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Waterproof Fabric

Waterproof Fabric

Waterproof fabric is full resistant to water, thus making it hugely popular to use for active wear. Waterproof outdoor fabric for apparel, tents and bags will keep you dry and comfortable no matter what your plans are.

Breathable Waterproof Fabric

100% waterproof, quick dry, breathable. PU coated smooth face, firm solid handle. Bright colors. Jackets, tents, windbreaks. 4.57oz

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Linden Waterproof

Tough, & sturdy. 3.54oz. Non-fray, crisp to touch, subtle sheen. Waterproof, windproof. Make raincoats, windbreakers, awnings

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Ella Waterproof

Lightweight PU coated fabric. 1.92oz. Slightly rubbery reverse. Solid & firm with minor give. Umbrellas, waterproof linings.

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Ripstop

Classic Ripstop, strengthened square grid structure. Semi-transparent, waterproof. 1.92oz. Kites, parachutes, yacht sails, flags.

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Oilcloth Matte Waterproof

100% half panama with crease free matte face. Slight sheen. Waterproof. 8.08oz. Bike covers, rain jackets, tablecloths.

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Nautica Splash Proof

Lightweight poly, peached face. Tough, taut, zero stretch. 5.07oz. Bright white base. Splash proof. Beach, yachting friendly.

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Blackout Fabric

This material is 100% opaque and let's no light through. It's a laminated white back poly with a white front. Stiff, non-fray. Perfect for roller blinds.

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Leather

Real Italian leather, natural visible grain, durable, full color print, available in 3 size options, custom printed leather

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Warm Leatherette

Faux leather with stunning, realistic leather texture. PVC face, poly back, soft, stretchy. Ideal for accessories & upholstery

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What is waterproof fabric?

Waterproof fabric and waterproof material fabric is a generalised term for any materials which are resistant, either fully or partially, to penetration by water. There is a difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant”: Fabrics and materials which are described as waterproof are fully resistant to the penetration of water, whereas water-resistant fabrics can only withstand partially for a limited time.

Waterproof fabric is usually a textile which is compounded with polymer waterproof, breathable materials.

How is it manufactured?

Waterproof fabric can be produced in several different ways. There are some fabrics and materials which are naturally waterproof, such as rubber and plastic. Others have protective, waterproof coatings, such as oilcloth, some are laminated with thin, waterproof films.

The original waterproofing of textiles dates to the 13th century when South American natives covered their clothing in latex to make them resistant to water. Waterproof fabrics and clothing used to be heavy and cumbersome, but with the development of modern technology and chemistry they are now lighter, some are breathable and more flexible.

There are 4 main types of waterproof, breathable fabrics which are manufactured slightly differently:

Tightly Woven Fabrics – great for the outdoors; an Egyptian cotton, woven very tightly. When it gets wet the cotton swells and makes the weave even tighter.
Fabrics with Membranes – PTFE and PU are polymers most frequently used to make microporous coatings for fabrics.
Fabrics with a Continuous Hydrophilic Coating – made from a solid, water-repellent coating which has no pores but it is impermeable to air. Normally a mix of PU and PEO.
Biocomponent Microporous and Hydrophilic Laminates – modern Gore-Tex. Impermeable to air with excellent breathability. Very durable.

Water-repellent fabrics are usually woven materials, that have been manufactured to partially repel water.

Purposes of waterproof fabric

The purposes of waterproof fabric are wide and quite extent. Waterproofing is required to keep us dry and comfortable, while allowing skin to breathe and to resist annoyances such as mildew and rot. Thanks to its multitude of useful characteristics, some of the most sought after uses of waterproof material fabric include:

Raincoats
Jackets
Anoraks
Cagoules
Outdoor Wear
Ski Wear
Sportswear
Footwear
Bags
Rucksacks
Luggage
Aprons
Protective Clothing
Umbrellas
Hats
Tents
Awnings

Properties

Waterproof fabrics have many desirable qualities which make them appealing and necessary for a wide range of uses. They completely prevent the penetration and absorption of water in contrast to water-repellent materials.

They also have excellent heat resistant properties and hold up well in cold temperatures.

Different kinds of waterproof textiles suit different projects. Here are some frequently used ones:

Oilcloth – 100% vinyl, completely waterproof, shiny, durable, doesn’t fray
Ripstop – tough, nylon threaded material, resistant, good waterproof outdoor fabric
Waterproof Cotton Fabric – waterproof, breathable, moisture-wicking, pliable, drapes well
Waterproof Canvas Fabric – used for outdoors, strong, breathable, mildew and rot resistant
Sandwich PUL – composed of 3 layers, laminate layer sandwiched between knitted layers
Polyurethane Laminate – waterproof, breathable, 2-sided, slight stretch, laminate coating

Advantages of waterproof fabric

From making raincoats and tents to umbrellas, tablecloths and sportswear, waterproof fabric has so many advantages. These materials won’t allow water seepage and are generally easy to clean and care for.

Thanks to the advances in polymer chemistry which is how waterproof fabrics have become so much more advanced, modern waterproof textiles can now be breathable. They let perspiration out while preventing water penetration.