Waterproof vs. Water Resistant and Water Repellent: Differences in Hi Vis Rain Gear

What does it mean to have workwear that’s waterproof? What about water resistant or water repellant? Which kind of gear is good for getting you through a drizzle, and which is the kind that you can take into a full-on downpour? OK, sorry about all the questions — and if you’re not totally sure of the answers, don’t fret. We’re here to talk about the difference between waterproof, water resistant and water repellant workwear and why it matters for high visibility rain gear. 

What Makes Workwear Waterproof/Water Resistant? 

How does a fabric become waterproof or water resistant? Let’s answer this question first so we can understand what the terms mean when applied to clothes. Some materials, like leather, are naturally hydrophobic or resistant to water. Synthetic materials like Gore-Tex can also have a degree of inherent water resistance, depending on their design. However, in modern workwear, even these materials usually have synthetic treatments applied to them for better performance. 

Most rain gear workwear is made from multiple layers of fabric, one or more with a durable water repellent (DWR) applied to it. DWRs are fabric coatings that cause water to form beads and roll off the fabric on contact, rather than soaking into the fibers. They’re especially important for waterproofing breathable fabrics like the kind that you’ll find in many pieces of work rain gear. Some other features outside of fabric construction can improve a garment’s water resistance. Two of the most important are: 

• Sealed Seams: Seams reinforced with heat-sealing tape to prevent water from seeping in through the gaps.
• Waterproof Zippers: Zippers with a waterproof design that prevents water from entering between the teeth.

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant vs. Water Repellent: Definitions

What’s the difference between these three descriptors? When the terms are used accurately, here’s what they mean:  

• Waterproof: Waterproof is the highest level of water repellent performance that you’ll find on any fabric. A waterproof fabric has a DWR applied to it but typically has an outer layer made from polyurethane or another fabric designed to give the maximum level of water protection. 
• Water Resistant: A water resistant fabric has a DWR coating but usually only on the inner layer of the fabric. That means that it has a limited level of water resistance but isn’t suitable for use in heavy precipitation. 
• Water Repellent: This term doesn’t refer to a level of water protection; instead, it means that the fabric is treated with a DWR that makes it repel water. Both waterproof and water resistant fabrics are water repellant. 

Again, these terms aren’t always used accurately, so it’s important to buy your water repellent workwear from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and performance. Fortunately, HiVis Supply offers dozens of ways for you to do just that! 

The Best in Waterproof and Water Resistant Workwear

• Onyx Series Class 3 Rain Coat: The Onyx Class 3 rain coat is constructed from ripstop polyester oxford cloth that makes it one of our toughest pieces of rain gear. With sealed seams, Teflon-shielded fabric, and waterproof zippers, it’s got everything you need to take on the elements and win. 
• GSS Safety 6005 Contrast Series Class 3 HiVis Black Bottom Safety Rain Coat: A sleek piece of high performance gear, the 6005 is an ANSI Class 3 rain coat with an elegant high contrast black bottom trim. Plentiful pockets make life easier, and a polyurethane-coated mesh lining under 150 denier oxford cloth keeps you dry when it counts the most. 
• Radians RC07 FORTRESS 35 Industrial Grade PVC Long Rain Coat: The Fortress 35 is the ultimate no-nonsense industrial rain coat. Its ultra-resilient PVC construction is built for hard work, and its detachable hood and vented cape back provide extra versatility and comfort all through your day. 
• Kishigo RWJ112 Brilliant Series Class 3 HiVis Rain Jacket: In search of a comfy and versatile multi-season rain jacket? The RWJ112 can be your new go-to. Its design blends ANSI Class 3 performance and stylish character, and its sealed and taped seams make it a truly rugged and dependable waterproof light jacket. 
• Tough Duck SJ35 Class 1 Black+B130:B157 Lightweight Ripstop Safety Rain Jacket: Grab this light and streamlined ANSI Class 1 rain jacket, and you just might be amazed by the array of features for its price point. It’s constructed from a polyester ripstop fabric with a full PU membrane, and it also packs clever design features like a quick-release snap-off hood and teardrop sleeves for rain runoff. 

HiVis Supply has the information and the gear selection that working people rely on to stay seen and stay dry. Our guide to the best hi vis rain gear covers more information about how to choose the gear that keeps you dry on the grossest days, and our selection of lined rain jackets is perfect for those of us who need to deal with chillier temperatures.