Which materials are waterproof

Nowadays, there is a great variety of fabrics. Which materials are waterproof? How to choose the most waterproof one that is comfortable, practical and durable. We have reviewed the most popular types of waterproof materials and found the best water-repellent fabric. In this article, you will learn about synthetic materials and choose which you can get the expected result.

You can go for a walk even in a rainstorm, or, cozily, settle on the bank of a river, go fishing, or go to the woods for mushrooms. It’s all possible thanks to technological advances in waterproof fabrics. Do you agree that waterproof materials greatly simplify our daily life?

Waterproof and water-resistant. What’s the difference?

Manufacturers often use these two similar characteristics when describing fabrics – “water resistant” and “waterproof.” With their help, they denote the ability of the material to resist wetness and moisture penetration.

It is worth noting that there is no distinction between these terms. We can consider all fabrics water-resistant only to a certain point, as water can seep through the material under a sure pressure.

Thus, manufacturers mean by the two similar terms their ordinary meaning – the ability of the fabric not to let water penetrate or not to get wet under certain conditions.

History of the invention of water-repellent fabric

In 1823, Scottish scientists experimented with rubber. One day Charles Mackintosh was so engaged in the process that he didn’t notice how he accidentally stained the sleeve of his clothes. After his experiments, he went home but was caught in a downpour. After getting soaked to the skin, Mackintosh noticed that one spot on his clothes was dry. Such a happy accident made the scientist continue his experiments to create an impermeable material.

But the chemist encountered a problem: when the rubber got on his clothes, it did not cool down and remained sticky. Then Charles decided to use rubber in his experiments. The experiment gave a positive result, but things became heavy and smelled unpleasant. And in hot weather, the material melted. Because of that, such clothes were used only in the navy and army.

After Mackintosh’s death, experiments with rubber continued. In the middle of the 19th century, Thomas Hancock came up with an evolutionary solution in the fashion world: by vulcanizing the rubber, the fabric became waterproof and, most importantly, lightweight and comfortable.

In manufacturing such fabrics, synthetic materials such as nylon are used today. Natural fabrics such as linen or cotton are used for home textiles.

Impermeable fabrics should be strong, lightweight, durable, and airtight.

Types of waterproof fabrics

Modern manufacturers pay close attention to waterproof fabrics that do not accumulate static electricity and are accessible to dye.

Duspo fabric

One of the waterproof fabrics is Duspo. It is a fully synthetic fabric that is based on polyamide fibers. The textile is perfectly dyed and lends itself to drawings and inscriptions.

Duspo is ideally suited for sewing children’s clothes. In addition, the fabric is used to produce tracksuits and covers. Textiles can be easily washed and do not require special care since the fabric is not subject to wrinkling.

Oxford fabric

The next type is oxford. The fabric got its name because of its popularity among the students of this university. Such textiles are most often made of nylon.

Oxford is used to make tents, bags, suitcases, and clothes for fishing, hunting, and travel. However, the fabric has a significant disadvantage – it quickly melts when heated, so clothes made of this material cannot be ironed or dried on a radiator.

Waterproof synthetic fabric

Taslan fabric

Manufacturers also use another synthetic fabric – Taslan- to produce raincoats and windbreakers. In addition to water-repellent properties, the textile perfectly repels dirt, which has gained wide popularity among parents. The child can walk down the street, and the clothes will remain dry and clean.

Taslan cloth can be washed in a machine. However, manufacturers do not recommend using a water temperature of more than 40 degrees Celsius. Also, the fabric is quite sensitive to chemicals, so things lend themselves to manual cleaning at home.

Non-soaked clothes made of polyester are called jordans. Such fabric is pleasant to the touch and does not stretch during use. Because of its universal properties, the textile is used today to manufacture jackets, shoes, and many other things. The material is perfectly amenable to dyeing in any color.

Fabric Taffet.

Clothing made of taffeta, produced based on nylon, is highly resistant to water, and special impregnation protects the fabric against temperature changes and household chemicals. It is worth noting that taffeta has a different density, so it is used for sewing flags, garlands, Christmas decorations, raincoats, tracksuits, and vests. You can wash perfectly well in a washing machine if the water temperature does not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

Today, waterproof clothing is widespread in the industry. Such items are used in manufacturing, for example, inflatable boats and life jackets. Hospitals, which use waterproof oilcloths in their daily activities, do not stand aside.

Waterproof clothing makes our lives comfortable and safe. When choosing a material, then textiles with a membrane coating are worth preference. You will avoid getting soaked in such clothes and caught in heavy rain and feel maximum comfort during use. Now you know which materials are waterproof.