Inspiration
Waterproof or water-repellent: what is the difference?
Waterproof and water-repellent describe different properties. A jacket can have a water-repellent surface without being waterproof, and waterproof outerwear can also have a water-repellent finish. Here is what to look for when choosing for your child.
Guide
Water droplets on the surface do not tell the whole story
Beading droplets tell you something about the fabric’s surface. They do not, on their own, show how much water pressure the material can withstand or whether seams and fastenings protect against water.
What does water-repellent mean?
A water-repellent surface helps droplets bead and roll off rather than immediately spread into the outer fabric. This can be useful in light moisture and brief showers, but it does not by itself show that the garment will keep a child dry during prolonged rain.
Wear and care affect the surface finish. Always follow the garment’s care instructions.
Guide
Check the seams as well as the fabric
Check the information for the particular garment for taped seams and water column rating. A surface treatment alone does not tell you whether seams keep water out.
What does waterproof mean?
A waterproof material is designed to resist water penetration. Its water column rating describes resistance to water pressure in a test. Read the rating for the particular product, and check its seams and construction too.
A high fabric rating cannot describe the protection offered by the whole jacket. Water can enter through openings or unprotected stitching. Read our guide to water column ratings.
Features to look for on the product page:
Choose for your child’s everyday activities
- Short outings and light showers: Consider whether water-repellent clothing suits the planned trip and whether shelter is available.
- Longer periods in rain: Look for documented waterproofing and seams suited to wet conditions.
- Playing on wet ground: Remember trousers or a snowsuit. Movement and contact with the ground affect the pressure on clothing.
Match the choice to the weather, time outdoors and your child’s activity.
Look beyond the fabric
Check the hood, zip, cuffs and overlap between jacket and trousers. The fit should allow movement while keeping openings suitably covered.
Breathability and layers underneath also affect comfort. Moisture inside clothing can come from the body, so better rain protection alone will not necessarily help if a child is dressed too warmly.
Guide
Match protection to the outing
Consider time outside, rain and contact with wet surfaces. Check the product information for waterproofing when choosing outerwear.
Can clothing be both?
Yes. Waterproof outerwear can also have a water-repellent surface treatment. The properties complement each other. Check the product information for each property instead of treating the terms as interchangeable.
Washing and any reproofing should follow the instructions for the particular garment. See our outerwear care guide.
