Why is waterproof fabric an ideal choice for outdoor textiles?

 Waterproof fabrics are produced with layers of cloth and membrane fused with heat and glue, creating a fabric laminate. Fabric laminates consist of the top or face fabric, a membrane layer, additional insulation and a backer (or liner) fabric. The number of layers in a fabric lamination creates the expectation for durability, breathability, and overall function. 

The most common laminate types are: 

• 2-layer laminate: comprised of face fabric and membrane. These laminates are either paired with insulation and drop liner to protect the membrane layer from damage 

• 2.5-layer laminate: similar to a 2-layer laminate, has a print on the membrane side to protect the membrane from damage 

• 3-layer laminate: consists of a face fabric, membrane, and backer fabric. 3-layer laminates are most common for high-performing rain shells 

• 4-layer laminate: commonly used in footwear, the 4-layer laminate construction contains a face fabric and membrane but has an extra layer of foam or felt 

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Understanding waterproof fabrics 

Waterproof fabric is more straightforward to explain as it means literally what it says – the fabric is impervious to water. Water – or other liquids like coffee, wine, or soda – will run off the fabric and be absorbed in any way. 

This can be ideal for outdoor furniture or upholstery in places where it will get wet, such as a boat. It is also straightforward to clean as it can be wiped down, and your cleaning product will not get absorbed or leave traces. 

How to find out if a fabric is waterproof or not? 

Several characteristics of fabrics help determine whether it is water-resistant, the key being the material itself. Artificial fibres are especially noted to be very good at resisting water with meagre absorbency rates as they prevent water from soaking in at a molecular level. Still, some natural fabrics can also be good at stopping water ingress. Of course, they can often be blended to combine different characteristics. 

Further, some fabrics may not be especially good at resisting water but can be treated with chemical solutions after being woven. The solution, rather than the fabric, goes to work, filling the natural gaps in the weave and forming a protective coating on the fabric to act as a barrier. These solutions are often made from rubbers, waxes, and polyvinyl chloride mixtures. 

The weave of the fabric itself will add a degree of water resistance – the closer and tighter the weave, and the higher the thread count, the smaller the holes and the more resistant it is – this is measured in units called a denier.