Re-waterproof
When water no longer beads off the outer fabric of your rain jacket, shell jacket or other functional outer garment, its original water repellency has been washed out. If this happens, it’s time to re-waterproof the garment so that it regains its original technical properties.
Why re-waterproof?
Basic treatment of the outer fabric of a garment is often referred to as Durable Water Repellent (DWR). After approximately 5 to 10 washes, depending on the quality of the textile impregnation and the detergent, a garment’s waterproofing has been washed out. If this happens, it’s time to re-waterproof the garment so that regains its original technical characteristics.
A wet outer fabric reduces a garment’s vapor permeability by approximately 70%. This means that despite a good membrane that should keep you dry and “breathes” at the same time, you experience the garment as damp and heavier and you get wet. By washing and re-waterproofing your garments and your equipment regularly, you improve the function and extend their lifespan.
