Splash! All about waterproof fabrics

Let anyone who has never complained about a wet t-shirt or bag cast the first stone on us... What if you invested in waterproof clothing or leather goods? Thanks to their waterproof fabrics, you no longer need to worry about unexpected bad weather or an awkwardly knocked over bottle. All...

Technical fabrics

The fabric waterproof, or waterproof in French, refers to a material that is resistant to water. This technical specificity can manifest in three ways: either the material is naturally waterproof due to the fibers that compose it, or it is treated with a waterproof coating to become water-repellent; or finally, the density of its weave is very high, which gives it a particular resistance to water.

The subtlety between a waterproof material and a water-repellent fabric? Their durability over time. The waterproof fabric will be the most robust: often made from rubber or plastic, its impermeability is total, unlike the water-repellent fabric. Generally made from cotton or polyester, a material becomes water-repellent after a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment is applied to its outer surface. Thanks to this finish, water beads off the fabric without soaking into it. However, the water-repellent properties of the fabric are not permanent; it is sometimes necessary to reactivate them with a new treatment.

In any case, whether waterproof or water-repellent, the fabric waterproof is currently appealing due to its various forms (coated cotton, waxed canvas, Nylon ripstop, outdoor polyester fabric…) and is used in many fields. Including fashion!

Waterproof materials and fashion

It is to Charles Macintosh, a Scottish chemist of the 19th century, that we owe the invention of waterproof fabric. He patented his discovery and thus marketed the first waterproof coats under the brand "Mackintosh" in 1824. Since that day, the English have called this garment waterproof… a mackintosh! While they can be found in interior decoration (oilcloth tablecloths, cushion covers) or outdoor settings (garden benches, deck chair fabric), waterproof fabrics have also become essentials in the fashion industry. Due to their durability and water-repellent properties, they are the best allies for outdoor enthusiasts (sailing, cycling, climbing, trekking…), but not only! They are also available as fashion items through clothing, bags, or small leather goods for everyday use. Their advantage? They protect against stains and are therefore easy to maintain: a damp cloth is enough to clean a small stain that may have found its way onto them.

So, are you leaning towards waterproof fabric or water-repellent? A backpack or a tote? A crossbody bag or a handheld bag? One thing is for sure, you can set off with peace of mind, your belongings are well protected. It’s time to sing in the rain!