Water Repellent vs Water Resistant vs Water Proof: What is the Difference?

Introduction 

When it comes to unpleasant work environments, wet and windy weather can be one of the worst. That’s why, if you’re working outside on a miserable day, it’s crucial to own the right waterproof workwear to enable you to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Whether you are working on a construction site in the rain or handling an emergency outside in the dead of night, waterproof workwear is designed to handle whatever wet weather you may encounter.

In the outdoor apparel and textile industry, terms like water repellent, water resistant, and waterproof are frequently used, but they have distinct meanings. If you're getting familiar with these terms, selecting the appropriate fabric for your needs can be confusing. 

For instance, water-repellent jackets use a treatment to repel water droplets, while some water-resistant jackets utilize a coating to prevent water from seeping in. On the other hand, waterproof jackets employ a combination of materials to block water penetration completely. Knowing the differences and how to test for them can assist you in choosing the best water protection fabric for your purposes.

For today’s article, we will talk about distinctions between "water repellent" and "water resistant" to help consumers make informed choices based on their needs, let’s dive in!!

1. Defining the Basics 

Water-repellent materials are treated with a coating (such as Durable Water Repellent, or DWR) that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface rather than soak in. This property is achieved without significantly changing the material's breathability or texture.

Water-resistant materials are designed to resist water penetration better than untreated materials but are not completely impermeable. The level of resistance varies depending on the material, construction, and coatings.

Waterproof materials and products are designed to prevent water from penetrating, even under high pressure or prolonged exposure. Waterproof items are tested against industry standards to ensure performance.

2. Technique Details

Water-Repellent:

• The treatment works by lowering the surface tension of the material, preventing water from spreading out.
• Not inherently resistant to water; water will penetrate over time or under pressure.
• The coating can degrade over time, especially with washing or wear, and may need to be reapplied.

Water-Resistant:

• Often achieved through a tightly woven fabric, laminated coatings, or a light hydrophobic treatment.
• Performance is sometimes quantified (for example, water-resistance ratings on watches or electronics measured in IP codes).

Water-Proof:

• Achieved through materials like waterproof membranes (e.g., GORE-TEX or eVent), rubberized coatings, or special seam sealing (taped seams or welded seams).
• Breathability: Advanced waterproof fabrics often use microporous membranes that allow vapor (sweat) to escape while blocking water.
• It is measured using the hydrostatic head test, which determines the water pressure a material can withstand before leaking (e.g., 10,000 mm indicates it can withstand 10 meters of water pressure).

3. Performance

Water-Repellent:

• Effective against light rain, mist, or snow.
• Cannot withstand prolonged exposure, heavy rain, or submersion.

Water-Resistant:

• Protects against light rain or splashes.
• It can fail under heavy rainfall, high water pressure, or prolonged exposure.

Water-Proof:

• It completely blocks water, making it suitable for heavy rain, full submersion (depending on the product), and extreme conditions.
• May sacrifice breathability unless designed with advanced membranes.

4. Examples of Use

Water-Repellent:

• Light jackets or windbreakers treated with DWR.
• Shoes or bags are meant for casual use in damp conditions.

Water-Resisteng:

• Clothing: Light outdoor gear, such as wind-resistant jackets or hiking pants.
• Accessories: Backpacks with water-resistant fabric but unsealed zippers.
• Electronics: Devices rated IPX4 (splash-proof) or IPX5 (resistant to jets of water).

Water-Proof:

• Clothing: Raincoats, ski jackets, and outdoor gear designed for extreme weather.
• Gear: Tents, dry bags, and waterproof backpacks.
• Electronics: Devices rated IPX7 (submersible in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) or higher (IPX8 for greater depths).

5. Care And Drawbacks

Water-Repellent:

Care:

• Washing and abrasion can wear away the DWR coating.
• Reapply with aftermarket sprays or washes designed for water repellency (e.g., Nikwax or Scotchgard).

Drawbacks:

• Limited effectiveness in harsh conditions.
• Requires maintenance to retain its properties.

Water-Resistant

Care:

• Generally durable but less so than waterproof items.
• Avoid heavy washing or exposure to harsh detergents that could degrade coatings.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot handle heavy rain or prolonged water exposure.
• May create a false sense of security, leading to water damage.

Waterproof

Care:

• Requires proper maintenance to avoid degradation of seams and membranes.
• Avoid punctures or abrasions that can compromise waterproofing.

Drawbacks:

• Can be more expensive due to advanced technology.
• May feel less breathable compared to water-resistant or water-repellent items.

Key Differences Summarized

Category	Water-Repellent	Water-Resistant	Waterproof
Water Protection	Minimal (sheds water temporarily)	Moderate (resists penetration)	Complete (impervious to water)
Technology	Surface coating (e.g., DWR)	Tight weave or hydrophobic coating	Membranes, sealed seams, or coatings
Duration	Short-term protection	Moderate-term protection	Long-term or submersion protection
Pressure Tolerance	Fails under light pressure	Resists low to moderate pressure	Withstands high pressure or submersion
Examples	Light jackets, casual shoes	Backpacks, basic rain gear	Raincoats, tents, waterproof devices
Care	Frequent reapplication of coating	Limited maintenance	Specialized care to maintain integrity
Drawbacks	Limited durability	Limited performance in extreme conditions	Expensive, potentially less breathable