin waterproof coating. It is very environmentally friendly and has a robust structure which is very breathable. The back of the cotton is bound with a water-resistant layer, which improves the waterproofing. It works well in adverse weather situations and is great for raincoats, windcheaters, protective jackets, caps, coats, and ski equipment.

PUL or Polyurethane Laminate

PUL is a polyester fabric with a thin waterproof/water resistant coating on the plastic backing. The main advantage is that they are entirely waterproof fabric, extremely durable, breathable, soft, stretchable, and comfortable to wear. It can be washed multiple times without causing damage. PUL Fabric is used for Protect the bed of Patient, mattress protectors,  Baby diapers or nappies and cloth menstrual pads like sanitary pads.

TPU or Thermoplastic polyurethane

It’s softer, more supple, and better for the environment. Because of its absorbent and pleasant character, it is a preferable alternative to PUL fabric for reusable nappies. The drawback is that it could not last as long as PUL. Due to it’s Excellent tensile strength TPU is highly demanded for applications like Sports, wire and cables and more.

Vinyl, pleather and plastic

These are very good examples of waterproof, artificial materials that can be found in a variety of home items. These waterproof artificial materials are used to create cosmetic bags, beach bags, place mats, and other items. It not only prevents water from leaking through, but it is also durable and flexible.

Wool Fabric

It is a natural material and is water resistant. Although it is not waterproof fabric, it can be coated with lanolin if you want to increase its water resistance quality. Because the Woolen fabric thickens and densities during the boiling process, boiled wool is particularly Water Resistant Fabric Materials.

Oilcloth

Traditionally, Oilcloth is a woven cotton duck or linen cloth that has been coated with boiled linseed oil to make it completely waterproof. Nowadays, oilcloth refers to a cotton or linen fabric that has been treated with a transparent vinyl film. The transparent finish can be either lustrous or matte. For example, tablecloths, coverings, luggage, kitchen accessories etc.

Polyester and Nylon

Polyester and nylon aren’t waterproof on their own, but they are water-resistant because of their tightly-knit weave. A layer of polyurethane covers the inner fabric allowing it to withstand water or rain. They are less breathable and less durable than other materials. For example, they are used to make raincoats and parachutes.

Polyester Fleece

Fleece is a water resistant fabric Material, depending on its quality. The thicker the fleece, the more it is Water Repellent Fabric. It is mainly used for the outer layer of cloth nappies. If you carefully apply a water repellent coating, fleece can become more water-resistant than it is natural.

PEVA or polyethylene vinyl acetate. 

It is a safe alternative to PVC. It is non chlorinated and it is used to produce shower curtain liners that are waterproof.

Waxed cotton

Waxed cotton is a densely woven cotton fabric coated with paraffin-based wax; the creases and folds of wax on its surface give it a rugged worn beautiful aspect. The canvas’s weave density may make it water resistant to some level, but the coating offers further water resistance.