Waterproof vs Shower Resistant Outdoorwear
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about wearing the right clothing so you don’t get wet when it rains…
As the weather takes its predicted turn from Spring sunshine to April showers this week, we’re donning our raincoats and showerproof leggings to lift the umbrella on all things rainy day wear.
This is the second of our ACAI blog series explaining the technical jargon around outdoor performance wear, exploring all things “wet weather wardrobe”; like showerproof clarifications, a DWR definition, and of course our own inspiration of what to wear from drizzles to downpours.
What is waterproof clothing?
Water Resistant Rudolph DWR 80/20
When you see the term “waterproof”, it means that when you’re wearing it, you’ll get home warm and dry regardless of what the weather throws at you. Quality waterproof clothing, like that created by the ACAI design team, has features including fully-taped seams and PFC-free LDWR (more about those acronyms below).
What is shower resistant clothing?
Shower Resistant
Showerproof, water resistant and shower resistant are all different terms which mean the same thing. Material with this quality will keep you dry in a light shower; featuring a coating that means the water will run off the fabric rather than soak into it. But it won’t have the additional features (such as taping) to keep you dry in a downpour or over a sustained period in the rain.
What’s the difference between waterproof and shower resistant?
The main difference is in the amount you can get the fabric wet before it will reach what’s underneath; either your skin or your mid- or base-layers.
Waterproof should keep you dry regardless of how long or intense the rainfall, while shower resistant will only do so for a shorter period of lighter rainfall.
There is also a difference in cost. Generally a piece of clothing that is waterproof rather than water resistant will cost you more, as it includes additional features and manufacturing to ensure the best wet weather protection.
If you’re doing serious Outdoorsing then opt for a waterproof. But if you’re enjoying a daily dose of nature, then showerproof will suffice for a quick dog walk or the school run.
DWR
DWR means Dog Walking Ready (not
really, but it might as well!). It stands for Durable Water Repellent and is a coating applied to outerwear that allows the water to run off it. When water hits DWR it will bead and therefore roll off the garment. But it’s important to remember that this doesn’t make it waterproof, just water resistant.
LDWR
If you see this in a product description, don’t be put off by the acronym – it literally means “keeps you dry”. The L stands for Long lasting – so it’s Long-lasting Durable Water Repellent. It’s a similar coating to DWR, but will last longer and keep you drier.
Waterproof ratings
You might see in some of our product descriptions that we cite a “5K coating”. When you see this it refers to a fabric’s result on a hydrostatic head test – which examines a fabric’s level of waterproofness! The material is essentially hit with water pressure at a rising level until the fabric is compromised, i.e. water gets through. So the higher the level, the more waterproof the garment. As a guide, the UK standard is that material should be 5k to be considered as waterproof. However this lowest rating of 5k will only keep you dry in a light shower, and you’re better looking for 10k or above for rainy day adventuring.
Fully-taped seams
Protecting you from the elements from the inside out, “fully-taped seams” refer to where our designers have put a waterproof tape over the seam on the inside of the garment, adding an extra, essential defence from the rain. Where fabric is sewn together it causes a vulnerable line of stitching in the garment where water could get through. So adding fully-taped seams ensures the finished piece is fully-waterproof.
PFC-free
When you see this term, it’s a good thing. It means “no nasties”. When a DWR coating is PFC-free, that ensures it contains no synthetic, perfluorinated chemicals. These chemicals, while offering water repellence, are harmful to people and planet. Which is why at ACAI we choose PFC-free DWR as standard.
Nylon Ripstop
Have a browse of our new Encompass
collection for SS25 and you’ll see that we’ve cited “nylon ripstop” for a number of the products. This is a material that is perfect for outdoorwear, as it’s mega strong and water repellent. It is nylon which is woven together in a specialised way to make it particularly resistant to wear and tear.
Moisture-wicking
Conversely, a fabric that is moisture-wicking moves moisture (sweat) away from your body to help you keep your cool. It uses a capillary-style action to pull the moisture from your skin, unlike a waterproof product which acts as an impenetrable barrier so
the moisture runs off and can’t get through.
Reproofing
If you’re investing in showerproof or waterproof clothing, you’ll extend the life of your purchase by looking after it. That means reproofing it now and again with a product like Grangers. More about how to reproof your outdoor clothing in our next blog – Taking Care of your Outdoorwear.
ACAI Rainwear Roundup
Waterproof coats
For long hikes and days when you either can’t predict the weather, or want to get
outside regardless, the best option is one of our waterproof coats like our Off Grid Jacket. Layer up underneath on cooler days, or pack it into your rucksack for instant storm wear.
Showerproof jackets
Whatever the weather, an Outdoor Showerproof Popover has your back. While it
doesn’t offer full waterproof protection, it’s a great value option to keep close at hand for times when you might get caught out in the rain. Our team always takes their Popover on camping trips, as it’s quick-drying and ideal to chuck on for speedy water resistance in the outdoors.
Shower resistant legwear
yep... we think your legwear should perform for you in the outdoors too! That’s why our designers created bestselling leggings, trousers and jeans which feature shower resistant protection. That makes them ideal as an everyday defence from the weather, such as dog walking and gardening. They also pack a punch in the outdoors when you’re out adventuring.
Waterproof legwear
and for those days when you need your wardrobe to provide extra weather protection, try our Off Grid Trousers on for size. Whether you’re running a forest school class or running up a hiking trail, these lightweight over-trousers are made for women who love to explore in the outdoors, whatever the weather.
Water resistant caps
Cap off your rainy day adventure outfit wearing our Weekend Cap that has a water resistant finish. Ideal for light showers, or wear under your waterproof hood in heavier rain.