Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Jackets: What the Labels Really Mean
Understand the difference between water-repellent, water-resistant and waterproof jackets, what hydrostatic head and breathability ratings mean, and how to care for them.
Key takeaways
- Water-repellent and water-resistant fabrics handle light rain. Waterproof jackets keep out sustained rain.
- A hydrostatic head rating in millimetres shows how much water pressure a fabric can resist.
- Waterproof coatings and finishes wear off, but washing and reproofing can restore them.
Shop labels use water-related words loosely, which makes it hard to know how a jacket will perform in a downpour. The terms below describe three different levels of protection, and a few simple ratings let you compare jackets more fairly.
Three levels of protection
| Term | What it means | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Water-repellent | The fabric has a coating, often called DWR (durable water repellent), that makes water bead and roll off | Light drizzle and short exposure |
| Water-resistant | A tight weave or light coating slows water but is not sealed. It will eventually soak through | Light rain and short walks |
| Waterproof | A membrane or coating blocks water, and seams are sealed or taped | Sustained and heavy rain |
What makes a jacket truly waterproof
- A waterproof layer: a membrane or coating, such as polyurethane or expanded PTFE. Gore-Tex is a well-known brand name for a PTFE membrane.
- Sealed or taped seams: stitching leaves tiny holes, so seams must be covered with tape to keep water out.
- Water-resistant zips and storm flaps: to protect openings.
- A good hood: that adjusts and keeps rain out of your face.
Reading the ratings
Hydrostatic head is a test that measures how tall a column of water, in millimetres, a fabric can hold before it leaks. As a rough guide, about 1,500 millimetres is often treated as the minimum for waterproof, 5,000 for moderate rain and 10,000 or more for heavy rain. Different brands test in different ways, so use the number for comparison, not as a guarantee.
Breathability is often given in grams of water vapour that can pass through a square metre of fabric in 24 hours. Higher numbers let sweat escape more easily, which matters when you are active. A jacket that keeps rain out but traps sweat can leave you wet from the inside.
Waterproof is not always the best choice
A fully waterproof shell is warm and less breathable, so it can feel clammy on warm days or during exercise. For light city rain, a water-resistant or water-repellent jacket in cotton gabardine or a tight-weave synthetic is often more comfortable. For hiking or all-day rain, choose a waterproof, breathable shell.
How to care for a waterproof jacket
- Wash it regularly. Dirt and oils reduce performance. Use a technical wash or a mild detergent without fabric softener, which can clog the fabric.
- Rinse well. Leftover detergent can attract water.
- Dry it gently. Many labels allow low tumble drying, and gentle heat can help reactivate the water-repellent finish. Check your label first.
- Reproof when water stops beading. Apply a wash-in or spray-on reproofing product made for the fabric, and follow the instructions.
Buying tips
- Match the jacket to your use. Commuting needs less protection than hiking.
- Check for taped seams on waterproof claims.
- Look at both the waterproof and the breathability rating.
- Make sure the jacket fits over your layers. Our layering guide and coat types guide can help.
