Difference Between Water Repellent And Water Resistant Jackets

Simply put the term water repellent means exactly that the ability to repel water.
Difference between water repellent and water resistant jackets. A jacket is considered waterproof when it reaches a certain higher level of water resistance weird. Ever bought a jacket thought it would keep you dry in a downpour only to find out the hard way that it doesn t. That s because not all jackets are created equal. While water resistant jackets do just that resist water for a certain amount of time water repellent jackets usually wash off the water drops that fall on it.
The difference between water resistant and waterproof is all in the construction. There is a difference between waterproof water repellent and water resistant and when you start to add breathability into the mix things can start to get a little complicated. While water resistant jackets do not have waterproof membranes waterproof jackets will often also be sprayed with water repellent material. A water resistant jacket on the other hand does not have a waterproof membrane but is treated with water repellent material such as dwr durable water repellent.
Unlike waterproof jackets the ability of water resistant varieties to repel moisture relies entirely on a durable waterproof repellent dwr coating that is applied to the outer fabric during production. Unlike water resistant jackets waterproof jackets are covered in a coating that repels water. Water resistant jackets and pants usually have a dwr durable water repellent finish on the exterior that repels moisture and keeps you dry in light rain or snow. This coating prevents water absorption by a process described in more detail in our guide to dwr waterproof coatings.
It is also important to consider how windproof a jacket is as this will help to keep the user warm. How fabrics are tested and graded for water resistance. Water resistant clothing means that items have a waterproofing repellent coating on the outside to stop water absorption. Finally how you can tell if a garment is truly waterproof.